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The Huacamayos forest is located in the eastern foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes, between Archidona and Tena, about six hours by road from the capital, Quito. An area of nearly 30.000 hectares it is one of the last remnants of transitional forest, and includes lowland tropical rainforest and cloud forest. It is one of the planet’s most diverse areas which, together with the spectacular beauty of the landscape, makes Huacamayos an attractive destination for scientists and ecotourists.
The Huacamayos is also home to archaeological remains used by the Shaman of the area. Two hundred petroglyphs bear silent witness to the knowledge and practices of the Huacamayos and are testimony to the richness and power of their ancient culture.
The programme expresses the desire of the local people to protect the varied and unique flora and fauna of the area, and to transmit this need to visitors. The programme is offered by twelve Napo Runas (Quichua indigenous communities) of the Huacamayos mountain range, which have joined forces to develop an association to preserve their cultural values and transmit them to future generations.
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booking
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A broad range of activities are available: Horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, rappelling, bird watching, camping, cultural experiences, and the first Canopo tour in Ecuador . In the property house, you will be able to enjoy comfortable and cosy facilities, that keep the spirit and the essence from the Andean constructions: large buildings, built with local materials like straw, eucalyptus wood, adobe and sun-dried brick.
more details and activities...
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Natural Attractions
- Tena River (site of the cabins)
- Pasu Urku Forest
- Medicinal Plants
- Birds
- Wild Animals
- Sacred stone
- Bat Cave
- Llaukanak Waterfall
Intangible Cultural Attractions
- Shamanism
- Takina Music
- Customs (beliefs and ceremonies)
- History of the Aacllac community
- Legends
- Kichwa Language
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Tangible cultural Attractions
- Crafts
- Traditional Medicine
- Local Food
- Traditional Chacra
- Traditional Architecture
- Local Dress
- Black Pottery
- Dance
- Petroglyphs
- Collective Community work
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THE SPIRIT OF THE FOREST, ITINERARY**: |
We will pick you up at your hotel for a breathtaking drive over the Andes via the attractive town of Baños, nestled at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano, to the small riverside community of Aacllac. We will stop en-route to visit the Jondachi Petroglyphs. By midday we will arrive at the community and settle into the comfort of the community guest cabins. We will have lunch after a brief introduction to the people of the Huacamayos forest, their traditions and history.
After lunch a native guide will guide us on tour of a working Chacra (garden) explaining its importance both to the individuals and the life of the community itself. Later we invite you refresh yourselves by taking a dip in the river, before getting ready for the evening’s delicious dinner. The after dinner agenda includes a chat with the Shaman about medicinal plants used in local ceremonies and healings, and an interesting demonstration of the practical uses of termite nests and plant paraffin (copal). |
We start the day after breakfast with our first walk through the forest, where visitors will be able to experience a cleansing ceremony as the local guide helps us understand the important the event for the community.
After being cleansed, you can participate in an interesting walk through the Pasu Urcu forest. We cross the Tena River by canoe and the guide will talk to us about the community’s customs and their relationship to the plants and wildlife of the area. We will return to the community by mid-day to enjoy a snack before returning to Quito in the afternoon.
** this programme can be extended up to 5 days. |
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