Exploring the Amazon forest with children What is the best tour to explore the Amazon as a family?
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What lives in Yacuma? Update on the true owners of the forest
15/02/2024This experience begins on the banks of the Napo River, where the traditions of the Kichwa Culture of Chontayacu
Since past generations, the Kichwa have kept their traditions alive, transmitting knowledge that is reflected in every aspect of their life.
This experience begins on the banks of the Napo River, where the traditions of the Kichwa Culture of Chontayacu are intertwined with the exuberant nature that makes up this Amazonian ecosystem. This way you will enjoy some unforgettable scenarios that will also be the setting where you will learn about the ancestral practices of this native people that weave the living history of their culture. For generations past, the Kichwa have kept their traditions alive, transmitting knowledge that is reflected in every aspect of their life.
In the Amazon, you will not only enjoy the timeshare, you will also live unique experiences for the first time in the lush Amazon jungle. They will learn about the creatures that live in the Amazon jungle and tour one of the most beautiful settings in the world: The lungs of the planet.
From the moment you glide through the waters in a motor-driven boat, you feel the deep connection these indigenous communities have with their aquatic environment. The rivers are their path, their source of life, and the current carries with it ancestral stories.
An Amazonian welcome
Once in Yacuma you can rest from the trip and explore the lodge area, which is truly beautiful and colorful, there are wild flowers everywhere and you can enjoy a complete connection to the cosmopolitan noise to enjoy the symphony made up of the birds of the region.
The local guides will welcome you with a delicious guayusa tea. Within the Kichwa and Shuar cultures, this plant is full of mysticism and powers of purification and increasing power.
There are several activities you can do during your visit, such as tubbing in the flow of the Napo River and enjoying your thoughts while admiring a beautiful sunset or panning for gold on the shore; We carry out all these experiences with our local guides, who will guide you at all times.
To know the culture
Upon arriving at a traditional house of the people of the Kichwa community of Chontayacu, you will find the unique crafts that reflect their identity. Each piece, from the earth-toned clay pots to the brightly colored bead earrings, is created by hand with skill and respect. These pieces are not only objects, they are sacred symbols that tell the story of a people rooted in their land and traditions.
The hospitality of the community is felt in every corner. The inhabitants will invite you to admire the creation of crafts, sharing wisdom and unforgettable moments. In addition, you will be able to take a little piece of this experience with you, since the vessels and earrings will be available for purchase, imagine a souvenir that transcends time and space.
Medicinal practices
You will also learn about the importance of the flora of the region. In this vast green pharmacy, from Ayahuasca, known for its spiritual properties, shares space with Sacha Inchi, a source of essential oils, to Wild Ginger, an ally against ailments, these are just glimpses of the medicinal wealth that the Amazon offers. On one of the tours you will take, our guide will take you to know the benefits of Drago’s blood, which is nothing more than the sage of this tree, the Kichwa culture uses it to relieve itching, protect wounds and as an effective healing agent. You will also find several bromeliads, which are used for edible purposes due to their fiber levels, however they are also ornamental and decorate the houses of the original groups.
Entering the exuberant Ecuadorian Amazon jungle is discovering a treasure of biodiversity, where medicinal plants arouse curiosity and amaze with their healing properties.
Amazonian cuisine
Gastronomy, another fundamental pillar of Kichwa culture, will take you on a journey of authentic flavors. Green plantain, yucca, Amazonian cocoa and other local products are combined in dishes that are an explosion of aromas and textures. Each bite is a window to the culinary richness of this region, where land and river mingle in a feast for the senses.
Food preparation is more than a routine; It is an act of love and respect towards the land that sustains them. The use of traditional techniques, such as cooking bijao leaves, reflects the sacred connection that the Kichwa maintain with nature. Among the dishes that you can enjoy is the well-known fish Maito; it is tilapia
wrapped in bijao leaves, a popular and well-known plant in the region. It is also usually accompanied with cooked yucca, green plantain and hearts of palm.
This immersive tourism experience not only allows you to explore the natural beauty of the Amazon, but also immerse yourself in the deep-rooted traditions of the Kichwa community of Chontayacu. Each leaf, root or fruit tells a story of ancestral wisdom and connection with nature, making this region an invaluable refuge of life and diversity.
It will be a trip that will go beyond observation, it will be a genuine encounter with the very essence of Amazonian culture. Get ready to live moments that will last in your heart as an indelible memory of the authenticity of the Ecuadorian Amazon!
