Asociación Amigos de la Amazonía

OUR INTENTIONS

We are very open and honest so it is important to us that you understand our motivations:
1. It is our hope that this journey will inspire interest in preserving the Shuar culture and their ancestral homeland – both of which are on the brink of extinction.
2. This is not in this for our own person gain; rather we prefer to set a good example for young leaders to be resilient and have unwavering moral fortitude.
3. Any funds remaining after paying the expenses of this trip will be used toward the creation of a native bird and animal rescue center.

THE PLAN

Our itinerary is intended to be flexible based on the interests and physical energy of the group. Travelers will need to be prepared for primitive camping conditions and high altitudes.

DAY ONE: We all meet in Quito, Ecuador (elevation = 9,200 feet)

DAY TWO: Quito to Macas via the Avenue of the Volcanoes
In the morning we will head toward the Amazon jungle traveling along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”.
Along the way there will be beautiful views of the Atacazo, Sincholahua, Corazón (Heart), and Rumiñahui volcanoes. This route will also take us through towns such as Salcedo, Pelileo, and Baños with opportunities to photograph landscapes, rivers, local people and colonial architecture until we arrive at our desitnation in Macas where we will spend the night.

DAY THREE: Macas to the village of Tiwints
After breakfast we continue on our course to the heart of the jungle traveling along the Interoceanic Highway, contemplating the thickness of the Amazon jungle as we reach Tiwints.

DAY FOUR: Sacred Ceremony next to a beautiful waterfall
In the morning we will hike for 2 hours through thick vegetation to reach a sacred waterfall. In the evening we will have the great honor of participating in the “Garden of Natem”. We will share sacred plants in a traditional Shuar ceremony surrounded by the jungle connecting us directly with various spirits of the natural world. Unup, a Shuar Elder, warrior and respected Uwishin, will guide us into the space of ARUTAM (Holy Spirit).

DAY FIVE: Return to the village of Tiwints
Following Shuar traditions we will enter into the Sacred Waterfall to wash away negativity and complete the cleansing received the night before. We will then return to the village of Tiwints.

DAY SIX: Free day for relaxing in the village by the river

DAY SEVEN: Yaup River to the cave of the Tayus
We continue our journey navigating the Yaup River until we are near the cave of the Tayus. We will visit this sacred place that once was the home of nocturnal birds called Tayu. These birds have since abandoned their home due to a lack of natural fruits needed to survive. For the Shuar these caves are sacred and have their own guardians such as: boas, water tigers, Jurijri and other Infinite Beings. That evening we will hold a Sacred ceremony near the river.

DAY EIGHT: Return to Macas

We will wake up early and have breakfast on the banks of the Yaup River and then return to Macas.

DAY NINE: Walk in the rainforest, traditional Shuar meal
We will visit the area where we plan to create our rescue center for native birds and animals. Afterwards we will share a traditional Shuar meal with the Nunink family.

DAY TEN: Macas to Puerto Misahualli
From Macas we will stop in Puyo to go to the “Casa de Balsa” and the sugar cane market. We will then continue on through Tena to Puerto Misahualli where we will spend the night.

DAY ELEVEN: Maki Kamai Museum, Amazon Animal Rescue Center

We will take a canoe journey up the great Napo River to a Kichwa community. Here we will visit the Kamai Maki Museum where we will learn about the life of our Kichwa brothers. We will then continue on to the Amazon Animal Rescue Center where a local guide will explain about Amazon wildlife. Afterwards we will return to the Port of Misahualli.

DAY TWELVE: Port of Misahualli to San Rafael waterfall to Quito

In the morning we will embark on our journey through the towns of Archidona, Jumandy, Baeza, and up to the San Rafael waterfall where we will go for a little walk. We then continue to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where we will spend the night.

DAY THIRTEEN: Otavalo open market
We will visit Otavalo which is one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador due to the colorful open market full of traditional crafts and music.

DAY FOURTEEN: Visit to “La Mitad del Mundo” on the equator

Called “La Mitad del Mundo”, the middle of the world due to the fact that it is directly on top of the equator. In the morning we will visit the Historical Center and go to the village in the afternoon.

DAY FIFTEEN: Airport farewell

We will say goodbye to our sisters and brothers at the airport and many thanks for visiting our beloved country, particularly our jungle. Wishing everyone a happy and safe return to their home countries, with their hearts now filled with: PEACE, LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT.

¡Makete!

TOUR DATES, FEES AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This journey will offer you experiences you are unlikely to have anywhere else. Any funds remaining after all expenses are paid will be used to help the Shuar people, birds and animals of the Amazon.

DATES: May 29 – June 12, 2012

TOTAL COST: $2,500 USD a $200 discount will be given to the first 10 people to send their deposit

DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit of $300 USD is required to hold your place.
The remaining balance of $2,200 ($2,000 for the first 10) must be received, in full, by April 29, 2012.

PAYMENTS: may be made online at Amigos de la Amazonia via PayPal/MasterCard/Visa/Amex

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 29, 2012

THIS TOUR INCLUDES:

• Transportation to and from hotel
• Hotel accomodations
• Knowlegable local guides
• Main meals
• Transportation within Ecuador including canoe trips
• Entry fees to attractions listed in this itinerary
• Garden of Natem Sacred ceremonias

THIS TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare to and from Ecuador, Airport taxes and/or fees
• Snacks and beverages aside from the main meals
• Travel or medical insurance
• Laundry services
• Alcoholic beverages
Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions, medical conditions or allergies.
We want to take good care of you while we are together!

WHAT TO BRING:

The jungle can be quite humid and muddy at times.
Following are some recommendations for what to bring:
Deet free Insect repellent – no chemicals in the pure healthy jungle PLEASE
Gloves with rubber palms like thin gardening gloves for when we are in the caves
Comfortable shoes and lots of socks
Cotton clothes that breath including thin long pants that will dry quickly
A copy of your passport, license and credit cards to keep separately from the originals

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

Anything aerosol, a tent
Previous visitors have opted to not carry a great deal of luggage and supplies through the airports.
Instead they bought inexpensive sleeping bags, black rubber boots etc. in Ecuador, then donated them
to the Shuar people when they left.

CONTACT:

Natem Anank: Natem@Nunkui-Shuar.org (english)

Raul Nunink: shuar_org@hotmail.com (spanish)