Communities and Biodiversity 5D/4N

What to expect

Ancestrally, the Amazon was only inhabited by communities of various ethnic groups: Tikunas, Murui, Cocamas, Yaguas, Bora, to name a few. Each ethnic group had defined territories and, according to their natural resources, each group was committed to caring for the ecosystem, thus providing Mother Earth with food and everything necessary for life. This program will bring us closer to the current knowledge of the ethnic groups in the Amazonian trapezoid. In Leticia, about 10 kilometers away, you will visit an ancestral maloca, where the taita will share with you his knowledge about the cosmogony and the origin of his ethnic group. In Mocagua, you will discover Amazonian flavors with healthy preparations from the chagra and the river. At the monkey house, you will support the conservation of primates, especially the churuco monkey, and in San Martín de Amacayacu you will learn about the tradition of medicinal plants in the traditional Chagra, nursery and Maloca Moruapw, and also learn the art of Tikuna pottery from expert artisans. In Puerto Nariño you will support the work of the Natutama Foundation and its conservation work with the Pink Dolphin and you will visit the Tarapoto Lakes to observe it. Finally, with the help of a master wood craftsman, you will be able to share a workshop on carving Amazonian fauna.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Leticia – The Kilometers – Maloca Wairuru

Reception in Leticia at the Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport. Transfer to the kilometers, lunch and time to change clothes to continue towards the Maloca Wairuru (walk of approximately 1h30) where the gastronomy (lunch) of casabe and tucupi will be
shared, the cosmogony and harmonization of this ancestral house, in the company of the taita or wise grandfather. This day is ideal to interact and have the experience of living with a traditional indigenous family. Dinner and accommodation in the Maloca (in hammocks).
Note: For people with lower back problems or those at risk due to age-related conditions or previous surgeries, it is advisable to choose a different itinerary.

DAY 2: The Kilometers – Leticia – Mocagua – Maikuchiga Foundation

Breakfast. Return to Leticia, time to take a tour of the market square to learn about some fruits, spices and fish from the Amazon. Transfer to the pier, departure by shared boat at around 10 am for 1h30 navigation along the Amazon River. Arrival at Mocagua and installation at the Ecolodge La Ceiba. Welcome with a natural Amazonian juice. Lunch.
In the afternoon, you will visit the project called Mono Churuco “forest planters” by the
Maikuchiga Foundation, which is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of this species of primates. You will have the opportunity to interact with this species in the middle of the jungle and learn about the Amazonian flora and fauna. You will also learn what the monkey means in the Tikuna culture. Return to La Ceiba. Dinner and accommodation.

DAY 3: Mocagua – Amacayacu Park – Nainekü Reserve – San Martín de Amacayacu Community – Night walk

Breakfast. Departure in a private native boat along the Amazon River and the Amacayacu River, which runs along the Amacayacu Park and the Palmeras community. Check-in at the Nainekü reserve cabins. Lunch with products from the chagra (indigenous garden).
Then visit the community of San Martín de Amacayacu, welcomed by an elder representing the Moruapow group and talk about the Tikuna ethnic group.

Tour of the traditional Chagra, where the indigenous people will tell us about the medicinal properties of plants and their uses, and we will also be able to enjoy harvested fruits. Return to the village where you can prepare a herbal remedy or flower essence, plant a plant and in the Maloca, a craft workshop with the grandparents: pottery and Tikuna language, dances and songs. Dinner and rest.

At night, walk through the high jungle where you can observe bioluminescent mushrooms and continue learning anecdotes and knowledge of the jungle and its communities.

DAY 4: San Martín de Amacayacu – Puerto Nariño – Natutama Foundation – Craft workshop & Tarapoto Lakes

Breakfast. Departure to Puerto Nariño in a private native boat, check-in at the Maloca Napü hotel.
In the morning, we will tour the town where we will be able to see sculptures of the Amazonian fauna and climb to the viewpoint from where we can see the Amazon River, the Loretoyacu River, the lakes and the rainforest.

Visit to the Natutama Foundation, which is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the Amazon River’s fauna. You will be able to appreciate the ecosystems of the jungle in high and low waters, as well as the characteristics of the river’s fauna (dolphins, manatees, turtles, fish, birds, among others). Lunch. In the afternoon, a woodcarving workshop with a craftsman and a trip by native boat to the raft in the lakes of Tarapoto, where the Omagua Foundation is developing a project for protection, conservation and food security with the fishermen of the reservation. Time to talk with the fishermen, snack and contemplate the lake. Canoeing in the lakes, we will share with a local expert his knowledge about dolphins, habitat, biology and mythology, a relaxation activity and connection with the dolphins. Return at dusk, dinner and accommodation at the Maloca Napü hotel.

DAY 5: Puerto Nariño – Leticia – Vásquez Cobo Airport

Breakfast. Departure by shared boat to Leticia, free time and at the agreed time transfer to the airport. According to the flight schedule (it is imperative that passengers have their return flight from 11:30 am so that they can board the shared boat. If passengers return earlier, will charge an additional fee to hire a private boat service) transfer to the airport or activities in Leticia are carried out.