Siecoya Rainforest Adventure

"Siecoya"

"Ecuador"

Unfortunately we are not offering Siecoya and Cofanes programs because these two places are located near of Colombia border and we have problems in that region with plan Colombia. This region is not safe at the moment, so we can’t guarantee our clients safety there.

The Siecoya Indigenous people lived harmoniously in their Amazonian lands (which now encompass Ecuador, Colombia and Peru) for thousands of years. Their sector of equatorial Amazonia is noted as one of the areas of highest biodiversity in the world and was almost completely inaccessible until recently. However, in response to changing conditions in the Amazon, the Siecoyas of Sehuaya opened their lands to limited ecotourism in hopes of maintaining their lifestyle and providing a unique educational tourism for the open minded traveller.

The Siecoya community of Sehuaya is located on the banks of the Rio Aguarico, a major tributary of the Napo. It is the last home of the once semi-nomadic Siecoya people. So, why not stay in the Siecoya indigenous community of Seguaya and learn from a people who have lived in the Amazon basin for thousands of years. This tour is an opportunity to experience the life style of the Siecoyas, and to explore their pristine rainforest home. During your stay with the Siecoyas, you sleep in the communal guests cabaña built in the traditional style on camping mattresses with mosquito nets. Our itineraries provide you with the opportunity to discuss the Siecoya culture with members of the community, and to visit several types of rainforest habitats, like the canaguchal (temporally flooded forest), varzea forest and terra firme. There are also plenty of chances to observe caimans, monkeys, macaws, parakeets, and other native flora and fauna, during our daily forest hikes and canoe rides. Siecoya shaman Cesario (shown collecting medicinal plants), and other community members will share with you some of their deep traditional knowledge of the rainforest.

The Itinerary

DAY 1: On your arrival in Lago Agrio, you are met by your naturalist guide and travel together by bus to Chiritza (approx. 2 hours). From Chiritza you travel by motorized dug out canoe to Cabañas Piraña (approx. 3 hours). There is a chance for a refreshing swim in the river or take a short walk in the forest. After dinner, the guide gives a short briefing about next days activities. Overnight in the cabañas.

DAY 2: After breakfast, activities like visits to the villages of Sewoya or San Pablo de Cantesiaya, or hikes in the forest. Lunch. In the afternoon, different activities with the community members, like elaboration of hammocks and "shigras" (bags). After dinner, canoe ride on the Aguarico river to observe nocturnal fauna and amazing stargazing. Overnight at the cabañas.

DAY 3: After breakfast, a hike (approx. 4 hours), in company of the native guide and our bilingual guide, who shows you a range of medicinal plants, birds, and other animals. The guides introduce you also to the rainforest ecosystem. Lunch at the Pañayacu ravine, and demonstration of piraña fishing. Return to the cabañas. Dinner and meeting with the Shaman of the community, who introduces you to their rituals. Overnight at the cabañas..

DAY 4: Early transfer to Chiritza by canoe, breakfast on the way, and from Chiritza to Lago Agrio by bus for your return to Quito.

General Information

Rated: Easy to Moderate

Price Includes:
Transportation Lago Agrio-community-Lago Agrio, accommodation and meals as specified, naturalist bilingual guide and local guide.

Price does not Include:
Transportation Quito-Lago Agrio - Quito (flight approx USD 120 - can be arranged by our local representative), tips, alcoholic beverages and extra personal expenses.

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