Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
green iguanas, as well as exotic birds such as the curiously long-toed wattled jacana
(which walks on lily pads) and the metallic-green Amazon kingfisher. If you like
fishing
,
the dry season is apparently the best time.
AMAZON TRIBESPEOPLE
The vast Amazon Basin, with its inaccessible jungle and hidden river tributaries, is a refuge for many different
tribes. In Peru there are an estimated 15 tribes who have rarely or never had contact with the outside world.
Across the Peruvian Amazon, there are several chances for foreign travelers to see something of the varied indi-
genous culture: indeed neither Brazil nor Bolivia can provide equivalently authentic opportunities for such inter-
action. Offering excursions to see tribespeople in the Amazon is problematic, as with elsewhere in the world.
Communities risk being exploited and the travel experience is often tacky and geared toward mass tourism. Below
are some of the Peruvian Amazon's indigenous people whom it is possible to visit and interact with safely and
with a degree of authenticity.
TRIBE
CHARACTERISTICS
LOCATION TO VISIT
THEM
Shipibo
Habitation in small tributaries; women craft delicate pots and textiles with
distinctive geometric designs. Most accustomed to contact with the out-
side world
Santa Clara, Yarinacocha
near Pucallpa. Also along
Río Ucayali in simple
thatched platform houses
MatsiguenkaThey wear distinctive Cushmas (white tunics with red stripes, vertical
stripes for men and horizontal for women). They are some of the more in-
tegrated tribal peoples living in Manu, but live near several others that
live in voluntary isolation and have rarely had contact with outsiders
Zona Reservada,
Parque
Nacional Manu
Asháninka Known historically for their fierce resistance to the Spanish conquistadors
and more recently the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path); they paint their
faces with vivid dyes such as the extract of
achiote
seeds. Many accus-
tomed to contact with the outside world
Puerto Bermúdez, Central
Amazon
Tours & Guides
Lots of
peki-peki
boat owners offer tours. Take your time in choosing; the first offer is un-
likely to be the best. Guides are also available for walking trips into the surrounding
forest, including some overnight hikes.
