Western Slopes to the Pacific Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 261

as the bombo , cunno , and maraca , and music of the rain-
forest from the bamboo marimba , chonta , and caucho .To
witness the beauty of their dance or a brief smile from a
friendly welcomer is to feel themagic of this enchanting cul-
ture.
The indigenous Chachi (Cayapas) people have resided in
the Cotacachi-Cayapas region for 4,000 years. Today, only
about 5,000 remain, but they continue to preserve their
myths and traditions. Many speak only their native tongue,
Cha'palaachi. They live in traditional thatched-roof huts
along the banks of the Río Cayapas. The women are experts
at weaving baskets of natural fiber with beautiful designs,
a practice that is several thousand years old. You can pur-
chase these famous crafts in Quito or directly from the
women.
These two ethnic groups have separate and unique cul-
tures. Both know the land intimately but in different ways,
and have shared the rainforest for over 400 years. Now, in
their efforts to survive with the forest, they are opening
their doors and experimenting with ecotourism. These peo-
ple are fully aware of what is at stake here, and it is impor-
tant as travelers that we are as well.

Playa de Oro
Situated along the Río Santiago is the community of Playa de Oro, or
“Gold Beach.” Named perhaps in reference to the region's history as a
gold-mining mecca, or more likely because of the golden sparkle of
grains on its sandy beaches, Playa de Oro is one of those special places
you won't forget.

The village is currently experimenting with ecotourism. This began
with the help of an organization named Ecocienca (Ecuadorian
Foundation for Ecological Studies), a non-governmental organization
dedicated to conservation and, by necessity, to promoting community
development in ways that are benign to the natural environment.

The forests around Playa de Oro are more pristine than other areas
along the Río Cayapas. You can spend time with a bilingual guide ex-
ploring the trails and you may spot the impressive umbrella bird. It's
also possible to hike the trails alone, as there are signs along the way.
See Where to Stay , page 268, for a description of the facilities.

Contact Ecociencia inQuito, at Isla San Cristóbal N44 and Isla Sey-
mour, Casilla 17-12-257, 2-2451-338 or 2-2451-339, fax 2-2249-