Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
orbitant sums of money. It is not like the Upper Río Napo (next chap-
ter), where you can drive down the road from Misahuallí to a lodge
that incorporates ecotourism as part of a package. In Cuyabeno, tour
operators, based primarily out of Quito, offer packages that include
their own accommodations within and around the reserve. Excur-
sions into the reserve can be arranged through the tour operators
listed under Tours & Tour Operators (see page 340), and specific
ecolodges (listed below). Within and abutting the reserve, some indig-
enous groups hold rights to certain territories, offering the responsi-
ble traveler a wonderful opportunity to experience more local
community-based ecotourism projects. Entry into Cuyabeno is $20.
Community-Based Ecotourism
There are several responsible community-based ecotourism pro-
grams to choose from in this region, including groups from the Siona,
Siecoya (often referred to jointly as Siona-Siecoya because of their re-
lated dialects) and Cofan ethnic groups. The Siona indígenas , with
only about 200 inhabitants remaining, offer trips to three communi-
ties in a reserve around Cuyabeno and the Río Aguarico.
SIONATOUR, a division of the Siona organization ONISE, is now the
community agency in charge of administering ecotourism in the local
villages, which vary from complete community involvement to pri-
vate enterprise with community support. Highlights include hiking,
birding, river excursions, learning about traditional culture and ar-
chitecture, history, fishing, shamanic encounters and, overall, a won-
derfully genuine experience. Trips are typically recommended for at
least three to four days, and cost around $50 per person per day;
smaller groups and shorter stays will be priced at a higher rate. Keep
in mind that most of these programs are very flexible and can be tai-
lored to various interests. Arrangements must be made in advance
through SIONATOUR in Lago Agrio, at 12 de Febrero and 10 de
Agosto,
6-831-875,
/fax 6-830-232.
The Secoyas, a related ethnic group of about 300 remaining inhabit-
ants that lives along the Río Aguarico, offers trips to their land
through the privately operated Piraña Tours, based in Lago Agrio.
For about the same price as most community-based efforts, you have
the added benefit of an experienced operator handling all of the logis-
tics and transportation (from Lago Agrio), into the Secoya commu-
nity. Although I haven't experienced it myself, this program is
reputed to provide wonderful guides, food, comfort and incredible ex-
periences with the local shaman. There are two basic programs,
which vary in rigor with the trip length. One is generally operated as
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