Central & Southern Oriente - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 363

Ecotourism with RICANCIE
Based in Tena, the Network of Indigenous Communities of
the Upper Napo for Intercultural Exchange and
Ecotourism, or RICANCIE , is a community-based
ecotourism (CBE) program offered by an umbrella organi-
zation that represents a network of Quichua communities.
As with many other groups in the Oriente, it was oil explo-
ration, and the road development that came with it, fol-
lowed by colonization and unregulated tourism, that
spawned local efforts to create community-based programs.
Fortunately, the Quichua people not only have the ability to
organize well and adapt to new influences, but they seem to
do so whilemaintaining their cultural integrity. As a result,
there are now many opportunities to visit local communi-
ties on tours. RICANCIE, now fully permitted by the Ecua-
dorian government, manages, trains and certifies this
network of CBEs so that they all benefit fairly from the
tourism industry. Going through them, rather than
through privately owned lodges with absentee owners, of-
fers direct benefits to both the community and to the trav-
eler, who gets a more real-life experience.
Although different communities offer a slightly different
emphasis, as well as different levels of comfort and explora-
tion, between them, they are sure to provide what most con-
scientious and hearty travelers are seeking. Even better,
connect several of the communities on one trip and have a
wonderful overall experience. All accommodations are in
traditional and basic, but comfortable, thatched-roof huts
with clean beds and mosquito nets. Packages, at approxi-
mately $60 per person per day, include knowledgeable,
trained local guides, all meals and transportation from
Tena. Arrangements must be made ahead of time.

For detailed descriptions of each of the commu-
nity programs involved, read Defending our
Rainforest: A Guide to Community-Based
Ecotourism in the Ecuadorian Amazon , by Rolf
Wesche and Any Drum, available in Quito book-
stores and some gift stores or through The
Ecotourism Society at www.ecotourism.org.

In Tena, contact RICANCIE at Av. 15 de Noviembre 772,

6-887-072; [e-mail], www.eduweb.com/
schaller/TourInfo.html.