Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
territorial rights to this land belong to the Quichua, with other indig-
enous groups claiming territories around the edges of the province.
Through an organization known as OPIP, the Organization of Indige-
nous Peoples of Pastaza, native people have claimed legal rights to
this region andOPIP is actively pursuing the goal of maintaining it as
a nature and culture reserve, including promoting community-based
ecotourism (CBE) projects in local communities. These newly devel-
oped projects are, in some cases, the best chance for at least a couple of
quickly disappearing cultures, including the last two remaining
Záparo indigenous communities. ATACAPI Tours is the active
ecotourism branch of OPIP, and operates in conjunction with the
Puyo-based and Quichua-owned Papangu Tours to visit these re-
mote communities (see Tours & Tour Operators , page 368).
Papangu trips range from day excursions to multi-day treks farther
into the interior of the Oriente. Hiking through rainforest, visiting lo-
cal Quichua communities, dugout canoe rides and fishing. Especially
recommended is their three-day tour to Chunchu Pamba Pro-
tected Forest , though it is a bit more physically demanding than
some of themore low-key trips. You have to bewilling to rough it a bit.
Top 10 Things to Find in the Jungle
If you're in the jungle and want a treasure hunt, there are
plenty of wonderfully exotic plants and animals to seek out.
These are some of my favorites:
Leafcutter ants - a whole line of them, usually walking
right across your path carrying large leaves on their
backs.
Piranhas - you may be swimming with them!
Howler monkeys - follow your ears, you'll hear them be-
fore you see them.
A tarantula bigger than your hand!
Stick insects.
Oropendula nests - look up.
A real vampire bat!
Pink dolphins.
A big vine to swing on, Tarzan-style.
An anaconda snake, bigger than the vine.
Lemon ants - you can eat them right off of the tree;
mmm tasty!
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