Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sangay National Park
The lower, eastern portion of Sangay National Park is one of the
least-visited areas in the country. For the experienced navigator (or
anyone with a good local guide), Sangay offers adventure at its finest.
The park is enormous, encompassing more than 704,480 acres, with
Volcán Sangay peaking out at 17,102 feet. From the southeastern en-
trance, expect limited trails, thick vegetation, plenty of rainfall, and
abundant wildlife. The park center, just out of Macas in Proano, of-
fers a number of facilities, as well as a base from which to arrange
guiding services.
From Macas, head northwest to the village of 9 de Octubre , where
an overnight stay is required, before backpacking (with a guide) on
trails into the park. Entrance costs about $20 and can be paid at the
ranger station/education center in the village of General Proano,
which is on the way to the village of 9 de Octubre. Camping is avail-
able and is the only way to visit Sangay in this region. Inquire with
the rangers at the education center, where you can also look intomore
specific park information, but bring along a good map (IGM 1:50,000
Volcán Sangay ).
Jungle Excursions Around Macas
The southeastern expanse of the Oriente (the region around Río
Pastaza) offers incredible opportunities to explore virgin rainforest
and indigenous communities in some of the most remote areas of the
country. For now, these trips are for well-seasoned travelers and in-
dependent planners, although organized tours are gradually becom-
ing available, especially through the likes of Canodoros and Kapawi
Lodge (page 378), which offer visits to native Achuar communities.
From Macas there are also possibilities for trips into the land of the
Shuar nation, an experience which should not be taken lightly. These
people are historically very independent and aggressive in manner -
only recently ending their practice of shrinking heads - and they're
not necessarily accommodating to wandering gringos, who, by the
way, don't stand a chance of surviving in the real rainforest without a
knowledgeable native guide. Go with a Shuar guide if possible. There
are several available in Macas, as well as at the Shuar Federation ,
headquartered in the village of Sucúa, about 15miles south ofMacas.
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