Community Tourism in Pastaza: A Must-Do Experience
Community tourism in Pastaza is an activity you simply cannot miss. Home to seven indigenous nationalities, this province is a treasure trove of cultural diversity. Throughout Pastaza, there are several indigenous communities that open their doors to visitors, offering authentic experiences that immerse travelers in ancestral traditions, nature, and sustainable living. In this post, I’ll share some of the community tourism initiatives I’ve visited and highly recommend.
5/8/20241 min read
Indigenous Communities Along the Puyo-Macas Route
Arutam Community:
Located along the Puyo-Macas highway, the Arutam Community is one of the best places to experience the daily life, traditions, and wisdom of indigenous people in the Amazon. Visitors can take part in guided jungle hikes, cultural exchanges, and traditional ceremonies.
📞 Contact: José Vargas – 0997778556
Kaapar Community
📍 Km 45, Puyo-Macas Highway
Kaapar is a Shuar Chicham community covering 480 hectares of pristine jungle. Here, you can:
✅ Go on guided jungle treks with Yankuam, the community leader.
✅ Experience volunteering programs and camping in the rainforest.
✅ Participate in a traditional dance performance and learn about ancestral medicine.
✅ Witness indigenous attire and customs.
✅ Encounter local wildlife such as armadillos, jaguars, deer, and tapirs.
✅ Visit five waterfalls hidden deep within the jungle.
Traditional Ceremonies:
🌿 Tabaquito Ceremony – $30
🌿 Ayahuasca Ceremony – $50
Visitors can stay in the community for up to a week, fully immersing themselves in Shuar culture.
📞 Contact: Yankuam – 0995850475
Tsentsak Jea Community
📍 Km 42, Puyo-Macas Highway
This community offers:
✅ Traditional Amazonian cuisine 🍽️
✅ Shuar dance performances 💃🏽
✅ Handmade crafts and bamboo carving workshops 🎨
✅ 750 hectares of lush Amazon rainforest 🌿
✅ Local indigenous guides
When I visited, it was queen ant season, and they prepared a special dish with ikuis ants—a delicacy with a unique, delicious taste! Even if you’re just passing through, you can stop at their roadside restaurant, which is open on weekends.
📞 Contacts: Telmo Kayap & Margarita Shakai
Gringo Yaku Community
Another must-visit destination along the Puyo-Macas highway, this community offers an immersive rainforest experience.
📞 Contact: (Please research more details about this community)
All these communities along the Puyo-Macas highway are easy to access, with clear roadside signs. No detours are needed!
Communities Along the Pomona Route
If you’re interested in exploring more community tourism projects, I also recommend taking the Pomona Route, where you can visit:
Lisan Wasi, Wayuri Community, Cotococha Community
Community tourism in Pastaza provides an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and experience the Amazon in the most authentic way possible. If you want to explore the region while supporting local communities, make sure to visit these amazing places!
🌿 Thank you for reading! 😊