How to Meet Indigenous Peoples in Ecuador's Amazon Rainforest
The indigenous peoples of the Amazon region in Ecuador have long fascinated the rest of the world, as their lives are in some ways very different from many of ours. If you would like to make contact, it’s important to respect the people and their environment, and to remember that not all of the ethnic groups are open for contact with outsiders. However, there are some opportunities to explore and meet the people that live there, and many companies and eco-lodges work hard to create an authentic and respectful experience.
Volunteer
There are numerous volunteer programs with different communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. You can volunteer at an animal sanctuary, doing construction, at schools or doing conservation work. With volunteering programs, you can immerse yourself into the lives of the local people and gain a broader understanding of their lives as well as making a difference to their community. Ecuador Eco Volunteer has many opportunities with different Amazon communities such as the Yasuni, Waorani, Shiwiar and Sachahuasi communities. Mycorenewal project needs people to help with cleaning up oil contamination in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Teach English
Educators are needed in many areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon. You can work with enthusiastic children and combine play, songs and grammar. Go Abroad offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to teach English in rural areas in the Amazon. You can teach for anything from two to twelve weeks.
Stay at an Eco-Lodge
Ecotourism is important for many communities. In many cases the local people are fighting against oil companies that are working in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Eco-lodges usually offer activities such as river cruises, dancing, learning how they make different foods and learning about shamanic traditions. Kapawi Amazon Lodge has excellent programmes in which visitors explore the Achuar ecosystem, encounter the pink river dolphin and go out on birding, safari and cultural expeditions.
Join a Research Project
If you have a scientific background you can join a research project on Amazon diversity; for example, there are projects looking to find out how geology and climate interact to shape biodiversity, and to collect data from different species of wildlife. The Achuar Project is seeking to help Western society understand local needs and the use of natural resources.
Home Stays
Guanguiltagua offers home stays with indigenous peoples in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It gives you an incredible opportunity to learn about their medical traditions using local plants, learn how to make chicha (a fermented drink made from yuca) and understand more about their shamanic traditions.
Do a Day Trip
Not everyone has months to spare to explore Ecuador. If you are short of time, there are organised day trips from Baños, Tena, Puyo and Misahualli, which are at the entrance to the Amazon region. The tours usually take you to a local group of people where you can get a quick insight into their lives; they will often perform a traditional dance for you and give you some chicha to drink.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
