Cofán Ecotours

Website: cofan.org
E-mail: coordinationfsc@gmail.com Christine Fram / Randy Borman
Phone: +593 (0)22474763

Who they are

The Fundación para la Sobrevivencia del Pueblo Cofán (FSC) was developed as a response to the needs of the Cofán Nation of Ecuador, a small indigenous group native to the rivers and forests of the north-eastern Ecuadorian Amazon. FSC has received and managed grants from both government and private sources for activities geared toward the conservation and management of Cofán Ancestral Territories, and for the development of strategies that will allow the Cofán people to maintain cultural and economic stability over the long term.

What they do

Programs handled by FSC include:

- Facilitating the legalization and titling of Cofán Ancestral Territories.

- Developing conservation strategies that include monitoring and management programs and recovery of critically endangered species traditionally used by the Cofán

- Managing and funding the Cofán Park Ranger program for the 60 Rangers who currently handle the control, vigilance and management of over 450,000 hectares of Cofán Ancestral Territories.

- Development of Cofán leadership via educational activities both with adults and students.

What they offer

Through the FSC, they offer a truly unique and unforgettable rain forest experience designed for the adventurous, socially conscious traveller. Their tourist installations are located deep in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon in the Cofán community of Zabalo, and can be accessed only by canoe.

The community members serve as guides, prepare food and accommodation, and handle logistics for visitors. The program itself is small and individualized, and for the year 2011 they have chosen to program only a limited number of special outings, with a cap on the number of participants allowed for each trip.

Examples of activities:

Trekking
Trekking in the rainforest with the option of overnight “camping” in the rainforest. Let their guides show you a new perspective on the forest, see plants and animals that would have otherwise melted into the forest unnoticed.

Canoeing
Canoe on beautiful and pristine streams, where the wildlife is tame and curious and time stands still…

Fishing
Fish for the famous piranha, or take on magnificent dorados and pacos for the sport fishing experience of a lifetime!

Biology and Ecology
They have thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are only found in their territory. While every ecotourist is bound to see abundant wildlife during their stay, they offer the chance for students and professors to arrange special trips to complement their studies with hands-on experience.

Headwaters Trip 2012
They are offering a special 10 day “Headwaters Trip” for 2012, with programed outings in May, June, July, and August. The tour is intended to expose a group of 8-10 (maximum 12) people to the origins of the Amazon system, with a strong emphasis on natural history, cultural dynamics and the forest as seen through the historical and cultural perspectives of the Cofán people.

The program includes all land and water based transportation, all accommodation, guides, lodging, food, cooks, crews, and village and community fees from the time they pick people up at their hotel in Quito until they have everyone back in the Lago Agrio airport.

Not included are Quito hotels, meals, and transfers, local air transport (Lago Agrio-Quito), park and reserve fees, alcoholic beverages, and any extra services such as special side trips, laundry services, etc. Tips are optional but always appreciated.

Cost: $1400 per person. Please note that final confirmation is dependent on group size, with a minimum of 6PAX required in order to confirm a trip.

Location

Mariana Cardenal N74-153 y Joaquin Mancheno
Carcelen Alto – Quito

Tourist installations are located in the Zabalo community within the Cuyabena WIldlife Reserve, north-eastern Ecuador.

What to bring

- Breathable quick dry clothing
- Sunhat or baseball cap
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Swimwear
- Sandals
- Sun block
- Insect repellent

Accommodation & Amenities

• Shared tourist cabins with beds and mattresses (4PAX/cabin). Mosquito nets provided.
• Basic cement sanitation facilities are available, both with flush toilets and showers.
• A generator provides electricity, and outlets are available to recharge electronics in the cabins.
• Food is cooked by community members who have been trained in international cuisine and are able to cater to special dietary needs as needed. All meals will include at least one local dish, and meals are eaten at the home of the cook with other members of the community.
• All prices are in US dollars:
  Group Size: 9+ = $85 (cost per person per day)

                         7-8 = $90 (cost is per person per day)

                                             5-6 = $95 (cost is per person per day)

                                             4 = $100 (cost is per person per day)

  They request a deposit for 50% of the total cost of the trip no later than one month prior to your arrival.

  Due to the prohibitive cost of gasoline, They are unable to arrange trips for less than four visitors at a time. However, they are happy to help you connect with other travelers if you let them know when you are interested in visiting.

  They do not recommend ecotours for fewer than 5 days.

  Make a Reservation Today!
  E-mail: coordinationfsc@gmail.com Christine Fram / Randy Borman
  or
  Fill in their online contact form
  
  
  

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