RICANCIE

Website: ricancie.nativeweb.org/
E-mail: ricancie2@hotmail.com
Phone: +593 (0) 62888479

Participating communities

Capirona; Chuva Urku; Galeras; Wasila Talag; Machakuyaku; Río Blanco; Runa Wasi

Who they are

RICANCIE stands for Indigenous Community Network of the Upper Napo for Intercultural Exchange and Ecotourism. It was founded in 1993 with the goal to improve the quality of life for some 200 Kichwa families. Then as now, RICANCIE has taken as its primary objective the defense of the Kichwa territory against encroaching mining and oil companies, and to rectify the situation where externally driven tourism has exploited local communities. With organised tourism activities, RICANCIE pursues a self-determined development path and offers new perspectives for their children. While RICANCIE continues to enjoy support of international organisations, RICANCIE is proud of its independence and all decisions regarding RICANCIE events and strategies are taken by a council whose members come from the villages participating in RICANCIE.

What they do

RICANCIE generates resource-friendly jobs and new sources of income for village members through activities related to community-based ecotourism. Profits are used for projects in participating RICANCIE communities. A by-product has been the revitalisation of cultural traditions and an increase in the self-confidence of the Kichwa communities involved. The project also protects their territory and offers an alternative to intensive agricultural practices, which lead to the deforestation of primary rainforest.

What they offer

With more than 10 years of experience in community ecotourism, RICANCIE offers a wide network of hiking paths, and camps in the forest. The tourist cabins include a mosquito net, bathrooms with private or shared showers, and lodging for 12 to 25 visitors in the various communities.

In addition to cabins, there is a kitchen/dining area in each location. The tourist cabins are located just outside the center of each community, respecting the culture and environment of the Kichwa people. They offer tours from 2 to 5 days in the Amazon, where the visitor can experience one or more of the participating communities. Below are examples of some of the 5-day tours. RICANCIE will also gladly organise tours to suit individual needs.

Cultural Exchange and Community Life
Would you like to experience the Kichwa culture and traditions in an intimate way? Then you are welcome to participate in the daily activities of a family (for example, help plant or harvest yuca, learn about traditional agricultural methods, cooking and handicrafts). You can participate in communal work sessions, called mingas. There will also be an opportunity to hear local legends and narratives about traditional life and the changes the communities have endured, as well as dance and music performances.

To find out more click Culture on the RICANCIE website

Adventure
If you are looking for adventure and the unusual, you will certainly find it in the RICANCIE communities. You can hike long routes and sleep in simple shelters in the forest interior. You can pass through virgin forest, bathe in lagoons and below waterfalls. With a little luck, you will encounter monkeys, ocelots, or toucans. The guide will explain the significance (for you and the local Kichwa) of the flora and fauna that you encounter.

To find out more click Adventure on the RICANCIE website

Health and Shamanism
Part of the Kichwa culture is shamanism. The yachak (healer) knows the effects of thousands of medicinal plants, and actively uses them in healing sessions. He is connected with the supai (spirits), with the past, future and present. You can learn about their cosmovision, their use of medicinal plants, or simply relax and watch as the yachak performs a cleansing ceremony with plants and smoke.

To find out more click Health on the RICANCIE website

Relaxation
Several communities offer you excellent services and accommodation so that you can immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the forest without too much physical exertion. Treks into the forest and a visit to a nearby animal rescue and rehabilitation center (Amazoonico) for wildlife viewing are ideal for family groups, seniors, or those who want an easily accessible rainforest experience. Relax in hammocks, play in communal areas, read, or simply listen to the forest symphony.

To find out more click Relaxation on the RICANCIE website

Conferences and Seminars
Several communities in the Ricancie network have the facilities to accommodate up to 35 people in a conference setting for workshops or seminars. Sufficient space, electricity, road access and excellent service provide the basic requirements for a trouble-free meeting in a relaxed environment. RICANCIE can further enrich your meeting by weaving into it one or more of the above activities.

To find out more click Conferences on the RICANCIE website

Scientific Research
For student groups and individual researchers, several communities permit social, anthropological or natural scientific studies. RICANCIE is pleased to assist scientists in developing and carrying out projects. Applied research with results that will potentially aid the community in its independent development will receive priority for RICANCIE sponsorship.

To find out more click Research on the RICANCIE website

Location

Head Office: in the city of Tena (6 hours from Quito):
Av. 15 de Noviembre, Calle Cesar Augusto Rueda y 12 de Febrero
Tena-Napo-Ecuador

You can call them and they will pick you up.

By bus: Tena is 6 hours from Quito by bus. Buses leave from the Terminal Terrestre Cumandá, in the colonial section of Quito. Tickets for your trip can be purchased at the bus station. The various bus cooperatives depart every hour in the morning and afternoon. The recommended bus lines are: Transporte Baños, Amazonas, and Flota Pelileo.

To arrive in Tena from Ambato or Baños, the trip is about 5 hours, with buses leaving on the hour.

By air: There are two flights per week from Quito to Tena with SAEREO. The flight is about 25 minutes and costs USD $60.00 one way.

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What to bring

- Binoculars
- Flashlight
- Sun block, cap or hat
- Insect repellant
- Medical kit
- Rain coat or poncho
- Camera, film, batteries
- Long sleeved shirt and long pants
- Bathing suit and sandals
- Small back pack for excursions
- Coins for tips etc.

The RICANCIE office will provide rubber boots for hiking and life jackets for canoeing.

Accommodation & Amenities

Capirona: 3 dormitories with 3 bunk-beds each, and 2 shared bathrooms with shower. 8 dormitories with 2 bunk-beds each, and 2 shared bathrooms with shower. 1 dormitory with 8 bunk-beds each, and 2 bathrooms with shower. Total: 33 beds

Chuva Urku: 2 dormitories with 3 beds, each with private bathroom and shower. 2 dormitories with 4 beds, each with shared bathroom and shower. 4 dormitories with 1 bed each and shared bathroom and shower. Total: 18 beds

Galeras: 2 dormitories with 3 beds, each with private bathroom and shower. 2 dormitories with 3 beds each and shared bathrooms with shower. Total: 12 beds

Wasila Talag: 2 dormitories with 12 bunk- beds, each with 2 shared bathrooms with shower. Total: 24 beds

Machakuyaku: 2 dormitories with 3 beds, each with private bathroom and shower. 3 dormitories with 2 beds each and shared bathroom with shower. Total: 12 beds

Río Blanco: 3 dormitories with 3 beds each and shared bath with shower. 8 dormitories with 2 beds each and shared bath with shower. 1 dormitory with 1 bed and shared bath with shower. Total: 26 beds

Runa Wasi: 2 dormitories with 2 beds, each with private bath and shower. 2 dormitories with 5 beds, each with private bath and shower. Total: 14 beds
The river is suitable for swimming, but it is not recommended to drink the water. There will be jugs or canteens of boiled water in the dining hall.
Capirona possesses a generator and Wasila Talag provides electric lighting.
Prices include: Reception and introduction to the program in the central office of RICANCIE, use of the RICANCIE warehouse to store luggage, transport from RICANCIE to the community, daily meals, service of lodging in cabins equipped with private bath/shared bath, simple beds with covers, mosquito nets, rubber boots, and demonstration of crafts, and visits to the houses of Kichwa families.

The cultural program (with music and Kichwa dance) will take place when there are groups of 4+ passengers on a minimum of a 4 day tour. Tours to the jungle are with native guides from the local communities that are credited by the Ministry of Tourism and Corporation RICANCIE.

Shaman: Within the Kichwa culture the ceremony of the shaman is sacred and therefore it is not included in the daily cost. Visitors may request to take part in this ceremony, but it will cost an additional USD $30.00 per group. For the spiritual cleaning it is recommended that each visitor give a small gratuity.

Translation: If the group will need English translation please request this service at least one week before the trip. This service will cost USD $30.00 per day per group.

People: 2-5 = $45.00 per person/per group (for 3 day trips) or $43.00 (for 4+ days)
People: 6-9 = $43.00 per person/per group (for 3 day trips) or $41.00 (for 4+ days)
People: 10-13 = $41.00 per person/per group (for 3 day trips) or $39.00 (for 4+ days)
People: 14+ = $39.00 per person/per group (for 3 day trips) or $37.00 (for 4+ days)