- ECUADOR - THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE DREAMWEAVER TRAVEL COMPANY

A Little Background: Perhaps the thing that sets Amazonian Ecuador apart the most from it’s peer countries is the sophistication of it’s indigenous population in their fight for autonomy and control of their ancestral lands. The Cofan people, some of the last South American Amerindindians to be exposed to Western culture, have been leaders in this struggle with oil companies, logging interests, settlers (colonists), and the Ecuadorian government. They have been successful so far in that they have been able to acquire the control of a large portion of their original homeland and they are responsible for controlling hunting, fishing, logging, oil exploitation, and tourism.

This trip has as its focus a visit to the Cofan village of Zabalo, on the Rio Aguarico. For anyone who has a sincere interest in learning about life in an Amazonian rainforest community and about the historical and contemporary struggles of its members to find a place in a rapidly changing world, this trip is for you. Wonderful opportunities to view rainforest birds and other wildlife on short or extended guided walks combined with evening discussions on the Cofan way of life with community members will leave you with an understanding of Amazonian reality that few can equal. Both before and after the Zabalo segment of this trip, you will be able to experience other aspects of Ecuadorian life, relax, and shop for handmade souvenirs. Continued: