customs and tradition amazon rainforest

Customs and Traditions of the Amazon 🌿

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The Amazonía Ecuatoriana is not only home to a great diversity of species, but it is also the scenario where ancient traditions and customs of indigenous communities that have occupied these jungle lands for generations take root. These traditions not only reflect their bond with nature, but also tell stories of adaptation, spirituality and care for the environment. Below, we will delve into some of the most captivating customs and traditions of this region, as well as provide details about the indigenous communities in charge of preserving them.

Indigenous Communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Several indigenous communities reside in the Ecuadorian Amazon, each with their own customs and lifestyles. Among the best known include:

  • Kichwa of the Amazon: This community is distinguished by its great veneration of Pachamama, also known as Mother Earth, and its ceremonies of harmony with nature.
  • Waorani: The Waorani, recognized for their hunting skills and knowledge of medicinal plants, have resided for centuries in one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet.
  • Shuar: Recognized for their custom of “tsantsa” or head reduction, they have a vast spiritual culture that includes the performance of rituals in memory of their ancestors.
  • Achuar: Residents of remote areas, they are expert river navigators and maintain a close relationship with the jungle.

Traditional Festivals and Celebrations

customs and traditions amazon rainforest

The Chonta Festival (Kichwa and Shuar)

The chonta, a traditional fruit, plays an important role in this festivity. During the harvest of this fruit, communities gather in joyful gatherings where they enjoy chicha de chonta, a fermented drink, accompanied by music and traditional dances. This celebration is dedicated to giving thanks to nature for its generous harvests.

  • Where to experience it? They are generally held in Kichwa communities located near the Yasuní National Park or in the Pastaza region, where this type of festivity is more common.

Ayahuasca Ritual

The Kichwa, Shuar and Achuar perform a medicinal and spiritual ritual. Ayahuasca, a sacred infusion made from native plants, is used for spiritual purification and the exploration of visions. A shaman leads this ritual, serving as an authority figure who ensures a safe and respectful experience.

  • Where to experience it? Lodges such as the Napo Wildlife Center offer guided experiences with local shamans.

Harvest Festival (Achuar)

This festivity celebrates the end of one crop cycle and the beginning of another. Women make chicha in large quantities and families gather to enjoy food, songs and traditional dances. This celebration strengthens community ties and expresses gratitude to mother earth for her generosity.

  • Where is it celebrated? In Achuar communities in the provinces of Pastaza and Morona Santiago.

Daily practices show a harmonious balance between the resources provided by the forest and human needs. Hunting and fishing are considered essential activities, carried out with traditional methods such as spears and blowguns, with a commitment to respect nature by not exceeding the amount of resources taken.

Everyday Traditions and Ancestral Knowledge

customs and tradition amazon rainforest

Medicinal Plants

The Amazon functions as a natural laboratory, and communities have acquired the ability to use plants such as cat’s claw for inflammation problems, guayusa as a natural stimulant and chuchuhuasi to mitigate muscle pain.

  • Where to learn about this? The easiest way to participate and learn about this is at lodges such as Siona Lodge in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve.

Basketry and Ceramics

Women of indigenous origin create baskets, ornaments and utensils from clay, representing the worldview and customs of their people.

  • Where to buy them? Communities along the Napo and Cuyabeno rivers provide these unique pieces as a component of their sustainable economy.

Live with a traditional Kichwa family

In several lodges, you will have the opportunity to interact with a nearby Amazonian Kichwa family who will welcome you into their community and teach you about their traditions and daily life in terms of beliefs, food and handicrafts. Here are some of the activities you can do during your visit:

  • Experience firsthand how the women apply their pottery skills and use them to craft a variety of food utensils.
  • If you intend to test your aim and skill with the blowgun, the family will gladly provide you with the opportunity to shoot with one of their main hunting tools.
  • Purchase attractive traditional handicrafts made by hand from the region’s own vegetable raw materials, such as precious seed jewelry or comfortable palm fiber hammocks.
  • Taste the delicious typical food of the place, dishes of the day prepared with care, choice of fresh cassava or even exquisite palm larvae, or also called chontacuros, served in a delicate way.
  • For those brave enough, we recommend tasting the traditional strong liquor “aguardiente” or “chicha”, a fermented drink similar to beer made from chewed yucca, which is a fundamental element in the diet of the Kichwa community.

With Responsible Travel, you have the possibility to experience these customs in a genuine and respectful way. We work together with lodges such as Napo Wildlife Center, Sacha Lodge and La Selva Lodge, which coordinate activities aimed at discovering the Amazonian culture and environment. Our team simplifies the entire procedure, from booking flights and accommodations to organizing tailor-made tours so that you can experience the Amazon without any hassle.

Conclusion

The Ecuadorian Amazon is more than just a natural destination; it is a place full of unique histories, cultures and traditions. As you wander through this enchanting place, you not only become enveloped in the natural richness of the rainforest, but also in the fascinating narratives and traditions of the indigenous communities that call it home. 

With Responsible Travel, your travel experience will be enjoyable, sustainable and enriching, allowing you to authentically connect with the essence of the Ecuadorian Amazon. We look forward to welcoming you for a breathtaking experience surrounded by culture and natural beauty.

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Ha sido un viaje maravilloso, bien organizado, muy seguro, el guía Sebastián categoría premium sabe de todo, amable, responsable y maneja el coche de maravilla, prudente y ciertamente excepcional para su juventud. Yo repetiré viaje con esta agencia y haré Amazonia. Violeta Miguel

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Visiting the Galápagos islands aboard the Bonita yacht was the best decision I could have made while visiting Ecuador. It was an incredible experience that I will be thinking about until I am able to come back again. I want to thank my wonderful agent Anthony for his help in booking. He is very knowledgeable and ensured that the planning process was a breeze. Anthony checked in with us every step of the way to make sure that we were prepared and comfortable throughout the whole trip. I also want to thank the wonderful crew: Cris, Diana, Cap. Joffre, Diego, Carlos, Marcos, Marcelo, Jairo, Chef Homar, and Chef Danny. Without them, the trip would not have been as amazing and unforgettable as it was. Cris was an awesome, patient, and fun guide that explained the history and fun facts of the island very well! Chef Homar and Chef Danny cooked all our delicious meals and Chef Homar even shared with us a lesson in salsa dancing! Diana made sure that everyone was taken care of and the rest of the crew made sure that everything was smooth sailing! I can tell that this crew is really close and that they enjoy working together! I cannot recommend this experience enough, from the blue footed boobies, to the giant tortoises, to swimming with the hammerhead sharks! I hope to come back one day and bring my family and when I do, I will make sure to book with Anthony again at Responsible Travel Ecuador!

Adi Parreno junio 27, 2024

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Incredible organization specially from Karen, who provided us all necessary information and tips for our travel. She is very professional and polite person. We recommend her services.

sandy pico mayo 31, 2024

Incredible organization specially from Karen, who provided us all necessary information and tips for our travel. She is very professional and polite person. We recommend her services.

sandy pico mayo 31, 2024
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I highly recommend Responsible Travel Ecuador. They are very professional and flexible to organize the perfect trip for you.Gabriela organized the trip for us to mainland, Amazon and Galapagos islands and she was excellent.She did everything for us and the entire itinerary was a unique experience. Our guide Wellington on the mainland was very helpful and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our time with him!! We enjoyed every activity and will definitely return in the future to this beautiful country!!

George Liskas febrero 15, 2024
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Andres Garzon febrero 3, 2024
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Gaby did an incredible job helping me plan a trip to Yasuni National Park, Quito, and the Galápagos Islands. She took all of the stress out of finding good guides and all of the logistics involved in flights, lodging, transportation, and all of the other planning aspects of a big two week trip. Excellent communication with fast responses any time I had questions leading up to and during the trip as well. Highly recommend!

Adam Conard diciembre 13, 2023
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The best of the best!

Amazing experience! Definitely recommended.

Dave Khandros diciembre 1, 2023

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Carla Mazzini diciembre 1, 2023

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Bess Murray noviembre 4, 2023
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Les Galapagos c'est le paradis !

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Douglas octubre 7, 2023

I planned a trip to South America at the last minute, and Gaby was incredible! She created an amazing itinerary with me where I was able to go to Quito, the Galapagos islands, and Cuzco Peru. It was a truly unforgettable trip, and I would strongly recommend that you consider Gaby for your next South American adventure. She can help as little or as much as you need and is extremely responsive. I am a big fan of hers now!

Gigi Z octubre 5, 2023
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Cuentan con paquetes muy buenos y se adaptaron a mis necesidades para viajar en crucero a galápagos

Andrés Perugachi agosto 31, 2023
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Felipe Villegas agosto 25, 2023
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Gran tour en barco de última hora

Fue una reserva de última hora de un tour en barco por Galápagos y nos ayudaron en todo momento. Grandes profesionales y el tour fue maravilloso

David B. julio 19, 2023

Outstanding service

Responsible Travel Ecuador helped us find the outfit that met our needs in our visit to Galapagos. Interaction with our agent was easy and effective. She was really responsive and provided us with all the information we needed - also suggestions for further visits in Ecuador's mainland. I definitely would recommend Responsible Travel Ecuador for any travel needs in that beautiful country.

Nuria julio 17, 2023

Una experiencia inolvidable con Responsible Travel: Descubriendo la magia de Ecuador

Responsible Travel es una agencia de viajes que ha dejado una huella imborrable en mi corazón. Recientemente tuve la oportunidad de explorar las maravillas de Ecuador a través de su excelente servicio, y no puedo dejar de elogiar su enfoque responsable y comprometido con la sostenibilidad. Desde el momento en que me puse en contacto con ellos, su equipo demostró una gran atención y pasión por brindar experiencias auténticas y respetuosas con el entorno local.

Gabi Ramos junio 29, 2023

Fantastic Experience!

I did multiple family treks with this company and the service is impeccable. Staff always has a smile and big energy to inspire you to expand your horizons. A big shout to everyone and thank you for such a wonderful experience!

Daniel Larrea junio 27, 2023

La millor experiencia per Sudamerica va…

La millor experiencia per Sudamerica va ser a L' Ecuador amb aquesta experimentada empresa que em ajudar abans, durant i despres del viatge. Totalment recomendada

Santiago Cardenas junio 27, 2023

Exceptional trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

Excellent & professional services! Highly recommended.

Alexander junio 27, 2023
Emilia Assa abril 12, 2023
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We have booked a two day tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, a 5 days tour in the amazonia and also arranged some private transfers with the team. I have discussed everything with Lucia who has been very helpful, always answering on time and providing the best options. Would recommend the travel agency.

Iulian Petcu marzo 5, 2023
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