Introduction

Parque Tropical is situated in the Amazon basin of Ecuador, in the province of Pastaza (with Puyo as its capital), and consists of 1750 ha of primary and secondary rainforest.

Since early 2000, this conservation project has been run by indigenous people – a mix of Shuar, Achuar and Quichua Indians – and they work closely together with the village of Santana (a 45 minute walk through the forest). Sebastián Moya, a qualified specialist in South American reptiles, is Parque Tropical´s main co-ordinator, as well as an experienced jungle tour guide.

The park is also a destination for responsible eco-tourism.

We share the park with spider monkeys, tapirs, snakes, toucans, and many fascinating insects.

A baby Tapir, a native species to the park

The rainforests harbour 70% of Earth´s plant and animal species

Maria, one of the local Shuar children

Aims

• To rehabilitate endangered species, and wild animals
• Conservation of traditional medicinal plants
• The development of sustainable self-sufficient projects with the local indigenous communities and the conservation of the biodiversity of the Amazonian Rainforest.

o                                To encourage the travellers/volunteers to experience more than the common (often disrespectful) mass-tourism and assist them in adopting an appropriate and sensitive attitude towards the indigenous people, their traditions and their way of living and thinking.

Visits and Tours

Parque Tropical is happy to receive day visitors, and those who wish to stay for longer.

Getting there: Buses from Quito run frequently to Puyo. In Puyo, buses leave 3 times a day from Mercado Mariscal to Puerto Santana. Parque Tropical which is a short walk from Santana village, is open daily from 8am-6pm, with an entrance fee of $6 per person.

Moya Expeditions: Guided excursions further into the jungle can also be arranged. You can explore the wildlife reserves of Santana Community, with friendly, local, naturalist park rangers. Camping safaris, cultural exchanges including traditional Indigenous meals and village homestays are available. Sebastián Moya, a Shuar guide, with many year´s experience, comes highly recommended by Lonely Planet, and many other travel guidebooks. You and all the family will enjoy a visit to Parque Tropical.

It is best to email or call beforehand to ensure guides are available the day(s) you plan to visit.

Learning indigenous hunting methods at Parque Tropical

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The rainforests contain, in a typical 4-sq. mile patch, 750 species of trees, 125 kinds of mammals, 400 types of birds, 160 varieties of reptiles and amphibians.

Other volunteers are sought with experience in facilities planning and development, facilities management, conservation project administration, data development and eco-tourism.

Inexperienced volunteers are also needed for every-day work in the park.

$6 per day covers the cost of meals and accommodation, as well as equipment. One week is the minimum stay. Volunteers work an average of 3-5 hrs a day, 5 days a week. Please email beforehand (preferably 1 month before arrival) to make sure we can accommodate you. If not, we cannot guarantee you a place, but e-mail us anyway, as last-minute places can be available.

Sustainable building practices are part of Parque Tropical´s objectives

Volunteer Activities

Practical

• Investigation and conservation of endemic species of medicinal plants and insects.
• Helping out with the maintenance and the construction of the infrastructure of the Parque(working with local materials such as bamboo and wood).
• Participating in the gathering of food, i.e. fishing in the nearby river and collecting fruits and vegetables.
• Working in the fields, where organic agriculture is being practised (yucca, maize, bananas, pineapple, papaya)

Los amigos de Parque Tropical, learn to love them!

Theoretical

• Searching for new ideas and possibilities for sustainable development for the indigenous people.
• Helping in the actualisation of existing projects.

Accommodation and living conditions

Volunteers are expected to live and work in the local indigenous culture.

Sleeping facilities are in private rooms (with mattresses, sleeping bags, mosquito nets, hammocks) in a rustic wooden house. Cooking is done over an open fire. Food is basic, and mostly vegetarian (yucca, potatoes, papaya, bananas, pasta, rice, eggs, fish). There is no electricity or running water, but bathing, swimming and the natural jacuzzis in the nearby river are much more fun!

Volunteers are based on the shores of the ¨Rio Chinimpi¨, in the Amazon jungle. The area is surrounded by lush green vegetation, beautiful and sometimes annoying insects (however NO malaria mosquitoes), and lots of singing birds. The climate is hot (annual range of 20-30ºC) and humid with frequent rain, and people coming from another climate may need some time to adapt.

Volunteer experiences