On the Napo River

Thursday, July 17, 2008

While staying near Tena (45 minutes away by car), we were able to go and visit a tribal community. They still speak the native language (though many now speak Spanish as well), some of their ways have changed to fit with the growing of the outside influences. We had a drive of an hour or so to reach the boat. Once on the boat we traveled down the Napo River a bit to reach the village. Luis, our guide, was with us, as well as 4 people who were also staying at the lodge. They told us about their way of life (in Spanish, so Richard was able to translate the parts I had trouble with), we ate lunch there, watched how they made some traditional foods, and then got back on the boat.

The Napo River feeds directly into the Amazon River, and is a major river in Amazon section of Ecuador.

I would have liked to get more photos of the people in the community, but it felt so odd to be taking photos, somehow seemed invasive or something.

Small photos again, because there are a lot of them, but click to enlarge :)


Richard looking out to the Napo River

Not our boat, but a similar one. Very narrow motor canoes.



Saw a lot of this type of housing along the river.

Looking back to where we started from, the bridge is the access to the little town.

Once at the village, we were taken to The Stone. Large rock that they see animal images in. The local guide (a tribal woman) went over the animals that are present in it. Some you can make out, others make you wonder if they're smoking something before looking at the stone. It has a ridge on the other side to climb to the top. Good luck is coming down the front, as Richard's doing; bad luck is to come back down the back,

A number of dogs live at the village, as well as this little monkey :) She's their pet!

While we felt weird taking photos of the adults, the kids couldn't get enough of it! Especially digital cameras, since they were able to see the images immediately afterwards!

Getting ready to head back to town. Our ride was waiting!

The little town we launched from has 20 monkeys roaming the streets. Like stray dogs, they wander around, some following people, others keeping clear of the humans.



Got a kick out of seeing these two grooming each other :)

A mama monkey giving Baby a ride :)

The ride back to the lodge. Low clouds cover the valleys, leaving the just the top of the mountains showing.

We stopped at a small town along the way, saw this memorial statue :) Woman carrying her baby in the traditional sling (majority of the women tie the slings with a simple knot to carry infants through toddler age kids), her knife and her dog. Everything you could need for a walk with your kid!

Crazy, fun church at the town. Based on one in Italy.