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In Adventure Service Tourism, sustainable tourism means taking into account social, environmental, economic and political value created or destroyed. To learn more about this sustainability framework click here.
We belive the following opportunities in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve positively create value:
- 'Rumbo al Dorado' Volunteer Jungle Expedition (two-week).
- Adventure Conservation Immersion Volunteers (one month).
Background
A sustainable tourism initiative in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve began in 2001 with the collaboration of two NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations) ProNaturaleza and Green-life. A consortium was formed between three communities (XX enero, Yarina, San Carlos) and huts were built by community members, with local materials and the financial help of USAID. Tourism in the Reserve has been scarce because of the difficult access, limited marketing and high cost of fuel. A study of the feasibility and interest of community members in receiving volunteers through the local management groups was conducted in 2006. A limited number of month-long volunteers arrived in 2007 and in 2008 ProNaturaleza is now offering a new aspect to the Rumbo al Dorado tour - extending the time in the Reserve and incorporating volunteer activities.
'Rumbo al Dorado' Volunteer Jungle Expedition
Arriving in Iquitos you will be greeted at the airport, have some food and spend the night in a comfortable hostel. The next day you travel via public taxi to Nauta where you will be picked up in a private boat (15 horsepower; the biggest that's allowed in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve) and begin the jungle expedition. A typical itinerary:
- Day 1 - Iquitos
- Day 2 - Iquitos - Nauta - Veinte de Enero
- Day 3-5 Veinte de Enero
- Day 6-8 Yarina
- Day 10-12 Cocha El Dorado
- Day 13 - Yarina
- Day 14 - Veinte de Enero - Nauta - Iquitos
- Day 15 - Iquitos
Dates:
- July 1 - 15
- July 17 - 31
- August 2 - 16
- August 18 - 31
Activities:
While exploring the different communities of the Amazon basin you will have the opportunity to work alongside local Management groups. July and August mark the beginning of the Taricaya River Turtle campaign where you can prepare an artificial beach and start collecting eggs. Additionally, palm tree conservation activities, including climbing the trees to harvest the fruit occurs from June to September. English classes for youth and Management group members is also a popular request for volunteers.
Cost: $950 ($250 of which is a direct donation to the ProNaturalez Conservation Fund) - Includes: food, lodging, English speaking guide and environment expert, boat and taxi transfers from Iquitos and park entry fees while in the Reserve.
About Rumbo al Dorado
Rumbo al Dorado is the name given to the consortium of participating organizations and communities. The first week long expeditions were made available in 2002. Later, shorter trips were incorporated. River transport is on safe, comfortable boats typical to the area. Groups are limited in size creating an intimate experience with nature and the communities visited. Accomodation is in rustic huts equipped with mosquito screens, bathroom and shower facilities and treated water from an artesian well. Solar panels provide electricity and power the short wave radio communication system. Meals are based on fish, chicken and seasonal local dishes prepared by cooks trained in hygiene and quality standards. Local excursions are provided by community members who receive training from the NGOs and visiting volunteers. |
