Photos Index

The Oriente
The Oriente is the large eastern region of Ecuador that is covered by the Amazon Rainforest. There are various indigenous groups that call the Oriente home, but most no longer live the glorified "pure" life, which many visitors expect and want to see. The reality is that because of modern-day colonialism (from missionaries, serranos- those who are from the Andes, and transnational oil companies) much of the Oriente has fused western elements with the traditional cultures. This does not mean that the indigenous cultures no longer exist, but that they are changing.Throughout the Oriente the languages of Shuar, Kichwa, Waow, and Kofan, among others, are still thriving, as are their cultures. Nevertheless, especially in oil-rich areas, there is an active movement to maintain the cultures and the rainforest which are in peril of disappearing.
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Large and small rivers traverse the rainforest and canoes often become the main mode of transportation.

Students can explore the rainforest floor as well as its canopy.

The bonds formed with the people of the Oriente is often one of the most memorable experiences.

The children are just as curious about us as we are about them.

Nothing beats the thrill of taking a shower under a waterfall!

Through talks with the community, students learn about the cosmovisions of the different indigenous groups.