Camping weekend in the Jungle

As already mentioned, we had the opportunity to spend the weekend in the jungle, where it is hoped that future volunteers will be accommodated. The Director of the project also hopes to build a new village here, with facilities, internet access, and shops.

The area is located along side the Morona River, a few metres away from the Ecuador and Peru border. Access to the area is by canoe, which takes approx. 45 minutes. The project is at a very early stage – and the building work, to date, has not yet started. There is no toilet facilities or accommodation here at present. It is possible that future volunteers will be involved in the building and development of these.

All food and supplies were purchased for the weekend before leaving San Jose. On arrival at the site, we had to build a shelter for camping. The shelter was built from wooden planks, 1 metre off the ground, and surrounding trees were conveniently used to support the plastic canopy placed above the shelter for rain protection.

We brought mosquito nets, which are essential. Long sleeved tops, long trousers and socks are recommended, and the use plenty of insect repellent all helped to keep the mosquitos away to some degree.

Cooking was done on the fire, which we kept alight for the duration of our stay (the smoke from the fire also helps to keep mosquitos away). Washing and bathing were done in the river.

Reforestation of the river bank was also undertaken, by planting young shrubs and trees.

Before we returned to San Jose, we were taken by our project director (Orlando) by canoe across the Peruvian border to Suan Juan Indian village. We had to stop on the way at a Peruvian Military check point to get permission to cross the border. We were met by the Commandant of the military base, who also joined us with his wife, on our visit to San Juan village.

Overall, it was a rough and ready camping experience but was very enjoyable. It was great to sleep in the jungle with only the noise of the insects, birds and animals to listen to.

The weekend had many highlights, one being the crossing of the Peruvian border, (without a passport), and to visit a Peruvian military base. The Commandant and his wife were very welcoming and friendly, and it was a pleasure to meet them. The visit to the village of Suan Juan was also a special experience. It is hoped that future volunteers will be able to teach English at the village school.

Expedition to Peru

During the time of our placement in San Jose, there was an undergoing project, by the same director, which involved an expedition by canoe from Ecuador to Peru.

The main objective of the project was to promote the potential for ecotourism in the area and to promote the freedom for Ecuadorians to travel the Morona river to Peru. In the past this journey had not been possible due to the conflict between the two countries. At the end of the war between Peru and Ecuador in 1999, an agreement was made between the two countries to allow Ecuadorians the freedom to travel to Peru via the Morona river. However, to date, never had such a journey taken place. We were therefore the first ever group of people to do so.

Michael and I were fortunate to be invited to attend this unique experience. The 6 day journey from Puerto Morona (near San Jose) to San Lorenzo (Peru) commenced on the 1^st March 07. Ecotrackers volunteers, together with news paper reporters and journalists were invited on this journey which was the first of its kind in history.

28^th Feb – The final preparation of the canoe was completed, and we then travelled a short distance where we camped for the night. This was at the border, and was the meeting point for the remainder of the guests to join us for the journey.

March 1^st – We were joined by the rest of the party at 6am, and after breakfast we started the journey. The first stop was at a Peruvian Military base, where two Peruvian soldiers joined us for the journey to San Lorenzo.

We travelled each day for about 8 – 10 hours, stopping briefly for a swim, and toilet stops. Food was cooked on the canoe, with supplies brought by everyone, and fresh fish caught in the river by Louis and Michael (piranas and catfish). Drinking water was boiled from the river and also used for cooking. During the travel time, we entertained ourselves with card games, singing Ecuadorian folk songs, and guitar playing.

As volunteers, it was wonderful to share the joy and excitement the Ecuadorian people felt on this historic journey, who were undertaking for the first time the freedom to travel the Morona river and Maranion river to Peru.

Accommodation on the journey to San Lorenzo, was spent at Indian villages, where we were welcomed by the community leaders. Meals were prepared for us using traditional methods, and their schools were opened for us to sleep in. Some evenings were spent by the fire, singing songs, to entertain our Indian hosts.

We arrived in San Lorenzo a day behind schedule, due to difficult navigation in low water. San Lorenzo is a unique city as it has no road access. We all stayed in a hostel for two nights, and ate in the local restaurants. Everywhere we stopped along the way, we were received gladly by the various communities. Their hospitality was excellent, and all seemed encouraged by this trip as it is beneficial for those villages located along the route, as it will create trade and eco tourism which can only help in making the communities prosper. Also, these communities were encouraged by the prospect of having volunteers in the future, to teach English at their schools.

The return journey took three days, and we stayed overnight at the same Indian villages as we did on the way. We arrived back at Puerto Morona, feeling a great sense of achievement. We were very honoured to be part of this unforgettable experience, and hope that other volunteers and tourists take the opportunity to travel to Peru in this unique way.

Conclusion

We have had a varied experience by volunteering with Ecotrackers. Our time spent teaching English in San Jose was very satisfying and enjoyable. We would recommend this project to future volunteers as it will become more interesting as the project develops and gains more momentum.