Survival tourism, the indigenous sanctuary that preserves the Amazon

In the overflowing Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, a magical place of incomparable biodiversity and ancient cultural traditions, emerges the Napo Wildlife Center. Pure survival tourism for the local inhabitants, the indigenous sanctuary that preserves the Amazon. Its location in the heart of Ecuador's Yasuní National Park, proclaimed a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, is a setting of unique beauty, natural melodies, and the living heritage of the indigenous people.

The Yasuní National Park is home to a biodiversity of more than 600 species of birds, 173 species of mammals, 83 species of reptiles, more than 100 species of amphibians, 382 species of fish, and more than 100,000 species of insects that have been counted so far. The Napo Wildlife Center, aside from its exceptional natural wealth, is proud of its contribution to the Añangu community. They have founded the Vicente Mamallacta School, provided solar panels to local families, and built their own health center. They are currently working on a project to provide clean drinking water to all members of the community.

This place is more than a resort, it is a true immersion into the Amazon and its culture, where each visitor becomes an active participant in the preservation of this invaluable ecosystem. The experience at the Napo Wildlife Center is not only revitalizing, but also an act of responsibility and commitment to the life and future of the Amazon rainforest. The true essence of the Napo Wildlife Center lies in the connection it establishes between cultural diversity, environmental preservation, and the authentic Amazon experience. It is an invitation to participate in the celebration of a 25-year-old project that is a true testament to commitment and resilience in the preservation of one of our planet's most valuable treasures.

25 years ago, the Kichwa Añangu community made a courageous decision that would change the destiny of their ancestral home. They decided to abandon their ancestral hunting and fishing practices to embrace the preservation of the environment and its inhabitants. Thus was born the Napo Wildlife Center, a refuge where logging and oil extraction have no place, betting firmly for ecotourism and environmental care. All income obtained from tourism packages is managed and reinvested by the community in projects that improve their quality of life.

The Napo Wildlife Center is one of the most successful ecotourism projects. Initiated in 1998 by eight community members, this ecotourism center has transformed the local economy. It is now fully owned and operated by the community, providing employment and generating income that is invested in community projects in areas such as health, education, and support for the elderly. 

However, the community faces several challenges including water contamination due to mining and oil exploitation, illegal hunting, the pressure of globalization on their culture, and many more.

In the 1970s, three families began to settle in what is now the Añangu Kichwa Community. Originally from Tena, Archidona, and Puyo, these families were looking for new land for agriculture. Then, in 1990, 32 other families from Misahualli and Tena joined them. Despite the challenges of legalizing the territory, they succeeded in obtaining legal possession of the land in 1986.

We spoke with Jorge Rivadeneyra, one of the leaders of the Kichwa Añangu Community and president of the "Sacha Muskuy" foundation, who tells us about the importance of this project: "We are a local, national, and international reference in the management of ecotourism, always focused on environmental conservation, while maintaining our cultural identity, we show the surrounding communities the successful model of community tourism; with clear rules and teamwork they can achieve great things for their own welfare."

The Añangu Kichwa Community has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, when the first families arrived in the territory in search of new land for agriculture. After a constant struggle with the colonists, they gained legal possession of the land in 1986 and founded the Napo Wildlife Center as a sustainable alternative to the oil boom.

"It is important to take care of the environment. Currently our planet is facing climate change and along with it natural disasters. Species are becoming extinct day by day. If you visit the Napo Wildlife Center you are not only doing tourism but you are contributing to several causes: environmental conservation, community support, and learning about our reality and our culture. We want to continue with this project in the long term, taking care of and protecting our natural environment, and our cultural identity."

The Napo Wildlife Center has contributed enormously to the well-being of the community and the empowerment of its members. It has improved the quality of life of the community members, providing employment and scholarships for young people, and reinvests surpluses in health, education, and new projects.

This place transcends the "luxury resort" label. It is an opportunity to be an active part of the preservation of the Amazon and support the sustainable development of an indigenous community committed to its land and culture. By visiting, every tourist becomes an ally in the protection of one of the most valuable treasures of our planet. It is much more than a tourist experience; it is a refuge that promotes harmony between humans and nature, and a conservation model that guarantees the preservation of this invaluable ecosystem for future generations. And meanwhile, the Kichwa Añangu community flourishes, honoring its traditions and jealously guarding its cultural legacy. It is a true indigenous sanctuary that preserves the Amazon.

More information about lodging at Napo Wildlife Center