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IZU MANGALLPA URCU FOUNDATION
The Mamallacta Alvarado family is the traditional keeper of the Galeras sacred mountain, located in the Napo Galeras National Park. Their name, Mamallacta, means mother village, or mothers place, in the kichwa language. Lowland Kichwas are the descendants of the ancient Yumbo tribe, who has inhabited these forests for thousands of years. The Napo Galeras mountain is sacred for the shamans, it is a temple. Moreover, it is the home of the Puma. There are innumerable myths, legends and tales connected to this mountain and its people.
To protect their sacred lands the family created the first all indigenous foundation to be recognized by the Ecuadorian Government. The foundation is nonprofit and dedicated to preserving ancient traditions, the forests, and their way of life. They offer to share this with you as a way of funding their work.
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The Mamallactas
Casimiro Mamallacta is both senior family member and a recognized practicing shaman. Kichwa is his native tongue, his use of Spanish is limited, his wife Margarita also speaks kichwa by choice. Their many children who help run the camp are all fluent in both languages, and some speak English.
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For the Visitor
The farm is located 1 km from Archidona, a small town in the province of Napo, Ecuador. Archidona is approximately a five hours bus drive from the capital Quito.
After arrival there is a short introduction to the guesthouse, family houses and immediate area. The cabanas are constructed with materials from the environment, with kichwa indigenous design and architecture. They use straw roof, palm trees and bamboo for walls and floor. The rooms are fully equipped with blankets and mosquito nets. Light refreshments are available and there is time for a quick dip in the river before a general introduction and dinner.
The family offers three different full days of visits and experiences.
Day 1
Breakfast at 8.00 AM
After breakfast we walk through secondary and primary forest to the cascades of the Cacique. During the walk we will see many of the small birds of the jungle. The guide will talk about medicinal plants of the kichwa culture. We return to the camp in time for lunch at 1.00 PM. After a recess we begin at 3.00 PM with a demonstration of the traditional handicrafts and weaving. Dinner at 6.00 PM.
Day2
Breakfast at 8.00 AM
The day starts with an explanation of the indigenous farming, construction of houses, ceramics and, and typical traps for catching animals.
Lunch at 1.00 PM
After the break there will be an extended presentation of the indigenous dance, including asking for the girl and war dance. There will also be a presentation of typical games. Dinner at 6.00 PM. After dinner there will be conversation around the table with the tourists. The family will talk about the creation, myth, history from the ancestors, history of the Ayawashka, and the study process of becoming a shaman.
Day 3
Breakfast 8.00 AM
At 9.00 AM we leave to explore a nearby cave. The walk through the cave will take about three hours. Inside the cave we will see natural formed sculptures. There is a unique biology life inside the cave, which is being explored by students from Universdad Catolica in Quito. On the other side of the cave, a truck will pick us up for the return to the camp. The evening will be spent in the surroundings of the Mamallacta family.
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The Costs
40 per person per day, this includes everything exept transport to and from Mariposa.The bus from Quito to Archidona is , a taxi from Archidona to Mariposa is about
The family also offers a longer jungle trek into the Napo Galeras National Park.
This is a strenuous 8 day trip for people in good shape The cost for this trip is 75 per person per day all included.
For reservations contact:
The Mamallacta Alvarado family
Tel: 06 887 487
Casilla postal 275-15-01
Tena Napo - Ecuador
E-mail: mamallacta@hotmail.com
Or
elias_mamallacta@yahoo.com
Any questions about the page please contact: fossedal@yahoo.com
   
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