Yasuní National Park and the Huaorani Indigenous Reserve Travel Guide
Huaorani indigenous communities, Amazon wildlife and threats of oil exploitation
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In the eastern reaches of the Orient (Ecuador’s Amazon region), the Yasuní National Park is the country’s largest natural reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching to the borders of Peru, this is an important region not only for its biodiversity – which is one of the richest on Earth – but also for the important indigenous ethnic communities that live here – the Huaorani people ‘s official reserve creates an important buffer zone to the west of the National Park.
The Huaorani people lived without contact with the outside world until the 1950s and Yasuní was declared a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, but in this relatively short period of time, the region has been under continual threat from the outside world.
A 150 kilometre stretch of road (the ‘Via Maxus’) has been built directly into the National Park by oil companies keen to exploit the rich oil deposits found under the surface here. The by-products of this industry have polluted the region, caused untold ecological harm, opened up access for illegal logging and destroyed the way of life of many of the communities that have traditionally called the Amazon their home.
Throughout the majority of this area, however, pristine places remain, indigenous communities are not entirely displaced. Well-managed tourism may be a way to help preserve the area and support the communities that live here in maintaining their traditional ways and not losing contact with their history which is under threat of being edged out by the imposing oil companies.
Read more under the Attractions heading below.
Attractions in Yasuní National Park and the Huaorani Indigenous Reserve
This region is remote and wild and it is highly recommended that visits are only made with professional companies who operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
For those who do, however, the main attractions are the natural Amazon Rainforest and the fascinating Huaorani indigenous community.
Activities in Yasuní National Park and the Huaorani Indigenous Reserve
Jungle walks by day or night and trips along the rivers by dug-out canoes are the main activities in this region, where the experience of travelling through the pristine rainforest is a profound nature experience.
It is also possible to see how modern influences are beginning to threaten these pure areas, such as the enormous oil extraction plants, for those who can bear to see the two sides of the Amazon.
Relaxing
Lie back in a hammock by the shores of the gently flowing Shiripuno River and listen to the legends of the Huaorani, and the Huaorani Eco-Lodge,
Getting Around
The main mode of transport in this region is by foot or by dug-out canoe.
The Via Maxus is the only road in the area, and is predominantly used by oil companies and the military.
It is possible to get small 6-seater flights to small airstrips located in the jungle.
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