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This endangered tribe inhabit the north Eastern forests of
Ecuador and number fewer than 500. The Secoya inhabit one
of the most bio diverse habitats on earth and their knowledge
of natural medicine unsurpassed. In the past Missionaries
tried to discourage traditional practices and beliefs among
the Secoya but their incredible knowledge of the forest and
ingenuity can still be seen by travellers to the region today.
Power of Nature
Among the hundreds of medicinal plants known to the Secoya
is a powerful hallucinogen used in Secoya shamanism called
Ayahuasca, a vine used all over the Amazon by other indigenous
cultures (the doses in ceremonies for curious tourists are
low).
Visiting the Secoya People
Eco-tourism has opened up the forest to the traveller eager
to see how the Secoya live; the flora and fauna, and way of
Secoya life are fascinating.
Visitors can stay in various accommodations, from relative
luxury to simple cabins. Mosquito nets are essential. Expect
to see an abundance of wildlife including monkeys, caimans,
Macaws, Parakeets and a host of other birds amongst a backdrop
of pristine rainforest.
If you go to visit this tribe you should avoid obvious traps
of tourism - do not take photos of the people unless given
permission, and observe rather than trying to join in or violate
their own unique beliefs and traditions.
Under Threat
Although it is possible to see how this fascinating people
live off the forest and spend time with the Secoya in the
jungle, be quick; the Secoya may not be here forever. Their
way of life is under threat from continued pressure from Petroleum
prospectors who were given the Secoya land by the government
in 1985. Next time you fill up at the petrol station remember
this: the Occidental Exploration and Petroleum Company (OEPC)
have admitted that the destruction of the Secoya land (known
as Block 13) would satisfy Americas' petrol consumption for
just 13 days…
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