Arutam Rainforest Reserve
The Arutam Rainforest Reserve covers 2710 hectares of pristine rainforest. Situated at the base of the Andean Foothills, between 600-1000 meters above sea level, the reserve lies within one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Furthermore, the reserve is connected to another 100.000 hectares of communally owned land and stretches undisturbed all the way into Peru and Brazil.
The flora is extremely varied, with everything from Podocarpus to mahogany, palms, bromeliads and an overwhelming variety of orchids. The fauna is just as varied, including the large species such as: Pumas, jaguars, tapirs, peccaries, monkeys, deer, ocelots, sloths and anteaters, and the reserve offers an endless opportunity of wildlife watching, birdwatching and breathtaking scenery.
The reserve was established in 1999 by the Shuar community Arutam in order to conserve wildlife and start working with tourism.
Arutam is a Good in the Shuar culture which gives the men visions and power to become good hunter, warriors and workers. Arutam lives in the water and can be contacted in waterfalls. There are several waterfalls inside the reserve where Arutam is said to be found
The Pastaza River
As one of the big tributaries to the Amazon River, the Pastaza River is an interesting habitat for both birds and animals and holds some amazing scenery.
Birdwatching
The forest of Arutam is home to some of the highest species diversity of birds in the world. Enjoy toucans, parrots, parakeets, tanagers, cotingas, woodpeckers, eagles, hummingbirds and a lots of others beautiful birds
Oxbow Lake
This Lake is formed in one of the Pastaza Rivers old riverbeds. The river keeps changing direction and streams are cut of and form Oxbow lakes with time, these lakes are important and interesting habitats for fish and wildlife.
Lookout points
On clear days the majestic and snow caped volcanoes Sangay and El Altar stands in beautiful contrast to the hot and humid jungle.
Waterfalls
There are various small and big waterfalls within the forest. As well as creating beautiful scenery and a nice cool dip, they are sacred to the Shuar people. It is believed that the entrance to the god’s world is located under the waterfall and that is where the god or divine force Arutam comes out, when he want to communicate with humans.
Small clear rivers (Nayum Entsa)
Creeks and rivers are abundant in the forest. Nayum Entsa is one of the biggest and is a very beautiful clear en clean river.
Arutam and neighbouring communities
Arutam is a small Shuar community with approximately 40 inhabitants. The villagers live a traditional live and are engaged in subsistence farming of especially yucca, cooking bananas, papa china and camote. Villagers are very keen on telling visitors about their culture and traditions
Traditional gardens and farming systems
Many of the crops grown by the Shuar have a very important role in diet as well as culture. See how crops are produced and hear about their use and legends.
Women’s group – crafts, arts
The women of Arutam and other nearby communities have created a women’s group to start small development projects, raising small livestock as chickens
Culture, Shuar legends, dances and food
You can observe and ask questions about Shuar culture and we can tell you about the traditional beliefs and legends and well as demonstrate dances. Also try the typical Shuar food and especially the basic diet chicha or 'Nijiamanch' as it is called in Shuar.
Other communities
Visitors who stay for a minimum of 2-3 days will have the opportunity to visit other communities as well. Currently we are working with two other communities: Musap and Chico Copataza. Both communities can be visited for 1-3 days. Longer stays requires special arrangements.
