What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring a sleeping bag and sleeping mat, rubber boots, flashlight, insect repellent, rain poncho and a water bottle. Other practical items include mosquito net, sun-screen, long trousers, camera, batteries, plaster, disinfectant and pain-relieving medicine like paracetamol.
What about my Spanish skills?
We don’t require any special Spanish skills from our volunteers. However, basic Spanish skills will improve your experience since you’ll be able to talk to villagers.
Do villagers speak Spanish?
All villagers are bilingual with Shuar as their first language and Spanish as the second. All villagers are both fluent in Shuar and Spanish. The working language is of course Spanish, but villagers will often talk Shuar among each other. Villagers are very keen on teaching Shuar to any interested visitors.
How is the climate?
Arutam is located at approximately 700-900 meters above sea level. The surrounding forest is tropical evergreen moist forest, characterized as evergreen, wet pre-montane forest. The composition of the forest and vegetation is among the most diverse in the world.
Mean annual temperature is 20° C, with a mean maximum and minimum of 25.4° C and 16.4° C, respectively. Absolute maximum and minimum temperatures recorded were 31° C and 10° C, respectively.
Even though day temperatures are quite high, some rainy nights can feel a little chilly and a sleeping bag is required.
What about malaria?
The risk of malaria in Arutam is quite low. There have been no documented cases of Malaria in the community. However, there are few cases of malaria in the region and Malaria tablets are recommended.
Are there any dangerous animals?
The surrounding rainforest in Arutam contains some of the world’s highest biodiversity. Most of flora and fauna are harmless and none of the big cats are known to be man-eaters. Some insects can be an annoyance but are rarely dangerous. Just don’t touch any insects or animals unless villagers tell you that it is safe.
There are snakes and stinging ants, so a general rule is always to watch where you step and put your hands. Wear rubber boots when walking in the forest and use a flashlight when walking at night.
How far away is the nearest town/hospital?
The nearest town with normal commodities, internet, international calls, hotels, restaurants and hospital etc is Puyo which is located 48 km from Arutam. The trip to Puyo takes less than two hours by bus, which leaves several times a day from Puyo.
The popular town of Baños is only 3 hours drive away from Arutam (passing through Puyo) and some volunteers go there during weekends.
Is there a phone in Arutam?
We do have cell phones in the community. However, there is only one spot where you can receive a regular signal. Therefore you can only (with luck) call from the community and not to the community.
