TOURISM AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Arrival: to venture into Yasuní National Park it is necessary to arrange the journey beforehand with a tourism company, because the few lodges available are accessible only by canoe. The usual route parting from Quito is arriving first to the port of Coca by airplane or car, then navigating Napo River to the east until one gets to one of the lodges. The cities of Nuevo Rocafuerte and Tiputini, on the northeastern limit of the park, mark the joining zone of rivers Yasuní and Tiputini to the Napo River. Most of the attractions are accessible through these and other rivers.
• Huaorani reservations: the Huaorani are a nomad people that have dominated the area of Yasuní National Park for centuries. The name they give themselves, Huaorani, is the plural for the word "person" in their language. They are also known as Aucas, a name the Incas gave them, which depicts their rebelliousness toward foreign powers. Not only were the Incas unable to conquer them, but the Huaorani have defended their territory against all types of colonizers, missioners and even oil companies, only using their knowledge of the rainforest and their spears. There are only a few communities left whose ancient customs are still untouched, and who live in harmony with their environment. One of the park’s objectives is to protect the way of life of these people.