THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON

A Journey of Justice and Natural Wonder

“Sarayaku President, José Gualinga, took us personally through Sarayaku. We were welcomed as brothers and sisters.”

July    20th  -­‐  30th,  2014

DAY 1 Arrive in exotic Quito, a premiere and desirable destination, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our charming hotel. Dinner and cultural activities await.DAY 2 (7/20) Orientation meeting by journey leaders. Meet with partners to be briefed on situation in Ecuador as it relates to development and indigenous peoples. Tour old town of Quito before dinner at the celebrated La Cuchara de San Marcos. DAY 3 Leave for Lago Agrio, down to the floor of the Amazon for a full day “ToxiTour” - Chevron’s poisonous legacy in the jungle.DAY 4 5 6 Head to SaniLodge on the border of magnificent Yasuní National Park to experience the rainforest with our group biologist and a local guide where we’ll immerse ourselves in the wilderness.Day 7 8 9 Chartered flight to the Kichwa community of Sarayaku, home to the “Children of the Jaguar”. We’ll learn about the history and struggle of the community against oil extraction on their lands, their cosmology and meet with their elders. Guided nature hikes in the rainforest, a roundtable discussion with the community leaders, learn about Selva Viviente and the Camino de las Flores, and more. You will experience what it is to live in this remarkable place.DAY 10 Quito via Shell, stopping in picturesque Baños, a beautiful town known for its waterfalls, hot springs, and miracles. DAY 11 (7/30) Meet with government representatives and then spend time enjoying Quito. We will visit the Chapel of Men, a museum created by Oswaldo Guayasamín, the most important artist in Ecuador’s National History. Farewell dinner at La Cuchara de San Marcos. DAY 12 Transfers to airport and homeward bound...or extend your stay for more of your own adventures.

ITINERARYTHE JOURNEYJoin Amazon Watch on an Amazon Rainforest Adventure that will enrich your life! Travel with founder and executive director, Atossa Soltani, on this remarkable journey. Starting from historic Quito, Ecuador, you’ll learn from key staff and partners about the history of the struggle to protect the Amazon and support the rights of indigenous peoples who call the Amazon home. Traveling by air and by land, you will see sights that few will ever have the opportunity to see. We’ll take you into the heart of the devastation wrought by oil companies, getting a first hand look on our ToxiTour. Next we’ll take you to the Sani EcoLodge in Sani Isla at Yasuní National Park, the most biodiverse place on the planet. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of pristine rainforest with engaging activities and comfortable accommodations. We’ll travel by chartered plane to Sarayaku to learn about this inspiring Kichwa community in a vast, beautiful rainforest. Sarayaku stood up to Big Oil and the government and won their case with our support, establishing once and for all their rights to self-determination and a healthy environment. This is a journey without parallel, taking you safely to the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon and providing everything necessary to learn, discover and grow from the experience.

Rainforests  and  Indigenous  Rights  -­‐  a  special  delegation  of  Amazon  Watch  supporters  and  advocates

July 2014 Amazon Watch

A journey like this, with Amazon Watch and our partners, is unparalleled.

"The best trip of my life...an entrée into places and cultures that the average traveler would never be able to experience." Patrick M

AMAZON WATCHAmazon Watch was founded in 1996 to protect the rainforest and advance the rights of indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin. We partner with indigenous and environmental organizations in campaigns for human rights, corporate accountability and the preservation of the Amazon's ecological systems.

“An unparalleled opportunity. There are many trips that will take you to the Amazon, but this is one of the few that will give you a truly holistic view of the nature, the cultures, and the challenges it faces.” Gary

“Amazon Watch's dedication to this amazing biosphere and the indigenous communities that protect and thrive within it is inspirational. This was a truly unique and unforgettable adventure!” Rebecca

“This journey truly led participants through transformational experiences. It opened our eyes and hearts to alternative, and perhaps healthier, indigenous worldviews. Coming back to the U.S. I am buzzing with new energy, life, ideas, and intentions for how to live and act with greater reverence for Pachamama, and, indeed, for all life.” Jessica L

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JULY 20 - 30, 2014 - COSTS - $3500. Includes accom, domestic travel, at least 2 meals a day, guides and tours. International Airfare, tips and extras not included. Itinerary subject to change. Contact Amazon Watch amazon@amazonwatch.org or call 510-281-9021

“We envision a world that honors and values cultural and biological diversity and the critical contribution of tropical rainforests to our planet's life support system. We believe that indigenous self-determination is paramount, and see that indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditional practices contribute greatly to sustainable and equitable stewardship of the Earth. We strive for a world in which governments, corporations and civil society respect the collective rights of indigenous peoples to free, prior and informed consent over any activity affecting their territories and resources. We commit, in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect, to support our indigenous allies in their efforts to protect life, land, and culture in accordance with their aspirations and needs.”

July 2014 Amazon Watch