About Us

Our community, Uchuculin, is of the Kichwa culture, one of the 9 ethnic nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon. It is located in the upper part of the Napo River region near the western mountain range of Llanganates, or “Zero Wasila,” 12 km from the town of Tena. We had always been a community of hunters and gatherers living far from civilization, but in the last 85 years we came into contact with the western world, therefore entering into a process of rapid socio-cultural change. This situation has greatly affected our way of life. So we are now seeking better alternatives for our future generations. Our purpose is to maintain our customs, traditions, and lifestyle while conserving and protecting our ancient land. For a long time we have lived in harmony with the plants, animals, and rainforest that has covered us and protected us throughout our ancestral experiences. At present we are comprised of 60 families in different areas covered in part by primary rainforest characterized by its abundant biodiversity.