Tiinkias, Ecuador, with the Pachamama Alliance

From Sarayaku we flew deeper into the rainforest to the airstrip in Chichirat where we trekked to the Bobanaza River and boarded another canoe to Ti'inkias. The view of the forest from the air was extraordinary -- but difficult to capture through the airplane windows. This was a more primitive experience than Sarayaku, and the "lodge" was up a hill from the village. Bunks were built under a thatched roof platforms, there was a fresh water shower that usually worked, as well as a dry composting toilet. We had a lovely cultural sharing in the village one afternoon -- the villagers performed traditional dances and demonstrations, and our group reciprocated with juggling, tango, singing, and rousing renditions of Row, Row, Row Your Boat, and the Hokey Pokey. Again, the hikes into the rainforest were filled with captivating flora and fauna.