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Ecuador and Amazon Trip with Rainforest Alliance

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by: Elizabeth Conway
Just returned from an unforgettable couple of weeks in the Amazon -- where Adventure Life is working on a project with the Rainforest Alliance and USAID to strengthen, lend and receive advice from community-owned lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Had the pleasure to spend time with Achuar, Huaorani, Kichwa and Secoya communities.
Swimming in Pastaza River in Achuar communityOur plane at Shell - to KapawiEn route to Kapawai LodgeLanding strip in Achuar communityViews from KapawiExploring sand bar while our motor gets fixedfresh tracksStick-bug from first night-hikeCrab spiderOn our way to a clay lick near the lodgeOur Achuar guide, SimonSimon shows us the workings from a Dragon Blood treeSunset near Achuar community - campsiteCandle light dinnerGetting my face painted by SimonOur awesome Huaorani guide, Eme, and travel-mate, EricEme shows us how to call a toucanTrekking near Shiripuno RiverTrying the blowdartA bit of night wildlifeEric gets his book "Savages" signed by MoiSpending the evening with MoiCaiman -- tiny guyVisiting the Huarani communityEme shows me the poison they put on arrows when huntingCampsite near Huaorani lodgeWaterfall - a 30 min. hike from campsiteEme shows us how to climb a tree like a HuaoraniI give it the ol' college tryMeeting Moi's mom and sisterrestingSunset on the Napo RiverBreakfast time at Napo LodgeTower at Napo Lodge -- great for wildlife viewingEric searches for howlersCountless colbalt-winged parakeets at clay lickCharming children at Kichwa community near Napo LodgeLagoon near Sani LodgeFishing for piranhas at SaniFull moon at Sani -- it was stunningFeet following a run-in with an ant hill. ITCHY!Wildlife surrounding Sani is amazing and right on top of youAbout a 1/2 dozen bats -- look closelySunset from Sani LodgeA relaxing evening with our guide, FreddyTravel-mate, Kate, celebrates her 30th at SaniThe whole ganglizard during night hikeAfrican palm plantation - 20,000 hectares near SecoyaOil infrastructures passes behind our Secoya guideOur wonderful Secoya guide, FaustoHiking near Secoya lodgeKate and Fausto catch-upSecoya LodgeCabanas at Secoya LodgeGood folks from lodges, RA, USAID and operatorsIn route to Old Town, QuitoCrafts at Otavalo MarketQuito's BasilicaInside the BasilicaView from the top of the basilicaAt the Presidential PalaceGetting an insider's look at the palaceDaniel and me hanging out at the Presidential PalaceAt the Equator. Look Mom, I did it!

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