We had the privilege of being shown around the town of Canelos by the owner of the lodge. It was nothing like the usual touristy money-making tours which seem fake and leave you with an uneasy feeling. This was simply a guy showing us around the town where he has become accepted by the Quichua community, who greet him like a long lost friend.
He told us stories of the traditional celebrations that happen in the community, including a blessing over the hunters as they head into the jungle for three weeks' of hunting before Christmas. The catches are consumed over the Christmas period, along with a good helping of Chicha (a fermented maize drink).
The townspeople are indigenous Quichua; they live in traditional round wooden houses with thatched roofs and grow yuca, bananas, papayas and chickens on their land. Decisions are made as a community in meeting every three weeks, held in the communal building. Each member of the community has a vote. Disputes are often dealt with by the chief and community, rather than by the authorities.
We met a talented lady called Elodia, who creates beautiful ceramics from local clays and natural dyes. She is a member of the Sinchi Sacha Foundation; a non-profit foundation which seeks to support artisans across the country by promoting their work. They have a shop and museum (Museo Mindalae) in Quito, which are worth a visit!
