Sustainable Tourism
and the Amazonian People

The Amazon Rainforest holds the most significant remaining tropical rainforest globally and contains 10% of the world’s known biodiversity. This unique region covers territory that belongs to nine countries and over 3,000 formally acknowledged indigenous territories. Sixty percent of the rainforest is contained within Brazil, with thirteen percent covered by Peru and ten percent by Columbia, and the rest by Ecuador and other countries in the region.

The rainforest area is home to about 1 million Amazonian people. They live in the beautiful rainforest full of insects, plants, birds, monkeys, jaguars, and more. This untamed space is unlike any other place in the world. As more sustainable travelers visit the Amazon, it’s important to understand indigenous tourism in the Amazon to prepare you for an amazing trip。

Indigenous Culture in Amazon

Aside from the amazing diversity of animals and plant life, one of the appeals of the Amazon are the individuals who call the area home. More than 400 amazon tribes live in the remarkable rainforest. Though multiple tribes are remote and have yet to open their homes to visitors, many have opened their communities to tourists through sustainable tours and local stay opportunities.  

Most Amazonian tribes today live in indigenous reserves. These reserves provide a lifestyle that combines traditional and modern living types. Many tour companies offer travel opportunities to connect with local amazon tribes. These indigenous tourism opportunities offer visitors the chance to spend several days in the Amazon and meet local communities. Some even offer cool opportunities like cooking classes!

Many indigenous tribes have struggled with the increase in tourism and industry in the Amazon due to deforestation and other negative impacts on amazon tribes. In the past, explorers and tourists have brought disease to remote tribes. In order to avoid unwanted problems, it’s important to maintain synergy with these tribes and promote sustainable tourism to maintain the integrity of the region.

Sustainable Tourism in Amazon

Sustainable tourism is a huge attraction for many visitors to Brazil, Peru, Columbia, and Ecuador  There are many opportunities to connect with the Amazonian people and travel responsibly throughout the region. 

Historically, ecotourism in the Amazon was largely led by indigenous individuals to replace more destructive tourism practices in the area and educate outsiders about local practices. In the past, many travel practices were not very thoughtful of local community needs and often destroyed the local ecosystem.

If you want to travel and connect with local tribes, using companies that implement sustainable efforts is important. Here are some great ways to incorporate local culture and ecotourism on your trip to the rainforest:

With the Responsible Travel company, tourists can explore Ecuador, the Andes, and the Amazon while visiting the villages of the region. This really unique opportunity allows travelers to connect with amazon tribes and includes lunch with the Sani tribe. Travelers can experience remote farms, take cooking lessons, and trek around the Otavalo region on this wonderful several-day tour.

Bonanza Tours is a large Manu, Peru tour company that is owned and operated by local individuals. This family-run company inspires conservation through adventure and offers eco-lodges, local cuisine, tree climbing, camping, photography, and trekking expeditions. The tour company works to give back to the local communities in the jungle and works to take the extra step of cleaning up Manu park during the off-season and high season. 

Sustainability is a key for the indigenous tourism in the Amazon. Local groups are leading the way with new tours and activities in both large and small cities. 

These are just a few of the great options to travel in the Amazon, one of the world’s most impressive areas. This region is also a perfect option for sustainable tourism, especially if you’re looking to connect with the Amazonian people.

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