Bosque Protector Arutam (Protected Forest of God)

Pastaza Province , Ecuador

Arutam is the traditional name for God in Shuar Culture

  Bosque Protector Arutam straddles the main road 48 kilometers south of Puyo , Ecuador , going south toward Macas. Via Macas is a one lane gravel road that follows the edge of the Amazon and the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains . The bosque is 2670 hectares of rainforest (6675 acres) of which 80 percent is primary forest and 20 percent having been logged within the past 10 years. The property is the private ownership of a Shuar family and had been developed to be an education center and rustic eco-tourism destination. The west border of the bosque is along the Pastaza River and an old ox bow lagoon. From there the property lays east across Via Macas over the rolling foothills of this area and then down into the flats with the swamps, lagoons and lowland forest.

East over the Pastaza River with Andes in the distance

  In the eastern portion of the bosque there are several streams with deep gorges and waterfalls coming off the foothills into the lowland marshes. The commercial logging has stopped and the family will selectively harvest an occasional tree for building the educational center and tourist habitations. Due to damage elsewhere in the nearby forest the animals either fled or are hunted by the locals. There is no hunting in the reserve but the size and density of the reserve makes it difficult to patrol on any consistent basis. There has been more evidence that the animals and birds are returning as time goes by and on the last trip we saw monkeys and the tracks of a Jaguar and a fresh deer kill. The people are a little nervous about the large cat living near their children but the overall feeling is that they are a part of the forest and good to have in the area.

Eastern view- below is a stream and sacred waterfall

  Nearly invisible paths lead through the forest to the many habitat zones and it would take months to explore all of the areas within the boundaries. We are on our way to the waterfall where my friend's ancestors have purified themselves before and after battle for generations. The vegetation looks the same everywhere, the trails are not marked and I would have become lost within minutes. My guide has grown up here and navigates the winding path with ease.

Path to the sacred waterfall

  Bosque Arutam is being reforested with native plants that are consumable, medicinal, ceremonial, ornamental, used for building, or used for handcrafts. Some of the sustainable income sources being explored at Bosque Arutam are herbal diet supplements, research and eco-tourism. There is a community to support and it is known that selling the resources is not the answer to their problems. Education and cultural community development are top on the list of activities for Arutam. Part of preserving the culture is making traditional herbal remedies, food and building supplies are made available to the people.

Medicinal herb in bloom

  In the culture of the Shuar, who were the headhunters of the Amazon, the men would purify themselves before and after the battle. They would fast for as many as 14 days, bathing in the waterfall and walking in the forest gathering their will and intention. After the fast they would drink tea made from Ayahuasca or a variety of Floripondio which bring them visions of their future and guidance and strength from Arutam, or God. If a warrior was strong enough to control the fear of meeting with Arutam then he could speak directly to Arutam and get the gift of additional strength and valor for the battle. If the warrior were to die bravely in battle their spirit would go back to the waterfall and live there in the form of an anaconda or jaguar. In time a Shuar warrior would come to bath and ask for strength and the spirit of the dead warrior would enliven the seeker and therefore recycle the energy of life. If a warrior was to die an ignoble death during battle his spirit would divide into parts and live in different insects and animals of the forest. If successful in battle the warrior would return to the waterfall to thank the spirits of the cascade for the strength and to purify in the water.

Cascades like this one are considered sacred by the natives

  It was a gift to be taken to the waterfall and bath where the ancestors had purified themselves. The rain stopped when we got to the cascade and the sun came out giving a surreal hue to the surrounding forest. We bathed in the water and talked about the challenges to the indigenous people, we spoke to the spirits and asked for strength to do the work we need to do and became brothers of the heart. The experience brought two cultures closer together and will hopefully lead to positive action for Bosque Arutam.

Condor People Founder Earl Brown at Tapir Cascade

Researchers and scientists from all fields of inquiry are welcome to come and conduct studies and field work in the Arutam Rainforest Reserve. Specifically we encourage agronomists, foresters, veterinarians, biologists, social scientists, teachers, medical students, anthropologists, horticulturalists and others to come and do field work, thesis or projects in our forest and community. There is housing for visitors built in the traditional architecture of the Shuar close to the main cluster of family dwellings but with a fantastic view of the Amazon foothills and distant Andes Mountains . Visitors are encouraged to eat and spend time with the community's families and to participate in community activities. In fact they are invited to become members of the extended Bosque Arutam family and come back to study or visit at any time. This is an excellent opportunity to study the rainforest plants, animals, learn the culture from the indigenous people and help protect and preserve this portion of the Amazon Rainforest.

Bosque Arutam is working to upgrade and expand their housing for long term visitors, develop additional rainforest trails and to build an arts center where local artisans can make and sell their crafts. If you are interested in teaching, speak Spanish and love rustic living this could be the experience of a lifetime. Come to Bosque Arutam and help with the realization of this important project. Visit the website at: www.arutam.net and take a photo tour and also visit the photo gallery link for Bosque Arutam on this page. For more information contact us here at Condor People and become involved.