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Manu is well known as one of the last undisturbed tropical rainforests left on Earth. Animals on the verge of extinction, can still be found in healthy populations here . However, little has been heard about its original human inhabitants.
Until recently that is, when the Yine Indians of the Alto Madre de Dios
River called attention to their situation. Park restrictions do not allow them to use as big a hunting territory as their increasing population (a consequence of western ´health measurements´) ask for. Rightly, they have claimed their stake in eco-tourism, to find a new sustainable lifestyle.
The Yine Lodge has comfortable and spacious double occupancy huts, built with traditional grisneja palm leaf roofs, beautiful cedar wood walls, and plenty of open window area (covered with mosquito netting), so you do not miss the slightest detail of the rainforest. The huts are hexagonal shape,the foremost symbol in Amazon spirituality. Trails, shaped like the serpenting anaconda AND symbolising the human mind-spirit relation, lead to modern-day hygienic toilets.
The Yine Restaurant is a beautiful, rustic construction. We offer
international cuisine with traditional Yine side dishes. You can also find articles and books to read about the Yine culture.
Here is the itinerary for The 3-day Yine Tour:
Day 1. From Cusco to the Yine Lodge & Cocha Mapchiri Visit.
In the cold of the Cusco morning you step on a small airplane that flies you over the Andes, to the small landings strip of Boca Manu. Your hosts, an English speaking and a Yine guide, are waiting for you at the side of the landings strip to take you to the attractive and comfortable huts of the Yine Lodge.
After settling in, you meet in the Yine Restaurant, where the guide explains about the lodge, the Yine Culture Tour Programme and gives you an introduction to the Yine Culture, while you sip a welcome drink, This is followed by lunch.
In the afternoon, the two guides take you on a hike to Cocha Mapchiri. Along the way, the English speaking guide not only provides you with information on western rainforest ecology but also translates the explanations of the Yine guide about their interpretation of rainforest ecology. On arrival at the Mapchiri listen to the story of the lake,so called because it is said to be home to a giant anaconda!
Dinner is from 18:00 to 19:30. Tonight and tomorrow night, your English speaking guide will be available in the restaurant to function as
interpreter in case you would like to talk with your Yine guide or any
of the other Yine people present.
Day 2. To Diamante through the forest and back by river.
Breakfast is from 05:00 to 06:30. This morning you hike, with your two
guides, from the Yine Lodge to the Yine Community of Diamante.
As you pass a variety of habitats, the Yine guide points out the plants and trees with special use and meaning to them. When you arrive at the village, you are welcomed with their special drink masato, made with fermented yuca. The tour through the village shows the virtues of rainforest life,but it also demonstrates the problems of a people caught between their own traditional Yine culture and the imposing western culture.
Led by Lola Trigoso, one of the finest Yine artisans, several Yine women offer to paint your arm (or head) with traditional Yine designs. Lunchtime (packed lunch) is from 13:00 to 14:30.
In the afternoon, you return to the Yine Lodge in a spectacular
way: each of you has a little dugout canoe, with paddler, waiting to take you down the Alto Madre de Dios River. The Yine have long been known as excellent boatmen, strong paddlers, and able to read the significance of every little wave of the river. Of course you can give it a try as well! However, Just in case! You travel with a life vest, and a motorised canoe follows at a distance. Your destination is reached after approximately two hours. Dinnertime is from 18:00 to 19:30.
Day 3. Yine pottery, Bow and Arrow shooting & Return to Cusco.
Breakfast is from 05:00 to 06:30. This morning, one of the Yine artisans is at the lodge and she has all she needs to make Yine pottery. She will show you how they shape and paint their pots and teach you to make your own. Before ending the trip, you can test your aim with bow and arrow shooting, guided by Yine teachers, of course.
Around midday the light aircraft takes you back to Cusco.
Departure dates:
The lodge is open continuously, and the Yine Culture Tour can start any day of the week. However, the flights depend on a minimum occupancy of four passengers to or from Boca Manu, therefore, you need to check
availability.
The Yine Tour includes:
. English speaking naturalist guide
. Yine guide
. 2 nights at the Yine Lodge
. Excursions and activities mentioned in the program
Click here to read about Andean Trails
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