Numbering less than a thousand, the Cofán people maintain today a largely traditional lifestyle whilst adapting to the pressures of modern life. The Zábalo community, for example, under the leadership of Randy Borman, migrated down the Rio Aguarico partly to escape the encroachment of the oil industry.
 With a territory of more than 10,000 hectares of virgin rainforest, Zábalo, in conjunction with Surtrek Tour Opoerator, has established the following Ecotourism programmes. These provide income, which better enable the Cofán to defend their culture and their environment.
The Cofán community of Zábalo migrated down-river about two decades ago to escape the devastating impacts of Texaco's incursion into their territory in the upper Aguarico. Imuya survives today in its pristine condition largely due to the Cofán people, whose resistance, in alliance with Surtrek Tour Operator and other environmentalists in 1993, halted the oil industry's attempts to explore for oil in the area.
It was following the campaign for Imuya that Ecuador's president made a historic decree protecting Imuya from oil exploration because of its enormous ecological fragility and diversity, which also made it a potential destination for Ecotourism.
Amazonian Ecosystems: If you think the Amazon Basin is one vast uniform environment with no variation in climate, soil, forest composition and rainfall, you are in for quite a surprise! Randy Borman - your guide on this adventure - will introduce you to the three main types of ecosystem that are to be found in the area. This programme also gives you a brief look at some of our community projects. If you are looking for a good overview of what the Amazonia is all about and are working with a limited time frame, this is your best option.
Itinerary 6 days / 5 nights:
Day 01: Quito - Lago Agrio - Chiritza - Zábalo.
A long day of travelling. By evening, you will be in the village of Zábalo, enjoying an excellent meal and unwinding in the thatched cabins, which will be your home for the next five nights. Randy Borman, village chief, will explain the itinerary and answer any questions. -/L/D
Day 02: The Zábalo River
This river is really beautiful. We go up the river and keep our eyes; noses and ears open for exotic birds, mammals and reptiles. A pretty exciting day, from which we return for a swim in the Aguarico River and a good late supper. B/L/D
Day 03: Hike through the rainforest
What about a real hike through some of the most beautiful rainforest in the world? The hill forest is the predominant environment of the Amazonia. It also happens to be the home of over one hundred useful medicinal plants, not to mention plants used in building, craftwork, canoes, and other daily needs. B/L/D
Day 04: Flood Plain Forest
We head for the "flood plain forest". Trees are taller than in the hill forest, and include the huge ceiba, whose canopies often cover an acre. We may see scarlet macaws swaying in the breeze and will also have time to look at the complexities of the fish life. B/L/D
Day 05: Time to explore the surrounding on your own
This is the day, which you can plan yourself. You can put in your own ideas: maybe you fancy a ride in a small dugout canoe, or perhaps you would rather try your luck at fishing up-river, or who knows, even keep on hiking. B/L/D
Day 06: Back to Quito
All good things come to an end, and today we have to head back to Quito. However, we hope you will take with you a deeper appreciation of both the fragile ecosystem of the rainforest and its people, not to mention memories of a unique and wonderful adventure. B/-/-
Price 2007:
USD 1.160.- per Person
Minimum 2 People.
In the price included:
Flight Quito-Lago Agrio-Quito, transportation from Lago Agrio (bus/canoe) to Lago Agrio, accommodation in tents and camps, English speaking naturalist guide (Cetur licensed), native guide, national park entrance fees, meals according to program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner), tea, coffee, mineral water, rain poncho, rubber boots
Not included in the price: International flight airport tax (USD 41.- per person), binoculars, alcoholic beverages, tips, personal items and travel insurance
What to bring with you:
Passport, rain poncho, binoculars, flashlight, insect repellent, sun block, hat with brim, sunglasses, rubber boots if your size is bigger that us 13, lightweight long and short-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants and shorts - NOT JEANS. Comfortable shoes and long socks, camera, film (ASA 400) and flash, bathing suit, daypack, 1 or 2 plastic bags.
About the accommodation:
The camps are built with local material. You have a palm roof, wooden floor (one big space where everybody sleeps); bed linen is at your disposal. Showers and toilets are directly next door. Besides that you can take a bath in the river.
Level of difficulty for this tour:
The trekkings in the jungle require a good physical shape (because of the heat) but you only have to carry your own daypack.
Remarks:
The program can change because of the weather. All changes take place to the interest and the security of the traveller. Our camps are also used by scientists and researchers as base camps. Groups bigger than four people can define their own program as well as the start of the tour. Because the area is hard to access, long boat trips are inevitable.
If you need any additional information please write us:
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South America 
