Association Shuyun Tsa'chila
Tourism Project Among the Tsa'chila community - Ecuador.
In Quito it is not uncommon to see the Tsa'chila and their famous red hair pictured in the windows of travel agencies. Their smiling faces also cover many of the tourism posters throughout Santo Domingo de los Colorados
The reality is bitterer. Their territory is shrinking, gradually being swallowed by the big landowners, they receive very little for the crops they produce, they have little help from the government and the exodus from their lands each year has reduced their population to a point that the ethnic group is in danger of extinction.
The tourism project ShuyunTsachila was born to counter this situation. It not only provides income source for the community, but also a manner by which to show to the world that this culture still exists. .
If you visit the community of "El Post" you will participate in a few shamanistic ceremonies, dances and music, which some people may view as just "exhibitions." However, if you go a few extra days and share in their daily lives, the ceremonies that you will participate in will have a completely different meaning.
You can also do some hiking tours, on one of the few remaining forested lands in the region. The reserve is protected by the community and provides them with a source for their medicinal plants.
(Click on the images to enlarge them.)
