Visit the Amazon jungle in Peru to travel through time, where ancient traditions, customs and dances are still practiced. Visit the native communities that share their culture with the world!

According to the most recent national surveys, today there are 55 indigenous or original villages in Peru. From this number, 51 correspond to the Amazon, and 4 to the Andes or altiplanic zone. The native communities have maintained a large part of their ancient traditions such as the use of medicinal plants, including the ayahuasca ritual--as well as their dances, music and various rituals. 

If one of your travel dreams is to visit the remote area of the Peruvian Amazon, in the area Loreto, and discover how the ancient tribes live on their land, at Let's Visit Peru we tell you which are the main native communities that exist so that you can educate yourself beforehand. 

Bora de San Andrés 

The Bora village has always been connected to the villages murui-muinani and ocaina because they have common history and cultural practices. They live on the banks of the Momón River, to the northeast of Iquitos. Its people are native to the area above Putumayo at the border of Colombia, and immigrated to their current location because of the rubber boom. Their most important celebrations are the “Fiesta del Pijuayo” and the “Danza de la Viga” where histories related to the origin of the world are represented, and of their culture, through the use of mythological masks. 

How to visit them? There are different programs in the Amazon that include a visit to the Bora Native Community. You can review the option that suits your schedule best, we have all inclusive packages for 3 days, 4 days, 5 days or 6 days.

Kukama kukamiria

The Kukama Native Community is located on the outskirts of the village Padre Cocha, on the Nanay River, and has more than 2,000 habitants. The Kukama community  founded the Caserío Hungurahui, a small village, 98 years ago, and changed its name to Padre Cocha because of the presence of the Augustinian Fathers. During the visit you will get to know part of their daily life as well as their dances and typical food. In addition you will learn about the clay works and fishing techniques. 

How to visit them? You can reserve the program Amazon Full All-Inclusive, where you will have a day to discover this ancient tribe. 

Jíbaro

Los jíbaros, or shuar tribe, are known worldwide as the “reducidores de cabeza'' because during the age when they fought against the Spanish, this indigineous community utilized decapitation to scare off their enemy. In addition, various investigations indicate that it is said that this practice trapped the bad spirits to avoid that they would come back in search of vengeance. Today, this ritual is no longer practiced and the Jíbaros are in contact with the modern world. They live in the Amazon basin of Peru, specifically near the Corrientes River and Ecuador. 

How to visit them? There are two all-inclusive programs available; according to the amount of days you want to visit the Amazon: 4 days or 5 days.

Yagua

At the banks of the Momón River, to the northeast of Iquitos, live the Yaguas. It is said that the word yagua was derived from the quechua word “yawar”, which means blood or the color of blood, due to the traditional body painting specifically with achiote, a typical fruit of the zone. This community surprises its visitors with dances, inviting them to participate and get to know up close life in the peruvian Amazon. 

How to visit them? Learn more about their culture by reserving the Lima and Amazon Circuit, or if you have more time, the Lima, Cusco and Amazon Circuit. 8 days full of adventure and memories! 

Alamas

Another mysterious tribe of the Amazon, the Alamas, up until a few years ago were cannibals. 

How to visit them? There are two all-inclusive programs available, according to the amount of days you want to spend in the Amazon: 4 days or 5 days.

Recommendations

  • If you are going to visit a native community the most important thing is to be respectful of their culture and beliefs. As a tourist you are there to learn, discover and experience a new worldview and way of life. 

  • In some areas you can find local artisans. Remember to bring cash in case you want to buy something during your visit, since you will not have access to an ATM or bank in the jungle. 

  • We recommend that you bring water, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug repellent to protect against mosquitos. Choose cotton clothing in light colors. 

If you are interested in visiting the Peruvian Amazon, review our tourism packages or write to us at sales@letsvisitperu.com and we will plan a trip according to your needs.