Head Hunting in Ecuador: A Journey into the Uncharted Territories of South America

In the heart of South America lies Ecuador, a land of towering Andes mountains, lush Amazon rainforest, and enigmatic indigenous cultures. Among these cultures are the Shuar and Jivaro tribes, who have a long and fascinating history of head hunting.

HEAD-HUNTING IN ECUADOR: Travels in South America

by Ilana Benady

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	47250 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	237 pages
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Head hunting was a ritual practice among these tribes, believed to confer power and prestige on the warrior who took the head of an enemy. The heads were often shrunk and preserved as trophies, and were believed to contain the spirit of the victim.

In recent years, head hunting has been banned in Ecuador, and the practice has largely died out. However, there are still some remote communities where the tradition continues to be practiced in secret.

If you are looking for an adventure off the beaten path, then a trip to Ecuador to learn about the head hunting tribes is a must. Here is a guide to help you plan your trip.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Ecuador is to fly into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, the capital city. From Quito, you can take a bus or plane to Macas, the closest city to the Shuar and Jivaro territory.

Where to Stay

There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Macas, such as the Hotel Macas and the Hostal Macas. If you are looking for a more authentic experience, you can also stay in a traditional Shuar or Jivaro village.

What to Do

There are a number of things to do in Macas, including visiting the Shuar Museum, which has a collection of artifacts from the head hunting tribes. You can also take a guided tour of the surrounding rainforest, where you may be able to see some of the tribes' traditional practices.

If you are interested in learning more about the head hunting tribes, you can also visit the Shuar village of Shuar Chico, which is located about an hour from Macas. Here, you can meet with the villagers and learn about their culture and traditions.

What to Pack

When packing for a trip to Ecuador, be sure to bring comfortable clothing that you can wear in the rainforest. You will also need hiking boots or shoes, a raincoat, and a hat. If you are planning on staying in a traditional village, you should also bring a sleeping bag and mosquito net.

Safety

Ecuador is a generally safe country to travel in, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings. When visiting the Shuar and Jivaro territory, be sure to hire a reputable guide and stay with them at all times. You should also be respectful of the local culture and traditions.

A trip to Ecuador to learn about the head hunting tribes is an unforgettable experience. It is a chance to immerse yourself in a fascinating culture and to see a side of South America that few tourists ever get to see.

If you are looking for an adventure off the beaten path, then a trip to Ecuador is the perfect choice for you.

Additional Information

Here are some additional articles that you may find interesting.

• Headhunting in Ecuador
• Headhunters: A Look into the World of the Trophy Collectors
• Headhunting

Image Gallery

Here are some images of head hunting in Ecuador.

HEAD-HUNTING IN ECUADOR: Travels in South America

by Ilana Benady

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	47250 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	237 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE