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Let’s be honest; to meet the authentic,
native Amazonian tribes, living in the traditional ways of the rainforest,
you would have to go on a real expedition and travel for days into the
jungle. Obviously, the tribes who live within a couple of days travel from
Iquitos have been influenced by modern society and are no strangers to
money, cell phones, Nikes and Coca Cola. So even though a visit to the Bora
and Yagua communities at a mere 20 minute boat
ride from Nanay Bellavista
can be fun, entertaining and educational, it won’t give you the
authentic experience you may be craving.
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Nevertheless; the members of this community
–who may be spotted wearing jeans and t-shirts, riding around Iquitos
on their motorbikes, or going shopping with the wife and kids- really are
Bora and Yagua natives and they do have their own
customs and traditions.
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The Bora and Yagua who
live and work in their communities on the Momon
river will give you an excellent impression of what their culture is like.
But they need to pay the bills as well. The fees they charge for admission
and a presentation of traditional dances, the use of the poison dart
blowpipe (Yagua) and the prices of the souvenirs
they sell may seem a bit steep. But they do honor their centuries-old
tradition of bartering, so if you bring something they may value, like a
hat, a t-shirt, a ring, or anything else; they will suggest a trade.
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It’s considered good manners to bring gifts
or items to trade, but they won’t insist if you don’t want to
part with your belongings. In any case, these are some of the kindest,
gentlest and most hospitable people you will encounter in these parts.
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