One of our activities include visiting local communities to broaden the understanding of what it is like to live in the Amazon Rainforest.

Aside from agriculture, fishing and hunting, the locals have many skills that have been passed down for generations such as weaving.

The Forest is filled with raw materials for use, some for short duration use, others for years of function. Such materials may be familiar to some, like the palm heart that is used on ash Wednesday in the west to make little crucifix. This palm heart has many functions from sustenance to material for constructions or rope.

Weaving is important for many projects, thatch roof can be made from a number of palms, the siding can be weaved or placed but the top or apex is always weaved very thick sometimes including 18 palm fronds just for one small 3m section.

While on a “survival trip” we may make a camp out of materials sourced locally but the majority of the weaving our client will do is on a visit to the village of Roca Eterna.

Here the matriarchs are responsible for the families, and households. cooking, weaving ,child rearing ect. They love to take a moment out of their busy days to teach our guests how to weave an “abanico” or a palm frond fan. Of course their time does not go unpaid, although some feel very satisfied having international guests sharing space in their house.

For the local guides we employ, the feeling they get marching guests through their village is inspiring.

It is not an activity for everyone but if you have the desire and patience to learn a new skill from an authentic source, here is the chance!