Sucúa, with a population of just 6,000 is the major home and center of the Shuar (Jívaro) Indian culture. Famous for shrinking the heads (Tzantzas) of their enemies, which ceased some 2 generations ago, the process evolved to take revenge from the bewitchment of the enemy over others as well as serving as a warning to any would be future attackers and predators.

© Picture by Bodd Wuth. 02-2282841.

Fine examples of the latter practice can still be seen today in the Museo Municipal in Guayaquil as well as a painted tableaux display outside the main Sucúa school. The elder generation of Shuar may also still be seen today with their elaborate facial and body tattoos although the younger generations today dress mainly in comfortable jeans and shirts.

There is also a Shuar cultural center called Centro de Formación just 10-15 minutes from the main plaza opposite a craft shop to visit and for those interested in guided tours or information on traditional villages you can visit the Shuar Federation at Domingo Comín 17-38 (or Calle Tarqui 809). Tel & Fax: 07-740108.

© Picture by Bodd Wuth. 02-2282841.

Do allow time for your application to be processed (2 days), you will also be interviewed and informed how to behave with specific reference to understanding Shuar etiquette.

The main market day is on Sundays and if you visit this town do take advantage of the cable car system that takes you over the nearby river, Rio Namangoza where you may enjoy lovely walks, swimming and rapids. There is little accommodation in Sucúa so most visitors stay 20km away in the jungle town of Macas, busses leave frequently from morning to early evening.

Accommodation

Hostería Orellana.- Located by the end of town. Reservations: Tel. 07-740193.

Hostal Cuenca.- Reservations: Tel. 07-740129.

Hostal Alborada.- Located on Domingo Comín street. Reservations: Tel. 07-740149.

Restaurants

Paolita.- Local specialties. Located on Domingo Comín (south of the center).

La Fuente.- Set meals. Located close to the plaza.

Bars & Discos

Tropical Bar's.- Music & Snacks. Located on Victoriano Abarca street.

Discoteca Caña Brava.- Varied music. Address: Av. Sucúa and Abarca.

Jefralisavi.- Snacks and drinks. Located north of the plaza

Méndez, officially named Santiago de Méndez, is a very nice quite town with just 2,000 inhabitants with houses which are decorated with reddish colored tiled roof tops and well garnished flower arrangements in the householders front gardens.

You can reach this area inside 2 hours from Limón via bus or rented vehicle and stay the night in "pensiones".
The road east to (San José de) Morona is 9 hours and halfway down to this village towards the heart of jungle lands is the Santiago settlement where you can rent dug out canoes which will take you to Rio Coangos for about US$35.00 that will lead you to a trail where you can visit "The cave of the oil birds" (La Cueva de Los Tayos) within 3 hours with a guide so you don't get lost in the maize.

A Recommended tour agency is Metropolitan Touring in Quito, to view the cave with a depth of 85m. The oil bird is an endemic species and a nocturnal bird who will depart early evening from the caves in search of fruits and is unique in comparison to all other carnivorous nocturnal birds.

They have been named oil birds due to the palm fruits they eat giving them an oily and fatty skin formation. In addition these birds have great night vision and a super developed sense of smell to help distinguish various fruit aromas and fragrances during their nightly search.

Accommodation

Hostal Los Ceibos.- Comfortable rooms. Located on Calle Cuenca by the plaza. Reservations: Tel. 07-760133.

Hostal Los Sauces.- Reservations: Tel. 07-760165.

Restaurants

16 de Agosto.- Set meals. Address: Cuenca and Guayaquil.

El Reportero.- Set meals. Address: Domingo Comín and Cuenca.

50km from Méndez in southerly direction and approximately 2 hours duration lies the mission town of Limón, founded around 70 years prior by the missionaries.
The town's official name is General Leonidas Plaza and is immersed within very high jungle terrain that peers down on the town which has busses all leaving from Calle Quito onward to Macas, Cuenca and Gualaquiza.

The population is just 3,000 and has sparse accommodation facilities with just a few hotels and restaurants in one single street but is worth a visit and is a bustling town with very friendly people.

Accommodation & Restaurants

Residencial Limón.- Basic but modern. Reservations: Tel. 07-770114.

Hotel Dream House.- Reservations: Tel. 07-770166.

Residencial Dianita.- Basic. Reservations: Tel. 07-770122.

EI Viajero.- Set meals at the bus terminal.

There are many others basic Chinese restaurants in the village.