In this article, learn how to visit indigenous villages through Sustainable Tourism and live profound and transformative experiences.
When Vivalá set out to engage in sustainable tourism in Brazil and, thus, work alongside traditional communities in the country, it knew that indigenous tourism would be an important part of this endeavor.
Since then, Vivalá has understood the need to know and support the indigenous cause in Brazil.
We know that tourism can be a powerful tool for this, as long as it is carried out with great responsibility and respect.
Fortunately, our travelers have always shared this attitude; therefore, we are proud to facilitate this exchange between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.
Next, let’s present a bit of the work we have done so far with Brazilian indigenous peoples.
Sustainable Tourism
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Amazon Expedition Shanenawa Village (AC)
Ancestral wisdom in an indigenous village in the heart of the forest From Rio Branco (AC), we will experience a profound immersion in the culture of ancestral peoples during a week living with the Shanenawa village, with an exclusive itinerary. We will learn about the spirituality, culture, and fight for rights of the Shanenawa people, all in the heart of the Amazon.
Kariri-Xocó Expedition (AL)
At the meeting point of the Caatinga with the Atlantic Forest, on the border of Sergipe and Alagoas and along the São Francisco River, we will immerse ourselves in the culture and spirituality of the Kariri-Xocó people, with transformative experiences such as ritual baths, Jurema consecration, dances, chants, tree planting, the Toré ceremony, and navigation with diving in the waters of the Velho Chico.
Tenondé-Porã Expedition (SP)
An immersion in the culture of indigenous peoples in the largest city in the country. Discover the beauty of the Tenondé Porã Indigenous Land, enjoy traditional cuisine, and experience the nhandereko (way of being) of the Guarani Mbya people on this expedition full of learning and contact with nature.
Chapada dos Veadeiros Expedition (GO)
Indigenous culture is also part of the Chapada dos Veadeiros Expedition, as the longer editions of this experience include a full day at the Multiethnic Village.
The space features houses built according to the architecture of different ethnic groups.
Additionally, an annual indigenous meeting, the most important festival of traditional peoples in Brazil, takes place there.
Takuari-ty Village, Guarani Indigenous People (Atlantic Forest Expedition)
From 2017 to 2019, the Guarani Takuari-ty Village participated in Vivalá’s mentoring and training sessions during the Atlantic Forest Expeditions in Cananéia (SP).
During this period, we supported the indigenous peoples in developing sustainable tourism, discussing, for example, the structure and business model.
Moreover, the Takuari-ty Village was one of the attractions of community-based tourism on those trips.
Travelers could see in practice what was discussed during the mentoring sessions.
However, one of the most emotional moments of each Expedition occurred at the end.
In a protection ritual, the Pagé – spiritual leader of the village – blesses and asks for protection for each member of the group. Thus, we returned home feeling light and happy.
An exciting feeling of connection with ancestral peoples, as well as respect and well-being. It’s spine-chilling!
Amazon Villages (Rio Negro Expedition)
The Amazon Expedition: Rio Negro focuses on traditional riverside populations, however, we sometimes visit indigenous villages in the region, such as the Cipiá and Tatuyo communities.
It was an opportunity for travelers to interact with ethnic groups inhabiting the Amazon and thus learn more about the culture and daily life of these peoples.
Currently, the Amazon Expedition Rio Negro no longer includes this stop in villages, as the experience is fully focused on riverside communities.
However, for those who want to immerse themselves with the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, we have prepared an exclusive expedition for that purpose.
Indigenous Tourism and Indigenous Peoples Day
Respect and empathy for the entire indigenous population, which suffered from colonization, as well as support for land demarcation and respect for the culture of our indigenous relatives, are obligations of every Brazilian citizen.
Indigenous peoples are the greatest guardians of our natural treasures, such as the Amazon rainforest, but they have never been treated with the respect they deserve.
Around 1500, it is estimated that there were 6 million indigenous people in Brazil, belonging to nearly 1,000 ethnicities.
However, over the past 520 years, 87% of these individuals have been killed, leaving just over 800,000 of them, representing 230 ethnicities.
As if that weren’t enough, in times of pandemic, the urgency of these issues is even greater.
Vivalá sees Indigenous Peoples Day as an opportunity for us, Brazilians, to reflect, discuss, learn, and become aware of the indigenous cause and understand how we should contribute to it.
Brazil was not discovered; indigenous peoples were already here.
Sustainable Indigenous Tourism
Experiences created in conjunction with indigenous peoples and in support of their cause and rights. Check out more information!
