Most rarely leave the tourist compound to walk in the rainforest, preferring instead to stay by the new pool at the lodge. Though tourism is profitable, most Quichua continue to tend to their crops. The need for rich soil leads many of your neighbors to clear half a hectare for new crops. However, deforestation is held at a minimum due to the ecotourism project. Tourism has become a strong and reliable source of income, doubling the annual income for most Quichua.
Most people can even afford to send their children to school in the provincial capital.
The ecotourism project is widely considered a success. Some Quichua regret the way that the community now is focused on tourist services rather than traditional Quichua activities, or at least demonstrating traditional Quichua activities to tourists. But you have avoided the mistakes made by other Quichua communities with their ecotourism projects. You have helped preserve Pangayacu's remaining rainforest and ensured the survival of the community. Copyright 1996 Educational Web Adventures.