The Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno is an indigenous group of Peru whose ancestral land is located in the Tambopata River, in the region Madre de Dios, one of the most biodiverse places in the world. The region is characterized by the Amazonian low and several endangered species such as the Amazonian turtle, the caiman, the macaw, and the giant river otter. As in many regions of the Amazon, the conversion of land for agriculture, illegal logging, deforestation, and habitat loss are clear threats at present.

The Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno

The Ese Eje Native Community of Infierno was formed in 1974 when the Peruvian government had the Native Communities Law, which stipulated that all the indigenous peoples of the Amazon had the right to form communities, delimit their lands and, in turn, obtain the formal and legal recognition of territorial rights. Inalienable. To this end, Ese Eja joined other Andean inhabitants and the ribereños of the region of Infierno to form the Native Community of Infierno. Although this process of mobilization and constitution lasted two whole years, the group emerged as the first community Native officially recognized in the state of Madre de Dios.

The legal title of 9,558 hectares of land was granted to the community on both banks of the Tambopata River.

Did you know that our Posada Amazonas lodge is owned by the Ese Eja of the Native Community of Infierno?

Since 1996, Rainforest Expeditions and the Native Community of Infierno have had a successful strategic alliance. The Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno, Peru, owns the lodge, while Rainforest Expeditions supports its marketing and management. This partnership has been one of the most successful ventures between a local community and a tourism company anywhere in the world! In fact, it’s creating meaningful profits and full-time employment for the Ese Eja people. Each year, profits are shared among the households of the community, increasing annual incomes by 25 percent. The lodge also provides around 20 full-time jobs for the Native Infierno Community.

When you visit Posada Amazonas, you get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Ese Eja’s life. Even more, you’re supporting the conservation of indigenous lands and culture!

Ese Eja Features at the Lodge

1. Art and Architecture

When you visit Posada Amazonas Lodge, you’ll notice that the lodge is constructed entirely of traditional materials, including palms and local woods, and modeled on the traditional Amazon style.  You will also notice unique wooden carvings located around the lodge – these are handcrafted by community members, and each one has a special story.

2. Activities

Community-based activities are available at Posada Amazonas. An opportunity to learn about the Amazonian Communities, their traditions, and stories.

3. Our Guides

All of our guides at Posada Amazonas are members of the Native Community of Infierno. They grew up in Tambopata – they know the land intimately and have incredible knowledge of local fauna and flora.

How Our Partnership Works

Promising Beginnings

• In 1996, our strategic alliance began when we signed a 20-year agreement with the Ese Eja community of Infierno. At that time, the community supported itself with subsistence jungle fishing and farming. They saw more tourists starting to travel up the river and wanted to get involved themselves.
• We already had one lodge in the area, the Tambopata Research Center Lodge. We wanted a second lodge to accommodate our visitors, so a collaboration with the nearby Ese Eja Community seemed like a perfect match!
• The community provided pristine forest land (on their highly protected communal reserve), along with knowledge about local ecology and culture. We brought tourism management experience, financial capital, and marketing know-how. Together, we created our beloved Posada Amazonas Lodge!

The Ese Eja’s Growing Role

• During that early partnership, we agreed to split the lodge’s profits, with 60 percent going to the Native Community, and 40 percent to the company. Management was evenly split between the company and the community, and community members were actively involved in every part of the lodge’s operation.
• The Ese Eja created a Management Committee — 10 representatives elected by all community members — to work with us. The Committee still exists, meeting monthly with Rainforest Expeditions to manage our partnership.
• Today, the Ese Eja Community of Infierno has increased its tourism expertise. They now receive 75 percent of the lodge’s profits, and almost fully run the lodge themselves.
• Together, we’re moving towards our long-term goal: 100 percent community management!

What has been achieved so far

The development of the Posada Amazonas Lodge with Rainforest Expeditions has brought several benefits to the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Economic development: The development of the lodge has created employment opportunities for the community members, generating income and improving their economic well-being. Posada Amazonas Lodge employs over 30 people from the community and provides additional income through the sale of local handicrafts and other goods to the lodge.
2. Community empowerment: Our partnership has given the community more control over their land and resources, as they are actively involved in the management of the lodge and the tours provided to visitors. This has helped to strengthen their cultural identity and pride and promote community cohesion.
3. Capacity building and training: Together we have provided training and capacity-building opportunities for community members, helping them to develop skills in hospitality, tourism management, and sustainable land use practices. This has helped to build their capacity and improve their ability to manage and benefit from the tourism enterprise.
4. Conservation of natural resources: The development of the lodge has helped to promote the conservation of natural resources in the area by providing economic incentives for the community to protect the forest and wildlife, and adopt sustainable land use practices. The lodge is also involved in several conservation initiatives, such as the monitoring of wildlife populations and the reforestation of degraded areas.
5. Cultural exchange and education: The lodge provides opportunities for visitors to learn about the Ese Eja culture, history, and traditional knowledge, promoting cross-cultural exchange and understanding. This has helped to raise awareness about the importance of cultural diversity and promote respect for indigenous peoples and their rights.

Learn more about the traditions and stories from the Ese Eja of Infierno Native Community