Macas: The Gateway to Ecuador's Amazon

• HelloShukar
  [SHOO-kar]
• GoodbyeAriari
  [AH-ree-AH-ree]
• YesEe
  [EE]
• NoMan
  [mahn]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [pohr fah-BOHR]
• Thank youGracias
  [GRAH-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe
  [dees-KOOL-peh]
• How are you?Kuyanakuy?
  [koo-YAH-nah-koo-ee]
• Fine. And you?Alli kani. Y usted?
  [ah-LEE kah-NEE. ee oos-TEHD]
• Do you speak English?Ingles yachaykunawan?
  [EEN-gles yah-CHAHY-koo-NAH-wahn]
• I don't understandMana rikurikchik
  [MAH-nah ree-koo-reek-CHEEK]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenukuna kashanki, por favor
  [meh-NOO-koo-nah kah-SHAHN-kee. pohr fah-BOHR]
• I don't eat meatKarne mana mikushkani
  [KAHR-neh MAH-nah mee-KOOSH-kah-nee]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-LOOD]
• I would like to pay, pleasePakarikunata rikurikchik, por favor
  [pah-kah-ree-KOO-nah-tah ree-koo-reek-CHEEK. pohr fah-BOHR]

• Help!Yachay!
  [yah-CHAHY]
• Go away!Rikurik!
  [ree-koo-reek]
• Call the Police!Pulisia shimikuy!
  [poo-lee-SEE-ah shee-MEE-koo-ee]
• Call a doctor!Unayta yachaykuy!
  [oo-NAH-ee-tah yah-CHAHY-koo-ee]
• I'm lostUkumanta mikushka
  [oo-KOO-mahn-tah mee-KOOSH-kah]
• I'm illUkumanta purik
  [oo-KOO-mahn-tah poo-REEK]

• I'd like to buy...Kushikchikuy...
  [koo-sheek-CHEE-koo-ee]
• I'm just lookingShimita rikushka
  [shee-MEE-tah ree-KOOSH-kah]
• How much is it?Ima kantu?
  [EE-mah KAHN-too]
• That's too expensiveKushik
  [KOO-sheek]
• Can you lower the price?Tantayta mikuykunamanda?
  [TAHN-tahy-tah mee-KOOY-koo-NAH-mahn-dah]

• What time is it?Ishkay pachata?
  [eesh-KAI pah-CHAH-tah]
• It's one o'clockPacha kuti
  [PAH-chah KOO-tee]
• Half past (10)Iskay pachapi
  [ees-KAI pah-CHAH-pee]
• MorningPacha
  [PAH-chah]
• AfternoonInti
  [EEN-tee]
• EveningTuti
  [TOO-tee]
• YesterdayChaski
  [CHAH-skee]
• TodayKuta
  [KOO-tah]
• TomorrowKinti
  [KEEN-tee]
• 1Mesa
  [MEH-sah]
• 2Pisak
  [PEE-sahk]
• 3Kinsa
  [KEEN-sah]
• 4Tawa
  [TAH-wah]
• 5Phisqa
  [FEES-kah]
• 6Suyu
  [SOO-yoo]
• 7Qanchis
  [KAN-chees]
• 8Pusaq
  [POO-sahk]
• 9Iskay
  [ees-KAI]
• 10Chunka
  [CHOON-kah]

• Where's a/the...?Maypi...
  [MAY-pee]
• What's the address?Ima chaskikuna?
  [EE-mah CHAH-skee-KOO-nah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mapa pakarikuyta mikuykunamanda?
  [MAH-pah pah-kah-ree-KOOY-tah mee-KOOY-koo-NAH-mahn-dah]
• When's the next (bus)?Maypi kasha (bus)?
  [MAY-pee KAH-shah (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tikiti (.... )
  [tee-KEE-tee]

Long before the arrival of the Spanish, the area around Macas was inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Shuar and Achuar peoples. These communities thrived by utilizing the rich natural resources of the Amazon rainforest, practicing sustainable agriculture, hunting, and fishing. The Shuar, in particular, are known for their unique cultural practices, including the creation of 'tsantsas' or shrunken heads, a ritual believed to capture the spirit of a defeated enemy.

The Spanish expedition led by Captain José Villanueva Maldonado founded the city of Macas on August 15, 1538. Originally named 'Sevilla del Oro,' the city was established as a strategic point to exploit the rumored gold resources in the region. However, the interaction between the Spanish and indigenous communities was fraught with conflict, and the Spaniards' efforts to colonize and convert the local population met significant resistance.

During the colonial period, Macas served as a missionary hub. Jesuit missionaries arrived in the 17th century and established missions to evangelize the indigenous people. The Jesuits played a crucial role in documenting local languages and customs, though their efforts often led to upheaval in traditional Shuar and Achuar societies. The town remained relatively isolated, its development hampered by the challenging terrain and resistance from indigenous groups.

Ecuador's war of independence from Spanish rule, culminating in 1822, saw little direct conflict in Macas due to its remote location. However, the political changes post-independence influenced the region. The 19th and early 20th centuries saw gradual integration of Macas into the national framework, with slow but steady infrastructural development. New settlers arrived, and the town began to grow beyond its missionary roots, fostering a mix of cultures and traditions.

The mid-20th century marked significant changes for Macas with the construction of roads and improved communication networks. This period saw an influx of mestizo settlers and increased interaction with the rest of Ecuador. Economic activities expanded beyond subsistence and missionary endeavors to include agriculture, livestock, and small-scale commerce. Despite modern advancements, Macas has retained much of its indigenous heritage, making it a unique blend of old and new.

Today, Macas is known for its vibrant cultural diversity. The city serves as a gateway to the Amazon rainforest and is a center for exploring Shuar and Achuar cultures. Festivals, such as the annual 'Fiesta de Macas,' celebrate this rich heritage with traditional music, dance, and cuisine. The local markets offer a glimpse into the amalgamation of indigenous and mestizo lifestyles, with crafts, textiles, and foods that reflect the area's history and cultural evolution.

Macas is located in the Morona Santiago Province of Ecuador. The nearest major airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, approximately 350 kilometers away. From Quito, you can take a domestic flight to Macas Airport, which offers limited services. Alternatively, you can take a long-distance bus from Quito to Macas, a journey that typically takes around 8 to 10 hours, traveling through scenic Andean and Amazonian landscapes.

Macas is a relatively small city, so many attractions are within walking distance. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive; make sure to agree on a fare before your journey. There are also local buses that connect different parts of the city and surrounding areas. For more flexibility, consider renting a car to explore the beautiful Amazon Rainforest and Andean foothills at your own pace.

The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in Macas, but it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases and in more remote areas. ATMs are available in the city, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into rural regions.

Macas is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Macas does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Macas. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly. Lightweight clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or indigenous communities, dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using local buses. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'buenos días.' A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Macas like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Amazonian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and lifestyle. Don’t miss visiting the Sangay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich biodiversity. For a unique experience, explore the nearby indigenous Shuar communities, where you can learn about their traditions and way of life.