Omaere Ethno Botanical Park, Puyo Ecuador

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Omaere

Omaere means “nature of the rainforest,” in the Waorani language, one of the indigenous groups of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Park was founded in the year 1993 by an indigenous Shuar woman with the help of two companions from France. They formed the Omaere Foundation and bought a 15 hectare parcel of land in the outskirts of Puyo. Now, 15 years later, the plants have grown and the forest has come back, only augmented with a focus of useful and medicinal plants. At Omaere you can learn about the importance of these plants to the indigenous cultures of the Amazon, as well as enjoying the peace and tranquility of the rainforest just minutes from the city of Puyo.

The Park

We are located in Puyo, Ecuador, just a few minutes walk from the city center. Visit us in the Park; the entrance fee is $3 adults, $1.50 students, $0.50 children. Walks are guided and last 1-2 hours, depending on the interest of the visitor.

Natural Medicine

The Ethno Botanical Park has aims to promote the practice of natural medicine and use it as a means to conserve Amazonian rainforest. Through the years, hundreds of patients have visited the park to receive treatments.

Indigenous Cultures

Omaere is a reserve of medicinal and useful plants, and it is also a site to learn about the indigenous cultures of the Amazon. We have traditional dwellings where we teach about the cultures Shuar and Waorani.

Resources and Publications

See our publications and links to collaborating organizations.

Volunteering and Internships

Learn more about volunteering and interning in the park, as well as botanical research.

Lemmongrass Medicinal Plant

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