How should one act when visiting indigenous groups?
For 12,000 years the indigenous peoples have been an essential part of Amazonian life. Sadly, these tribes are often discriminated by settlers, tourists, and even their own government. It is important to remember when visiting these various tribal groups to respect their culture. This means that one should never degrade, demean, insult, or patronize local groups. If you intend to visit tribal lands, make sure to ask and obtain permission. This can be difficult at times, but always remember to maintain a respectful and tactful attitude. Money may also be required, but never resort to bribery. Also be sure to pay properly for any services rendered by tribal peoples. Behave on tribal lands as you would on private property. And lastly, if you have cold or disease, avoid visiting tribal lands. Some indigenous groups may have low immunity to outside diseases, so what may seem like only a mild case of the flu could kill tribal peoples. For more information, visit Survival International’s web
