NATIVE POPULATIONS

THE CREOLE COMMUNITIES

They are generally found at the starting point of your excursions.
They are the connecting link between the world of the rainforest and the "civilized" world and are generally settled in the border zones.
They include whites, blacks, half-castes and "transcultural" Indians.

They usually do not represent a great cultural interest.
Very often, people live in these areas because they cannot do otherwise while dreaming of emigrating towards the large cities. They feel forsaken and abandoned by the central authorities.

Alcoholism is the bane of these communities.
It is among them that you will hear the most horrifying stories about the rainforest, which will make you feel like taking the first airplane, bus or boat to return home.
Some people, of course, have a good empirical knowledge of the rainforest but it is quite intertwined with beliefs and superstitions.
People usually live from fishing, mining and State aids.
AVOID, if you can, mining villages, the "garimpeiros" and other adventurers can be rather poor companions…
Furthermore, these zones are unhealthy and full of malaria, dengue fever or even cholera cases…

More on AMERINDIANS

It is generally agreed that American Indians originated from Asia and arrived in America through the Straits of Behring.
You just have to look at them to be convinced of the truth of this theory: slant eyes, straight hair, and small size….

However there are notable differences among tribes: in the South of Venezuela, Caribbeans, stocky and muscular (a Ye'Kwana Indian can carry on his back a 90kg out-board motor for 10 km with an uprise of 200 meters…I have seen them) live side by side (peacefully now but such was not always the case) with Yanomami Indians, slender and short like Pygmies…