The first settlers in this region were the Panos, who
spread across the entire length of the Ucayali river and
its tributaries. The 1 600 km long Ucayali river is one
of the most important means of communication in the
central jungle. It was discovered in 1 577 by Captain
Juan Salinas de Loyola. The current population of the
Ucayali region consists of various ethnic descendants of
the Pano linguistic family, such as the Shipibo-Conibos.
The native name Pucallpa derived from May-Ushin, the
Shipibo word for red earth.
On the outskirts of the lagoon one can observe the
manmade jungle with its own vegetation, but also with
rivers and lagoons that duplicate their verdure along
the shores. This ecological beauty is also surrounded by
various ethnic groups, descendents of the legendary Pano,
and the native communities of San Francisco, Nuevo
Destino and Santa Clara, the people are hospitable and
from their scenic homes, they offer all kinds of crafts
characterized by geometric figures.
The
native communities live on the hunting, the harvesting
and conserve their customs and culture through the
crafts, language, rituals, dances, music, clothes,
gastronomy, use of medicinal plants and own materials of
the zone to construct their houses. In the environs the
wild flora and fauna can be made long walks, campings
and be observed. Also "shamánicas sessions" are
organized, with rituals and takes from ayahuasca,
hallucinogen that use shamanes to enter critical moment
and to accede to the wisdom and supernatural powers.
San Francisco Native Community
A Shipibo-Conibo ethnic community, dedicated mainly to
handi-crafts. It is the older and numerous centers
populated between the native communities of the Shipibo-Conibo
ethnic group in the zone.
Santa Clara Native Community
Considered to be one of the most organized communities
in the area. Farming, handicrafts and fishing are the
main activities, the latter being the main source of
food.
Nuevo Destino Native Community
Shipibo community handicrafts can be obtained in this
area, under the barter trade System.
