We even found time to take a few day-long jungle hikes. On one of these forays into the selva, pushing our way through thick, wet vegetation, disentangling ourselves from vines, climbing steep mountainsides, sliding down muddy hills, following rocky creek beds, we suddenly came upon a trail. A rare thing to find signs of civilization in the jungle! We decided to follow it. There soon was a mystical aura about us as the trees took on a strange appearance. I could no longer see the trunks of trees without craning my neck skywards. Instead, their roots protruded from the ground more than six feet high. Walking palms grow new roots to reach different soil, while the old ones rot, allowing them to move—gradually. The surreal trail abruptly ended as we stepped out into a clearing and were greeted by a dazzling panoramic view of mountains and valleys, everything in sight glinting green in the bright sunlight.
Such moments of discovery are not lacking at Merazonia. Most memorably, on my third day we opted to have lunch on the banks of the Rio Tigre, near rapids, a small waterfall, and a fairly deep pool where swimming is pleasant (but cold!). After trekking through the rainforest ten minutes to get there, the five of us were sitting in silence, eating slowly, revelling in our peaceful environs when a Menelaus Blue Morpho butterfly passed before our eyes. Alive with excitement, we watched it dance on the wind for five minutes, parading and flaunting its sapphire beauty before settling itself on a branch and inexplicably fading into the surrounding verdure. Inspired, we took several minutes to contemplate what we had seen before returning to work.
Since the workday at Merazonia is only about six to eight hours, with plenty of time to rest at lunch and weekends off, there’s ample leisure time available. There are two particularly good hiking opportunities in Mera itself: one to the summit of a nearby mountain, where it’s common to camp overnight before returning the next day; the other to caves which are best explored with a guide. In Shell, halfway between Mera and Puyo, there’s a lovely trail through the jungle which culminates with a small zoo. Zip into Shell or Puyo to use the internet or book an adventure excursion with any of the tour operators in Baños or Puyo.
Progress can be slow at Merazonia because apart from the drill and generator, there are no power tools. But working with my hands and seeing a pile of wood and nails become something is the most satisfying work I’ve ever done. Looking back on everything I accomplished over three weeks fills me with pride and gives me a great sense of fulfilment. I left Merazonia knowing that my contribution to such an important cause was valuable. Now I can’t wait to go back and work with the animals I did it all for!
For more information on Merazonia, visit their website at http://www.merazonia.org or email Jen and Frank at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
© Julie Dupuis