Code of Conduct for Visits to Native Communities
The Thematic Hotel El Pueblito Iguazú is committed to respecting the cultural diversity of Puerto Iguazú.That is why it proposes to its guests to follow the following recommendations whenever they visit the visit to the native communities Mbyá Guaraní that are in our destination. Following these recommendations you will be respecting the cultures of these communities during your visit and you will enjoy a rich intercultural encounter.
1.- Do not go alone to the Villages, do it with the guides of the community. Wait to be received by the community guide. Never enter any area of the community without the company of this person.
2.- Greet the person who receives you with open hands to both sides of his body. If you want, you can use the term Aguyjeveté, a Guarani expression of welcome and initial greeting, which is a request for bodily and spiritual well-being. If you do not encourage yourself, greet yourself with the proper expression of your language. If the person reaches out to greet you, return the greeting by extending and shaking his hand.
3.- Respect strictly the tours offered by the community. Do not enter into the community on your own. If you do, you may involuntarily disrespect the community by entering a sacred place.
4.- Ask permission to take pictures, especially if you want to take a picture of a member of the community.
5.- Do not give money or gifts to the children of the community without the authorization of the person from the community who is accompanying you to the visit.
6.- For no reason, enter a dwelling, or take photos of the interior of a community dwelling.
7.- Only buy handicrafts at the sites provided by the community. Under no circumstances buy or exchange any item outside of them. Make this exchange within the principles of fair trade. Do not haggle with artisans. You are buying directly the crafts, without intermediaries.
8.- Do not extract from the community any natural or artificial elements to take as a souvenir. Animals and plants have a sacred meaning in the Guarani culture and the artifacts created by them also have a transcendent meaning in their life and symbology.
9.- When you say goodbye, use the same recommended posture at the beginning of the visit, with your hands open on both sides of your body. You can reuse the expression Aguyjeveté or say goodbye politely using your language.
10.- Always follow carefully the instructions of the accompanying guide.
We recommend that you visit anative Mbyá Guaraní community in Puerto Iguazú. It is a unique opportunity to appreciate, value and enjoy the cultural diversity of Puerto Iguazú. Don’t miss it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!