Oral memory of the high jungle
Legends & culture
These stories belong to the memory of the peoples of the Huallaga. We share them as they were told to us, knowing every family keeps its own version.
Cuynac y Nunash
The elders say that long ago Nunash lived in these lands, a young woman of great beauty who cared for her people by the river.
Cuynac, a powerful being of the forest, wanted her for himself. To protect her from him, Nunash was wrapped in a deep sleep and lay down facing the Huallaga valley, her face turned to the sky.
That is the mountain that watches over Tingo María today: the Sleeping Beauty. The story has many versions. Some tell it as an impossible love, others as an escape. In all of them, Nunash is still there, asleep.
Nunash is still there, asleep, and the town grows at her feet.
Version gathered from oral accounts in Tingo María. If your family tells it differently, we would love to hear it.
Guardians of the forest and the water
Beings who teach how to walk the forest with respect. They are not costume characters: for many families they are still present.
Tunche
He announces himself with a sharp whistle in the night. Whoever hears it, they say, should not answer. He is one of the most feared and respected presences of the Amazon.
Chullachaqui
He takes the form of a relative or friend to lead walkers deep into the forest. He is recognised by his mismatched feet: one human, the other twisted.
Yacumama
A great serpent who lives in rivers and lagoons and makes sure no one abuses them. Out of respect, some people still ask permission before entering the water.
Flavours of the high jungle
Juane
Rice seasoned with turmeric, with chicken, egg and olive, wrapped in bijao leaves. Eaten year-round, and above all at San Juan.
Tacacho con cecina
Roasted green plantain mashed with pork lard, served with smoked cecina. A hearty breakfast before a day of hiking.
24 June
Feast of San Juan
The largest festival in the jungle honours Saint John the Baptist, associated with water. On the eve, families prepare and share juane, and at dawn many bathe in the river to welcome a year of good luck.