

The traditional Matsigenka dwellings, also known as Pankotsi, are built using materials harvested from the forest using palm fibers and hardwoods from various tree species, as well as shapaja or kuyuli leaves. The construction process begins with the elaboration of the structural frame of the house, followed by the weaving of the leaves for the roofing, and finally the construction of the walls. It is estimated that the time needed to complete the construction is approximately 15 days.






In the Shipetiari community, the construction of houses has undergone modifications over time, as some have opted to use materials such as corrugated metal sheeting (calamina) or others that they obtain from outside the community.
In the past, the houses were known as "big houses" or "malocas". They were circular in shape, and the palm walls were close to the ground, which allowed them to withstand heavy rains and keep the interior completely dry. The walls also helped keep jaguars away (Johnson, 2003).


The Shipetiari community has been receiving visitors since 1995 through tourism agencies that operated in the area. Since then, a collaboration between the community and other institutions has worked to maintain the presence of their dedicated lodge for tourism called "Pankotsi."


In 2012, Shipetiari formally organized and established a tourism committee with further support from the NGO SéPerú. Together, they believe that tourism can contribute to the strengthening of cultural identity and environmental protection, as well as generating direct benefits for the community.
