Resort owner invents flying machine, brings modern comforts to the Amazon

Jonas Daviau next to the Helitek at the EK Resort
(Photo by Persephone Bolero)

By Persephone Bolero

LAS NINAS — A local man and his wife are using their entrepreneurial and technical skills to bring a little modern luxury to the jungle, including tours by air of the best spots along the river. 

Jonas Daviau and his wife Eastonia Daviau operate the EK Resort, which is located on the eastern beaches of Las Ninas.

Jonas told the Amazon River Sun that the resort was originally his wife’s idea — as were many of this other ventures.

“The resort is not big but really comfortable,” Jonas said. “Guests can easily pick bananas and coconut, and can start a new life of holidays without completely leaving civilization.”

The couple also have a number of activities at the resort, including tours by air in a type of helicopter called a Helitek, which Jonas invented himself. He said he originally developed the aircraft so that he could pick up Eastonia anywhere in the jungle and take her wherever she needed to go.

Flying around the jungle, Eastonia had an idea. 

Jonas Daviau ready to pilot his invention.
(Photo by Persephone Bolero)

“She suggests to make commercial flights for tourists.,” Jonas said. “Now Helitec provides many destinations in the jungle. By the way, it can drive people to our famous native tribes — Tapi, Xoco and Jurito,” Jonas said.

At the resort, they also have available romantic balloon tours, which offer privacy with an “awesome view,” he said.

The resort also has tours by submarine.

There are two ways to use the Helitek, Jonas said. People new to the jungle are required to have Jonas pilot the craft. However, guests of the resort and others can get coins that allow them to fly the Helitek after some training.

Jonas is hoping his air tours take off — excuse the pun — and bring some comforts of the modern world.

“I would like that tourists and guests to be safe in their first paths in Amazon. I imagine they could have a tour to visit the best spot in our jungle safely, to explore without any (fear) and to discover the best view of the jungle from the sky,” he said.

Those wanting a tour can meet Jonas at the resort, or leave a note in a mailbox next to the Helitek if he’s off flying around.

According to Jonas' Helitek brochure, riders can be picked up at the EK Resort or the landing. There are nine tours available, including tours of the magical falls, a hunting safari, the crocodile reserve, the S.A.L.T. Outpost, as well as the Jurito, Tapirape and Xoco camps.