This case study uniquely covers a tropical forest area in Ecuador. It combines a discussion of the travails of conducting arch'ology in the tropical forest and the results of extensive research. Of particular interest are the strategies employed for site survey.It also explores how present-day descendents of prehistoric peoples and arch'ologists can work together to solve environmental problems. This kind of cooperative research promises to bring insight for the future from the two groups that have the greatest personal stake in understanding the ancient past. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.