Amazon Rainforest Adventure
Explore one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth while immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Waorani indigenous people in this 8-day trip.
8 days
Starting at $3210 per person
For adventure lovers
Choose your own dates
Journey through the most diverse hot spot
This 8-day journey takes you deep into the Amazon rainforest, where you’ll discover the unparalleled biodiversity of Yasuní National Park and learn about the traditional way of life of the Waorani people. Guided by native experts, you’ll navigate rivers, hike through dense jungle, and witness the incredible wildlife that calls this region home. From vibrant macaws and monkeys to elusive anacondas and caimans, each day offers a new adventure in one of the world’s most untouched natural environments. This tour is organized in collaboration with the Waorani people, who strive to preserve their culture and ancestral way of life.
Itinerary at a glance
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Day 1: Journey deep into the Amazon lowlands
Day 2: Arrive at the Waorani village and meet the community
Day 3: Discover Waorani culture and traditions
Day 4: Explore the rainforest and fish for catfish
Day 5: Witness vibrant wildlife at a colorful clay lick
Day 6: Hike deeper into the rainforest and visit an isolated Waorani family
Day 7: Travel back through the Amazon’s rich landscapes
Day 8: Return to the modern world from the heart of the jungle
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Day 1: Arrive in Ecuador and settle in
Your Amazon adventure begins with a 30-minute flight over the majestic Andes, descending into the lush Amazon lowlands to the town of Coca. Here, you will travel by private transport to the Shiripuno River, located in Waorani territory, where our adventure into the forest begins. After a hearty lunch, you’ll embark on a motorized canoe journey down the
Shiripuno River. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your first campsite along the riverbank, where you’ll set up your tents and prepare for the adventures to come.
Travel time: Flight 30 minutes, road 2 hours, canoe 3-4 hours
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Overnight stay: Tent
Day 2: Arrive at the Waorani village and meet the community
After breakfas, your journey continues downriver into the Cononaco River, delving even deeper into the heart of the Amazon. As you travel, you’ll pass by several Waorani houses, offering a glimpse into their daily lives. You might also spot monkeys swinging through the treetops, macaws flying overhead, and possibly an anaconda basking on a fallen tree. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the Waorani village of Bameno, where you’ll set up camp near a local family. This evening, you’ll begin to immerse yourself in the Waorani culture, learning about their customs, traditions, and the close-knit community that defines their way of life.
Travel time: Canoe 6-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Tent
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Day 3: Discover Waorani culture and traditions
Today, you’ll join several Waorani on a hike deep into the rainforest, where they will share their vast knowledge of the jungle. As you walk, you’ll learn how they use various plants for building homes, crafting weapons, and treating illnesses. The Waorani’s deep understanding of the forest is key to their survival and an integral part of their cultural heritage. After lunch, we will explore the entire village and engage with the community to learn more about their unique culture and way of life. The Waorani have only been in contact with the outside world for a few decades, and while they strive to preserve their ancestral traditions, they also find themselves navigating the complexities of modern life. This blend of old and new is fascinating to observe, as the Waorani attempt to balance their traditional values with the influences and challenges introduced by Western culture. Despite their efforts to maintain their heritage, they cannot entirely escape the problems that accompany our way of life.
Hike Duration: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Tent
Day 4: Explore the rainforest and fish for catfish
After breaking camp, you’ll continue down the Cononaco River to a new campsite deeper in the rainforest. Once settled, you’ll embark on a guided hike with your Waorani guides, who will provide deeper insights into the complex ecosystem of the Amazon. They’ll teach you about the delicate balance of life in the rainforest and how each plant and animal plays a crucial role in maintaining this equilibrium. In the afternoon, you have the option to try your hand at fishing for catfish, a common activity in the region, or relax at the campsite. You can also learn how to create traditional Waorani handicrafts, such as necklaces and crowns, using natural materials from the forest. As night falls, you’ll venture out on a nocturnal expedition along the river, quietly searching for caimans and other creatures that come to life after dark.
Travel time: Canoe 2 hours
Hike duration: 3-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Tent
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Day 5: Witness vibrant wildlife at a colorful clay lick
Early in the morning, we will drift quietly down the river, letting the current guide us. Without the noise of the engine, you’ll be able to fully experience the serene awakening of the Amazon rainforest. As the jungle comes to life, you’ll have the chance to observe a variety of birds and mammals in their natural habitat. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a hike to a nearby salt lick—a clay-rich area where vibrant macaws, parakeets, and other wildlife gather to feed. Watching these colorful birds in such large numbers is a truly mesmerizing experience. In the afternoon, you’ll head to a secluded oxbow lake, where you’ll have the chance to fish for piranhas, adding a touch of adventure to your day. As evening approaches, enjoy dinner back at camp, followed by a brief night walk to discover the rainforest’s hidden nocturnal creatures, including insects, amphibians, and perhaps even a few larger animals.
Hike duration: 3-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Tent
Day 6: Hike deeper into the rainforest and visit an isolated Waorani family
The morning starts with a hike deeper into the jungle, where you’ll search for monkeys and peccaries near the shores of a blackwater oxbow lake. This area is rich in biodiversity, providing excellent opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitat. Depending on the weather conditions and the water level of the river, we’ll then start navigating upriver. Our journey will take us to an isolated Waorani family, where you’ll have the rare chance to interact with them and learn about their way of life in the heart of the Amazon. This encounter provides a unique glimpse into the resilience and traditions of the Waorani people, who live in harmony with the surrounding rainforest.
Travel time: Canoe 2 hours
Hike duration: 3-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Tent
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Day 7: Travel back through the Amazon’s rich landscapes
We will continue our journey upriver, immersing ourselves in the vibrant landscape of the Amazon. As we navigate through the lush flora, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of various animal species that may appear along the way, from colorful birds to elusive mammals. In the evening, we will set up camp along the riverbank of the Shiripuno, where you can relax and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding jungle. The sounds of the river and the calls of wildlife will create a peaceful backdrop as we settle in for the last night, deep in the heart of the Amazon.
Travel time: Canoe 8-9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Tent
Day 8: Head back to Quito
Very early in the morning, we’ll embark on a short optional hike to observe the rich birdlife and any mammals that might be active at dawn. This is a prime time to witness the rainforest’s morning routine as the jungle awakens. After breakfast, you will pack up our equipment and begin the final leg of the journey, navigating upstream until we reach again the road. At the bridge, the private transport will be waiting to take us back to Coca, where we are expected to arrive around 4:00 p.m., marking the end of our Amazon adventure. Depending on the day, you will catch the last flight back to Quito or stay overnight for the morning flight.
Travel time: Canoe 2 hours, road 2 hours, flight 30 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
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Important itinerary details
Arriving in the village
It is possible to reach the Waorani village by small plane from Shell, Puyo, or both
directions if desired. Please ask for a special quote if you are interested.
Accomodation
Camping in two-person tents on camp beds with sheets. The tents are set up at the riverbank or in the Waorani village. Please consider that there are no showers or real toilets, only the nature…
Food and water
A cook will prepare a variety of meals for you each day, and drinking water will be provided. We are committed to leaving no trace; all non-vegetal waste will be carefully packed and returned to Coca.
Guides
A knowledgeable Waorani local guide, skilled in medicinal and other useful plants, will accompany you throughout your journey. Additionally, a bilingual naturalist guide fluent in Spanish and English, or other languages upon request, will be there to enhance your experience.
Vaccines and confirmation
For this trip we request confirmation with minimum of three weeks prior to departure. Passengers are required to have up-to date Yellow Fever and Tetanus vaccines (Hepatitis A/B, Influenza and Covid are recommended)
2024 Pricing per person
Number of passengers | Price per person (USD) |
2 Passengers | $ 3210 |
3 Passengers | $ 2200 |
4 Passengers | $ 1800 |
Package details
Included in the price
- Transfer Coca – Shiripuno River Coca with private transport
- Transport on the river with a motorized canoe
- Accommodation in double tents
- Full board incl. water
- All tours accompanied by a native Waorani guide and a Naturalist guide (English / Spanish)
- Rubber boots (up to size 45)
Not included in the price
- International flights
- Air fare Quito – Coca – Quito (USD 180-240) or Bus (6-7h) fare one way USD 15
- Entrance fees to the Huaorani communities USD 150 per person
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
What other adventurous travelers say about us
Over 33 years of experience and proven professionalism support our well-known reputation in the market.
★★★★★
“We’re doing wonderfully
and it’s a dream here �� we
only had two days of rain, but still had great experiences”
S.+J. L. from Germany, 2024
★★★★★
“We arrived at the Huasquila Lodge and have already made our first
jungle excursion. It’s unbelievable to go from the high Andes to the jungle in such a short time.”
R.N. from Switzerland, 2023
★★★★★
“We were able to enjoy a very beautiful trip through Ecuador. The organization
was carried out in an excellent way, and we received optimal attention both before and during the trip. It could not have been better.” T.+F.S. from Germany, 2024
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