Waorani Warriors - Activexpedition

Overview

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live the past? To journey into the unknown, learn from elders and live as our ancestors did? This Expedition takes us to the home of the Waorani indigenous people-- fierce protectors of the past, of nature, and of their cultural identity. Join us on this adventure of a lifetime and explore one of the untouched areas of the Amazon. Spend time immersing yourself along side local warriors and learn about how they survive in the wild of the Amazon. A world away from the hustle and bustle of the city this is a truly unique experience to an area where few have dared to go!

Accommodation is provided at a campsite at the Waorani village

Highlights

Share time with the Waorani warriors
Canoe the wetlands searching for wildlife
Hike in the Amazon Jungle and search for medicinal plants
Look for animals and birds at the clay lick
Catch a piranha
Stay in a place surrounded by nature
Learn about the Waorani Culture of the Amazon
Learn how to use a blowgun
Be led by top Activexpedition experienced guides at every step you take
Support sustainable travel to preserve culture and nature

The Waorani

The Waorani Tribe, also known as the Huaorani, is an indigenous community that calls the breathtaking Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest their home. With a history spanning centuries, the Waorani people have cultivated a remarkable culture deeply rooted in their ancestral traditions, thriving amidst the remote and biodiverse region they inhabit.

Living in perfect harmony with the untamed environment, the Waorani Tribe possesses an extraordinary knowledge of the flora and fauna that surrounds them. Their intimate understanding of the dense jungle enables them to navigate its intricacies effortlessly, identifying invaluable medicinal plants and utilizing natural resources to meet their daily needs.

One of the notable skills of the Waorani people lies in their exceptional hunting and gathering abilities. Employing traditional techniques such as blowguns and poisoned darts, they illustrate their profound comprehension of the forest ecosystem and their sustainable approach to hunting. Central to the tribe’s social structure are small family groups, each maintaining their own territory within the rainforest.

Their communal longhouses, known as “nawas,” serve as the vibrant heart of their community. These longhouses provide not only shelter and protection but also a space for social gatherings and ceremonies, fostering a strong sense of unity and belonging. The Waorani Tribe cherishes a rich oral tradition, passing down their history, myths, and legends through captivating storytelling.

Through these narratives, they celebrate their deep-rooted connection to the land, their ancestors, and the spirits that inhabit the Amazon. Music and dance play an integral role in their cultural expression, with rhythmic drumming and enchanting chants accompanying their vibrant celebrations.
Despite the challenges posed by external influences and encroachment on their lands, the Waorani people fiercely protect their territory and way of life. They stand at the forefront of advocating for indigenous rights, land preservation, and the conservation of the Amazon rainforest. Their unwavering resilience and determination have made them an emblem of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.

Visiting the Waorani Tribe offers a truly unparalleled opportunity to witness their rich cultural heritage firsthand and learn from their profound connection to the natural world. It is a chance to immerse oneself in a way of life that beautifully intertwines with the pristine beauty and ecological significance of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Activities

Canoeing
Hiking
Birdwatching
Swimming
Culture
Wildlife

Activity level

Easy to Moderated

Season

Year around

Minimum age

18 years old

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Enter the Waorani Territory and canoe down the Shiripuno

This morning we meet in the city of Coca, we will go by car for two hours to the entrance of the reserve, here we will get on a canoe into the Waorani territory. Along the route, it is possible to see a variety of animals such as colorful toucans and macaws. This ride will be for about three hours and our guides will give you some important information about the Tropical Rain Forest. In the afternoon, we will arrive to the campsite located next to one of the Waorani Families.

Overnight: Campsite
Meals included: Lunch and dinner

Day 2

Hike to the animal ́s Clay Lick and Lesson on Hunting Practices

Today we take a short canoe ride and then hike for a couple of hours to a popular hunting spot—the Clay Lick, a mineral rich mud pit. Many animals that live in the region sustain themselves through a diet of seeds and other small plants but supplement their diets with minerals by the clay. Due to it being such a popular spot for animals this is a prime area for hunters to catch their prized meal- the peccary, which according to locals is a delicacy. We will spend some time here in hopes of spotting one of the many animals that frequent the zone before returning to the village by foot.

Spend the afternoon with the hunters as we learn about blowguns, darts, and curare , a natural sedative, which are used in the hunting of monkeys before winding down for the evening.

Overnight: Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3

Canoeing down the Cononaco river

In the Early morning we will start canoeing down the Shiripuno and Cononaco rivers, at every corner we will be on search of wildlife, often we can see different species of birds such us: macaws, toucans, parrots, kingfishers, herons, hawks, etc. with some luck we might see caimans, otters, capybara and even jaguars that like to relax on the river banks, we will have lunch on the boat and then continue to the home of another Waorani family. This night we will go by canoe looking for caimans.

Overnight: Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4

Anacondas at the Lagoon

This is a true adventure into the wild, as we delve even deeper into the enchanting jungle. A canoe ride, short hide and a paddle brings us to a black water lagoon, where on sunny days anacondas can be found resting upon the shore. Known for the 2017 BBC documentary filmed here about the anacondas, this area is also a great place to view the oatzin prehistoric bird and species of king fishers. After a day of exploration we will have some down time before delving into the mysteries of local spiritual culture and speak with the locals. At the lagoon we will have the opportunity to catch a fish, probably a piranha as they are popular in this ecosystem.

Overnight: Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5

Culture and fishing

Our last day of immersion takes us into the lives of the women of the tribe as we walk along side them in their daily tasks. We will have the opportunity to make kene, a fermented beverage of yucca or chonta (depending on the time of year you may also be able to take part in the harvest of the yucca), to end the adventure we are bid adieu with a colorful and emotion-packed presentation by tribe through singing and dancing. You will also have the chance to purchase local handicrafts. In buying directly from the tribe, you help contribute to sustaining local families.
To leave the Wuaorani Territory we will take a short flight to Shell and the travel by car to Quito.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Let's design your adventure

Included

Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
Water Transport
Flight from Bameno to Shell
Transport from Shell to Quito
Accommodation for four nights in a tent
Meals according to the Itinerary
Water and snacks at all time
Water bottle
All fees to reserves and museums

Not Included

International flights
Flight from Quito to Coca
Airport transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Optional activities

Important Information

Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
Visas and Passports: Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your travel.
Accommodation: Notice that this expedition takes place in a remote location and the accommodation is very basic, but our staff will try to provide the best service possible.
Transportation: We use, wooden and fiberglass canoes that belong to the local families, the time of the rides depend on the level of the water.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 3 out of 5. No prior experience is required and your guides will always brief you about safety and proper use of gear on every leg of the trip. The canoeing is on flat water with minimum current and the hiking on irregular terrain that can be muddy.
Weather and Elevation: Year-round temperature average is 82°F (28°C), however nights can be cooler. Since Ecuador is located right on the equator, the country does not experience extreme weather changes aside from a slightly rainier and wetter season. During a visit to the amazon region, in 4 or 5-day visit, you will often see more or less the same amount of rain and sunshine. The Rainier Season in the Amazon Runs from December to June, with temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F) and frequent rains throughout April and May. The Rainy Season has its pros because many plants have evolved to fruit and flower during the rainy season, a phenomenon which often attracts birds and primates to the water’s edge and grants visitors the chance to observe them more frequently. The Drier Season in the Amazon Lasts from July to November, with temperatures from 26°C (78°F) to 40°C (104°F), with less rain, though showers are still possible. The Dry Season also offers its own set of benefits, for its during this time that the water gets lower and attracts animals that you won’t often see during the rainy season. Beach nesting birds are everywhere, as there are more beaches present during this time.
Sustainability: We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Ecuador, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples, we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
Heath advices: You must have vaccination of yellow fever and malaria medication to enter this region.

Packing list

We do recommend travelling light for this expedition. A duffel bag of 50 litters for your luggage and a backpack of 20 litters for daily activities should be sufficient. In the Amazon, the weather can change drastically from very sunny to super rainy so better to be prepare. Note that there are weight restrictions for the plane, according to the size of the group.

Passport
Credit card
Two pairs of lightweight hiking pants
Two pairs of shorts
Two bathing suit
Three non-cotton T-shirts
One water T-shirt
One light fleece
Two rain jackets
One pair of rain pants
Two buffs
One pair of robber boots (you can buy them in Shell city for 10usd)
One pair of snickers
One pair of water sandals
One cap or hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
Camera
Head lamp
Optional binoculars

REGULAR SEASON PRICE BASED ON NUMBER OF GUESTS FOR SHARED DEPARTURES:

DEALS - EARLY BIRD 2024

^$1890_{/per person}

All premium features
Solo travelers are welcome on sharing room basis otherwise single supplement applies
Departures: September to December

2 - 3 guests

^$2100_{/per person}

All premium features
Every monday

4 or more guests

^$1500_{/per person}

All premium features
Every monday

Go private

We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.

WAORANI WARRIORS $2100