Amazon Kayak / Kichwa Tribe (5 days)

Overview

This paddling expedition takes place in the Yasuni National Park, heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. A natural wonder and immensely diverse, it is home to many different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Let us take you on a one-of-a-kind and off-the-beaten path adventure. Paddle in search of wildlife, hike into pristine forest, be sung to sleep by the gentle sounds of frogs and awaken to bird calls, all of this while sharing time with a local indigenous community. Help us practice sustainable travel and encourage locals to protect their environment from mining and deforestation, by booking this trip you are contributing to projects for the school of the Kichwa community.

Accommodation is provided at charming Campsite in the middle of nature.

Highlights

Explore the Yasuni National Park
Paddle down the Tiputini river
Hike in the Amazon Jungle and search for medicinal plants
View unique wildlife species
Look for parrots at the clay lick
Catch a piranha
Stay in a place surrounded by nature
Learn about the Culture of the Amazon
Make organic chocolate fondue with your hands
Learn how to use a blowgun
Share time with the local Kichwa indigenous people
Be led by top Activexpedition experienced guides at every step you take
Support sustainable travel to preserve culture and nature
Contribute with the developing of projects for the school of the community

Activities

Kayak or Stand Up Paddle
Hiking
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Swimming
Culture
Wildlife
Fishing
Photography

Activity level

Easy To Moderated

Season

Year around

Minimum age

8 years old

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Entrance into Yasuni and Paddling the Tiputini River

Our expedition begins in the city at the heart of the Amazon: Coca. After meeting up with the group we will travel by car for two hours to the upper Tiputini River. From road to river, we will hop into a canoe and continue one hour to the center of the Mandaripanga community. Upon arrival we will visit the school and share some time with the local children; always happy to welcome visitors with their games and smiling faces. In the afternoon we will kayak for about three hours down the river, looking out for wildlife that dot the riverside and water below us. With some luck we might see troops of squirrel monkeys as well as colorful birds such as toucans, macaws, flycatchers, and others. Our guides will teach us about the different species of plants that grow on the side of the river and their meaning to the local people. In the late afternoon we will arrive at the campsite and have a delicious dinner.

Overnight: Glamping
Meals included: Lunch and dinner

Day 2

An afternoon with Anacondas

Rising to the mist that gently grazes the rivers surface, we start our day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast before paddling along the river. Keep an eye out for more wildlife species that tend to make their way out at this time of day. If we are lucky, we will be able to spot a variety of birds such us trogons, quetzals, eagles, hawks, tanagers, macaws, parrots, kingfishers, and others. We may also have the pleasure of happening upon tapir as this nocturnal animal likes to take a bath in the river every morning before going to sleep.

After a delightful four hours of paddling we will disembark on a short ten-minute hike into a pristine forest where we will then go by canoe to a black water lagoon. Being their natural habitat, on sunny days anacondas can be found resting upon the shore. The anaconda holds special importance to the local Kichwa people who believe it be a very powerful animal embodying the spirit of a god. Here we will also have the chance to go fishing for piranha, which are an important staple in the local diet. If you are very lucky you may even be able to catch a catfish!

In the late afternoon we return to the campsite.

Overnight: Glamping
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3

Hiking to the Clay Lick

Into the forest we go to learn about one of the most important facets of life in the jungle-medicinal plants. Throughout our two-hour hike our guides will show us the variety of plants that line the way and their meaning and use in daily life. Our next stop on our hike takes us to 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 from the clay. For that reason, many animals frequent the area such as are peccaries, tapir, howler monkey and parrots. Later we go back to the campsite for lunch.

In the afternoon we will visit a local indigenous Kichwa family, who will teach us about their way of living, culture and traditions. Here we will help them make chicha, a fermented beverage that is typical in the region and a staple in the lives of the people who reside here. This is also a prime opportunity to purchase handicrafts made in the village, which proceeds go to support the local families.

Overnight: Glamping
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4

Parrot Paradise

Today’s adventure starts upstream on the Rumiyacu with a 45-minute canoe ride followed by a short hike to the hang out spot of local parrots. Almost daily black-headed parrots can be seen nourishing themselves through minerals from the water and mud in the area. After spending time taking in the splendid sight of these magnificent creatures, we will head back towards the Tiputini bridge and then travel by car to the city of Coca.

Overnight: Auca Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 5

Departure

Today ends our services but if you wish to stay longer, we can help you organize an extension trip to places you did not see during this week. Otherwise if you are ready to go back home after an amazing Acivexpedition we wish you safe travels.

Meals included: Breakfast

Let's design your adventure

Included

Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
Land and water Transport
Accommodation for four nights
Meals according to the Itinerary
Water and snacks
Paddling gear: NRS expedition kayaks, NRS paddleboards, paddles and life jackets
Robber boots for hiking
All fees to reserves and museums

Not Included

International or domestic flights
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: We strive to use small and charming places that are unique and provide stellar service. 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.
Single Supplement Costs: Generally this fee is not incurred as we match you with another person of the same gender in a twin room, but if you prefer not to share and have your own room, then there will be an associated fee.
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.
Gear: At Activexpediton we always make sure our guests have top of the line gear from well-known and reputable international brands as we understand that the best gear gives extra confidence to our riders. For paddling we use NRS, AIRE and Werner.
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 paddling 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.

Passport
Credit card
Two pairs of lightweight hiking pants
Two pairs of shorts
Two bathing suits
Three non-cotton T-shirts
Two water T-shirts
One lightfleece
Two rain jacket
One pair of rain pants
Two buffs
One pair of sneakers
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:

2 - 3 guests

^$1760_{/per person}

All premium features
Every monday

4 or more guests

^$1160_{/per person}

All premium features
Every monday

Go private

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

Amazon Kayak / Kichwa Tribe $1760