Our expert guides, with extensive local knowledge, will lead you through this vibrant ecosystem, ensuring a safe and enriching experience. You'll use top-of-the-line equipment for comfort and safety, staying in a luxurious glamping site equipped with all the facilities needed for a relaxing stay amid nature.
By participating, you also support our educational initiatives for local children and the community, helping to create a sustainable future for this remarkable region.
Come and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of the Amazon—an adventure of a lifetime awaits!
Accommodation is provided at the Arajuno River Amazon Glamping, offering all the comforts and facilities you need, nestled in the heart of pristine nature.
Scenic Drive from Quito to the Amazon Edge — Enjoy a picturesque 3.5-hour journey through the Andes to the lush rainforest.
Gentle Kayaking on the Arajuno River — Paddle along calm, beginner-friendly waters while witnessing stunning biodiversity and vibrant birdlife.
Cultural Encounter with a Local Shaman — Experience an authentic spiritual session and learn about Amazonian medicinal traditions right at your campsite.
Visit to a Parrot Clay Lick — Witness colorful parrots gathering at the mineral-rich clay lick, a spectacular wildlife spectacle.
Educational Jungle Trek — Explore the rainforest with expert guides, discovering unique flora and fauna and understanding the delicate ecosystem.
Authentic Kichwa Community Visit — Immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy traditional cuisine, support community projects, and shop for handcrafted crafts.
Lagoon Exploration by Canoe — Search for monkeys, exotic birds, and other wildlife in a pristine Amazon lagoon.
Support for Local Education and Community — Contribute to meaningful initiatives that benefit local children and families, creating a lasting positive impact.
Hiking
Paddling
Swimming
Culture
Wildlife
Year around
8 years old
Full Itinerary
Kayak Adventure & Shamanic Encounter
The Arajuno River is calm and classified as Class I, making it perfect for beginners. No prior kayaking experience is needed—our expert guides will provide instruction to ensure a smooth and enjoyable paddle. As we glide along the river, you'll witness the breathtaking biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest and spot some of the many bird species that inhabit the shoreline.
After approximately two hours of paddling, we’ll arrive at our riverside glamping site, nestled in a serene and tranquil setting. Enjoy a refreshing drink upon check-in and unwind before a delicious traditional dinner is served.
In the evening, a local shaman will visit our camp to share insights into the spiritual practices and medicinal traditions of the jungle—an unforgettable cultural experience.
Overnight: Arajuno River Amazon Glamping
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Parrot Clay Lick, Jungle Trek, & Kichwa Community Visit
After returning to camp for breakfast, we prepare for a 2–3 hour educational jungle trek (length adjusted to the group’s pace). Along the trail, your guide will introduce you to the diverse flora and fauna of the Amazon and explain the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.
In the afternoon, we visit a nearby Kichwa community for an immersive cultural experience. Enjoy a traditional meal, visit the local school supported by our program, and if time allows join a friendly soccer game with the children. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase beautiful, handmade crafts from local women artisans, supporting their sustainable livelihood.
Back at the campsite, unwind with a refreshing swim in the river or gather around the bonfire. For those who are interested, there’s an optional night hike to discover the fascinating nocturnal life of the rainforest, including insects and amphibians.
Overnight: Arajuno River Amazon Glamping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Final Kayak & Amazon Lagoon Exploration
After a final lunch, we begin our journey back to Quito, arriving in the city around 6:00 PM.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Let's design your adventure
- Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
- Transportation from/to Quito
- Accommodation for two nights
- Meals according to the Itinerary
- Water and snacks at all time
- Kayaking Gear.- Inflatables expedition kayaks, lifejackts and paddles
- Robber boots for hiking
- All fees to reserves and museums
- International or domestic flights
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Optional activities
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: Indulge in the ultimate glamping comfort. Our accommodations feature a premium mattress, exceptionally soft blankets, and supportive pillows to ensure a perfect night's rest. For your exclusive use, each unit is equipped with a private bathroom and shower.
Transportation: Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes Mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
Level of Activity: This trip is rated a 2 out of 5 for activity level, making it accessible to most. No prior experience is necessary! Your guides will provide thorough briefings on safety and gear usage before each part of the journey. The Arajuno River is predominantly calm with flat water, featuring only a few small, fun, and easy-to-navigate rapids. Hiking involves irregular terrain, but we offer flexible distances so you can choose between shorter or longer routes based on your preference.
Weather: The Ecuadorian Amazon experiences a consistently warm and humid climate year-round, lacking traditional four seasons due to its equatorial location. Instead, it has a rainy season (roughly March to July, with peak rain in May-June) and a drier season (typically December to February). Temperatures average around 25∘C (77∘F) with high humidity (80%−95%). During the drier season, daytime temperatures can be hotter, while the rainy season sees frequent, heavy afternoon downpours. Rainy Season brings higher river levels, facilitating deeper canoe exploration, and the rainforest is at its most lush. Trails can be muddier. Drier Season means lower river levels (sometimes affecting canoe access in very shallow areas) and less muddy hiking trails, with potentially fewer mosquitoes. Ultimately, there's no "bad" time to visit; the best time depends on activity preference (river travel vs. hiking) and tolerance for rain or intense heat. Visitors should always be prepared for warmth, humidity, and insects. The Ecuadorian Amazon has a consistently warm and humid tropical climate year-round, averaging around 25∘C (77∘F) with high humidity (80%−95%). Instead of distinct seasons, it has a rainy season (roughly March to July, with May-June often wettest) and a drier season (typically December to February, though some extend it from August to March). During the rainy season, expect frequent, heavy afternoon showers. This leads to higher river levels, making canoe travel deeper into the forest easier and supporting lush vegetation and increased wildlife activity. Drier periods see less rain but still significant precipitation, with hotter daytime temperatures. River levels drop, potentially making some canoe routes harder but improving hiking trail conditions. Overall, rain is a constant presence, vital for the rainforest's biodiversity, and visitors should always be prepared for it, regardless of the time of year. Both periods offer unique advantages for wildlife viewing and exploration.
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: No vaccines needed for this expedition.
Essential Documents & Money:
- Passport & ID (or copies)
- Travel insurance information
- Cash (small denominations for crafts, tips, etc. USD is the currency in Ecuador)
- Credit/Debit Cards
Clothing (Quick-Drying & Lightweight are Key):
- Long-sleeved shirts (2-3): Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying for sun protection, insect bites, and warmth in the evenings. Light colors are best.
- Long pants (1-2): Lightweight, quick-drying, convertible pants are excellent. Protects from sun, insects, and scratches on trails. No jeans (they stay wet and heavy).
- Shorts (1-2 pairs): For around camp or if you prefer them for kayaking (though long pants are recommended for protection).
- Swimsuit (1): For river swims.
- Rain jacket/Poncho: Lightweight, breathable, and waterproof. Essential for sudden downpours.
- Light sweater or fleece: For cooler evenings or early mornings.
- Underwear (2-3 pairs): Quick-drying materials.
- Socks (2-3 pairs): Moisture-wicking, synthetic or wool socks are best. Avoid cotton for hiking.
Footwear:
- Closed-toe water shoes/sandals with straps (e.g., Chacos, Tevas, Keens): Ideal for kayaking, river swims, and around camp. They can get wet and dry quickly.
- Comfortable hiking shoes/boots: Lightweight, broken-in, and ideally waterproof or water-resistant.
- Flip-flops or comfortable sandals: For relaxing at the glamping site.
Gear & Accessories:
- Daypack (small, 20-30L): For daily excursions, carrying water, camera, snacks, etc.
- Water bottle (reusable): Crucial for staying hydrated.
- Dry bag (10-20L): Essential for protecting electronics, extra clothes, and documents during kayaking. Even if supplied, having your own is good.
- Headlamp or small flashlight with extra batteries: For night hikes and around camp.
- Sunscreen (high SPF): Even on cloudy days, UV index is high near the equator.
- Insect repellent (DEET recommended): Crucial for mosquito and other insect protection.
- Sun hat or baseball cap: For sun protection.
- Sunglasses: With a strap if possible for kayaking.
- Small towel (quick-drying/microfiber): Handy for various uses.
- Plastic bags/Ziploc bags: For wet clothes, trash, organizing.
Health & Personal Care:
- Personal toiletries: Biodegradable options are preferred for environmental reasons.
- Hand sanitizer:
- Personal medications: Enough for the entire trip, plus a few extra days.
- Basic First-Aid Kit:
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)
- Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Hydrocortisone cream (for bites/rashes)
- Moleskin or blister treatment
- Anti-itch cream: For insect bites.
- Small mirror (optional):
Optional but Recommended:
- Camera with extra batteries/memory card: Waterproof camera or protection for your regular camera is highly recommended for kayaking.
- Binoculars: Excellent for wildlife viewing (birds, monkeys).
- Book/E-reader: For downtime.
- Journal and pen: To record your experiences.
- Small, lightweight backpacker’s towel: If you prefer your own or for quick drying after swims.
- Power bank/portable charger: For electronics.
- Small amount of laundry detergent/soap: For handwashing small items if needed.
- Earplugs: If you are a light sleeper (for jungle sounds or shared spaces).
- Eye mask: For sleeping.
Important Considerations:
- Pack light! You’ll be moving between locations, and while glamping offers comfort, excess luggage can be cumbersome.
- Waterproof everything important: The Amazon is wet. Assume anything not in a dry bag will get damp or wet.
- Leave valuables at home or secured: Only bring what you absolutely need.
- Inform your guides: If you have any medical conditions or allergies.
Regular Season Price:
PRICE
$900/per person
All premium features
Daily departures
Go private
We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.
