Amazon Kayak / Waorani Tribe $1760

Departure Date

Every Monday

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Views

2534

Maximum Seats

6
Overview

To journey into the unknown, learn from elders and live as our ancestors did? This Activexpedition 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!
Paddle the Shiripuno searching for wildlife such us: monkeys, otters, tapir, jaguars and colorful birds.

Accommodation is provided at a basic campsite next to Waorani Homes.
Activexpedition_AMAZON_KAYAK _WAORANI_TRIBE_2
  • Explore the Yasuni National Park

  • Paddle down the Shiripuno river and the Anaconda lagoon

  • Hike in the Amazon Jungle and search for medicinal plants

  • View unique wildlife species

  • Look for parrots and peccaries at the clay lick

  • Catch a piranha

  • Stay in a place surrounded by nature

  • Learn about the Culture of the Amazon

  • Learn how to use a blowgun and a spear

  • Learn about Curare

  • Share time with the local Wuaorani indigenous people

  • Use quality equipment for paddling and camping

  • Be led by top Activexpedition experienced guides at every step you take

  • Support sustainable travel to preserve culture and nature

  • Kayak or Stand Up Paddle

  • Hiking

  • Birdwatching

  • Canoeing

  • Swimming

  • Culture

  • Wildlife

  • Fishing

  • Photography

Moderated
  • Year around

  • 14 years old

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Entrance into Yasuni and Paddling the Shiripuno 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 Shiripuno River. Then we will kayak for about five 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: Basic Campsite
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Day 2

Anaconda Lagoon

Today we take a short hike into a pristine forest where we will explore black water lagoon by kayak. Being their natural habitat, on sunny days anacondas can be found resting upon the shore. The anaconda “Ove in Wao Language” holds special importance to the local Waorani 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! Later we go back to the campsite for lunch and some rest, and in the late afternoon, we will go for a walk and search for insects and amphibians.

Overnight: Basic Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3

Early paddling exploration to view wildlife

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. We will go back to the Campsite by canoe and have lunch, this afternoon we will join the Waorani women and take a short walk to their yucca crops, there we will help them harvest this important products to make a traditional drink called Kene in Waorani, if it is the right season we will also pick some fruits such us, lemons, naranjilla, pineapple, plantains and banana. This night we will go on search for caimans, as it is easier to spot them for the reflection of the flashlight on their eyes.

Overnight: Basic Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4

Hike To The Animal's Clay Lick And Lesson On Hunting Practices

Today we hike 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 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 campsite. Spend the afternoon with the family 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 5

Departure

Today after an early breakfast, we will take a canoe for 3 hours to reach back to the Shiripuno bridge, where we will take a car ride to go back to Coca, end of services.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Let's design your adventure

    • Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide

    • Wuaorani guides

    • Land and water Transport while in Coca

    • Accommodation for four nights

    • Meals according to the Itinerary

    • Water and snacks

    • Water bottle

    • Paddling gear: NRS expedition kayaks, NRS paddleboards, paddles and life jackets

    • Camping gear: Eureka tents, air mattresses and blankets available. (we do have a proper bathroom at the campsite)

    • Robber boots for hiking

    • All fees to reserves and museums

    • International or domestic flights

    • Transfer from/to Quito

    • 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: 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 4 out of 5. The kayaking is on flat water, but long activity day, paddling can be up to 6 hours a day, the hiking is on irregular terrain and most of the time can be muddy, your guides will always be there to tell you important tips and give you safety talks when needed.

    • 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. Covid 19 Vaccine Certificate and Negative PCR test.

    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.

    • Optional Gifts for the Wuaorani (fishing line, multi-tools)

    • 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 tennis shoes

    • 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:

    summer 2024

    $1408/per person

    • All premium features

    • Departures: March to August

    DEALS

    $1584/per person

    • All premium features

    • Solo travelers are welcome on sharing room basis otherwise single supplement applies

    • Apply on these dates

    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

    Contact us

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

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    • 7 am - 4 pm Monday through Thursday.
    • 7 am to 1 pm Fridays (US central) toll free or by skype.
    Otherwise, email us anytime. On average we provide quotes within 6 hours during business hours and the next day during off business hours. Privately guided trips allow you to be in control of all the details of your trip - departure times, accommodations, extra nights, extra activities, extra experiences - what you want and how you want it. If you want to go private or customize this expedition, contact us.
    Phone

    US & CANADA: +1 (919) 400-5824 EC: +593 (09) 5955-5556

    Email

    christian@activexpedition.com