Set off deep into Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest for a unique, hands-on expedition alongside the Waorani tribe. Paddle through the Yasuni National Park, explore wildlife-filled lagoons, and share time with local communities while learning traditional techniques and rainforest survival skills. This is an exciting multi-activity experience combining kayaking, cultural exchange and Amazon trekking in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Day 1 – Arrival in Quito
You’ll arrive in Quito at your own pace, with no scheduled activities for the day. Use this time to explore the historic centre, visit museums, or simply rest before the expedition begins. A welcome meeting is held at 18:00 in the hotel lobby to meet your guide and group.
Day 2 – Flight to El Coca & Entry to Yasuni
We fly from Quito to El Coca and travel to the edge of Yasuni National Park. After lunch by the Shiripuno River, the kayaking adventure begins, paddling into a pristine rainforest landscape. The day ends at a pre-set jungle campsite, where the atmosphere of the Amazon fully surrounds you.
Day 3 – Wildlife Trails & Piranha Fishing
Begin with a dawn hike through Waorani trails, spotting wildlife like monkeys and learning about medicinal plants. After breakfast, cross to a lagoon known for anaconda sightings and enjoy a piranha fishing session. Later, visit a Waorani family to learn about their culture, and end the day with a night canoe trip in search of caimans.
Day 4 – Hunting Techniques with the Waorani
A Waorani warrior joins us today, guiding a paddle and forest walk to learn traditional hunting skills. We’ll see how curare is sourced and used, then practise using a blowgun—an important part of their heritage. The day offers meaningful insight into a culture still deeply connected to nature.
Day 5 – Sacred Clay Lick & Community Time
Hike to the saladero, a mineral-rich clay lick where birds and mammals gather. Hear stories from your guides about rainforest traditions, then return to camp for lunch. In the afternoon, spend time with the Waorani community, learn about their artwork and customs, and support their cultural projects.
Day 6 – Return to El Coca & Quito
Enjoy a final breakfast surrounded by jungle sounds before breaking camp and paddling downriver. We transfer to El Coca for the return flight to Quito, where the evening is free to relax or head out into the city.
Day 7 – Departure or Trip Extension
After breakfast, your trip officially concludes. However, options are available to extend your travels, whether into the Galápagos Islands or further across South America. The team can assist with these arrangements if needed.
This expedition begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, located high in the Andes and known for its colonial architecture and vibrant markets. From there, you’ll travel east by air to El Coca, the gateway to Yasuni National Park, one of the most biologically rich areas on the planet. The entire tour takes place within the Amazon basin, specifically inside Waorani territory and the Shiripuno River corridor—a secluded region that’s rarely accessible to travellers. The area is only reachable with special permits and local knowledge, ensuring a highly immersive and respectful experience.
Yasuni National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that hosts a staggering variety of plant and animal species. This part of the rainforest is also home to the Waorani people, an indigenous group who have successfully maintained their ancestral land and culture. Your journey includes travel through primary jungle, remote waterways, and wild campsites far from tourist routes, with all logistics managed by a local team.
Accommodation on this expedition includes two nights in a comfortable hotel in Quito (first and last nights) and four nights of fully supported camping in the Amazon rainforest. In Quito, you’ll stay at a centrally located hotel such as the Dann Carlton or a similar standard option, offering private rooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and easy access to local restaurants and attractions.
During the jungle portion of the trip, you’ll be based at established campsite locations deep within the Waorani territory. These campsites provide a balance between comfort and immersion, with quality tents, sleeping gear, jungle bathrooms with showers, and communal dining and social areas. All camping equipment is included, and meals are prepared onsite using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The set-up allows for a safe, comfortable stay while still giving you the experience of sleeping in the heart of the rainforest.
This experience requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable kayaking or paddleboarding for several hours at a time, walking on uneven jungle terrain, and camping in basic but well-equipped conditions. While no technical paddling experience is necessary, a sense of adventure and a willingness to disconnect from modern conveniences are essential.
Participants must be prepared for changing weather, humidity, and close encounters with wildlife. This expedition is not suitable for those seeking luxury or conventional travel comforts. Respect for the Waorani way of life and the natural environment is crucial, and all participants are expected to follow guidance from both indigenous and professional guides to ensure safety and sustainability.
This expedition is run by a trusted, long-established local operator with over 12 years of experience offering cultural and adventure travel across South America. Their team of multilingual staff and guides bring in-depth regional knowledge, strong relationships with local communities, and a long-standing commitment to ethical, respectful tourism.
The operator is based in Quito and specialises in authentic travel experiences, from jungle expeditions to coastal breaks and Galápagos cruises. They prioritise fair working practices, environmental protection, and the involvement of local people in all aspects of tour delivery. When you travel with them, you help support sustainable tourism efforts that protect both ecosystems and culture.
About the centre
Quito, Ecuador
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