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.
Participants should have a moderate level of fitness as the trip involves several hours of kayaking or stand-up paddling each day, as well as hiking on uneven jungle trails. While no advanced paddling skills are needed, being comfortable with physical activity in a hot, humid environment is important to fully enjoy the experience.
The rainforest terrain can be challenging with muddy, slippery paths and occasional elevation changes. The expedition pace allows time for rest, but guests should be prepared for active days and the endurance required for multi-day camping in remote locations.
Packing light but smart is key. Essentials include quick-drying clothing, swimwear, waterproof bags for electronics, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy hiking boots or shoes. A good waterproof jacket is also recommended due to possible rain showers in the rainforest.
Additional useful items are a reusable water bottle, binoculars for wildlife spotting, a camera with extra batteries, and personal toiletries. The operator provides rubber boots for jungle hikes and all kayaking equipment, so there’s no need to bring your own.
No prior kayaking or paddleboarding experience is required to join this expedition. Guides provide thorough instruction and support to ensure all participants feel confident and safe on the water. The kayaking routes are chosen to suit a range of abilities and focus on a relaxed pace to enjoy the environment.
However, participants should be comfortable being on the water and able to sit for several hours at a time. Those who have some paddling experience will likely find the trip easier, but beginners are welcome and supported throughout.
The trip starts and ends with two nights in a comfortable hotel in Quito, offering private rooms, hot showers, and city amenities. This provides a convenient base before and after the rainforest adventure.
In the Amazon, accommodation is camping-based with four nights at well-equipped jungle campsites. These include quality tents, sleeping gear, and basic bathrooms with showers. The campsites are safe, clean, and designed to immerse guests in the natural surroundings without sacrificing essential comfort.
All meals during the jungle portion are included and prepared onsite by experienced cooks using fresh, local ingredients. Meals typically feature regional dishes designed to provide good nutrition and energy for active days. Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
In Quito, meals are not included, giving guests the freedom to explore local restaurants and try Ecuadorian cuisine. The expedition also provides drinking water and light snacks during daily activities to keep you refreshed.
The expedition works closely with the Waorani community, providing meaningful opportunities to learn about their culture while supporting their economic well-being. Part of the trip fees contribute directly to community projects aimed at preserving traditions and protecting their land.
Guides and operators follow strict environmental protocols to minimise impact on the rainforest. This includes responsible waste management, use of non-invasive routes, and education on local flora and fauna. The trip promotes respectful interaction with nature and indigenous people, ensuring a positive legacy.
The Yasuni National Park is one of the world’s richest ecosystems. Guests can expect to see a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, parrots, macaws, peccaries, tapirs, caimans, and the occasional giant anaconda in the waterways.
Birdwatching is a highlight, with many colourful species visiting the clay lick to feed on minerals. Night excursions offer chances to see nocturnal creatures, while hiking trails reveal medicinal plants and smaller wildlife native to the Amazon.
The trip combines multiple outdoor sports including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, and canoeing. Each day features paddling on rivers or lagoons, allowing participants to develop their skills in navigating calm jungle waterways while enjoying the surrounding wildlife.
Hiking is an important part of the itinerary, with guided walks through the rainforest to discover medicinal plants and wildlife. These activities offer a balanced mix of physical exercise and cultural learning, making the expedition both active and engaging.
About the centre
Quito, Ecuador
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