We spent only a brief time here on our way to Denali. But this was the beginning of the trip of a lifetime for my 77 year old mother, Mary.
It was certainly a worthwhile commitment of time to get ... Full Journal »
Amazon Adventure
$1925 4 or more travelers
$2750 single supplement
Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
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Travel Highlights
- Amazon
- Huaorani Community
- Shiripuno River
- Coca
- Quito
A true Amazon adventure! This kayak expedition takes you into one of the most important and biodiverse ecosystems on earth. Paddle in expedition kayaks and camp for two nights, and enjoy the Shiripuno jungle lodge in indigenous Huaorani territory in the vast Amazon basin. The Huaorani lived as hunters and gathers, entirely without outside contact until the end of the 1950s. Your trip helps encourage and promote long-term conservation of the traditional Huaorani community and the protection of their surrounding jungle environment. No experience necessary for this unique and adventurous Amazon tour!
- Day 1 Arrive Quito
- Day 2 Into the Jungle
- Day 3 Huaorani Community and Shiripuno Paddling
- Day 4 Kayaking and Hiking
- Day 5 Rainforest hiking and lake exploration
- Day 6 Motorized Canoe to Coca. Overnight
- Day 7 Fly Quito. Overnight.
- Day 8 Return Home
- Additional Tour Options
- $2675 - 2 travelers
PaddlingIncludes paddling activity such as sea kayaking or rafting.
Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
Cultural ActivitiesIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.
ActiveOur most active trips for travelers who are fit and looking for vigorous adventures. Tours include multisport activities and multi-day treks.
CampingDeluxe camping or accommodations in mountain lodges.
Community StayHomestay with local families or overnight in community-supported campground or lodge for unique cultural immersion.
Day 2 Into the Jungle (B,L,D) 
A morning flight carries you over the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes and down into the Amazon basin to begin your Amazon tour. A three-hour drive will take you to your put-in on the Shiripuno River and the start of your amazing journey. You'll meet your Huaorani guide and spend time in a local community were you'll have the unique experience of learning about the Huaorani people, their traditions, their history and their commitment to preserving the natural treasures of the region. Tonight's campsite is hosted by a local Huaorani family - enjoy a campfire dinner.
Day 3 Huaorani Community and Shiripuno Paddling (B,L,D)
Following breakfast, visit the nearby Noneno Community where the local Huaorani share more traditions and aspects of daily lifestyle. After our visit we'll continue kayaking down the Shiripuno - you'll have nearly 25 km of river kayaking to do-- a challenging trip, but along the way you will be treated with the wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This incredible region boasts some of the world's highest biodiversity and sustains the traditional lifestyle of numerous indigenous groups. On your silent journey downriver you'll have an excellent chance of spotting monkeys, capybara, toucans, macaws, tapir and maybe even the elusive jaguar. There will be plenty of short stops to stretch and rest your muscles. Expect a late arrival to this evening's campsite.
Day 4 Kayaking and Hiking (B,L,D) 
Today you'll paddle to the remote Shiripuno Jungle lodge; the wooden buildings and thatched roofs blend into the surrounding landscape. In the evening, enjoy a hike into the forest as the wildlife becomes more active, where your naturalist guide teaches you about the complex ecology of the rainforest. Relax and overnight in the rustic jungle lodge.
Day 5 Rainforest hiking and lake exploration (B,L,D)
A short trip upriver in motorized canoe will take us to the start of our rainforest hiking adventure. We'll explore old-growth and flooded (varzea) forest. We'll hike for 4-5 hours, keeping an eye out for monkeys, white-lipped peccaries, and jaguar tracks. During our walk the expedition guide and Huaorani guide explain their practical, medicinal and spiritual relationship with the Amazon jungle.
After lunch we will reach a series of small lakes, where we will paddle in wooden canoes. You'll reach a region of flooded forest and small jungle lakes where you'll have the chance to spot the prehistoric Hoatzin bird and caimans (a relative of the alligator). There is also great fishing in the area. Tonight, you'll return to Shiripuno where you can relax in a hammock and share stories about your Amazon adventures.
Day 6 Motorized Canoe to Coca. Overnight (B,L,D)
After a short wildlife hike in the morning to see a glorious sunrise -- and one more chance to spot some Amazon wildlife -- you head back upriver by motorized canoe, and transfer to Coca where you'll overnight before your flight back to Quito in the morning.
| $1925 | Tour Cost |
| $190 | Internal Flights (Quito-Coca-Quito) |
| Flight costs subject to change | |
| $2115 | Total cost |
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Recommended Budgeting
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