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Blow darts are used for hunting in the Huaorani Community

Amazon Survival Experience

Example 7 Day Tour
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Visit Huaorani Lodge and the Huaorani people on this Amazon lodge tour. The Huaorani have remained isolated in the midst of the Ecuadorian Amazon for centuries until recently. Explore the flora and fauna of the region while you interact with the local community. Enjoy a canoe trip to nearby campsite along the Shiripuno river as you learn more about the rainforest and the community's efforts to preserve their way of life.
Huaorani LodgeLearning to shoot a blow dart at Huaorani LodgeGreeting the localsHuaorani Lodge and peopleThe locals at the Huaorani CommunityCanoesHuaorani Lodge and peopleOur local guideOur local guideBlow darts are used for hunting in the Huaorani Community
Places Visited
Activity Level: Moderate
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Quito

Arrive to Quito and overnight.

Day 2: Off to Huaorani Lodge

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning depart Quito driving along the Avenida de Volcanos towards the town of Shell. From here board a small plane towards Quehueri'ono, located a little over thirty minutes across magnificent rainforest panoramas! Upon arrival board a dugout canoe which takes you the rest of the way by river to the lodge. Keep your eyes open along the way to catch your first glimpse of the the jungle wildlife, including many unique birds. Set out on a short guided hike this afternoon to explore the rainforest around the lodge and enjoy dinner this evening.

Day 3: Jungle Survival 101

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning you will set out with a Huaorani guide for a long nature hike into the forest to start your survival adventure. You will get to learn first hand the connection with the forest and animals that the Huaorani share. Learn how they hunt and use the forest's natural resources to sustain their health while living in the rainforest.

This afternoon arrive to your campsite for the evening and begin to build your shelter. Using the what you've learned, the forest's resources and the few supplies to construct your shelter to keep you dry this evening. Spend the rest of your time looking for food, such as grubs and worms, and possibly fish. Learn how to prepare them over a campfire for your meal this evening.

Day 4: Survival Day & Hunting Trail

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, wake up to prepare your chicha, a drink made from manioc root. Break down your camp and set out to go on the hunting trail with your guide. Huaorani are traditionally hunters and gathers, and you will get a chance to experience how they interact with the forest. Learn how to set traps, build small shelters or use a blowgun, or simply identify different medicinal plants. This part of the tour is strictly a demonstration of how the Huaorani have hunted these forests for generations.

Arrive mid-day to the local Huaorani Community, Quehueri'ono where a welcoming lunch awaits you. Spend time interacting with the locals, watching the children play and communicating with these people who are so committed to preserving their homeland. You will have the chance to join them in some of their daily activities, as well as learn of their history as a people and myths that have been passed down for centuries.

This evening, return to the lodge by canoe in time for dinner.

Day 5: Canoe the Shiripuno River

This morning you rise early for your embarkation in canoes along the Shiripuno River. Keep your eyes and ears tuned for the sounds and sights of the forest wildlife coming alive in the early morning hours along the river. Enjoy your time while listening to Huaorani stories your guide tells as you float along. Paddle for about seven hours today, stopping mid-way to visit the community of Apaika. Here you will have the chance to explore a small interpretation center about Yasuni National Park and Bioreserve as well as enjoy a rest and a snack. Continue by canoe the rest of the way, or you can opt to hop into the accompanying dugout canoe. Paddle the rest of the way to the community of Nenquepare and rest after the long journey. Camp overnight here in permanent tent structures.

Day 6: Return Quito

This morning you may opt to hike to a nearby natural waterfall before you leave the Amazon. Travel from Nenquepare along the Via Auca towards Coca for your return flight home. Along the way you will note the changes in the environment as you enter lands that are not owned or protected by the Huaorani people, as well as see firsthand the impact that oil drilling is having on the region. Fly back to Quito and overnight.

Day 7: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Travel from Nenquepare along the Via Auca towards Coca for your return flight home. Begin our return journey to Coca and onward to Quito. Along the way you will note the changes in the environment as you enter lands that are not owned or protected by the Huaorani people, as well as see firsthand the impact that oil drilling is having on the region. Fly back to Quito and overnight.

Accommodations

Nenkepare Community Campsite

Nenkepare Community Campsite
Huaorani Campsite, Nenkepare
Huaorani Campsite, Nenkepare

Huaorani Lodge

Huaorani Lodge's twin bed cabin
Comfortable dining and delicious traditional food at Huaorani Lodge
Learning to shoot a blow dart at Huaorani Lodge

Quito - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Notes

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Departure from the Lodge back to Quito not possible on Sundays.
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • 6 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Gear Rental
    • Camping Gear, Rain poncho, Rubber boots, Canoe
Excluded
  • Both Arrival and Departure Transfers are excluded.
  • International Flights
  • Meals not Included
  • Airport Departure Tax
  • Park Entrance Fee
    • Huaorani Terrtory Fee

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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