Visit Huaorani Lodge and the Huaorani people on this 7-day 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 a nearby campsite along the Shiripuno river as you learn more about the rainforest and the community's efforts to preserve their way of life.
Highlights
Hike and explore the rainforest around the Huaorani Lodge
Interact with locals and learn about their daily life
Learn Huaorani history & myths that have been passed down for centuries
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
This morning set out with a Huaorani guide for a long nature hike into the forest. 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. You may even have time to enjoy a swim in the fresh river water before lunch.
This afternoon visit the local Huaorani Community, Quehueri'ono. Spend time interacting with the locals, watching the children play, and communicating with these people who are so committed to preserving their homeland. 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.
Embark on the Ceibo Trail this morning, a three hour hike that winds through towering trees, across streams, along the swamp to the Giant Ceibo tree. Continue on through the forest enjoying beautiful views, watching for wildlife all the while. Follow the lake back to the river where you are met by a canoe and transported back to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch at the lodge, canoe to an oxbow lake formed by the Shiripuno River. From here you can explore the forest in search of anacondas, capybaras and the extraordinary Hoatzin. Climb the hill to the salt lick where you may be lucky enough to view the local wildlife feeding on the mineral rich clay.
Return to the lodge this evening.
Day 5: Canoeing the Shiripuno River
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 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.
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 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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
Select a Date
Departure from the Lodge back to Quito not possible on Sundays.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.