This expedition is about the way of life in one of the most important and biodiverse ecosystems on earth. Our destination is the Yasuni National Park, Ecuador's largest National Park and home of the Huaorani Indians.
The Huaorani people have inhabited the headwaters of the Amazon for millennia. They have lived as hunters and gatherers, entirely without contact from outsiders right up until the end of the 1950s. Indeed, at least a few Huaorani clans continue to shun all contact with the outside world, the Tagaeri. Numbering approximately 1,200 individuals, the Huaorani continue to maintain a largely traditional lifestyle, living from the rainforest, although with pressure from missionaries and oil companies.
Our program involves the exploration of both primary and secondary rainforests in the company of the Huaoranis and our own bilingual kayak expedition leaders. Clients will have the possibility of observing Amazon wildlife during the hikes and while paddling the river, and will receive a conservationist interpretation of the ecology and actual situation of the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest.
Your visit will help encourage the Huaorani to support responsible ecotourism as a viable, sustainable alternative, as opposed to surrendering to the destructive appetites of the oil industry. And most of all, your visit will provide an important income which will reinforce and promote the long-term conservation of their cultural identity and the nurturing of their environment. In sum, this program is a very special experience which will take you to one of the most ecologically-important areas on the planet, accompanied and guided by a unique rainforest culture.
We provide an intimate encounter with nature, and the chance to witness life in the rainforest through the eyes of people who have lived there for millennia.
Highlights
Explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earch in the Yasuni National Park
Explore the jungle with Huaoroni and bilingual naturalist guides
Observe Amazon wildlife and learn about the Huaoroni's relationship with the jungle
Help to encourage the Huaoroni to support ecotourism as a viable, sustainable alternative to extractive industries
Your visit will directly provide income to the Huaoroni which will reinforce long-term conservation ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
DAY 1 Travel into the rainforest by motor boat, visit a Huaoroni community, and paddle our kayaks to our riverside camp.
DAY 2 Paddle downstream observing Amazonian wildlife en route to our jungle lodge.
DAY 3 Walk in the jungle to observe nature with our naturalist and Huaoroni guides, then explore nearby lakes and fish for piranhas.
DAY 4 Kayak downstream, again looking for wildlife, down to a small lake where we can experience paddling a dugout canoe.
DAY 5 More hikes in the jungle lookng for monkeys and other wildlife before setting off in the motorized canoe for Coca.
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
You will visit one of the world's most important environments, accompanied by members of a tribe who live in harmony with the jungle. You will have a unique opportunity to witness life in the rainforest through the eyes of people who have lived there for millennia. ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
Those who love being active in the outdoors, and who want to experience the jungle in the company of members of a uniqe rainforest culture will enjoy this trip. This is a rugged, adventurous trip, where you will get wet and dirty hiking and paddling in search of wildlife. ...view more details
DAY 1 REACHING THE RAINFOREST
We fly to Coca and then transfer by vehicle for about three hours until we reach the banks of the Tiwino River, where our kayaks and Huaorani guide will be awaiting us. We visit a Huaorani community, where we share their traditional lifestyle and beliefs. After a safety talk we paddle downstream, and experience the different sounds and colors of this unique habitat. We will set up a nice campsite at the edge of the river as the night dawns, and prepare for a gourmet fireside dinner in the wilderness. (L, D)
DAY 2 PADDLING IN THE AMAZON
After a vigorous breakfast we gather our gear to continue downstream in our kayaks. This will be a challenging day because we paddle downstream for about 25 km, great opportunity to observe the Amazon wildlife. We see many different birds, monkeys, and other mammals that will surprise us. As we travel through the beautiful Tiwino river, and other small tributaries, to find tropical flowers, exotic trees and medicinal plants. Expect to arrive late to our campsite located within a lodge that offers a wooden deck, bathroom facilities, and a thatched roof restaurant. Cabins with bedrooms are available as an option. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 JUNGLE HIKE AND RIVER LAKE EXPLORATION
We set off into the rainforest in search of local wildlife. We will hike into the hilly terra firm rainforest in the company of our bi-lingual naturalist guide and our Huoarani guide, who will introduce us to a wide range of medicinal plants. We may be able to see footprints along the trail of different rodents and mammals. We will have the opportunity to learn more about the Huaorani's practical and spiritual relationship with their rainforest environment, learn about traditional plants, their use in the community, medicinal techniques and the very important interaction in nature between insects, animals and plants. After 3 to 4 hours walking, we will go back to our base camp for lunch. In the afternoon, we will explore small lakes and a nearby flooded forest to learn more about plants that live mostly underwater and birds that have adapted to the flooded areas. Here we will fish for piranhas. We also learn how to work with Chambira, a local fiber from a palm tree. The end of the day will find us relaxing on the hammocks and share the day's experiences. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 MORE PADDLING AND EXPLORATION
We will paddle downstream for about 10 km, 3 to 4 hours, searching for animals and birdlife. Today our goal will be to reach some other small lake formations where we will paddle in our wooden dugout canoes. This is a beautiful flooded forest, great for fishing, and to see the unique and prehistoric bird, the Hoatzin, as well as, Caimans (small crocodile) lurking amid the vegetation. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 HIKING AND RETURN TO COCA
We will have an early start to enjoy the sun rise, and a run of short wildlife hikes throughout the day to look for some common species of monkeys, including the Red Howler Monkey, the Spider Monkey and the Woolly Monkey. In the afternoon, we will take a motorized canoe downstream, to reach a road and bridge. Here we disembark and drive back to the frontier town of Coca, where we will settle in our hotel for a relaxing evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 6
After breakfast we will transfer to the Coca airport for our flight back to Quito. (B)
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Huaorani Kayaking Expedition
