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Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Pañacocha Kayaking Expedition

Pañacocha Kayaking Expedition

  4.4 (1 review)
From USD $600.00 Per Person

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Itinerary

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Start city(s): Coca, Ecuador
End city(s): Coca, Ecuador
Trip length: 5 days
Activities: Sea Kayak, Wildlife Viewing, Birdwatching
Destinations: Coca--Amazon, Amazon, Amazon River
Min/Max group size: 2 - 10
Comfort: Expediton/Rough
Expediton/Rough
Difficulty: More Difficult
More Difficult
*Details may vary with dates. Select dates to see exact details.
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Deep in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon lies a magical place: Panacocha Lagoon --home of the endangered pink freshwater dolphin, the equally rare Amazonian manatee and many other species of tropical rainforest aquatic life.

Panacocha Reserve encompasses 56,000 hectares of primary rainforest, and is home to jaguars, tigarillos, ocelots, nine species of monkeys and 500 species of birds. It harbors a network of waterways including spectacular Panacocha Lagoon. Important as it is as a sanctuary for rare fauna, Panacocha achieves added significance as the corridor connecting two important and larger areas: to the south it is bordered by Yasuni National Reserve (982,000 hectares) and to the north by the 600,000-hectare Cuyabeno National Park.

Highlights

Explore the Amazon Basin by sea kayak
Paddle with the endangered pink freshwater dolphin
Experience unusual and interesting tropical nature
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Abbreviated Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Coca and motor downstream to our camp. After lunch paddle to look for pink dolphins.
Day 2: Hike in the rainforest with local guide.
Day 3: Paddle to explore small streams in the area.
Day 4: Paddle to a Quechua village. Return by motor boat to Coca.
Day 5: Transfer to airport and fly back to Quito.
...see full itinerary

Complete Tour Package or a la Carte Trip

Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?

On this trip you will visit the heart of Ecuador's wild Amazon Basin, home of the endangered pink freshwater dolphin, the equally rare Amazonian manatee and many other species of tropical rainforest aquatic life. And, you will experience all of this while paddling your own kayak, quietly and slowly exploring this tropical wonderland.
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What kind of person will enjoy this trip?

Nature lovers who want to get up close and personal with the Ecuadorian Amazon will love this trip. If your idea of adventure is to watch the Discovery Channel from your luxury hotel room this trip is NOT for you.
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Overview

Itinerary

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Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1:
After breakfast, we will paddle downstream to the main lake and other small lakes such as Pigualli-cocha, where we'll see and hear many tropical birds, as well as monkeys and myriad tropical plant and insect species. We will have lunch in our main lake, where we will try to spot the fresh water dolphin. We'll even take a swim in this incredible area. We will come back to camp in the afternoon and will go fishing for piranas and other tropical freshwater fish. (L, D)

DAY 2:
Today is our big hike in the rainfores,t and our local guide will give us an introduction to this fabulous ecosystem, filled with bromeliads, heliconias, orchids and other tropical flowers and trees. We will learn about the fascinating properties of the various medicinal and useful plants of the rainforest. Next, we will visit a local Quechua house to see how the tribes have lived for hundreds of years. By the end of the day we will get back tour base camp in Panacocha. (B, L, D)

DAY 3:
We will paddle and explore small streams in the area, learning and observing the wildlife around us. In the afternoon we will have an easy hike around our camp. In the evening we'll go out and have a nocturnal hike to try to spot the spectacular cayman and other nocturnal animals. (B, L, D)

DAY 4:
Early in the morning we paddle downstream in the Pañayacu river, down towards the Napo river where we will visit a community of Quechuas. We will get a chance to see many of the useful plants in use by the communities. Macaws and toucans will be greeting us on our way down. Finally, we'll head back to Coca by motorized canoe for overnight at a local hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 5:
Transfer to the airport and flight back to Quito (B)

INCLUDED:
Road and river transportation from Coca, all camping gear, meals as described, expedition kayaks and gear, professional bilingual guides and native guides, one night tourist class accommodation in Coca. For groups larger than 6, dugout canoes are taken for logistical support.

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Trip Dates & Prices

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Additional Services

This provider can help with your other additional needs

  • local flights
  • transfers
  • additional accomodations
  • trip extensions
... and other requirements.


Request these additional services when you check availability above

What's Included

All meals beginning with Lunch on Day 1 through Breakfast on Day 5. All lodging from Night 1 through Night 4. Road and river transportation from Coca, all camping gear, meals as described, expedition kayaks and gear, professional bilingual guides and native guides, one night tourist class accommodation in Coca. For groups larger than 6, dugout canoes are taken for logistical support.

Not Included

Breakfast on Day 1, and Lunch and Dinner on Day 5 after your return to Quitos. Round trip airfare Quito-Coca-Quito (currently $120). Tips and personal items.

Overview

Itinerary

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Customer Reviews

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To review this trip please register or login (if already registered).

Overall Rating:

4.4
1 customer review
Destination:
4.0000 4.0
Activity:
4.0000 4.0
Equipment:
5.0000 5.0
Food:
4.0000 4.0
Guides & Service:
5.0000 5.0
Provider Rating: 3.9716
12 trip reviews
Equipment:
3.9167 3.9
Food:
3.7500 3.8
Guides & Service:
4.5833 4.6
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
3.6364 3.6
Trip Rating:
4.4
Destination:
4
Equipment:
5
Activity:
4
Food:
4
Guides & Service:
5

Pañacocha Kayaking Expedition

by mukunig, May 31, 2006

This is a fabulous way to explore the rainforest in Ecuador. Traveling by kayak allows you to really experience the land and wildlife around you. You move slowly and quietly in a kayak. The accommodations are very basic and the conditions in the jungle can be tough--be prepared to be wet and muddy. The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful, and overall this was a great trip. I did find the jungle to be more pristine in Peru and Bolivia than here, however.

Overview

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Customer Reviews

Details

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What's Included

What's Included

All meals beginning with Lunch on Day 1 through Breakfast on Day 5. All lodging from Night 1 through Night 4. Road and river transportation from Coca, all camping gear, meals as described, expedition kayaks and gear, professional bilingual guides and native guides, one night tourist class accommodation in Coca. For groups larger than 6, dugout canoes are taken for logistical support.

Not Included

Not Included

Breakfast on Day 1, and Lunch and Dinner on Day 5 after your return to Quitos. Round trip airfare Quito-Coca-Quito (currently $120). Tips and personal items.

Transportation On Trip

Transportation Description

30 minute commercial flight from Quito to Coca followed by a 2 hour ride in a motor canoe, each way.

Transportation Types

4 Wheel Drive Vehicle
Motor Boat
Commercial Jet

Lodging - Accommodations

What are the accommodations like?

We will camp or stay in a very rustic lodge along the river at Panacocha. We stay in a local hotel in Colca.

Lodging Types

1 Nights hotels
4 Nights camping

Toilet Facilities


Pit Toilet/Outhouse

Details

Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility

Community Involvement
Ecuador is rich in indigenous communities with claims to thousands of acres of
ancestral territories. Ecuador Adventure is actively involved in helping such
communities develop sustainable hospitality practices that preserve the forest in
harmony with their age old way of life.

Indigenous Guides
Many services engage the participation of local guides, porters, or assistants,
respected experts in their local areas. Ecuador Adventure guarantees fair
employment conditions far surpassing those required by law, where each indigenous
crew member is not only treated with dignity, but also as a partner and friend.

Eco Tourism Lectures
Ecuador Adventure staff educates and shares the importance of preserving the
environment through university and high school lectures on the benefits of
Community Based Eco-tourism (CBE) projects as a sustainable alternative to the
increasing pressures to exploit land, water and communities for short-sighted gain.
We are an active member of Ecuador's Ecotourism Association,
www.ecoturismo.org.ec.


Safe Camping and Environmental Standards
During overnight outdoor trips and expeditions, Ecuador Adventure abides by
and exceeds national and international camping and environmental standards.

Illegal Environmental Practices
On occasion, Ecuador Adventure witnesses irresponsible individuals, companies,
and even governments who exploit Ecuador's environment irrationally. This is not
taken lightly. We document and denounce such illegal practices as we encounter
them to the competent authorities. Better results are sometimes obtained through
public pressure by sending our complaints and images to the media, including local
newspapers and television networks.

Tell me about the safety precautions and plans for this trip.

Ecuador Adventure guides meet and exceed qualifications and requirements:
Wilderness Emergency Medicine - First Responder
Kayak Instructor - American Canoe Association
Ecuadorian National Guide Certification - Ministry of Tourism
Ecuadorian Mountain Association - ASEGUIM
Rock Rescue - American Mountain Guide Association
Professional Paddle Association
Swift Water Rescue
Open Water Rescue
Red Cross
CPR - American Heart Association
Five years minimum experience requirement
Guide Training Program - Ecuador Adventure

Maximum Age

None

Travel Provider

Provider Name

Ecuador Adventure

Why should I choose this provider?

Our travel professionals offer unrivalled attention to detail, safety issues and service standards. Ecuador Adventure's serves more than 1,000 clients each year, including many of Ecuador's top 50 companies in the travel and business industries.

Provider Policies

Terms and Conditions

ECUADOR ADVENTURE reserves the right to change or withdraw any travel arrangements when deemed necessary in the best interests of our clients. This is especially applicable when faced with unforeseen weather conditions that prevent us from running a trip safely. We reserve the right to refuse, accept or retain any passenger from our trips should he or she jeopardize group safety or engage in illegal, vv or offensive behavior. Luggage travels at owner's risk throughout the tour, although we provide all necessary precautions. Complementary traveler insurance is available upon request. All passengers must sign a liability / responsibility release prior to their trip. We are not responsible for cancellation of any services due to natural disasters, social upheavals or other circumstances out of our control.

Pricing policies:

Our trips DO NOT include local airfare. Prices vary according to season. We reserve, reconfirm and sell airline tickets for local flights, or reconfirm your international flights at no additional cost.

Our trips DO NOT include entrance fees to National Parks, Private Reserves, or protected areas.

Cancellation Policies:

All groups or individuals are subject to a cancellation fee if cancellation is done less than 30 days prior to departure.

On all group and individual cancellations for Galapagos and land services, USD 50.00 handling fee per person will be forfeited as penalty.

For land services, if cancellation is received:
- 30/20 days prior 30% of the full price will be forfeited
- 19/10 days prior 50% of the full price will be forfeited
- 9/5 days prior 75% of the full price will be forfeited
- 4 days 100% of the full price will be forfeited

For Galapagos Multisport, Galapagos Kayaking or Galapagos Trekking tours:
If cancellation is received between 90 and 60 days prior departure no cancellation penalty will be applied.

If cancellation is received between 60 and 30 days prior to the date our services are due to begin, 25% of the full price per person will be forfeited.

If cancellation is received between 29 and 15 days before our services are due to begin, 50% of the full price per person will be forfeited.

If cancellation is received between 14 days and 0 days full payment is not refundable.

Should a group member cancel after final confirmation, he should be replaced by another member in order to avoid the cancellation fee.

Refund Policies:
If cancellation is received between 14 days and 0 days before the operation of services and the same is due to medical reasons, we will refund 50% of the full price of the program and will require copy of the certifications that prove injury or illness.

Overview

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Customer Reviews

Details

Photos




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TESTIMONIALS

We are back from a fabulous time at the Refugio Amazonas! I have nothing but raves about it all! Thanks for your help in getting us to this great place!

-- Susan L, Refugio Amazonas Family Adventure

We just got back from Peru on Sunday. It was a GREAT trip. We thoroughly enjoyed it! The highlight was truly the trek to Machu Picchu. Thanks for all of your help in making the trip very special. Everything went off without a hitch. We were very impressed.

-- Mary Ann, B., Multi-Activity Peru

We had a great time on the Galapagos Cruise. Our guides were very engaging and informative and everything was timed just right. We had the right amount of activity, food and leisure time every day. We are not \"cruising\" people and were apprehensive at first about being stuck on a boat for 7 days but we didn\'t feel \"stuck\" given the number of excursions we had each day and the fact that we snorkeled at least once or twice a day. We also extended our trip on the Islands and stayed at a hotel but definitely would recommend a cruise over staying on the islands. The islands gets very hot and there are lots of mosquitos but on the boat there is shade, wind and no bugs! Great amount of variety of animals and geography we saw. Sad to leave!

-- Wendy K., Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, and Flamingo

I want to say I LOVED the trip. ECOCAMP was divine. Really amazing setting. The mix of people in the group was healthy. We all liked each other enough to dine every meal together.

-- Roshi G., Torres del Paine 7-day Trek

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