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 ...view more details
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
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. ...view more details
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. ...view more details
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.
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.
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Overall Rating:
1 customer review
Destination:
4.0
Activity:
4.0
Equipment:
5.0
Food:
4.0
Guides & Service:
5.0
Provider Rating: 16 trip reviews
Equipment:
3.9
Food:
3.8
Guides & Service:
4.6
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
3.8
Trip Rating:
Destination:
Equipment:
Activity:
Food:
Guides & Service:
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.
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.
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TESTIMONIALS
I would recommend this trip to a friend in a second. The trip to the Galapagos was Outstanding. The Letty was wonderful; the naturalists were the greatest; the food was superb; the crew excellent; (I\'m running out of adjectives) I would recommend the whole thing and your agency also. You really provided excellent service and information. I felt I could email or call you with any questions and I knew you would answer quickly and I felt honestly. For just taking a chance finding you on the internet, I was very fortunate.
-- Joyce P, Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, Flamingo I
The Inca trail trek can only be described as magical. I tried my best to be cynical, but it didn’t work. This trip was pure magic and absolutely perfect.
The logistics of the trip were impeccable. The ground transportation was on time and they made sure I was able to obtain my boarding pass and pay the airport tax at each leg of the trip.
Out on the hike, my guide Oswaldo was fabulous.
The food on the trail was amazing. The chef created simple and fresh meals that were bursting with local flavor.
-- Terry B, Inca Trail 5-day with Andean Adventures
Just returned from Costa Rica last night ... trip was a GREAT SUCCESS! We all thank you VERY MUCH for arranging the trip.
-- Bob Fenchel, Custom Costa Rica with Camino Travel
We’ve been home just over a week now and I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you just how fantastically well everything went! Ok, so we did end up paying the full whack (which I’ve decided just not to think about!). However, we had a fantastic guide and everything ran really smoothly and we had a fantastic time. From being collected from the hotel (Vieja Cuba which was lovely) to being looked after once we got to the Galapagos it was all just perfect, so thank you very much for being an important part of our fabulous trip.
Cheers Greg !
-- Marayka K., Galapagos Multisport 7-Day Adventure