Ecuador Amazon Adventure

Once you have arrived in Quito, make your way through the capital to your hotel, set in the Andean highlands at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Ecuador’s capital is known for its exceptionally well-preserved historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to explore the old town and the surrounding areas independently.

Meet for a briefing at 6pm, giving you a chance to ask questions about the journey ahead. This day is designed for acclimatisation, allowing you to adjust to the altitude and prepare for the journey ahead.

Quito - El Coca - Yasuni National Park - Shiripuno. Fly to El Coca where our expedition begins, as we travel by road towards the Shiripuno River. The journey takes approximately two hours and leads us deep into Waorani territory, with the landscape becoming increasingly remote as we approach the rainforest.

Once inside Yasuni National Park, we may already begin to encounter wildlife along the route to camp. Wao Kamp is located at the edge of Gaba’s ancestral territory. Gaba is a respected Waorani elder whose life has been closely tied to the forest.

Before the day ends, we visit Gaba to learn more about his story and the cultural traditions of his community. We then return to camp for dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon at night.

Shiripuno - Yasuni National Park - Shiripuno. We begin early at 6 AM, setting out by canoe as the morning mist lifts from the river and the rainforest gradually comes to life. This is one of the best times to observe birdlife, with parrots, macaws, and other species active along the riverbanks. After spending time on the water, we return to camp for breakfast.

Later in the morning, we head into the forest with Gaba, following ancestral trails that have been used for generations. Along the way, we learn about medicinal plants, traditional survival knowledge, and the deep connection between the Waorani people and their environment. The hike lasts several hours and leads us to a clay lick that attracts a wide range of wildlife.

After lunch and time to rest, we return to the river in the afternoon to continue searching for wildlife such as monkeys, turtles, and birds. As night falls, we head out once more to observe nocturnal species, including caimans and other animals that emerge after dark. We return to camp for dinner in the evening at 8 PM.

Shiripuno - Yasuni National Park - Shiripuno. This morning, we set out to explore the surrounding blackwater lagoons by canoe and on short walks through the forest. These still, dark waters are an important part of the rainforest ecosystem and offer opportunities to observe wildlife, including anacondas, in their natural habitat.

We return to camp for lunch before visiting Gaba at his home. Here, we learn about traditional Waorani hunting practices and the skills that have sustained his community for generations. He demonstrates the use of handmade weapons such as blowdarts and spears, and explains how they are crafted and used. You also have time to view locally made jewellery and artwork.

In the evening, we return to camp for dinner before heading out on a short night walk. With torches, we search for frogs, insects, spiders, and other nocturnal creatures that emerge after dark.

We begin the day with a canoe journey upriver, travelling for approximately two hours back to El Coca. This final stretch along the river offers a last opportunity to take in the surrounding rainforest as we leave Waorani territory.

From El Coca, you either take a short flight to Quito, or continue overland by road, a journey of around six hours.

After our final breakfast, we say goodbye to our fellow travellers and tour leader before being transferred to the airport for our onward flight. Safe travels!