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Ecuador
Pañacocha Kayaking Expedition, 5 Days
Level: Moderate to Challenging
Deep
in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon lies a magical place: Pañacocha
Lagoon, home of the endangered pink freshwater dolphin, the equally rare
Amazonian manatee and many other species of tropical rainforest aquatic
life. The Pañacocha Reserve encompasses 56,000 hectares of primary
rainforest, and is home to jaguars, tigrillos, ocelots, nine species of
monkeys and 500 species of birds. It features a network of waterways including
the spectacular Pañacocha Lagoon. Important as it is as a sanctuary
for rare fauna, Pañacocha 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.
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 at the 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 pirañas and other tropical freshwater fish. (L, D)
DAY 2: Today is our big hike in the rainforest, 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. At the end of the day we will return to our base camp in Pañacocha. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: We will paddle and explore small streams in the area, learning about 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 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)
2008 Price per person in US$: 2 = $1130, 3 = $819, 4 = $700
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.
NOT INCLUDED: Flight Quito-Coca-Quito (currently $120), tips and personal expenses
IMPORTANT FACTS:
TRAVEL TIME: 30-minute flight and 2-hour transfer each way
SEASON: All year
ALTITUDE: 300 to 500 meters
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: DAY 15-30ºC, NIGHT 12-20ºC
SUGGESTED: Water sandals, paddle jacket, sun block, bathing suit, hat
and mosquito repellent.