Huaorani Kayaking Expedition
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The Huaorani Kayaking Trip is in the Yasuni National Park, home of the Huaorani people. The Huaorani have inhabited the headwaters of the Amazon for millennia. They have lived as hunters and gatherers, entirely without contact from outsiders until the end of the 1950s. The Huaorani continue to maintain a largely traditional lifestyle, living in the rainforest, although missionaries and oil companies have had some influence. "Huaorani" and "Waorani" refer to the same indigenous people group, with "Huaorani" being the Spanish spelling and "Waorani" being the English translation of their name.
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Day 1: Enter the Yasuni Park and meet the Safari Camp
We will start our adventure in El Coca City, where we will drive through the Auca road for two hours to the Shiripuno River, the entrance to the Yasuni. From here, we start our kayaking adventure. We will traverse along the meandering Shiripuno River. When you enter the Yasuni, you can enjoy the lush green sea of rainforest and its unique inhabitants since you will likely get a good look at some of the different animal species that live in this magical place. You can find toucans, macaws, and monkeys along the way. After a four-hour expedition, you will finally arrive at our Safari Camp's cozy installations. Our carefully selected staff will greet you, and you will have a welcome dinner this evening around 7:00 p.m. Day 2: Explore the Yasuni and cultural experience - Intimate encounters with ancient cultures We start our adventure early to seize the best of the day. You can enjoy a healthy breakfast at 6:30 am before heading to the river for a 30-minute paddle. After a 300-meter walk carrying the boats, you can explore and navigate through the Anaconda Lagoon. This amazing oxbow lake is a special ecosystem and home to the Eunectes murinus, the biggest anaconda species. Then, in the late morning, we continue our adventure with a canoe ride for around forty minutes to a second lagoon. Here, you can spot giant otters and other species. After this, depending on our time, we might explore a third lagoon. Around 1:30 pm, we'll enjoy lunch and rest a little before embarking on a unique cultural experience with the inhabitants of the National Park. Around 3:30 pm, we will go to Gaba's house. Gaba is the head of his family and a community leader. With him, you'll learn some local legends and be part of their culture. Learn how the Wao spears are crafted, and use a blow-dart to understand how they hunt and sustain themselves. You can also appreciate their local art and jewelry made from the surrounding materials. After this experience, we'll head back to the Camping area to wrap up the day—but not before having dinner at approximately 7:00 p.m. Day 3: Kayaking and hilltop lookout - Behold the wonders of nature Start your day with breakfast before 7:00 a.m. We'll start a 5-hour kayak trip downstream through the Shiripuno River. We'll then rest a little before enjoying a boxed lunch at noon. Then, explore the forest on a 4-hour trek to reach a stunning hilltop with a 360-degree view of the virgin rainforest. We'll then return by motorized canoe around 6:00 p.m. —better keep an eye out for caimans and nocturnal wildlife. Wrap up the day with dinner at approximately 8:00 p.m. Day 4: Explore the tributaries and Waorani farewell Start your day with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. The Camp is surrounded by smaller water bodies called tributaries, which are little river arms and streams. You'll spend the morning exploring them with the kayaks. You'll enjoy lunch at noon and then join the Waorani farewell in the afternoon. This ceremony features chants, stories, and history about the Waorani and their interactions with the Western world. Day 5: Departure, With Memories for a lifetime Once again, and for the last time in this journey, we begin this day at 6:30 am with a final breakfast in Wao Safari Camp. Be sure to take all your things and guard the memories and experiences you made here. We will be here waiting for your next visit. DAY 6: After breakfast we will transfer to the airport of Coca for our flight back to Quito. (B)
2025 Price per person in US$: $1464 double occupancy. Single supplement = $388 Monday departures. Minimum of 2 people. What's Included
Not Included
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The Wao Safari Camp covers a hectare (about 2.5 acres) in the Yasuni rainforest. We aimed to provide an experience that aligns with their ancient way of life. Our design resembles the traditional house, also called “onko” due to the local culture.
Besides, we use local materials, like palm leaves from the Pytelepas and Attalea Arecaceae. With this, we ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding primary forest. Wao Safari Camp is a project that merges natural beauty with ancient culture in a unique location within Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This Safari Camp not only offers an immersive experience in the Amazon rainforest but also reinforces an unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainability, protecting both nature and the Waorani culture that inhabits the region. Visitors can expect a blend of adventure, comfort, and the opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level. Guests will enjoy exclusive dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Designed to offer a delightful culinary experience that captures the unique flavors of the region. 
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Prices per person in US dollars, based on double accommodation. Rates are subject to change in case of additional taxes, fuel increase or any other unforeseen circumstance. New surcharges will be informed in a timely manner. For Sunday operation, please contact us in order to arrange special transportation accordingly: From 1 to 8 people surcharge of $315 per group applies (subject to change). Contact us if you wish to visit us on a non-scheduled departure day. Our Bilingual Naturalist Guides and Native Guides are divided within specially organized groups that will offer the best opportunities possible during excursions. Private and specialized guides are available upon request during the initial booking process with an extra fee. Airfare is per person, in US dollars; and includes airport taxes. The same rate applies for adults and children. Airfare is the same throughout the whole year - $262 per person is the 2024 airfare and referential for 2025. Wao Safari Camp will reserve, book and issue the flight tickets. Prices, availability and schedules are subject to change without prior notice. As of 30 days before tour date, airfare must be reconfirmed. Luggage weight limit: 23 kg per passenger. Carry-on weight limit: 10 kg per passenger (Economy class). It is recommended to be at the airport 2 hours before departure time. HIGH OCCUPANCY DATES: For Christmas and New Year ́s Eve departures, a 10% surcharge applies. Special conditions apply CHILDREN POLICY: 25% discount per child (#1) out of the rack rates, when traveling with one adult. Children must be under 12 years old at the time of travelling. SINGLE ACCOMMODATION: Single supplement is 80%. 100% supplement applies as of the fourth single room reserved Life zone: Tropical Humid Forest
Distance: About 90 kms south of Coca. Accommodation: Camping Average temperature: Day 15-34 °C / Night: 12-17 °C Season: All year Travel time: 30 minute flight Quito-Coca. 3 hour drive to put in the river. |
