OVERVIEW:
Get ready to journey deep into one of the most biodiverse places on Earth: the Ecuadorian Amazon. This 4-day expedition offers an unforgettable experience in Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where nature thrives in its purest form.
You’ll explore winding rivers, tranquil lagoons, and lush rainforest teeming with life—colorful birds, playful monkeys, and even the elusive jaguar. Paddle silently through mirror-like waters while giant otters swim nearby and macaws soar above the canopy.
A highlight of this journey is the cultural immersion with the Waorani people, one of the Amazon’s most iconic indigenous communities. Learn about their deep connection with the rainforest, their ancestral knowledge, and traditional ways of life.
Throughout the tour, you’ll be based in an eco-lodge nestled in the jungle, enjoying the sounds of nature day and night. With expert local guides, every hike, canoe ride, and community visit becomes a chance to learn, connect, and be inspired.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, cultural traveler, or simply someone looking for an authentic Amazon adventure, this experience promises to be truly transformative.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Arrival in Quito –Coca
Our journey begins in El Coca. We’ll travel along the Auca road towards the Shiripuno River. It will take us approximately two hours to reach this gateway to the Waorani territory.
Once we enter the Yasuní National Park, you might even encounter some of its inhabitants on the way to the campsite.
Wao Kamp is located at the entrance of Gaba’s Territory. Gaba is an elder Waorani warrior. Before wrapping up the day, we’ll visit Gaba and then return for a well-deserved dinner.
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Wao Kamp
Distance
171 km
Duration
~1 hour
Huangana trail walk (wild pig) - Visit Gran Mother Native House
We start our day early at 6:00 a.m. We’ll embark down the river while the mist dissipates. We’ll see how the forest awakes — the best opportunity to spot birdlife. This bird-watching activity will last for a good couple of hours. When we return, we’ll have breakfast at 8:30 am, followed by a hike in the forest with Gaba to learn about the surrounding plants and some survival skills. This morning trail, used by generations for hunting, will last 4 to 5 hours and lead us to an animal clay lick. After lunch and some rest, at 4:30 pm, we will paddle down the river in search of wildlife such as toucans, macaws, turtles, and monkeys. We will return at night to spot caimans and nocturnal wildlife such as deer, capybaras, or even jaguars. Dinner will be served at 8 pm.
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Wao Kamp
Distance
-
Duration
-
Visit to Parrots Clay Lick - Loma Tucan Birds watching - Tucan Trail
We’ll enjoy an early breakfast at 6 a.m. and then kick start our day by exploring the blackwater lagoons in search of anacondas. We’ll take advantage of the many lagoons and try our luck seeing anacondas, the largest and strongest snakes on Earth. We will explore two or three lagoons on short walks and canoe rides. Our exploration starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. We will then enjoy lunch at 1:30 p.m. and head to Gaba’s house to learn about traditional hunting and how he uses his handmade weapons, such as the blowdart and spear. You can also take a look at their jewels and art. Back at the Campsite, you’ll have dinner at 7:00 p.m., and then we’ll have a short night walk looking for tree frogs, spiders, snakes, or insects
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Wao Kamp
Distance
-
Duration
-
Return to Coca
To end our journey, we’ll have breakfast at 6:45 a.m. You’ll have some time to enjoy breakfast and stroll around until 7:30 a.m., when you’ll start the canoe ride up the river for approximately two hours. Once you arrive at El Coca, you’ll take a flight to Quito (if you have included a flight) or continue to Quito by road (around 6 hours).
Max Altitude
-
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation
-
Distance
-
Duration
-
Maps
SERVICES
Include
- Transportation: private and comfortable land transportation, motorized canoe, dugout canoe.
- Accommodation based on double occupancy: 3 nights in comfortable camping installations inside of Yasuni National Park.
- Meals: 3 Breakfast, 4 Lunches and 3 Dinners.
- Activities: Navigations in Tiputini River, Anaconda lagoon, parrots clay lick (Saladero), Hiking in pristine forest, Visiting the native Kichwa communities, Wildlife spotting, Night hikes.
- Gear: Dry bags, life jackets, dugout canoe with outboard motor, rubber boots.
- Staff: Certified AJ expert English-speaking naturalist trip leader and local guides
Not include
- Airfare Quito-Coca round trip (optional travel by bus).
- My Own Room & Tent supplement $393.
- International flights.
- Airport transfers to/from Quito airport.
- Travel insurance (suggested).
- Required immunizations (mandatory) (yellow fever vaccination).
- Meals not described in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips ($30 – $40 per person for guides and staff).
- Donations to the community – Contact our info@adventurejourneys.com for guidelines.
Final Note
Spaces for this immersive adventure are limited to keep the experience personal and sustainable. Don’t miss your chance to connect with one of the last truly wild places on Earth.
Book your spot now and take the first step into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Adventure, culture, and nature await you—deep in Yasuní. 🌿🛶🐒
EQUIPMENT
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time of year to climb in Ecuador?
Our tours typically include certified guides, transportation, accommodation, meals, and any necessary equipment for your activities. Specific inclusions vary depending on the tour, so be sure to check the detailed itinerary.
2. Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
Not necessarily.
- For Cotopaxi: Beginners with good fitness can join a summit program if they complete acclimatization hikes and receive basic glacier training.
- For Chimborazo and Cayambe: Prior glacier experience is highly recommended due to higher altitudes and longer summit pushes.
3. How important is acclimatization?
Acclimatization is critical. To prevent altitude sickness and improve summit chances, we recommend spending 3 to 5 days hiking at altitudes above 3,000 meters before attempting any summit over 5,000 m. Our acclimatization programs are designed to help your body adjust progressively.
4. Is a certified guide required
Yes. For safety and legal reasons, glaciated peaks like Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Antisana require an ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified mountain guide. All our guides meet this standard and have extensive experience in the Andes.
5. What gear do I need?
For glacier climbs, you need:
- Double insulated mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Helmet
- Headlamp
- Warm base layers, down jacket, and waterproof outer layers
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses, backpack
We offer rental equipment if you don’t
6.What is the weather like during this trip?
Expect a mix of cool mountain weather (5–15°C / 41–59°F) in Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, and mild to warm weather (15–25°C / 59–77°F) in Baños. Rain is possible year-round, especially in the afternoons, so bring waterproof layers.
7.Can I customize or extend the itinerary?
Absolutely! You can add an extra day in Quito, continue to the Amazon or Galápagos, or upgrade accommodations. Contact us directly to customize your experience.
8. Is this tour family-friendly or suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, families with older children (12+), and small groups. You’ll meet like-minded adventurers and be accompanied by local experts every step of the way.
9.How do I book this trip and what’s the cancellation policy?
You can book directly through our website or by contacting us via email at info@cotopaxi-travel.com or WhatsApp +593 981 333 483.
Our cancellation policy offers flexibility — free cancellation up to 15 days before departure. For full terms, visit our booking conditions.
