5-Day Waorani Yasuni Kayak Expedition

tourhub | Rebecca Adventure Travel | 5-Day Waorani Yasuni Kayak Expedition | 274999 | Map

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~~$1681~~

$1633

5-Day Waorani Yasuni Kayak Expedition

5 Days Starting in Coca, Ecuador and ending in Quito, Ecuador

Visiting: Yasuni National Park, Yasuní National Park, Coca, Quito

Tour operator:

Rebecca Adventure Travel

Tour code:

274999

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

MODERATE

Age range:

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From: $1681 $1633 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$48

NB: Prices correct on 25-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the 5-Day Waorani Yasuni Kayak Expedition, a journey into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, where you'll explore the untouched wilderness alongside the Waorani indigenous people. This adventure offers a rare opportunity to learn from local warriors about their survival techniques and cultural heritage. Paddle through the Shiripuno River, keeping an eye out for exotic wildlife like monkeys, otters, and jaguars. Experience the Amazon's vibrant ecosystem as you hike to a clay lick frequented by diverse animals and visit a local Kichwa family to learn about their traditions. Accommodation is at a basic campsite near Waorani homes, providing an authentic experience of living in harmony with nature. This expedition promises an unforgettable exploration of one of the world's most pristine environments, offering insights into the Waorani's efforts to protect their culture and land.

Highlights

Journey into the heart of the Amazon and explore the untouched areas of Yasuni.
Immerse yourself in the culture of the Waorani indigenous people, learning from local warriors.
Paddle the Shiripuno River and search for wildlife like monkeys, otters, and jaguars.
Experience the unique biodiversity of the Amazon, including colorful birds such as toucans and macaws.
Visit a black water lagoon, home to anacondas, and try fishing for piranhas and catfish.
Hike to a clay lick frequented by tapirs, howler monkeys, and parrots.
Witness the daily gathering of black-headed parrots at a mineral-rich mud pit.

Itinerary

tourhub | Rebecca Adventure Travel | 5-Day Waorani Yasuni Kayak Expedition | 274999 | Route Map

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Day 1 : ENTRANCE INTO YASUNI AND PADDLING THE TIPUTINI RIVER

Location: Yasuni National Park

Accommodation Name: Yasuní Campsite

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Your Yasuni Exploration trip begins at our meeting point in the city at the heart of the Amazon: Coca. You will travel by car for two hours to the upper Tiputini River. From road to the river, you will hop into a canoe and continue one hour to the center of the Mandaripanga community. Upon arrival, you will visit the school and share some time with the local children. In the afternoon you will kayak for about three hours down the river, looking out for wildlife. With some luck, you might see troops of squirrel monkeys as well as colorful birds such as toucans, macaws, flycatchers, and others. Our guides will teach you about the different species of plants that grow on the side of the river and their meaning to the local people. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the campsite and have a delicious dinner.

Lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation at Yasuní Campsite.

Day 2 : AN AFTERNOON WITH ANACONDAS

Location: Yasuní National Park

Accommodation Name: Yasuní Campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You start your day with a delicious breakfast before paddling along the river. Keep an eye out for more wildlife species that tend to make their way out at dawn. You might be able to spot a variety of birds such us trogons, eagles, hawks, tanagers, macaws, and others. You may also encounter a tapir before this nocturnal animal goes to sleep. After four hours of paddling, you will disembark on a short hike into a pristine forest where you will then go by canoe to a black water lagoon. Being their natural habitat, anacondas can be found resting upon the shore. The anaconda holds special importance to the local Kichwa people who believe it to be a powerful animal embodying the spirit of a god. You will also have the chance to go fishing for piranha, and if you are lucky catfish! In the late afternoon, you return to the campsite.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation at Yasuní Campsite.

Day 3 : HIKING TO THE CLAY LICK

Location: Yasuní National Park

Accommodation Name: Yasuní Campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Into the forest, you go to learn about medicinal plants. Throughout your two-hour hike, our guides will show you a variety of plants and their meaning and use. Your next stop takes you to the Clay Lick, a mineral-rich mud pit. Many animals that live in the region supplement their diets with minerals from the clay. For that reason, many animals frequent the area such as peccaries, tapir, howler monkeys, and parrots. Later you go back to the campsite for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit a local indigenous Kichwa family, who will teach you about their way of living, culture, and traditions. Here you will help them make chicha, a fermented beverage that is typical in the region. This is also a prime opportunity to purchase handicrafts made in the village and support the local families.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation at Yasuní Campsite.

Day 4 : PARROT PARADISE

Location: Coca

Accommodation Name: Auca Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s adventure starts upstream on the Rumiyacu with a 45-minute canoe ride followed by a short hike to the hang out spot of local parrots. Almost daily black-headed parrots can be seen nourishing themselves through minerals from the water and mud in the area. After spending time taking in the splendid sight of these magnificent creatures, you will head back towards the Tiputini bridge and then travel by car to the city of Coca.

Breakfast and lunch included.
Accommodation at Auca Hotel or similar.

Day 5 : DEPARTURE – BACK TO QUITO

Quito, Ecuador

Location: Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, your Yasuni Exploration tour comes to an end. You will head back to Quito on your own after an amazing expedition in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Transportation on the way back to Quito is not included in the program.

Breakfast included.
End of services.

What's Included

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during the expedition.
Accommodation

Accommodation is provided for 4 nights at a basic campsite next to Waorani Homes.
Gear

Paddling gear including NRS expedition kayaks, NRS paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets are provided.
Hiking Equipment

Rubber boots for hiking are included.
Fees

All fees to reserves and museums are covered.
Transport

Land and water transport during the expedition is included.
Assistance

24/7 assistance is available in English, Dutch, and Spanish.

What's Not Included

Flights

International or domestic flights are not included.
Transfers

Airport transfers and transfers from/to Quito are not included.
Additional Meals and Drinks

Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary are excluded.
Optional Tips

Optional tips for the guide are not included.

Please Note

Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Infants must not sit on laps
Infant seats unavailable
Not recommended for people with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Please take with you some plastic bags, to protect your Camera and important documents passports and ID from the rain.
Please bring your own rain poncho and take it with you for the activities, the weather could change suddenly in the rainforest and you might get very wet.
The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precaution to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat ‘street food’, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
It is important to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, availabilities, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
We strive to use small and charming places that are unique and provide stellar service. Notice that this expedition takes place in a remote location and the accommodation is very basic, but our staff will try to provide the best service possible.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 3 out of 5. No prior experience is required and your guides will always brief you about safety and proper use of gear on every leg of the trip. The paddling is on flat water with minimum current and the hiking on irregular terrain that can be muddy.
Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
You must have vaccination of yellow fever and malaria medication to enter this region.
Accommodation is based on number of travelers, if you are traveling with a group, you will be sharing rooms (single rooms require an extra fee).
Voucher: Please note you receive from the operator an updated travel voucher based on your travel details, flights and availabilities. You will receive this updated travel voucher in general 2 weeks before departure via the Viator chat. If you haven’t received this please send us a message. Your standard Viator voucher is NOT your personal travel voucher and CAN’T be used during your trip.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes land and water transport, with travel by car to the Tiputini River, followed by canoe rides and kayaking. Transportation back to Quito is not included.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at a basic campsite next to Waorani Homes, offering a unique experience in the heart of the Amazon. On the final night, guests stay at Auca Hotel or a similar establishment in Coca.

Check out our Q&As

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the expedition?

During the expedition, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including monkeys, otters, tapir, jaguars, colorful birds such as toucans and macaws, and possibly anacondas resting by the shore of a black water lagoon.
What activities are included in the 5-Day Waorani Yasuni Kayak Expedition?

The expedition includes kayaking on the Tiputini River, hiking to learn about medicinal plants, visiting a clay lick to observe wildlife, spending time with local indigenous families, and fishing for piranhas and catfish.
What is the accommodation like during the expedition?

Accommodation is provided at a basic campsite next to Waorani homes for the first three nights, and on the fourth night, you will stay at Auca Hotel or a similar establishment.
Are meals included in the tour package?

Yes, meals are included throughout the expedition. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on most days, with breakfast and lunch included on the last day.
What should I bring to protect my belongings from the rain?

It is recommended to bring plastic bags to protect your camera and important documents such as passports and ID from the rain. Additionally, bringing your own rain poncho is advised as the weather can change suddenly in the rainforest.

Is prior experience required for the activities on this expedition?

No prior experience is required for the activities on this expedition. The trip is considered to have a level of activity of 3 out of 5, and guides will brief you about safety and proper use of gear on every leg of the trip.
What health precautions should I take before joining the expedition?

You must have a vaccination for yellow fever and take malaria medication to enter this region. It is also important to have valid travel and medical insurance and inform the operator of any known medical conditions.
When do I have to pay?

For any tour booked with Rebecca Adventure Travel, the final payment must be paid 60 days before your date of travel. In order to confirm a tour more than 60 days in advance, a 30% deposit is required. Afterward, the final payment is due 60 days before travel. If your travel date is in less than 60 days, the total amount is due in order to confirm. The most common method of payment is by bank transfer or credit card. Special conditions may apply to any Amazon and Galapagos tour. For more information, please contact us. For any tour booked on the Rebecca Adventure Travel website, 100% of the tour is paid upon confirmation.
What clothing should I bring?

It is always recommended to pack as light as possible, however, the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. In our description trip pages and in our pre-departure documents you can find a suggested packing list.
What is the weather like in Ecuador?

There are two seasons in Ecuador, rainy and dry. The temperature will range between regions and depending on their altitude. You can travel to Ecuador year-round. Here, is a brief explanation of the weather in Ecuador: Amazon In the Amazon region, there is rain during the whole year. Two relatively drier periods can be distinguished in the months of January and February and August and September. The western part of the Amazon region is rainiest than the eastern part. The temperatures vary mostly between 23 °C and 27 °C. Andes The Ecuadorian Andes is a mountain range between 1.500 meters and 6.310 meters high. Most of the cities in the Andes are located at an altitude between 2.000 and 3.000 meters. The temperature in the cities varies mostly between 15 °C and 20 °C. The drier season in the Andes is in the months of June, July, August, and September. Pacific Coast The northwest coast of Ecuador has a wet tropical seasonal climate. The wet season is from December through May. Along the Ecuadorian coast, rainfall drops from north to south. To the south, the climate becomes increasingly drier. There is a rainy season in the first months of the year and an almost dry season from May to December. The temperatures vary from 25 °C to 31 °C. Galapagos Islands The climate of the Galápagos Islands is subtropical. There is a warm season from December through May and a cool season from June through November. The warm season is characterized by a mixture of warmth, rain, and sun. The cool season is a mixture of cloudy, cool, and dry weather. This variation is caused by ocean currents. The temperatures vary from 21 °C in August and September to 28 °C in March and April.
Do I need my own Insurance?

Yes, you do. You are strongly urged to take travel and health insurance, as we and our operators can accept no responsibility for possible accidents or illnesses which may occur during one of our tours. The agency and guide, as companies and individuals, will not be held liable for any accidents or damage incurred during the tour. Guests participate at their own risk. The Ecuadorian government recommends all passengers a mandatory health insurance certificate upon arriving in the country.
Can Rebecca Adventure Travel arrange Quito Airport transfers?

Yes, we can arrange Quito Airport transfers upon request. You can contact us for more information.
Why book with us?

1. Personal Attention Whether you would like to do a Galapagos Island hopping program, or a tailor-made tour through Ecuador, Colombia, or Peru, Rebecca Adventure Travel will make sure you receive what you desire. The Rebecca Adventure Travel team cares about you and what you really want. Therefore, in order to create the best tour program possible, Rebecca’s Destination Experts want to get to know you more! By giving great personal attention and customer care, you can provide the best service and meet your expectations. 2. The Team The multinational team at Rebecca Adventure Travel is ready and happy to help you prepare for your trip. The entire team is passionate about travel and are experienced travelers. Not to mention, the Destination Experts at Rebecca Adventure Travel are also Ecuadorian. As a result, you will be receiving the best advice possible regarding any frequently asked questions or suggestions on your trip to Ecuador, Colombia, or Peru. The team uses their own travel experiences and knowledge about Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, they will make sure any tour you are offered is of the best quality. 3. Authenticity An important focus of Rebecca Adventure Travel is to offer unique and authentic experiences. The Destination Experts are also adventure designers. All tours are personally selected by Rebecca and her team. Consequently, this guarantees an unforgettable experience at family-owned and local hotels, high-quality tours, great service, and last but not least, fantastic value. Apart from this, you are guaranteed genuine experiences with local guides who are passionate about Ecuador and Galapagos. 4. Tailor-made Trips All the tours on the Rebecca Adventure Travel website are available. However, you are free to customize any of these amazing examples of travel in Ecuador, Peru, or Colombia. Additionally, this means hotel categories can be altered to any preference you may have. Rebecca’s Destination Experts take a lot of care in creating custom-made itineraries. You will be asked questions specifically about your trip to make sure all the small details are taken care of. For example, if you are traveling for a birthday or anniversary, let them know! Tell them your preferences and they will create an unforgettable experience for you! 5. 24/7 Assistance When you book a trip with Rebecca Adventure Travel, you will receive 24/7 assistance during your daily travels. Also, in case you have an emergency, you can contact the team by phone at any time of the day during the entire week. Of course, you can also reach the team during office hours by phone, e-mail, Skype, WhatsApp, or the online chat on the website. Even so, whether it is before, during, or after the tour, please feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can contact us in English, Spanish and Dutch! 6. Company Insurance Rebecca Adventure Travel is a Dutch company, located in Quito, Ecuador. The company is affiliated with the GGTO (Guarantee Fund Specialized Tour Operators) and the VVKR (Dutch Association of Small Tour Operators). This means you are insured whenever the company is within financial incapability and has a travel guarantee.
Do I need a passport/visa?

You need a passport with a validation of at least 6 months upon return in Europe or the USA. You can stay in Ecuador without a visa for 90 days every 12 months.
What is the local currency?

The local currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar. You can use your credit card in the main tourist areas and in the big hotels. In the ATM, your European or American cards usually work, but there is a maximum of 500 USD that you can take each day. We advise you to bring dollars in cash. In Ecuador, you only get 5, 10, or 20 USD bills out from the ATM. Also, change is a big problem, so please be careful when you carry 50 and 100 USD bills.
How much luggage is allowed on domestic flights to the Galapagos?

How much luggage is allowed on domestic flights to the Galapagos? Domestic flights to the Galapagos Islands allow only one 23 kg (50 lbs) piece of luggage and one standard piece of carry-on luggage.

Reviews of this operator

Amanda Trotter (Google Reviewer)

Our guide, Angel, was absolutely...

13-Jul-2021

Our guide, Angel, was absolutely wonderful, sharing the beautiful history of Quito in addition to our tour of the equator and the Pualalulah crater. Excellent service from pick up to drop off!

DIEGO FREIRE (Google Reviewer)

Ecuador is definitely a wonderful...

10-Feb-2023

Ecuador is definitely a wonderful country full of culture, nature, lovely fauna. Thanks to Rebecca Adventure Travel my Galapagos Island experience was definitely an unforgettable one. Their staff is bilingual and the best.. so kind and helpful. Highly recommended.

Marloes V.

Best experience ever!

07-Apr-2023

For 4 days we were dropped in the jungle by Rebecca. And the greatest experience ever! When they say dropped it is true, in the Amazone you are in the middle of nowhere. We saw so many different types of wildlife, with my personal favorite being a sloth:) The guides, chefs, and transportation were professional and nice. I would recommend this trip to anyone in the future!

Trustpilot

jonel lamonte (Google Reviewer)

Four of us traveled with...

16-Nov-2024

Four of us traveled with Rebecca Adventures to Galapagos and Quito. Our tour and guides arranged by RATravel were amazing. We stayed on the islands instead of more popular boat adventures and did not regret. Staying in small hotels and eating in local restaurants was beyond fantastic. The food was fabulous (Bahia Mar, Almar, to name a few). Getting to experience the local culture and night life was an experience of a lifetime. Many thanks to this tour agency (Maggy) and our guides: Sebastian (greeter), Karen, Vincente (drive), Caesar, Fernando, Marco (driver).

Alexandra Gamboa (Google Reviewer)

We had a wonderful time...

29-May-2023

We had a wonderful time in the Galapagos. Our guides were very knowledgeable and kind. The agency made all the transit and scheduling run smoothly. All that we had to do was show and enjoy!

E P (Google Reviewer)

We did a half day...

22-Mar-2024

We did a half day Quito tour with Angel. He was knowledgeable, friendly and a great guide. The Intiñan Museum was the highlight, we really enjoyed it.

Greg J.

Amazing Adventure!

06-Jul-2023

This was the trip of a lifetime! Everything was organized so that every day was better than the last. From hiking up volcanos to see a beautiful crater lake to hiking to a basecamp below a glacier the views were amazing! We also biked down a mountain and went rafting. All the equipment and support along the way was top notch and the people who supported us treated us like family!! This was a trip I will never forget and look forward to booking another trip with them!!!

Trustpilot Review

Mark Mosley (Google Reviewer)

We just returned from the...

06-Jan-2024

We just returned from the a family trip to the Galapagos arranged through Rebecca Adventure Travel and have nothing but positive comments. The recommended tours were all spot-on, and the daily itinerary reminders and modifications were perfect. If I go back, I will use Rebecca again. Tips for anyone visiting the Galapagos: bring plenty of cash (in U.S. dollars), as many restaurants do not accept credit cards. And bring an underwater camera. If you are prone to motion sickness, the speedboat rides between islands can be brutal in rough weather. Familiarize yourself with the tipping customs. You will love the Islands, and the Ecuadorians.

Christian

We could not have been happier!

21-Jun-2023

We could not have been happier than we were with our adventure with Rebecca Adventure Travel! From building our tour, to adding additional days, and setting up payment the process was easier than we have ever experienced. Everything was EXACTLY as described. The trip was flawless!! We have traveled all over the world and NEVER had a guide as great as Julio!! He is perfection!

Trustpilot

Laura King (Google Reviewer)

Was contracted by our direct...

24-Aug-2024

Was contracted by our direct booking agency to facilitate mainland and Amazon travel. We got messages about itinerary that conflicted with the one given by our main company and by the schedule of events at the lodges/companies. Treated passive aggressively with snapshots of their itinerary (which we NEVER got a copy of or knew existed) when we asked questions to make sure we had adequate lodging and airport transportation.

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~~$1681~~ $1633 (USD)