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6 day Huaorani Amazon Kayaking Expedition
Level: Moderate to Challenging ASKH-06
The Amazon Basin is the largest fluvial system and the world’s most important oxygen producer. The rivers born on the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes travel down through to the lowland Amazon, home to dozens of indigenous cultures. One of these indigenous groups are the Huaorani that live in and around Yasuni, Ecuador’s largest National Park. The Huaorani have lived as hunters and gatherers, entirely without contact from the outside world until the end of the 1950s. In fact, to this day at least one Huaorani clan, the Tagaeri, continues to shun all outside contact - they are known as the occult tribes of the Amazon. Numbering approximately 1,200 individuals, the Huaorani continue to maintain a largely traditional lifestyle, living in the rainforest - although oil and lumber companies continue to create pressure on their lifestyle. This kayak expedition is about experiencing first hand one of the most important and biodiverse ecosystems on earth through the eyes of the people who have lived here for millennia.
DAY 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE RAINFOREST From Quito we board a morning flight to the Amazon frontier town of Coca. From the airport we drive south for about two hours until we reach the banks of the Shiripuno River where our kayaks will be waiting for us. At the put-in we pack our kayaks and after a safety briefing we begin paddling down the Shiripuno river. Our guide will introduce us to the magnificent biological world of the Amazon. In the late afternoon we will reach our campsite near the Noneno community. Our guides will prepare a fresh gourmet dinner and we will receive a visit from a nearby Huaorani family. They will share with us the stories that define how the world was created and how the Huaorani see their existence. We can also join them in traditional chants that explain the creation of the jungle and the mountains. (L, D) DAY 2: HUAORANI COMMUNITY AND PADDLING DOWN THE SHIRIPUNO After breakfast we visit the nearby Noneno Community that is mixed construction of traditional thatch huts and wooden houses. In the community we will learn more about the Huaorani life and traditions. We will exchange gifts and be taught how to use a blow gun and a spear. After this visit we will continue paddling downstream in our kayaks. During this day long jungle trajectory there will be many opportunities to see wildlife such as birds, monkeys and even mammals. The Shiripuno widens with small tributaries feeding the river. We will seek for tropical flowers, exotic trees and medicinal plants. Our Huaorani guide will accompany us showing us some of his paddling, fishing or jungle skills. At the end of the day we will reach our fully equipped campsite and prepare for dinner. (B, L, D) DAY 3: PADDLING TO THE SHIRIPUNO LODGE AND JUNGLE NIGHT EXPLORATION After breakfast we continue paddling through another great jungle section, exploring and seeking out for wildlife. We will stop on the way to explore a giant Ceibo tree. In the afternoon we will reach the Shiripuno Lodge that offers basic, yet comfortable accommodations. It also has a wooden deck and social area with hammocks to relax in. In the early evening we set off into the rainforest for a short walk in search for nocturnally active wildlife with both our naturalist and Huaorani guides. We look for frogs, snakes, spiders, owls, rodents and bats. (B, L, D) DAY 4: HIKE IN THE RAINFOREST AND LAKES EXPLORATION After an early breakfast we will hike into the rainforest. We reach the nearby trail head by canoe. The objective is to explore the old growth that includes old varzea (flooded) forest and terra firme forest. Parkia sp, Ficus sp. and Ceiba sp. trees are common. We climb a nearby hill (at 310 meters) to overlook and appreciate the multicolored canopy from above. In this area we can find the common woolly monkey, white-lipped peccary and jaguar tracks are also easy to spot. We will (easy) walk and explore for about 4 hours as our guides introduce us to a wide range of medicinal plants. As every day we will get to know more about the Huaorani's practical, medicinal and spiritual relationship with their rainforest environment. We return to our lodge and after lunch we paddle by canoe to reach a group of small lakes. This enchanting flooded forest is popular for fishing with the locals. We are likely to spot birdlife including the Hoatzin, a unique prehistoric bird, along to the river lake banks. We may also spot caimans lurking in the vegetation. We have time to explore some of the nearby giant ant colonies to learn about their social structure, as well as, the fascinating interaction between, insects, animals and plants. Once we return to our lodge our Huaorani guide will show us how to work with chambira, a palm tree fiber used locally for a variety of purposes. At the end of the day, we will relax in our hammocks before dinner. (B, L, D) DAY 5: RETURN TO COCA We make an early start to begin our return journey to Coca by motorized canoe. On the way we will make short stops for crossing wildlife, especially monkeys including the red howler monkey, the spider monkey and the woolly monkey. We may also stop if we find Huaorani families cooking or making handicrafts, so that we may share some fresh yucca with them. In the afternoon will reach the bridge where our vehicle will be waiting to take us to back to frontier town of Coca. We will settle in our hotel for a relaxing evening. (B, L, D) DAY 6: FLIGHT TO QUITO After breakfast we will transfer to the Coca airport for our flight back to Quito. (B) INCLUDED: Road and river transportation to and from Coca. All camping gear including sleeping, kitchen, social and bathroom tents. Meals as described. Expedition kayaks and safety gear. Certified professional bilingual and native guides. Entrance fee to Huaorani Territory. Two nights camping, two nights basic lodge, and one night tourist class accommodations in Coca. For groups larger than 6, additional dugout canoes are taken for logistical support. NOT INCLUDED: Flight Quito-Coca-Quito (currently $120, subject to change), tips. IMPORTANT DATA: Province: Pastaza Altitude: +- 220 m. Life zone: Tropical Humid Forest Territory: Huaorani (678.220 hectares) Distance: About 90 kms south of Coca. Accommodation: Camping., Basic Lodge and Tourist Hotel Average temperature: Day 15-34 °C / Night: 12-17 °C Season: All year Travel time: 30 minute flight Quito-Coca. 2 hour drive to river put- in, each way Degree of difficulty: Moderate to Challenging. This specific program runs mostly in a remote and undeveloped area. You must be aware of the possible dangers of this type of travel (e.g. limited medical facilities in the area, mountain and river travel, non-standard accommodation), and that conditions can mean a greater risk of discomfort. Equipment During the trip, we use the following equipment: a portable toilet, solar showers, biodegradable soap, Eureka & Northface tents, Prijon expedition kayaks, lifejackets, dry bags, a dugout canoe with and without outboard motor, rubber (wellington) boots. Safety Guides are WFR (Wilderness First Responder) Certified. We use a complete first aid kid including an anti-snakebite suction cup. We use GPS’s for exact positioning, as well as, a satellite phone for emergency communications. Our contingency plan includes a helicopter emergency evacuation service. (Cost is additional, but could be reimbursed by your Travelers or Health Insurance) About the food We do not add to the pressure on the environment by consuming food that the Huaorani hunt or gather from the forest. The majority of the food is brought in from Quito, including drinking water. During the trip, we offer gourmet and local foods freshly cooked by our staff. Breakfast includes granola, fresh fruit, whole wheat bread, fresh coffee or tea, cereal, marmalade, pancakes or French toast, yoghurt and eggs of your choice. Box & picnic lunches include a variety of sandwiches, fruits, cheese, dried fruits, juices and fresh vegetables. Dinner includes fresh soups, pastas, local dishes, rice, beans, plantains, yucca, meats, fish, mashed potatoes, fresh salads and vegetables, complemented with wine (two nights), water or juice. About this Tour Clients will receive a conservationist interpretation of the ecology and actual situation of the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Our purpose is to reinforce and promote the long-term conservation of Huaorani cultural identity and the nurturing of their environment. Your visit will help encourage the Huaorani to support responsible ecotourism as a viable, sustainable alternative, as opposed to surrendering to the destructive appetites of the oil industry. Campsites may vary based on weather conditions. We recycle and transport out all non-organic garbage. While it is nice to have a schedule, you may find it more satisfying to let the forest, the weather and the Huaorani guides lead the way. Although we attempt to keep to the itinerary possible changes due to weather, river conditions, health or others may occur without prior notice. Being flexible in the Amazon will allow you to get the most from your experience.
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