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5-Day Waorani Expedition

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5-Day Waorani Expedition
From $1,230USDBook Now
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5 days from $1,230USD
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5-Day Waorani Expedition
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Have you ever wondered what it is like to live in the past? To journey into the unknown, learn from elders and live as our ancestors did? This Expedition will take you to the home of the Waorani indigenous people-- fierce protectors of the past, of nature, and of their cultural identity. Join in on the adventure of a lifetime and explore one of the untouched areas of the Amazon. Spend time immersing yourself in the culture of local warriors and learn about how they survive in the wild of the Amazon. A world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a truly unique experience in an area where few have dared to go!

South America
Happiness promise

5-Day Waorani Expedition

Spend 5 days exploring the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon
4.90
(70 reviews)
5 days from $1,230USD
Easy quote
Duration
5 days
Season
Jan-Dec
Multisport
Type
Guided, Private, Scheduled
Accommodation
Camps
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $1,230USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
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5-Day Waorani Expedition
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live in the past? To journey into the unknown, learn from elders and live as our ancestors did? This Expedition will take you to the home of the Waorani indigenous people-- fierce protectors of the past, of nature, and of their cultural identity. Join in on the adventure of a lifetime and explore one of the untouched areas of the Amazon. Spend time immersing yourself in the culture of local warriors and learn about how they survive in the wild of the Amazon. A world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a truly unique experience in an area where few have dared to go!

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Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Learn about the culture and traditions of the Waorani people

Canoe along the Shiripuno and Cononaco rivers

Hike through the dense and biodiverse Ecuadorian Amazon

Learn to hunt using indigenous methods, including a blowgun

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Enter the Waorani Territory and Canoe Down the Shiripuno
This morning you will arrive in the city of Coca, from which you will travel by car for two hours to the entrance of the reserve. Here, you will get on a canoe and enter the Waorani territory. Along the route, it is possible to see a variety of animals such as colorful toucans and macaws. This ride will be for about three hours and your guides will provide some important information about the tropical rainforest. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the campsite located next to one of the Waorani Families.
Distance Lunch, dinner
Overnight Location Camp at the Waorani Territory
Included Meals
Day 2
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Hike to the Animal’s Clay Lick and Learn to Hunt
Today you will take a short canoe ride and then hike for a couple of hours to a popular hunting spot—the Clay Lick, a mineral rich mud pit. Many animals that live in the region sustain themselves through a diet of seeds and other small plants, but supplement their diets with minerals by the clay. Due to it being such a popular spot for animals, this is a prime area for hunters to catch their prized meal- the peccary, which according to locals is a delicacy. You will spend some time here in hopes of spotting one of the many animals that frequent the zone before returning to the village by foot. Spend the afternoon with the hunters to learn about blowguns, darts, and curare, a natural sedative, which are used in the hunting of monkeys, before winding down for the evening.
Distance Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight Location Camp at the Waorani Territory
Included Meals
Day 3
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Canoe Down the Cononaco River
In the Early morning, you will start canoeing down the Shiripuno and Cononaco rivers. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as you will have the chance to spot different species of birds, such as macaws, toucans, parrots, kingfishers, herons, hawks, etc. With some luck, you might even see caimans, otters, capybara and even jaguars that like to relax on the river banks. After having lunch on the boat, you will continue to the home of another Waorani family. At night you will go by canoe to look for caimans.
Distance Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight Location Camp at the Waorani Territory
Included Meals
Day 4
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Anacondas at the Lagoon
Today is a true adventure into the wild, as you delve even deeper into the enchanting jungle. A canoe ride, short hike, and a paddle will bring you to a black water lagoon, where on sunny days anacondas can be found resting upon the shore. Known for the 2017 BBC documentary filmed here about the anacondas, this area is also a great place to view the oatzin prehistoric bird and species of kingfisher. After a day of exploration, enjoy some down time before delving into the mysteries of local spiritual culture and speaking with the locals. At the lagoon, you will have the opportunity to catch a fish, most likely a piranha, as they are popular in this ecosystem.
Distance Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight Location Camp at the Waorani Territory
Included Meals
Day 5
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Cultural Immersion and Fishing
Your last day on the tour will take you into the lives of the women of the tribe, as you walk alongside them in their daily tasks. You will have the opportunity to make kene, a fermented beverage of yucca or chonta (depending on the time of year, you may also be able to take part in the harvest of the yucca), to end the adventure you are bid adieu with a colorful and emotion-packed presentation by the tribe through singing and dancing. You will also have the chance to purchase local handicrafts. In buying directly from the tribe, you help contribute to sustaining local families. To leave the Waorani Territory, you will take a short flight to Shell and then travel by car to Quito.
Distance Breakfast, lunch
Overnight Location None
Included Meals

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Dates and prices

This guided tour can is run either as a mixed group on a scheduled departure. Private departures are available on request.

Prices below are per person:

Day Of WeekPrice Per Person *
Monday
$1,230USD
TuesdayNot Available
WednesdayNot Available
ThursdayNot Available
FridayNot Available
SaturdayNot Available
SundayNot Available
* Single Supplement may apply
What’s included

Meals

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 4 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transport for you and your luggage from Bameno to Shell and from Shell to Quito including water transport are included. This does not include your flight to the destination, Quito to Coca, Airport transfers and international flights.

Also Included

  • Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
  • Snacks
  • Water bottle
  • All fees to reserves and museums

Not included

  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Optional Activities
  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not previously mentioned
  • Anything not mentioned as included

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades where available

Accommodation for 5-Day Waorani Expedition

This tour is based in remote outdoor camps. Accommodations are basic, but tour staff will work to provide the best service and level of comfort possible.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Accommodations are double occupancy. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplementary fee.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the 5-Day Waorani Expedition?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. 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 canoeing is on flat water with minimum current and the hiking on irregular terrain that can be muddy.

Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the 5-Day Waorani Expedition?

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking and cycling. Get your travel insurance.

How do I get to Coca to start this tour?

Fly into Quito Airport (UIO) where you will take your ride or flight to Coca. This can be pre-arranged or you can take public transport.

Is the 5-Day Waorani Expedition in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.

Where does the 5-Day Waorani Expedition end?

The tour ends in Quito where you will transfer to the airport.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ecuador?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Ecuador?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

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