ADVENTURE TRIP - 22 DAYS
COLOMBIA & ECUADOR
A unique expedition through the Amazon of Ecuador and Colombia, from the lush Cuyabeno Reserve to the ancestral territories of the Achuar and Waorani peoples, culminating among the majestic stone giants of the Mavicure Hills.
ECUADORIAN AMAZON
DAYS 3 - 13 (ECUADOR)
COLOMBIAN AMAZON
DAYS 14 - 17 (COLOMBIA, PUTUMAYO)
COLOMBIAN AMAZON
DAY 15 (COLOMBIA, CAQUETÁ)
DURATION
22 DAYS
FROM
$ 5,950
GROUP
MIN 4 PAX
COUNTRIES
COLOMBIA, ECUADOR
DATE
EVERY SUNDAY
ITINERARY:
START OF THE JOURNEY: ITINERARY: QUITO → NIGHT BUS TO CUYABENO → PUYO → 4X4 → CANOE → ACHUAR AKIAM COMMUNITY → AMAZON ACTIVITIES → PUYO → SANTA WATER BATHS → PAILÓN DEL DIABLO → TENA → WAORANI → LAGO AGRIO → MOCOA → END OF THE WORLD → WHERE THE SUN HIDDEN → TAITA → PUERTO ASÍS → BOGOTÁ → PUERTO DE INÍRIDA → CERROS DE MAVICURE → ESTRELLA FLUVIAL → GUAVIARE → ATABAPO → ORINOCO → MATAVÉN JUNGLE → INÍRIDA → BOGOTÁ → END OF TRIP : BOGOTÁ
DAY 1 / SUNDAY:
Arrival in Quito and transfer to your hotel
Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met by your local guide at the international airport. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and rest after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you will have free time to begin discovering the charm of the Ecuadorian capital, located at an altitude of over 2,800 meters and surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.
DAY 2 / MONDAY:
Quito: Discovering the Colonial Jewel of the Andes
Ecuador's capital city captivates visitors with its spectacular location in the heart of the Andes and a fascinating history reflected in every corner. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore Quito's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the best-preserved colonial ensembles in Latin America.
During the visit, you will stroll through charming cobbled streets and discover some of the city's most emblematic monuments, such as Independence Square, the Carondelet Presidential Palace, and the impressive Church of the Society of Jesus, famous for its extraordinary baroque decoration covered in gold leaf.
The tour continues to the El Panecillo viewpoint, crowned by the iconic Winged Virgin of Quito. From this privileged vantage point, you'll enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the city, surrounded by the majestic Andean volcanoes—one of the most photogenic landscapes in Ecuador.
The program also includes a visit to the Intiñan Museum, located next to the equator, where you can participate in curious experiments and discover the secrets of the Middle of the World, the place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet.
Throughout the day, there will be time to visit a traditional artisan market, ideal for purchasing handicrafts, textiles, and typical Ecuadorian souvenirs. In the afternoon, return to the hotel and enjoy free time to relax or continue exploring the city on your own.
Check-out at 10:00 PM. Overnight transfer to Cuyabeno
DAY 3 / TUESDAY:
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve: Heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon
Early in the morning, we will arrive at a small river port, from where we will continue our journey by motorboat into the heart of the spectacular Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, considered one of the most fascinating and biodiverse corners of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This extraordinary natural sanctuary is home to an immense variety of ecosystems, including floodplains, lagoons, jungle rivers, and an astonishing wealth of flora and fauna.
During our journey, we'll immerse ourselves in a world dominated by nature, observing the daily life of the Amazon rainforest and enjoying virtually untouched landscapes. With a bit of luck, we might spot monkeys, tropical birds, reptiles, and other species that inhabit this natural paradise, considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Upon arrival at the lodge, nestled in the heart of the rainforest, we'll settle in and enjoy lunch surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon. In the afternoon, we'll head to one of the reserve's lagoons to witness one of the most magical experiences of the trip: the sunset over the Amazon rainforest. The golden reflections on the water, the sounds of nature, and the vastness of the forest create a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
As night falls, we'll return to the lodge for dinner and a rest in the heart of the rainforest. Accommodation for three nights in a nature ecolodge with full board.
DAY 4-5 / WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY:
Exploring the secrets of the Amazon
During these two days, we will delve into the fascinating world of the Amazon rainforest and experience some of the most authentic and unforgettable moments of the trip. At dawn, we will watch the jungle awaken as we hike along trails surrounded by lush vegetation and discover the extraordinary biodiversity that makes Cuyabeno one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.
Accompanied by expert local guides, we will learn to recognize numerous species of medicinal plants used for centuries by Amazonian peoples and discover the secrets of traditional medicine passed down from generation to generation.
One of the most interesting moments will be the encounter with a local shaman, who will share some of his ancestral knowledge, explain his healing methods, and introduce us to the cultural and spiritual significance of yagé (ayahuasca) within Amazonian indigenous communities. Those who wish can participate in an optional evening visit to the community to delve deeper into this ancient tradition.
The adventure continues with wildlife viewing, jungle excursions, and the opportunity to swim in the Amazonian waters surrounded by a unique natural environment. As night falls, we'll embark on exciting tours to search for caimans, amphibians, and other nocturnal creatures that emerge when the jungle takes on a completely different life.
Two days full of nature, discoveries and unique experiences in the heart of the Amazon.
DAY 6 / FRIDAY:
From Cuyabeno to Puyo
After breakfast, we'll say goodbye to the Cuyabeno Reserve and begin our return journey by canoe along the Amazonian rivers to the Cuyabeno Bridge. During the trip, we'll enjoy the sounds and landscapes of the rainforest one last time.
From there, we'll continue by road through the Ecuadorian Amazon region, passing through lush forests, rivers, and small local villages, until we reach the city of Puyo, considered the gateway to the Amazon. Upon arrival, we'll check into our accommodations and have free time to rest and prepare for our upcoming experiences with the indigenous communities in the heart of the rainforest.
DAY 7 / SATURDAY:
Puyo - walking towards the territory of the Achuar community
After breakfast, we'll depart in 4x4 vehicles for the Pastaza River. There, we'll board a canoe to venture deeper into the Amazon rainforest, gradually leaving all signs of civilization behind. After the canoe trip, we'll continue for approximately one hour on foot through the rainforest until we reach the territory of the Achuar community.
The Achuar are one of the most fascinating indigenous peoples of the Amazon, settled between southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Their profound worldview considers nature, animals, plants, and human beings to be part of a single spiritual balance. Shamans (uwishin) play a fundamental role as guardians of ancestral knowledge and use sacred plants, such as ayahuasca, in healing ceremonies and to connect with the spiritual world.
During our stay we will learn firsthand about their way of life, their traditions, their close relationship with the jungle and their tireless work in protecting one of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet.
Interaction with the Achuar community and accommodation in tents deep in the jungle.
DAY 8 / SUNDAY:
Jungle adventure with the Achuar community
Today we'll experience an authentic immersion in the Amazon rainforest with our Achuar hosts, who will share with us the knowledge they have passed down through generations for centuries. We'll learn how to survive in one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet using only the resources nature provides.
During the day, we will discover how to navigate the jungle, identify medicinal plants and edible fruits, recognize potentially dangerous species, and learn traditional techniques for obtaining water, starting fires, and building makeshift shelters. Community members will also demonstrate how they make traps for hunting and fishing, which animals they eat, and how they sustainably use forest resources without disrupting the natural balance.
Furthermore, we will learn about the profound spiritual connection the Achuar people maintain with the rainforest, which they consider a living entity deserving of respect and protection. For this indigenous group, every tree, river, and animal holds significance within their worldview, a philosophy that has allowed them to preserve this territory for generations.
It will be a unique experience to understand that the jungle is not just a landscape, but a home, a school and a source of life for those who have inhabited it since ancient times.
DAY 9 / MONDAY:
Achuar Community - Puyo
After breakfast, we'll say goodbye to our Achuar hosts and begin our return journey. After a hike through the jungle, we'll reach the Pastaza River again, where a canoe will be waiting to take us back to the meeting point with the 4x4 vehicles.
From there, we'll continue by road to Puyo, passing through the lush landscapes of the Ecuadorian Amazon. During the journey, we'll enjoy the last panoramic views of the rainforest before returning to the city, where we'll stay and have time to relax after this unforgettable experience in the heart of the tropical forest.
DAY 10 / TUESDAY:
Between the Andes and the Amazon: Baños and the spectacular Pailón del Diablo waterfall
After breakfast, we'll head to the charming town of Baños de Agua Santa, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest and considered the gateway to the famous Waterfall Route. During the journey, we'll enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, deep canyons, crystal-clear rivers, and lush vegetation that herald the transition between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest.
Our main attraction will be the majestic Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron), one of Ecuador's most impressive waterfalls. We'll hike along trails through cloud forest to several strategically located viewpoints, from where we'll witness the powerful plunge of the Verde River, which plunges over 80 meters into a narrow gorge. Those who wish can explore suspension bridges, tunnels, and walkways carved into the rock, allowing them to get within meters of the waterfall and feel the full force of this spectacular place.
Afterwards, we will have free time to stroll through the picturesque streets of Baños, discover its pleasant atmosphere, taste the traditional handmade melcochas (a type of candy), or enjoy lunch before starting the return journey by road to Puyo.
DAY 11 / WEDNESDAY:
From Puyo to the Waorani territory: meeting with the community
After breakfast, we'll depart by road for Tena, passing through lush Amazonian landscapes, rivers, and rainforests. From there, we'll continue our journey to the Gareno community, one of the main access points to the ancestral territory of the Waorani people.
Upon arrival, we will be greeted by members of the community, who will welcome us and introduce us to their way of life, closely linked to the Amazon rainforest. The Waorani are one of Ecuador's most emblematic indigenous peoples and have inhabited these lands for centuries, maintaining a profound connection with nature and an extraordinary knowledge of the tropical forest.
During our stay we will learn about their traditions, customs and worldview, discover how they sustainably use the resources of the jungle and listen to stories about their past, their resistance and the current challenges to protect their territory from external threats.
Accommodation in the Waorani community, where we will live an authentic experience of coexistence in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
DAY 12 / THURSDAY:
Waorani Jungle Adventure
Today we will have an unforgettable experience with Chief Wámbula and his family, who will open their home to us and share the knowledge they have inherited from their ancestors. Accompanied by them, we will venture into the Amazon rainforest to discover its secrets, learn to interpret the sounds of the forest, and learn about the plants, trees, and animals that are part of their daily lives.
During the hike, we will learn about the traditional survival techniques used by the Waorani people, as well as their profound spiritual connection to nature, which they consider the origin and sustenance of all life. Our hosts will show us how they live in harmony with the forest and how they have preserved their customs for generations.
At the end of the day, we'll follow one of their most deeply rooted traditions: we'll bathe in the river, just as they do every day, enjoying a moment of connection with nature. In the evening, we'll share dinner with the community, an excellent opportunity to talk, learn more about their culture, and experience authentic community life in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
DAY 13 / FRIDAY:
Waorani Community - Lago Agrio
After breakfast, we'll say goodbye to our Waorani hosts, bringing to a close a unique experience of living with one of the most emblematic indigenous communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon. We'll begin our return journey, crossing lush rainforest landscapes until we rejoin the road.
During the journey, we'll enjoy the last glimpses of the rainforest, rivers, and forests that characterize this extraordinary region of the country. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Lago Agrio, the main city in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon and gateway to numerous nature reserves and indigenous territories.
Accommodation in Lago Agrio and free time to rest before continuing our expedition to the Colombian Amazon.
DAY 14 / SATURDAY:
From the Ecuadorian Amazon to the heart of the Colombian Putumayo
After breakfast, we'll begin our journey to the border between Ecuador and Colombia. After completing immigration formalities, we'll enter the department of Putumayo, one of the country's most lush and least explored regions, where the Amazon rainforest, mighty rivers, and ancient indigenous traditions create an environment of extraordinary beauty.
During the journey, we will make an interesting stop at Finca La Fortuna, an inspiring example of transformation and sustainable development. This farm was once dedicated to the cultivation and processing of coca, but today its owners have replaced that activity with the responsible cultivation of fruits and Amazonian products, such as arazá, copoazú, and other native species. We will learn about their story of transformation, tour the crops, and discover how sustainable agriculture has become an alternative that contributes to the conservation of the Amazon and the well-being of local communities.
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DAY 15 / SUNDAY:
Puerto Limón: an adventure through the waters of Caquetá and ancestral harmonization with the Taita
Puerto Limón is a small town in Putumayo surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Colombian Amazon. Its surroundings, marked by large rivers, rainforest, and local communities, retain an authentic atmosphere, far removed from conventional tourist routes.
From here, we'll enjoy an exciting tubing experience on the Caquetá River. Equipped with individual floats, we'll drift gently with the current while taking in the rainforest, natural beaches, and extraordinary biodiversity of the region. During the trip, we can cool off in the river, relax, and appreciate the vastness of one of Colombia's wildest landscapes.
A fun and accessible activity that combines adventure, direct contact with nature and the opportunity to discover the Amazonian heart of Putumayo from a completely different perspective.
The most special moment of the day will be the harmonization ceremony, led by a taita, a spiritual authority and expert in traditional Amazonian medicine. Through a cleansing and balancing ritual, based on sacred plants and ancestral practices (without the use of psychoactive substances), we will learn the meaning of this tradition, whose purpose is to strengthen our connection with nature, find inner harmony, and give thanks to Mother Earth.
It will be a deeply respectful and enriching experience that will allow us to approach indigenous spirituality from an authentic and cultural perspective.
DAY 16 / MONDAY:
End of the World and the Flavors of the Amazon
After breakfast, we'll depart from Puerto Asís towards Fin del Mundo (End of the World), one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the Putumayo department. During the journey, we'll traverse lush jungle scenery until we reach the starting point of the hike.
Next, we'll embark on a trail through a tropical forest that will lead us to the spectacular Fin del Mundo viewpoint, where we'll admire the breathtaking waterfall, over 70 meters high, cascading into a deep canyon. Along the way, we'll enjoy the region's extraordinary biodiversity and the magnificent views that make this place one of the great natural treasures of southern Colombia.
After the excursion, we'll have lunch at an Amazonian restaurant, where we'll sample a selection of traditional dishes made with local ingredients. It will be an excellent opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of the Colombian Amazon, with local products such as river fish, yucca, plantains, arazá, and other Amazonian fruits.
In the afternoon we will continue our journey to Mocoa, where we will stay for the night.
DAY 17 / TUESDAY:
From Putumayo to Bogotá: From Mocoa to Puerto Asís
After breakfast, we'll begin our road trip to Puerto Asís, traveling through the lush landscapes of the Putumayo department, where the Amazon rainforest and rivers accompany much of the journey. Along the way, we'll appreciate the natural beauty of this region and learn a little more about the daily lives of its inhabitants.
Upon arrival in Puerto Asís, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Bogotá. After approximately an hour and a half flight, we will arrive in the Colombian capital, located more than 2,600 meters above sea level.
Airport reception, transfer to the hotel and accommodation. The rest of the day will be free to relax or begin discovering the atmosphere of one of South America's most dynamic cities before continuing our expedition to the Colombian Orinoquía region.
DAY 18 / WEDNESDAY:
From Bogotá to Inírida: gateway to the Colombian Orinoquía
At the scheduled time we will transfer to the Bogotá airport to take the flight to Inírida, the remote capital of the Guainía department and gateway to one of the most virgin and least explored territories in Colombia.
After approximately two hours of flight, we will land in a place where the Amazon and Orinoco regions meet, surrounded by immense rivers, rainforests, and ancient rock-topped mountains (tepuis). Inírida is a destination still relatively unknown to mass tourism and stands out for its extraordinary biodiversity, the richness of its indigenous cultures, and the unique landscapes that make it one of South America's best-kept natural secrets.
Upon our arrival, we will be greeted by local guides who will welcome us and offer an introduction to the expedition that we will begin in the coming days through the Mavicure Hills, the Inírida River Star and the Matavén jungle.
Transfer to accommodation and time to rest before starting this extraordinary adventure through the heart of the Colombian Orinoquía.
DAY 19 / THURSDAY:
Ascent to Mavicure hill and navigation on the Inírida River
We'll start the day with breakfast before beginning our ascent to the imposing Cerro Mavicure, one of the most iconic landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquía region. After the hike, we'll reach the summit, where we'll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the endless rainforest, the winding rivers, and the ancient tepuis of the Guiana Shield, one of the oldest geological formations on the planet.
After the descent we will enjoy lunch and then we will have time to relax with a refreshing swim in the white sand beaches of the Inírida River or in the crystal clear waters of the Caño San Joaquín, a natural environment of extraordinary beauty.
In the afternoon, we'll take a boat trip in a curiara, the traditional wooden canoe used by indigenous communities, along the Inírida River in search of the elusive pink river dolphins that inhabit these waters. As the sun begins to set over the rainforest, we'll enjoy the tranquility of one of Colombia's most remote and pristine corners.
At the end of the day we will return to the indigenous community of Venado, where we will share dinner and spend another night in a traditional indigenous maloca, experiencing an authentic coexistence in the heart of the Orinoquía.
DAY 20 / FRIDAY:
The River Star of the Inírida and the birth of the great Orinoco
After breakfast, we'll head to the indigenous community of Morroco, where we'll discover the fascinating Honey Route. This experience will allow us to learn about traditional beekeeping techniques and the artisanal harvesting of Amazonian honey. If weather conditions don't permit this activity, we'll hike through the stunning white savannas to Cerro Flauta (Flata Hill), from where we'll enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, or participate in an interactive workshop dedicated to processing bitter cassava, a staple food for the region's indigenous communities.
Next, we'll sail to one of Colombia's most extraordinary places: the Inírida River Star, where the Inírida, Guaviare, Atabapo, and Orinoco rivers converge, creating a unique natural spectacle. Here, the majestic middle course of the Orinoco, one of South America's great rivers, begins amidst immense beauty surrounded by pristine rainforests and exceptional biodiversity.
Lunch will be served at the Moru Nature Reserve, a true paradise nestled in the heart of the rainforest. In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear, dark waters of the Atabapo River, near the Maviso Rock, a place of great natural beauty that marks the border between Colombia and Venezuela and holds deep spiritual significance for the local communities.
At the end of the day we will return to the indigenous community of Venado, where we will share dinner and spend another night in a traditional maloca, surrounded by the tranquility of the Colombian Orinoquía.
DAY 21 / SATURDAY:
Farewell to Orinoquía - heading to Bogotá
After breakfast you can choose between two unforgettable experiences to say goodbye to the extraordinary landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquía.
Option 1 – Matavén Jungle Adventure: We'll venture into the lush Matavén Jungle, one of Colombia's best-preserved areas, for an exciting adventure. The activity includes rappelling down natural rock formations and crossing suspension bridges up to 15 meters high among the treetops, offering a unique perspective of the rainforest and an adrenaline rush in the heart of nature.
Option 2 – Hiking in the Moru Nature Reserve: Those who prefer a more tranquil experience can explore the trails of the Moru Nature Reserve, a biodiversity sanctuary located in the heart of the Matavén Rainforest. During the hike, we will discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of this ecosystem, learn about the importance of its conservation, and enjoy the silence and magic of one of the most pristine forests in the Colombian Orinoquía region.
After lunch, we'll return to Inírida, where we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Bogotá, concluding an unforgettable expedition through the Colombian Amazon and Orinoco regions. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 22 / SUNDAY:
See you soon, Colombia
After breakfast, and according to your flight schedule, we will transfer you to El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá to take your return flight.
This transfer concludes an extraordinary expedition through some of the most remote and fascinating territories of South America, where the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Putumayo and the Colombian Orinoquía have revealed their immense natural, cultural and spiritual wealth.
See you soon, Colombia!
VIAJES DE AUTOR