River Expedition
Embarking on a Journey through the Amazon’s Heart
The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is a vast and vibrant tapestry of life, culture, and mystery. Covering over 5.5 million square kilometers across nine countries, this unparalleled ecosystem is home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, as well as indigenous communities whose traditions have been woven into the fabric of the forest for centuries. For travelers seeking an authentic connection with nature and culture, few experiences rival the magic of exploring the Amazon River and its surrounding wilderness.
This 7-day / 6-night Amazon River Tour invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Nestled within this pristine environment lies the Yasuní Ecolodge, a gateway to the ancestral lands of the Kichwa Añangu community. Here, amidst the lush greenery and winding waterways, you will embark on a transformative journey that blends adventure, education, and cultural exchange.
Your voyage begins with a serene cruise along the mighty Napo River, a major tributary of the Amazon, where every bend reveals new wonders—playful river dolphins, towering ceiba trees, and the distant calls of howler monkeys echoing through the canopy. As you venture deeper into the rainforest, the hum of life grows louder, drawing you closer to the heartbeat of the jungle.
At the Yasuní Ecolodge, you’ll be welcomed by the Kichwa people of Añangu, who share their rich heritage and profound connection to the land. Through guided excursions, storytelling, and hands-on activities, you’ll gain insight into their traditional way of life, from sustainable farming practices to spiritual rituals rooted in harmony with nature. This immersive experience not only fosters mutual understanding but also supports the preservation of their culture and the protection of their ancestral territory.
Each day promises a unique encounter with the wonders of the Amazon. Hike through dense trails teeming with exotic wildlife, paddle silently through flooded forests in search of caimans under starlit skies, or climb observation towers for breathtaking views of the treetops at sunrise. At night, fall asleep to the symphony of frogs, insects, and rustling leaves, knowing you are surrounded by pure wilderness.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Yasuní region holds deep ecological significance. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it serves as a sanctuary for countless species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. By visiting this remarkable corner of the world, you become part of a collective effort to safeguard its future—a responsibility we all share as stewards of our planet.
This tour is more than just a vacation; it is an opportunity to reconnect with the rhythms of the Earth, to learn from those who live in balance with it, and to leave with memories that will linger long after your return. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or setting foot in the Amazon for the first time, this expedition offers something truly extraordinary: a chance to witness the raw power and delicate intricacies of one of the world’s last great frontiers.
So pack your sense of wonder, open your heart to discovery, and prepare to step into a realm where time slows down and the spirit of the Amazon comes alive. Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime.
Itinerary
Arrival at the Lodge
After a 30-minute flight over the Eastern Andes, you will arrive in Coca. From there, a short car ride and a covered boat trip will take you to the Yasuní Ecolodge. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a traditional Wayusa drink and receive information about the lodge’s services.
Once settled in comfortable rooms with views of the jungle, visitors can participate in activities such as a hike to an observation tower to spot wildlife and enjoy an Amazon sunset, or take a sunset kayak tour on the Napo River. Finally, you will return to the lodge to freshen up, relax, and enjoy dinner.
Full Day of Activities
After breakfast, you will embark on a motorized canoe trip to the clay lick for parrots in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, where you can observe various parrot species. Next, you will hike along the Parakeet Trail to spot up to five species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws at the clay lick, a place that also attracts mammals like monkeys and jaguars.
The morning culminates with a visit to the Kury Muyu intercultural interpretation center, run by local women, where you will learn about Kichwa culture and can purchase crafts. After lunch, you will take a boat trip along the Añangu creek to observe wildlife. In the afternoon, you will board a catamaran on the Napo River to learn about the legends and traditional songs of the Kichwa community while enjoying roasted snacks over the fire.
Full Day of Activities
Start the day by enjoying the sunrise during breakfast and visit sustainable community projects to learn about Kichwa cosmology. Explore trails in the upland forest, observing the diversity of flora and fauna, including ceiba trees and monkeys. After lunch, you will hike to a second observation tower to spot birds and other species. In the evening, relax and enjoy a typical Amazon dinner with dishes like maito and chontakuru (roasted chonta worms). Afterwards, you will participate in an exciting night hike to observe active insects, reptiles, and mammals.
Full Day of Activities
Wake up to the sounds of Amazonian birds and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, venture into the high forest along the Samona Trail, wearing rubber boots. Experience the thrill of feeling like Indiana Jones as you walk among century-old ceiba trees, accompanied by capuchin monkeys, woolly monkeys, and saki monkeys. Look for insects beneath the leaves and appreciate the wildlife of the dense forest.
Continue the adventure by exploring a blackwater creek, marveling at the biodiversity of flora and fauna. After enjoying a refreshing drink and a delicious lunch, you will embark on a tour of nearby islands to spot birds.
In the evening, you have the option to participate in a night hike for a unique experience or simply relax and enjoy the comfortable facilities.
Full Day of Activities
On this exciting day, the adventure begins towards Laguna Pañacocha, located across the Napo River. The day starts with a 90-minute boat ride, providing the opportunity to observe the wildlife of the Amazon jungle. Upon arrival, you will receive an introduction to the area and enjoy a boxed lunch in a canoe or at a nearby lodge. In this area, you will have the chance to see macaws, monkeys, and many other species while exploring the igapó forest and its wetlands, where you can also see various birds.
In the afternoon, you will return to the Yasuní Ecolodge, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by local chefs. Then, a night hike along the forest trails will offer you a unique insight into life in the rainforest at night. At the end of the day, guests can relax in comfortable cabins, enjoying the tranquility of the Amazon.
Full Day of Activities
On this day, the adventure takes explorers to Laguna Pañacocha, on the opposite side of the Napo River, promising a day full of fun and natural wonders, with the possibility of spotting pink dolphins. You will leave the lodge in the morning for a fascinating 90-minute boat ride along the Napo River, observing wildlife along the way.
Upon reaching Pañacocha, you will receive an introduction to the area and enjoy lunch in a canoe or at nearby facilities. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to swim in the lagoon. The igapó forest offers chances to spot various species like macaws, sloths, monkeys, anacondas, and more. You can also observe black caimans and various birds in the wetlands.
In the afternoon, you will return to the Yasuní Ecolodge to enjoy a delicious dinner and participate in a night hike along the forest trails, exploring the nightlife of the jungle. Finally, you will rest comfortably in the beautiful cabins of the lodge.
Departure Day
To conclude your experience, you have the option to participate in the guayusada ritual, starting at 4:30 a.m. During this ritual, the Kichwa Añangu community shares the sacred guayusa, passing on their ancestral knowledge. The experience includes traditional songs and the opportunity for a mamakuna to interpret your dreams.
Then, you will enjoy breakfast while the staff collects your luggage for the journey back to El Coca in comfortable motorized canoes, giving you one last chance to appreciate the scenery of the Ecuadorian rainforest.
- River transportation Coca – Yasuní Ecolodge – Coca
- Accommodation in Yasuní Ecolodge
- All meals
- Entrance to Yasuni National Park and parrot clay licks
- Community guide and naturalist bilingual guide
- Rain poncho and rubber boots
- All excursions and activities as per detailed itinerary
- Laundry services
- Drinks at the bar
- Fees for optional activities
- Rates subject to change without prior notice. Beverages, tips, personal expenses, and other non-specified services (laundry and internet).
Yasuni Rainforest Tours
Yasuní Ecolodge
Jungle Tour
8 days / 7 nights
8 days / 7 nights
Set out on a life-changing journey deep into the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, where breathtaking biodiversity and rich cultural heritage come together in one of the world’s most pristine natural environments. This immersive 8-day, 7-night expedition takes you into the lush landscapes of Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere
River Expedition
7 days / 6 nights
7 days / 6 nights
This 7-day / 6-night Amazon River Tour invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Nestled within this pristine environment lies the Yasuní Ecolodge, a gateway to the ancestral lands of the Kichwa Añangu community. Here,
Rainforest Journey
6 days / 5 nights
6 days / 5 nights
Traditions Tour invites you to step beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in the vibrant heritage of the Kichwa community at the Yasuní Ecolodge. Here, tradition is not a relic of the past but a dynamic force that shapes daily life—a living legacy passed down through generations. Through shared stories,
Exploring Yasuní
5 days / 4 nights
5 days / 4 nights
Deep within the heart of Ecuador lies a realm of unparalleled biodiversity, where the vibrant pulse of life echoes through dense forests and winding rivers. Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, stands as a testament to nature’s boundless creativity.
Biodiversity Experience
4 days / 3 nights
4 days / 3 nights
The Amazon Rainforest is a living library of stories, where every tree, river, and creature holds the wisdom of countless generations. At its heart lies Yasuní National Park, a sacred expanse of pristine wilderness that has been home to the Kichwa people of Añangu for centuries. This 4-day / 3-night
Wildlife Escape
3 days / 2 nights
3 days / 2 nights
Embarking on a journey into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon is more than just a travel experience—it’s an immersion into one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich regions on Earth. Over the course of three days and two nights, this cultural tour invites you to explore the wonders
Prices are Per Person – 2026
Yasuni Tours
Included Services
- River transportation Coca – Yasuní Ecolodge – Coca
- Accommodation in Yasuní Ecolodge
- All meals
- Entrance to Yasuni National Park and parrot clay licks
- Community guide and naturalist bilingual guide
- Rain poncho and rubber boots
- All excursions and activities as per detailed itinerary
Main Activities
- Jungle Walks in the Amazon Rainforest
- Cultural exchange with the Kichwa Añangu community
- Visit to the Parrot and Parakeet Clay Licks
- Kayaking on the Napo River
- Observation Towers
- Crafts Store
- Ancestral Catamaran
- Guayusada
Accommodation
Mini Suites and Standard Cabins offer comfort in the midst of nature, designed to provide a cozy retreat in the jungle.
Amenities:
- Bar: A selection of refreshing drinks and cocktails made with local ingredients.
- WiFi: Free connection in the common areas of the lodge.
- Boots and Ponchos: Rubber boots and rain ponchos available for all guests.
- Laundry Service: We ensure you have clean and fresh clothes during your stay.
- Electricity: Available 24 hours a day to enjoy modern comforts.
- Water: Filtered drinking water available at several stations around the lodge.
