5-Day Amazon Kayaking in Yasuni National Park: Meet native Waorani people

Giant otters approach your kayak while you navigate an oxbow lake in the heart of the Amazon.

A 5-day kayaking and camping trip in Yasuni National Park near Coca, Ecuador, where you paddle rivers and lagoons, hike to a hilltop overlook, and spend time with Waorani families in their territory. You kayak 4–6 hours each day on calm water, camp along the river, and explore tributaries and the Anaconda Lagoon, a special ecosystem home to anacondas. The trip includes all kayaks, gear, meals prepared by local chefs, and an English-speaking guide plus local guides at certain stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Enter Yasuni Park and camp

• Drive from El Coca to Shiripuno River
• Kayak along Shiripuno River
• Observe wildlife along river
• Arrive at Safari Camp
• Enjoy welcome dinner

Day 2: Explore Yasuni and culture

• Have breakfast at 6:30 am
• Paddle on river for 30 minutes
• Walk 300 meters carrying boats
• Explore Anaconda Lagoon by kayak
• Visit Gaba's house and learn culture
• Return to camp
• Have dinner at 7:00 pm

Day 3: Kayak and hilltop trek

• Have breakfast before 7:00 am
• Kayak 5 hours downstream Shiripuno River
• Rest and eat boxed lunch
• Trek 4 hours to hilltop lookout
• Return by motorized canoe
• Have dinner at 8:00 pm

Day 4: Explore tributaries and farewell

• Have breakfast at 7:00 am
• Kayak on tributaries in morning
• Have lunch at noon
• Attend Waorani farewell ceremony

Day 5: Departure and flight back

• Have final breakfast at 6:30 am
• Prepare for departure

The experience

The adventure starts with a two-hour drive from El Coca through the Auca road to the Shiripuno River, where you meet your kayaks and begin a four-hour paddle into Yasuni. The river winds through unbroken rainforest. Toucans, macaws, and monkeys appear along the banks. You arrive at Wao Kamp on the river shore as evening falls, and dinner waits around 7 p.m.

Days two through four build around the water and the forest. On day two, you paddle the Anaconda Lagoon (an oxbow lake and its own ecosystem), then visit Gaba's house, where the family head teaches you how Waorani spears are made and shows you blow-dart hunting. Day three is a full day on the river: a five-hour kayak downstream, a boxed lunch at noon, then a four-hour trek to a hilltop with a 360-degree view of virgin rainforest before a motorized canoe brings you back at dusk. Day four focuses on the tributaries, the smaller streams that branch from the main river, explored by kayak in the morning. The afternoon brings a Waorani farewell ceremony with chants and stories about the community's history. On day five, breakfast at 6:30 a.m. and the journey back to Coca for your flight to Quito.

Kayaking distances run 12 kilometers a day on water with no significant rapids. The hiking crosses irregular terrain that can be muddy. Double inflatable kayaks, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, and rubber boots come with you. Meals are prepared by professional chefs using local ingredients (yucca, jungle potato, plantains, heart of palm, fresh fish and chicken), and reflect what the Kichwa communities eat. The trip leader speaks English and holds wilderness first aid certification. Local guides join at certain stops to deepen the cultural exchange. A minimum of two passengers is required. Solo travelers are matched with another participant of the same sex, or you can arrange a single tent at extra cost.

What’s included

• All kayaks, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, and rubber boots.
• camping accommodation in double tents.
• all meals prepared by local chefs using fresh local ingredients.
• motorized canoe rides.
• activities including kayaking, night hikes, visits to Waorani communities, and the hilltop trek.
• an English-speaking certified trip leader and local guides at certain stops.
• interpretation about the ecology and conservation of the Amazon rainforest.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Adventure Journeys

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want to paddle calm water through remote rainforest and spend nights camping on the river: the kayaking itself requires no experience, but the five-day commitment and moderate-to-challenging hiking mean you should be comfortable with physical activity and sleeping in tents in a developing area far from roads and towns.

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Top questions

What animals might I see while kayaking in Yasuni?

Giant otters, anacondas, caimans, parrots, macaws, toucans, kingfishers, herons, and monkeys live in the rivers and lagoons. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the Anaconda Lagoon is a known habitat for the largest anaconda species, and otters often approach the kayaks out of curiosity.

How much kayaking experience do I need?

No prior kayaking experience is required. The Shiripuno River and Anaconda Lagoon have no significant rapids, and you paddle in double inflatable kayaks with a guide. The activity level is moderate to challenging overall because of the hiking and the remote location, but the kayaking itself is accessible to anyone with moderate fitness.

What is included in the price?

Transportation from Coca to the river and back, all kayaks and paddling gear, life jackets, dry bags, rubber boots, motorized canoe rides, camping accommodation in double tents, all meals prepared by local chefs, activities like the night hike and Waorani visit, and an English-speaking certified trip leader plus local guides at certain stops are included. Flights between Quito and Coca, airport transfers in Quito, travel insurance, required vaccinations, and tips are not.

What should I pack for five days in the rainforest?

Bring lightweight, quick-dry clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a headlamp or flashlight for night hikes, toiletries, any personal medications, and a camera in a waterproof bag. Rubber boots and dry bags are provided. Temperatures range from 15–34°C (59–93°F) during the day and 12–17°C (53–62°F) at night.

When is the best time to visit Yasuni?

The trip runs year-round, but September through March offers the best conditions. The region is remote and undeveloped, so weather and local circumstances may require small changes to the itinerary or travel times.

Do I need vaccinations to go?

Yellow fever, hepatitis B vaccination, and malaria medication are mandatory. Routine immunizations such as tetanus and diphtheria should be current, and hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are strongly recommended. Consult your doctor before booking.