8-Day Amazon Wildlife Kayak Tour
Amazon Wildlife Kayak Tour. Shiripuno River. Yasuni Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador.
Amazon Wildlife Kayak Tour — From the Andes to the Rainforest Floor
Our Amazon Wildlife Kayak Tour goes deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon — a journey into what may be the last true wilderness left for mankind: the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve.
Just for a moment, imagine drifting silently along a truly wild jungle river in the legendary Waorani territories, bounded on either side by millions of acres of pristine forest.
Amazon Wildlife Kayak Tour. Shiripuno River. Yasuni Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador.
Paddling the Shiripuno River by kayak is an intimate way to experience both jungle and river. Picture yourself moving through meanders, muddy beaches, and twisting walls of Amazon rainforest, never knowing what’s around the next bend. It could be a cloud of colorful butterflies, a flock of macaws, a river turtle basking on a log, a beach-loving caiman, or the ever-changing flowers, fruit, seeds, and sounds of the passing forest. And if you’re really lucky, you might even come across a tapir or an anaconda.
Capybara, the largest rodent in the world, lives along the Shiripuno River.
We’re kayaking into the world-famous Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, arguably the most biologically diverse spot on Earth. The reserve sits at the center of a small zone where amphibian, bird, mammal, and vascular plant diversity all reach their maximum levels within the Western Hemisphere. Yasuní breaks world records for local-scale (under 100 km²) tree, amphibian, and bat species richness, and ranks among the richest spots on the planet for birds and mammals at that same local scale — much of it found right along the rivers you’ll be paddling.
Waorani House. – Amazon Wildlife Kayak Tour. Shiripuno River. Yasuni Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador.
THE 8-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 — Andes to Amazon Lowlands
A road trip along the “Route of Water,” following the path from snow-capped Andean volcanoes down to the eastern Andean slope, ending in the frontier town of Coca — where the mighty Napo River meets the Payamino and Coca rivers. Overnight in Coca.
Day 2 — Into the Yasuní
After breakfast, drive along the Auca Road for 2 hours to the Shiripuno River, then head downstream to the first campsite. Dinner and camping on the riverbank.
Venturing into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. – Amazon Kayaking Tour
Day 3 — Waorani Community & River Dynamics
Visit the Waorani community to learn about their culture and traditions, then continue downstream, learning how the Amazon’s river systems shape the surrounding forest. Lunch, afternoon paddle to camp. Dinner and camping.
Day 4 — Oxbow Lake Exploration
Continue the river journey, hopping out to explore an oxbow lake and its unique microhabitats and wildlife. Lunch, afternoon paddle to camp. Dinner and camping.
An intimate Rainforest Experience, surrounded by sounds of millions of species. Comfortable and Dry Sleeping in the Jungle. -Amazon Wildlife Kayak Tour
Day 5 — Arrival at Shiripuno Lodge
Paddle onward toward Shiripuno Lodge, watching for riverine wildlife along the way. Lunch en route, arriving at the lodge by afternoon.
Day 6 — El Mirador Viewpoint
After breakfast, hike to “El Mirador” — a viewpoint over miles of unbroken rainforest canopy — and learn more about the ecosystem below. Lunch, followed by afternoon forest activities.
Day 7 — Return to Coca
Navigate upstream after breakfast, saying farewell to the Waorani community and the forest that’s been home for the week.
Day 8 — Return to Quito
A 30-minute flight back to Quito, hotel transfer, and a walk through Quito’s Old Town to close out the trip.
Shiripuno River beach, perfect location to pitch the tent and start watching Amazon Wildlife. – Amazon Wildlife Kayak Tour
A full-service, eco-friendly kayaking expedition suited to a wide range of travelers — honeymooners, birdwatchers, nature lovers, and adventurous families alike, especially those who want the complete Andes-to-Amazon arc rather than starting the trip already in Coca.
PRICE
$1,990 per person (double tent/bedroom occupancy)
Canoe Assistance. Amazon Wildlife Kayak Tour. Shiripuno River. Yasuni Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transportation Quito–Coca–Quito
- Accommodation in Coca
- Transportation Coca–Shiripuno–Coca
- Accommodation in double tents with private bathroom at lodging facilities
- Camping gear
- Kayaks and paddles
- Life vest
- Meals during travel
- Kayak naturalist guide (English–Spanish)
- Native guide
- Excursions in the forest
- Rubber boots up to size 44
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Accommodation in Quito
- Rain poncho
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Tips