Day 1: Arrival
You will be picked up by Huaorani staff in Coca (San Francisco de Orellana) at the airport, bus terminal, or your hotel upon arrival. Travel by road three hours to the Shiripuno River, then by motor canoe down the Shiripuno, discovering kilometers of untouched rainforest, all the while observing countless bird species and other animals. You arrive at a beach where you will camp for the night.
Day 2: Omacawayno community
Travel deeper into the Amazon Rainforest on the Shiripuno River and later on the Cononaco River to Conan and Cawiha’s community, Omacawayno, again viewing the pristine jungle of the Oriente along the way.
During the trip, you have the opportunity to observe animals such as anacondas, river turtles, macaws, toucans, tapirs, and more. In the community, you will be received by the Omaca family and share an afternoon and evening getting to know them.
Day 3: Forest hike
You will try traditional Huaorani tree climbing techniques, visit a yucca farm near the community, and observe some of the most magnificent trees in the forest - ceibos. In the afternoon, you will learn how Huaorani blowguns and spears are made and will get the chance to practice using them against artificial targets.
You will take a brief hike through the forest, collecting materials used to build houses and make crafts before sharing time with members of the community, making traditional Huaorani bags and hammocks while trying chicha, a traditional Huaorani yucca-base drink. At night, you will go on a post-dinner hike to observe a completely different and well-hidden ecology.
Day 4: Extended hike to a lagoon
After breakfast, you can speak with Cawiha about the Jaguar Spirit, the traditional Huaorani lifestyle, and the history of the first contact with non-indigenous peoples. You can also listen to traditional Huaorani chants and myths sung and orated by various members of the community. After lunch, you will go on an extended hike to a lagoon near the community.
Here you can find an incredible biodiversity and have the opportunity to see any of the more than 600 bird species and any of the 13 species of primates native to the region. Your quiet walk through the forest will bring you in contact with the abundant flora and fauna of the area, such as leaf-cutter ants, rubber trees, lizards, snakes, and other animals and plants.
Also, Cawiha and Conan will share with you traditional Huaorani knowledge of medicinal plants. You return to the community for dinner and the chance to spot nocturnal caimans along the banks of the river.
Day 5: River tour
Wake up early to travel down river in the hopes of catching a glimpse of tapir families bathing. During the trip, you will also have the opportunity to observe animals such as anacondas, river turtles, macaws, toucans, tapirs, and more. You arrive to the small Huaorani community of Bowanamo where you will eat lunch and visit a salt lick in the hopes of seeing various bird species such as parrots and macaws.
After your brief trek, you travel further downriver to the community of Bameno. In the village, you will have the chance to speak with Huaorani elders and immerse yourself in the life of the community for an evening.
Day 6: Departure
After a hardy breakfast, you will be picked up by a charter plane and, with a fond farewell from the Huaorani of Bameno, Cawiha, and Conan, you will board the flight to Puyo and pass over miles of untouched forest.
Note: Actual trip itineraries vary from the sample given above. Please consult with your tour guide to confirm your group specific itinerary. No outside guides are allowed on the tour, only translators.
