Ecuador · Tribal Experiences

4-Day Yasuni Jungle Tour from Quito with Kichwa Angu Experiences

4 Days Round trip from 8WVH+GQP Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike along the Playas trail and explore one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth
02 Watch colourful parrots and parakeets gather at the Napo River clay lick
03 Learn about Kichwa culture, crafts, and traditions at the Kuri Muyu interpretation center
04 Ride an ancestral catamaran on the Napo River with traditional legends, chants, and snacks
05 Paddle through the black-water ecosystem of Angu stream in search of monkeys, caiman, and giant river otters
06 Take part in the optional dawn wayusada ritual with the Kichwa community

Explore an amazing location within Yasuni National Park while supporting the Angu people and conservation efforts through your stay at the lodge - your visit helps improve healthcare, education, and access to clean energy. Discover an extraordinary protected area that is home to a third of all Amazonian mammals, including 60% of New World wild cats, 106 reptiles, 610 bird species, and more than 4,000 plant species. This 4-day experience combines rainforest walks, river excursions, wildlife encounters, and meaningful cultural exchanges with the Kichwa Angu community.

Have an early breakfast, then travel by motor boat to one of the highlights of the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve: the parrot clay lick on the banks of the Napo River.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Orellana, Quito, Yasuni National Park

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at Yasuni National Park Lodge

Upon arriving at the Yasuni National Park Lodge, you will have the outstanding chance to step onto the aboriginal territory of the Kichwa Angu community, whose members will welcome you with a traditional and refreshing ice-cold "wayusa." The local hotel manager will give brief instructions and immediately take you to your comfortable room with views of the rainforest so you can get ready for the first afternoon activity.
Hike along the "Playas" trail to experience Amazon wildlife for the first time on the river islands and shores, set within one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.
Kayaking is also available as an optional activity for around 45 minutes, offering the chance to enjoy an overwhelming and colourful sunset across the vastness of the Napo River.
Then head back to your cabin, rest for a while, and get ready for a well-deserved dinner. After dinner, fall asleep to the relaxing sounds of the Amazon.

Day 02

Parrot Clay Lick and Rainforest Exploration

Have an early breakfast, then travel by motor boat to one of the highlights of the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve: the parrot clay lick on the banks of the Napo River. Bring your binoculars and camera lenses to watch flocks of blue-headed and yellow-crowned parrots, and even dusky-headed parakeets, from the boat.
Then walk for around 30 minutes along the "pericos" trail to reach the blind in the forest, which offers a direct view of the amazing parakeet clay lick. This site brings visitors face to face with up to 11 species of parrots and parakeets, including parrotlets and macaws. Sometimes mammals such as howler monkeys, tapirs, and peccaries also come here to drink water and obtain vital minerals for their bodies.
The morning ends with a visit to the intercultural interpretation center "Kuri Muyu," which means golden seed in the native language. Managed by the women of the community, also known as "mamakuna," this center offers the chance to learn about Kichwa culture, crafts, customs, and the traditional use of natural resources directly from members of the aboriginal community.
Return to the center of the community for lunch at the dining hall and a short break at the lodge before setting out on a one-hour hike to climb the observation tower. Rising 35 meters above the ground, it offers high chances of spotting a variety of birds, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots, and sloths.
Enjoy dinner, followed by a unique activity on the Napo River aboard the ancestral catamaran, where you will learn more about local legends and traditional chants while women grill delicious snacks over the fire.

Day 03

Paddle Through Angu Stream

In the afternoon, after a delicious local lunch, paddle around the "Angu" stream, a black-water ecosystem where you can spot monkeys jumping from tree to tree, caiman, and sometimes even giant river otters trying to catch fish.
Upon returning, you will have time to settle back in and prepare for a traditional dinner featuring local flavours of the Amazon, such as "maito," grilled fish wrapped in a "bijao" leaf. If you have an adventurous palate, you can also try the grilled worms of the "chonta," locally known as "chontakuru."

Day 04

Wayusada Ritual and Return Journey

To close with a flourish, take part in the optional "wayusada" ritual. At dawn, around 4:30 am, the Kichwa family gathers to share the sacred "wayusa," a tradition that has long been used to pass ancient knowledge to new generations. Here, you will also share traditional chants and have the chance to "interpret dreams" with the wisest "mamakuna" of the community - a truly mystic experience.
Then head back for breakfast while the staff collects your luggage for your return to Coca town. Board the comfortable motor boats for one last opportunity to appreciate the Ecuadorian rainforest landscape until you reach the "La Mision" river port.

Where this trip takes you

Yasuni National Park, parrot clay lick, Kuri Muyu interpretation center

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

4-day/3-night program at Yasuni Amazon Lodge
Community and naturalist bilingual guide
River transportation to Coca-Lodge-Coca
Impermeable poncho and rubber boots

What's Not Included

Travel insurance (we recommend that you take out travel cancellation and health insurance)
All services not mentioned
Angu Community entrance fee
Other meals and drinks
Other non-specified requirements (such as laundry and internet access)

What to bring

Binoculars for wildlife viewing (an absolute necessity)
Camera or video gear
Lightweight long pants
Long-sleeved lightweight shirts
T-shirts
One or two pairs of shorts (mostly for around the lodge)
A lightweight sweater or jacket
Raingear (if you prefer not to use the rain ponchos provided)
Cotton socks
Sandals (Teva type or similar for around the lodge)
Three or four pairs of absorbent socks
A small day pack for excursions
Ziplock-type plastic bags to cover optics or other gear
Insect repellent (Skin-so-soft or a DEET product with at least 20% concentration)
A flashlight or headlamp bright enough for use on night walks
A hat for sun protection
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion with a high SPF rating
Personal medications

Know before you go

Before entering sensitive environments, clean your footwear to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Don't collect or disturb flora, fauna, or their habitat.
Don't feed wildlife; it can harm their health and encourage problematic behaviour.
Remain on designated paths and trails.
Practice good "bush toilet" etiquette (ask us for specific guidance).
Respect fire restrictions in place; if campfires are permitted, ask us how and where.
Reduce waste - from food to paper, remember to take only what and as much as you need, and bring re-usable items such as a water bottle, coffee cup, and carry bag.
Dispose of waste responsibly - pack out what you take in - and use local recycling facilities where available.
Be Waterwise - your participation in the activity shouldn't place additional stress on water-scarce environments.
Respect others using the area so that their experience and access are not compromised.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito, Ecuador

Tour start

8WVH+GQP, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.

Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,420.00 — $1,625.00

Double Sharing $1,420.00

When

Travellers

Total

End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in 8WVH+GQP.

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