Embark on an unforgettable journey deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where pristine nature and vibrant indigenous culture converge. This 3-day expedition is designed for the conscious traveler, offering an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience that prioritizes sustainable travel and meaningful engagement with local communities.
Our commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of this trip. By traveling with local Kichwa guides, you're not only gaining unparalleled insight into the jungle's secrets but also directly supporting the local economy and empowering indigenous stewardship of their ancestral lands.
We'll explore the jungle's incredible biodiversity, participate in cultural traditions, and witness firsthand the impactful projects that your visit helps support, ensuring that the magic of the Amazon endures for generations to come.
Trip Highlights
- Arajuno River Canoe Journey: Begin your adventure with a scenic 1-hour canoe trip up the Arajuno River, a journey that marks your transition from the world you know to the wild heart of the Amazon.
- Educational Jungle Trek: Learn about the intricate rainforest ecosystem, including its medicinal plants, unique flora, and diverse fauna, on a guided trek led by a knowledgeable Kichwa guide.
- Parrot Clay Lick Observation: Witness a spectacular natural phenomenon as dozens of colorful parrots and parakeets gather at a clay lick to consume vital minerals.
- Kichwa Community Immersion: Spend time with the local Kichwa community, engaging in traditional activities and learning about their rich culture and ancient traditions.
- Community Support and School Visit: Visit a local school and see the positive impact of your sustainable travel, with opportunities to interact with the students and learn about ongoing community projects.
- Chicha Preparation and Traditional Lunch: Learn the traditional process of making chicha, a fermented yucca drink, and share a delicious, authentic lunch prepared by the community women.
- Handmade Chocolate Experience: Visit a local farm to learn about the cultivation of jungle crops, then get hands-on experience making your own chocolate fondue from scratch.
- Shamanism and Bonfire Stories: End your day under the stars, sharing traditional stories and insights into local beliefs and shamanism around a warm bonfire.
Hiking
Canoeing
Swimming
Culture
Wildlife
Activity level: 3
Group size: 12 people max
Season: Year around
Minimum age: 8 years old
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Rainforest Immersion
Your Amazon adventure begins at the Arajuno River bridge at 10:00 AM. From there, you’ll embark on a scenic one-hour canoe journey upstream to our camp. After checking in and enjoying a refreshing cold drink, you’ll be served a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, a short canoe ride takes us to the start of a two-hour educational trek. This guided walk is a fantastic introduction to the rainforest ecosystem, where you’ll learn about its diverse flora and fauna. As dusk falls, we’ll return to camp for a hearty dinner, followed by an evening of bonfire stories about shamanism and local folklore.
Overnight: Arajuno River Amazon Glamping
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Arajuno River
Shamanic Encouter
Day 2: Wildlife, Community, and Culture
Get ready for an early start! We’ll take a quick 10-minute canoe trip to a nearby parrot clay lick, a mesmerizing sight where dozens of colorful birds like dusky-headed and blue-headed parrots gather to consume essential minerals. After this unforgettable display, we’ll return to camp for breakfast.
Later, you’ll be welcomed by the local Kichwa community. This is your chance to see the positive impact of your visit by learning about the projects we support. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in activities with the local children at their school.
Next, a group of Kichwa women will share their culture and traditions with you, including a hands-on demonstration of chicha making. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch together. The afternoon is yours to relax by the river before we head to a nearby farm. There, you’ll see the various products grown in the jungle and get your hands dirty making your very own homemade chocolate fondue. The day concludes with a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Arajuno River Amazon Glamping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local Kichwa Community
Kichwa People
Day 3: Departure
After a final breakfast at the camp, we will transport you back to the Arajuno River bridge, where you’ll say goodbye, taking with you memories of an incredible Amazon encounter.
Meals included: Breakfast
Glamping
Included
Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
Accommodation for two nights
Meals according to the Itinerary
Water and snacks at all time
Robber boots for hiking
All fees to reserves and museums
Excluded
Transport from/to Quito
International or domestic flights
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Optional activities
Explore wildlife beyond your wildest imagination!
Exotic and fresh flavors from the Ecuadorian Amazon.
$615/per person PRICE 2-3 GUESTS
$490/per person PRICE 4 OR MORE GUESTS
Packing List
Essential:
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against insects and sun, Light rain jacket or poncho.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Closed-toe shoes for travel and around the camp.
- Swimsuit: For enjoying the river.
- Hat and sunglasses: For sun protection.
- Personal toiletries: Biodegradable soap and shampoo are highly recommended.
- Small backpack: For day trips and hikes.
- Insect repellent: With DEET for effective protection.
- Sunscreen: High SPF.
- Reusable water bottle: To minimize plastic waste.
- Camera and extra batteries: To capture the incredible moments.
- Headlamp or flashlight.
Included:
- Rubber boots for jungle hikes.
Optional:
- Light rain jacket or poncho.
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- Small gifts for the local school and community (e.g., school supplies, small toys).
- Travel insurance.
- Extra cash for tips and souvenirs.
Important Information
Itinerary Disclaimer:
Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
Visas and Passports:
Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your travel.
Accommodation:
Indulge in the ultimate glamping comfort. Our accommodations feature a premium mattress, exceptionally soft blankets, and supportive pillows to ensure a perfect night’s rest. For your exclusive use, each unit is equipped with a private bathroom and shower.
Transportation:
Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes Mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
Level of Activity:
This trip is rated a 2 out of 5 for activity level, making it accessible to most. No prior experience is necessary! Your guides will provide thorough briefings on safety and gear usage before each part of the journey. The Arajuno River is predominantly calm with flat water, featuring only a few small, fun, and easy-to-navigate rapids. Hiking involves irregular terrain, but we offer flexible distances so you can choose between shorter or longer routes based on your preference.
Weather:
The Ecuadorian Amazon experiences a consistently warm and humid climate year-round, lacking traditional four seasons due to its equatorial location. Instead, it has a rainy season (roughly March to July, with peak rain in May-June) and a drier season (typically December to February). Temperatures average around 25∘C (77∘F) with high humidity (80%−95%). During the drier season, daytime temperatures can be hotter, while the rainy season sees frequent, heavy afternoon downpours. Rainy Season brings higher river levels, facilitating deeper canoe exploration, and the rainforest is at its most lush. Trails can be muddier. Drier Season means lower river levels (sometimes affecting canoe access in very shallow areas) and less muddy hiking trails, with potentially fewer mosquitoes. Ultimately, there’s no “bad” time to visit; the best time depends on activity preference (river travel vs. hiking) and tolerance for rain or intense heat. Visitors should always be prepared for warmth, humidity, and insects. The Ecuadorian Amazon has a consistently warm and humid tropical climate year-round, averaging around 25∘C (77∘F) with high humidity (80%−95%). Instead of distinct seasons, it has a rainy season (roughly March to July, with May-June often wettest) and a drier season (typically December to February, though some extend it from August to March). During the rainy season, expect frequent, heavy afternoon showers. This leads to higher river levels, making canoe travel deeper into the forest easier and supporting lush vegetation and increased wildlife activity. Drier periods see less rain but still significant precipitation, with hotter daytime temperatures. River levels drop, potentially making some canoe routes harder but improving hiking trail conditions. Overall, rain is a constant presence, vital for the rainforest’s biodiversity, and visitors should always be prepared for it, regardless of the time of year. Both periods offer unique advantages for wildlife viewing and exploration.
Sustainability:
We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough, so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero-waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Ecuador, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples, we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
Guides:
All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
Heath advices:
No vaccines needed for this expedition.
What a great experience at the glamping in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The service was impeccable, the staff incredibly attentive, and the facilities were spotless. I was able to enjoy nature with all the comforts. An unforgettable getaway!
LINDA - US
Taking my family to this glamping was the best decision! The cabins are super comfortable and clean, and the staff's service is incredible. What we enjoyed the most was the kayak tour. Paddling through the Amazon, surrounded by nature, was a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone. We'll definitely be back!
JHON - UKExplore similar adventures
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