ITINERARY

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Day 1 – In the Heart of Waorani Territory
The experience begins in Coca, from where we head toward the Río Shiripuno. Along the way, we’ll stop to learn about voluntarily isolated Indigenous groups through a meeting with the Secretaría de Derechos Humanos.To reach Bameno, we’ll cross the “Intangible Zone,” home to the uncontacted Tagaeri and Taromenani groups—part of the Waorani nationality.Once we reach the Shiripuno River bridge, we’ll travel by canoe to Guemeneweno, where we’ll be welcomed by Gaba, a Waorani elder and leader, and his family.This will be our first real immersion into local culture: time to hear stories, learn customs, and share authentic moments. The day ends with a refreshing dip in the river and dinner by the fire, before settling into hammocks or tents for the night.

‍Day 2 – Welcome to Bameno: The Authentic Heartbeat of the Amazon
After breakfast, we continue by canoe deeper into the Yasuni National Park, the most biodiverse area on Earth, to reach the Waorani community of Bameno.This journey offers a complete immersion in Amazonian biodiversity—we might see parrots, monkeys, turtles, birds, caimans, and, if we’re lucky, a sloth hidden in the trees.Arrival in Bameno marks the start of a warm welcome and a new stage in the adventure, as we settle into one of the most authentic and remote Waorani communities.
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‍Day 3 – Roots and Rituals: Discovering Waorani Wisdom
The morning begins with traditional Waorani dances and songs, held inside the Onko, the traditional Waorani house. Here we’ll take part in a welcome celebration, witness traditional clothing and body painting, and join in the ritual dance.Afterwards, we’ll try our hand at using blowguns (cerbatanas) and spears—ancestral hunting tools that the Waorani still use today.We will then visit the Bameno community, including a special stop at the local shaman, the guardian of ancestral medicine.A walk through the forest will introduce us to medicinal plants and ancient trees before returning to the community for dinner.
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‍Day 4 – Living Jungle: Camping, Ancestral Fishing & Night Exploration
We set off for a jungle camping experience. A guided walk will lead us to a natural saladero, a mineral lick where parrots gather in the early morning.After lunch and a bit of rest, we’ll go catfish (bagres) fishing, returning to camp to smoke the fish following Waorani tradition.We’ll also observe Waorani women hunting in the traditional way—using a handmade fishing net crafted from chambira, a natural fiber from a forest palm, also used to create artisanal crafts.The evening ends with a nighttime canoe excursion on the Río Cononaco to spot caimans in their natural habitat.
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‍Day 5 – Handicrafts, Hidden Lagoons & Jungle New Year
The day begins with a walk to a hidden lagoon in the forest, home to anacondas and piranhas. We’ll have a chance to fish and observe wildlife in one of the most remote corners of the territory.After returning to Bameno and having lunch, we’ll rest and then visit the community’s artisan center. Here, handmade items such as necklaces, hammocks, bracelets, and other accessories—created using natural palm fiber—will be available for those who wish to bring home an authentic souvenir.The women will demonstrate the entire crafting process, including how they create natural dyes from forest plants.At midnight, no city countdown—just the sounds and darkness of the jungle as we celebrate the start of the new year in an intimate, timeless moment.

‍Day 6 – Roots and Traditions: Elders and Pottery Workshop
This day is dedicated to a deeper connection with the community. We will visit the eldest families—guardians of Waorani oral history and traditions—to listen to their stories and life experiences in the jungle.We’ll also take part in a traditional pottery workshop, shaping clay as Waorani women have done for generations.Today, only a few women still practice this craft, and we will have the rare honor of learning from them.Those interested can help with food preparation or simply spend time with the community—singing, chatting, and relaxing.

‍Day 7 – Farewell Rituals and Final Reflections in the Forest
Our last day is a time for reflection and connection. After several days of immersion, we’ll deepen our understanding of this ancient, living culture that continues to resist environmental, cultural, and economic threats.Throughout the journey, we won't only witness the most fascinating aspects of jungle life—we'll also confront complex topics: daily challenges, external pressures, and the many forms of resistance the Waorani use to defend their land and way of life.After breakfast, we’ll have a closing circle to share thoughts, emotions, questions, and gratitude.In the afternoon, we’ll take a flight back to El Coca and then transfer to Quito.

‍Day 8 – Welcome to Quito
We arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After checking in at the hostel, there will be time to rest after the long journey. In the evening, we’ll share dinner and reflections about the experience.
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‍Day 9 – Between Nature and the City
We explore Quito: a visit to the historic city center and the local market.The afternoon is free to discover the La Floresta neighborhood, full of street art, independent bookstores, and artsy cafés.

‍Day 10 – Goodbye, Ecuador
A final day to absorb everything we've experienced.In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and return flight home.