Deep Amazon Kayaking

Coca Arrival & Challuayaku

Your adventure begins with an 11:00 AM pickup at the Coca airport. A short transfer will take us to the Challuayaku River. We will enjoy lunch at the river while the guides prep our gear. We will enjoy a full afternoon of paddling & wildlife spotting. In the later afternoon, we will settle into the lodge and enjoy a gourmet meal.

Challuacocha Lagoon & Observation Tower

We will enter start with a hearty breakfast and then set out on the kayaks. We will learn more today about the flora, in particular the medicinal uses for the plants we will encounter. We will slowly enter deeper into the forest, arriving at a pristine lagoon. Here we will have a chance to see herons and toucans soar above us, and perhaps some primates will swing in close, to check out what’s drifting on their lagoon. In the afternoon we will check out an observation tower over 100 feet tall. A 500-year-old Ceiba tree aids the structure of the tower. Tonight, we plan to CAMP in Yasuni park. If this is not your thing, please let us know so we can set up a lodge stay for the night.

Pañacocha Lagoon

We will start off by motorized canoe today, heading down the Napo River to reach the Pañyucu tributary and then on to Pañacocha Lagoon. We will use our kayaks to explore the lagoon, with the ultimate goal of spotting the pink river dolphins. We should also spot kingfishers, eagles, hawks, hoatzin, jacamars, monkeys, and other wildlife. We will enjoy a comfortable night’s stay at the lodge.

Kichwa Community Visit

Today we paddle across the lake to arrive at the primary forest of the Challaucocha Reserve. Here we will be greeted by a Kichwa family. We will learn about their lifestyle and have the opportunity to participate in some of their daily activities. We will get a glimpse of their Amazon survival techniques and learn how to make some handicrafts. These visits help to support the community, while not disturbing their culture. This style of ecotourism is important for both Ecuador and its small communities. Another fantastic lodge stay will give us some evening rest and relaxation.

Parrot Clay Lick & Return

We start very early today so we can arrive to the clay licks at the optimal time. Birds flock to the clay licks for the minerals, helping them to digest their breakfast. Here we should see the most colorful species, including Parrots and Parakeets. We then set back on the motorized boats back to Coca to catch a midday flight.