Shuar Experience
5 days in an Amazonian Shuar community
Overview
Explore for Conservations offers with this tours a unique Andean adventure that follows the footprints of the Andean bear across two different ecosystems along the Andean range, maximising the chances of encountering a spectacled bear. During the fruit season, we can guarantee a 95% chance of spotting one.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Trekking overland
Dates: All you round (Cloud Forest extension from 1st Sept till 30 Nov
Group size: Small group
Highlights
-
Spot a diverse array of wildlife, including pink river dolphins, monkeys, and exotic birds, while exploring the pristine rainforest and waterways
-
Engage with the indigenous Achuar community to learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and cultural practices.
-
Stay in sustainable, well-designed lodges that blend harmoniously with the natural environment, minimizing your ecological footprint.
-
Navigate the reserve’s intricate network of rivers and lagoons by canoe, providing close-up views of the rainforest and its wildlife.
-
Experience the Amazon’s nocturnal world during guided night safaris, where you can observe the behavior of nocturnal animals and listen to the sounds of the rainforest.
-
Participate in guided hikes through the rainforest, learning about the region’s flora, medicinal plants, and ecological dynamics.
-
Enjoy stunning views of the rainforest, tranquil lagoons, and spectacular sunsets that showcase the natural beauty of the Amazon.
A Closer Look
This is the schedule that we like to do. If you'd like any tailored plan, let us know
Day 1
Quito - Puyo
Upon arrival to Shell at 9 am, our flight coordinator will welcome you and assist you as we get ready for the 50-minute flight to the Achuar community of Kusutkau.
Upon landing in the community, you will take a 20-30 minute boat ride down the Capahuari River to the ecolodge. You will arrive at Kapawi's main dock. Lunch will be served in our dining area at 1 pm.
The activity for the afternoon will include a short introductory hike in the forest. This hike is roughly 2-kilometers long, and it includes several stops, where the naturalist and local guides explain the ecology of the Amazon Tropical Rainforest.
After the introductory hike and before dinner, you will have several options to choose from. Swimming or paddling in the river right from our dock is always available, as well as relaxing in our social areas by the river or in the main area where our dining area and bar are located.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 2-3
Kapawi Shuar Community
The second days starts with the Wayus tea ceremony, we offer this optional activity to join you Achuar hosts and have Wayus time with them, talk about dreams, listen to Achuar stories, and experience an aspect of the Achuar culture and life.
After breakfast, you will go on a forest hike After a short break after lunch, you will enjoy a kayaking activity in the Capahuari river. This is a great opportunity for spotting wildlife in the trees, as well as for looking for pink river dolphins in the river.
After dinner, you will have the option of a night hike in the forest surrounding the lodge. This hike takes about 1 hour, and it is designed to look for nocturnal insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
The third day starts with an optional activity at 6.30 am to take a boat ride to the parrot clay lick on the Pastaza river. Amazon parrots are usually observed from the boat. Return to the lodge for breakfast at 8 am.
After breakfast, you will leave for a community visit at 9.30 am. There are several communities around Kapawi to choose from, and we take turns visiting families in different communities. This is a full-day activity, including enjoying a local meal prepared by the host family.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4
Quito
We will offer the usual early activity options at Kapawi, followed by breakfast at the lodge. We will get ready and will leave the lodge after breakfast and around 10 am, taking a boat ride upstream to the community. We will take the flight to Shell around 10.30 am, landing in Shell around 11.30 am.
Meals included: Breakfast
The price
To guarantee maximum transparency, the price of the trip is broken down into 3 blocks:
Pre-trip expenses
✘ Extra meals and snacks
✘ Personal expenses (we can estimate some overall costs together)
✘ Expenses derived from unexpected events, whether by third parties or meteorological in nature (delays, cancellations, floods, landslides, snowfall, natural disasters, etc.)
Budget during the trip
✔️ Accommodation
✔️ Meals included in accommodation
✔️ Short and long distance transportation
✔️ Meals during tours
✔️ Entrance fees to the national parks and ecological reserves
✔️ Expert wildlife guides
✔️ Rainforest gear (rubber boats, raincoat, lantern, etc)
✔️ Wildlife spotting equipment (binoculars, long distance telescopes, wildlife books and guides , etc)
Our services
✔️ Advice before the trip: I will help you to prepare the trip with accommodation in Quito, Personal gear, books, additional information and everything you need to prepare for your trip.
✔️ Design of the route, search for accommodation, activities, transportation and everything necessary to create this trip.
✔️ I accompany (depending on the trip) and coordinate with you at all times the trip.
✔️ Whatsapp group prior to the trip with all the members of the group and our expert guide so that you have constant support with all the preparations.
✔️ Group video call to meet the rest of the travelers.
Our regions
Here's what you'll experience on our Journey
Amazon Rainforest
Rare animals and plants found in or near the reserve
120,000 ha national park
Antisana as the 4th highest volcano in Ecuador
Paramo ecosystem
Yasuni National Park, located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Spanning over 9,800 square kilometers, this lush rainforest is home to a staggering variety of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and over 600 bird species. Its intricate network of rivers, lagoons, and dense jungle offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and ecological exploration. Yasuní is also notable for its indigenous cultures, such as the Huaorani, who live in harmony with this extraordinary environment.
