Amazon Rainforest Adventure in Ecuador
Hike through wild jungle and voyage remote rivers in the untouched UNESCO Yasuni Biosphere Reserve
Duration
6 nights
Annual Leave
5 days off work
Group Size
Up to 12 people
Season
Year round
Location
Ecuador
Meeting Point
Hotel La Quinta by Wyndham, Quito
Classic Accommodation
Hotel · Rainforest Hut
Customer Reviews
4.9
Difficulty
Moderate
…
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Trek through primary rainforest teeming with wildlife, eyes open for peccary, giant otters, anaconda and jaguar
Float along the Shiripuno River and wind your way into the wilderness, looking out for piranha along the way
Camp on the river’s edge in the heart of the Amazon Basin and fall asleep serenaded by the hum of the jungle
Day 1
Touch down in Quito
Welcome to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito! The rest of the day you are free to explore the colonial city and shake off any jet lag. There will be a group meet-up at 18:00 to get to know your guide and fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Welcome to the jungle
Driving
Settle into the van for a road trip bound for the city of Coca - the starting point for your Amazon jungle adventure. You'll continue into Yasuní National Park heading deeper into the jungle, including a two-hour motorised canoe down Shiripuno River. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to spot river turtles, monkeys, caiman, and many species of birds like the oropendola, caciques, kingfishers, macaws, toucans, and parrots. Your remote base for the next 4 nights in the Amazon is Noneno community, a unique experience staying with a Huaorani tribe.
Day 3
Huaorani Village & Jungle Hike
Hiking
Wake up at sunrise and spend the morning with your host family in the rainforest, collecting palm leaves and learning about medicinal plants and their uses in the community. After lunch, continue on a hike led by a Huaorani warrior that takes you deeper into the jungle. Every day in the Amazon is a new adventure with the natural environment providing new exciting opportunities to encounter more wildlife, such as different types of monkeys, capybara, tapir, swallows, flycatchers, herons, sandpipers and hawks.
Day 4
Black Water Lagoon
Canoeing
Hiking
An early morning start as you'll take to the river on canoes and enjoy a birdwatching activity en route to the Black Water Lagoon. The lagoon is located in a pristine area of rainforest where you'll discover a series of endemic aquatic species, giant otters, piranhas, caiman, boas, and with any luck, anacondas. Canoe back to the lodge for a rest before setting out on a night walk exploration to explore the jungle's nocturnal life.
Day 5
Animal Clay Lick
Hiking
Fuel up with some breakfast and coffee before heading to a uniquely Amazonian clay lick for a spectacle of colours and sounds. You’ll hopefully get to see various species of parrots and macaws go to town licking the clay off the cliffs. Be on the lookout for predators such as snakes, boas and raptors. In the afternoon take a hike on a forest trail, then spot piranha along the river before sitting down to a traditional Ecuadorian dinner.
Day 6
Goodbye Amazon, hello hot springs
Driving
Wave goodbye to the jungle as you take one more canoe ride (approx 3 hours) to connect with the van to make the long journey to Papallacta, a small village in the Andes. In the afternoon you are free to enjoy some well-earned downtime in the hotel's hot springs. You'll share a final evening together with your group, sharing memories, adventure stories and probably the odd photo of a giant otter from your time in the Amazon Basin.
Day 7
Bid farewell to Ecuador
Your adventure ends today as you enjoy a final breakfast in the natural surroundings at your hotel. You're free to head to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Included
Guides
Certified, English speaking guides
Accommodation
2 nights in a hotel and 4 nights camping
Meals
All meals while in the Amazon, and breakfasts in Quito
Transfers
To and from the start and everything in-between
Equipment
All camping equipment, life jacket and rubber boots
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
In Quito and Papallacta, there will be an array of traditional Ecuadorian food to sample. Traditional dishes tend to be meat-heavy, however, seafood ceviche is popular and there are plenty of vegetarian options using potato, plantain and local cheeses. You have one evening in Quito with no dinner included, allowing you to sample the local restaurants nearby.
Whilst staying in the Amazon you'll enjoy delicious, fresh cuisine of traditional foods of the Amazon prepared using locally produced, organically grown ingredients.
Vegetarians, vegans and most other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Quito
During your time in Quito, you'll stay at Hotel La Quinta by Wyndham. Offering a variety of facilities and services, the property provides all you need for a good night's sleep.
Noneno Community in Yasuni National Park
Spend four nights deep in the jungle with members of Huarorani tribe, a unique and memorable experience. Facilities in this remote accommodation are basic, with shared bathroom facilities are ecological dry toilets. You'll camp in twin-share tents beneath thatched wooden huts with sleeping mats, sheets and pillows provided. There is no electricity at the camp so you should bring a charged power bank if needing to charge cameras/phones etc.
Papallacta
You'll spend your final night at the four-star Termas de Papallacta, a hot springs spa resort nestled in a majestic valley of the high Andes. Decorated with wooden walls and gabled roofs, rooms at Termas de Papallacta are fitted with wooden furnishing. You can relax in the thermal pools or try some of the several beauty treatments that are available at the spa.
If you prefer to relax a little bit longer in Papallacta rather than returning to Quito, you can book extra nights and arrange the airport transfer with your host.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Hotel La Quinta by Wyndham, Quito
18:00 on Day 1
Ends
Quito Airport
Morning on Day 7
Transfers
Arrival transfers are included, provided you have shared your arrival flight details in advance with the host. Your adventure begins at 18:00 on Day 1 when your host will meet you in the lobby at Hotel La Quinta by Wyndham, Quito.
On the final day of the trip, a group transfer from Termas de Papallacta to the airport is included in the trip cost and typically departs at around 13:00 hrs (approx 1 hour transfer). If you wish to book a private transfer departing Papallacta at an alternative time then your host can arrange this for an additional cost.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Quito from major airports across the UK, Europe and North America.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
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What's included?
- All camping equipment
Dry bags
Rubber boots (wellies) Life jacket
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
Daypack (25+ litres)
CLOTHES
Waterproof jacket and trousers (although these may feel sticky in the humidity and you may decide to embrface the wet)
Breathable wicking layers
Fleece jacket or similar
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
T-shirts
Underwear and socks
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Something cool to sleep in
Walking shoes (worn-in, although please note that rubber wellies are provided which you may find more practical)
Sandals or flip-flops
OTHER
Lightweight travel towel
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel insurance documents
Insect repellent
Suncream
Headtorch or torch
Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
OPTIONAL
- Binoculars
- Earplugs
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Alcohol hand-gel
Energy bars and snacks
Water purification tablets/treatment system (filtered water is provided but you may wish to bring your own treatment)
Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Single)
… Per Night
Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/Double)
Payable Before Departure
Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/Double)
… Per Night
Post-trip accommodation at Termas de Papallacta (Single/ Double) (except Saturday nights and holidays)
Payable Before Departure
Post-trip accommodation at Termas de Papallacta (Single/ Double) (except Saturday nights and holidays)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
Quito additional airport transfer (1 person)
Payable Before Departure
Quito additional airport transfer (1 person)
…
Quito additional airport transfer (2 or more people)
Payable Before Departure
Quito additional airport transfer (2 or more people)
… Per Person
Papallacta to Quito additional transfer (1 person)
Payable Before Departure
Papallacta to Quito additional transfer (1 person)
…
Papallacta to Quito additional transfer (2 or more people))
Payable Before Departure
Papallacta to Quito additional transfer (2 or more people))
… Per Person
Authentic Amazon Adventure
This is a really authentic taste of the Amazon. A great experience travelling along the river in a motorised canoe looking for wildlife. Lots of exotic birds, monkeys and insects and even an anaconda. Fishing for piranha and catfish was surreal. This trip is an adventure and an education all in one.
Yes!!!! Make this tour of a lifetime a bucket list “must do.”
Exceptional adventure on every level to include the learning curve, guide prowess, authenticity and deft planning and spontaneity.
This was the 50th country that I have spent time in by choice. Ecuador is spectacular. Gorgeous scenery and the local people are welcoming and kind.
Ecuador is a beautiful but
Ecuador is a beautiful but demanding country, this trip is for those who really want an adventure. The wildlife is stunning and this trip enabled us to see it up close and in beautiful detail. The living conditions are rustic, but the food was amazing and the support crew were fabulous. One criticism would be the long drive to Coca, maybe see about an internal flight to avoid long hours on a bus.
Additionally, the support from the Much Better Adventures team throughout this trip was superb, some of the best customer service I have ever received.
Absolutely wonderful experience! The guides and people looking after us were all lovely, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and capable. Highlights were drinking water from a vine, waking up to the sounds of the rainforest and the camp fire, wonderful three course meals produced out of nowhere, fun treks, meditative canoe rides and all the wildlife we saw, a sloth, monkeys, turtles, caeman, tapier, capybara, tarantula, Salvin's Curassow.
An AMAZING experience! Our local guides, Marcello and Hector provided excellent support and were so knowledgeable. The food was exceptional and although the accommodation is basic, it's clean and totally in keeping with the Trips overall experience. I feel very privileged to have seen a small part of a vast unspoilt wilderness whilst it still exists. On this trip you really do get the chance to disconnect from the modern world and re-connect with nature.
Great trip for all abilities
This was an experience I had not had before, going into an area that is lived the way it has always been lived. The opportunity to walk in primary forest, see new and beautiful things was exciting and a privilege - I was very aware of my privilege. I cannot fault the setting and the comforts provided. Everything is accessed by river, electricity is limited, which adds to the experience, the forest is valued and everything is clean and litter free.
The food was great and made with what is provided locally. You wake to the river and the calls of birds. Animals live within the fabric of your life there. I cannot recommend this enough as an experience that is worth the effort, when you open your eyes you see so much. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the place and the opportunities to see animals and birds that I have never seen before.
Not everything can be controlled. Firstly, the weather -it rains and it will sometimes rain at an inconvenient time. I had been looking forward to the journey to the parrot clay lick as a highlight, but unfortunately it was a no show because of the weather, but that is not to say that the boat trip and walk were not worthwhile.
Secondly, you cannot control who is in your group. If you have someone who is loud, it will impact on your chances of seeing wildlife. A good guide will help to maximise the experiences of the entire group.
I cannot understand why everyone does not go to Ecuador and see what it has to offer, it is a truly beautiful and diverse place with so much to offer!
Amazing trip. The wildlife was insane, the guidance excellent. The transfer days are long so I would mentally prepare for that but honestly it was worth every minute! I would also recommend not “expecting” to see a particular kind of animal/insect - the guides are fantastic at spotting and identifying wildlife but they aren’t magicians! We still saw everything from poison dart frogs to squirrel monkeys to tarantula. Incredible experience and one I won’t be forgetting!
It was a great experience. The trip is a must if you like to experience the Ecuadorian rain forest
Trekking, kayaking and camping in the Amazon Jungle has got to be one of THE BEST experiences in my life!
We saw: capybara, river dolphins, parrots, toucan, catfish, snakes, tarantula, toads, poison dart frogs, golden monkeys, humming birds and butterfly’s
Every part of this trip was so unexpectedly incredible, it exceeded all expectations - it’s so hard to put into words the many reasons why. The entire group made the experience wonderful and the guides were fantastic. The incredible food, beautiful accommodation - actual beds not camp beds etc (obviously excluding drop toilets hahah), the beautiful people, breathtaking views, amazing wildlife (even though you take your chances on what you will see, that doesn’t spoil it if you see little - I had no idea it was weather dependent - hot and dry you are more likely to see the anaconda but wet you are more likely to see the pigs and parakeet etc), you felt 100% safe all the time - what could have been a scary adventure (even as an experienced traveller / solo) really wasn’t because you were in such safe hands.
This place left every one of us feeling like we had experienced something magical. To be disconnected from the modern world and so very connected to the natural one. The sounds of the Amazon at night (so loud you think there is no way you will sleep) made us all sleep a deep and restful sleep every night (well almost).
Loads of bits on the kit list we didn’t need, like water purification tablets as they have unlimited filter water. Waterproofs - you are going to get soaked so just get on board with it and don’t worry as it’s so warm - none of us wore them. Hiking boots - we all used the wellies provided which were more practical (check for leaks tho BEFORE you head off!).
If like me you like to pack light my advice is try to have one outfit for the transfers in total. One outfit for evenings (one in total I mean) and two for the treks in total. However, some people took a big suitcase and rucksack which was no problem. Plenty of clean pants & socks (showers are cold water and lovely as you are always warm!). Only something cool to sleep in as there are full mosquito nets over the beds.
So much more I would love to write! Oh actually just a little fyi, transfers in/out of the Amazon at more like 11-12 hours in total. Not a problem at all but good to know that in advance. The roads are bad so it’s a bumpy ride but views are good - especially once you are on the boat.
The hot springs at the end are incredible - I would suggest staying an extra night here as the hikes there are beautiful, the hotel stunning and the hot springs rejuvenating!
Lastly the two guides - Jorge who was the translator and just took care of everything and Marco the local indigenous guide worked so tirelessly to ensure the trip was one of the best I have ever been on. The fact it’s an ethical trip made this the perfect trip for me. Thanks to Much Better Adventures for promoting it!!!
We had a great trip into the jungle.
The host and guides were brilliant - friendly, and knowledgable and the camp that we stayed in was clean, comfortable with great food!
Staying in the jungle was a great experience and absolutely recommend it to everyone!
Fantastic trip all round! Everything exceeded expectations. The local guides were professional, knowledgeable and engaging. Accommodation and meals provided throughout were excellent. If you are considering this trip, go for it! Just make sure you have a decent supply of clothes for hiking / trekking in changeable weather conditions, and plenty of bug spray!
The trip was simply incredible ! The guides fantastic, good accommodation, an excellent itinerary with lots of interesting and varied activities. I'd strongly recommend this trip to anyone with an adventurous spirit who is on a tight timetable ! For suggested improvements, the marketing perhaps suggests there will be greater hope of seeing wildlife than is possible - the guide made it clear it is a matter of luck - and that might be better explained. I'd suggest emphasising more the trekking and kayaking etc. The kit list also needs to be refined - for example, it would be helpful to know you are likely to need 2 sets of clothes a day and 3-4 trousers and shorts, as they soon get muddy and wet with little chance to dry in the humidity. Dark / khaki colours also recommended.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 130kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
All of our trips to Ecuador are currently running without any disruption. More information can be read here.
Everybody with basic levels of fitness can enjoy this trip. Hikes can be a bit of a muddy slog and through thick forest at times but there will be plenty of breaks and time to take in the surrounding views, wildlife and enjoy the rainforest. The activities aren't strenuous, the aim on this trip is to breathe in and soak up the natural wonders of the Amazon while immersed in your surroundings.
Whilst wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, with a bit of luck you're fairly likely to some of the following: monkeys, squirrels, deer, capybaras, agoutis, caiman, lizards, snakes and a wide array of birdlife.
The following birds are all present, and whilst you won't see all of them you're sure to see some of these beauties: toucans, parrots, macaws, eagles, kites, hawks, falcons, hoatzin, cuckoos, troupials, honeycreepers, woodpeckers, thrushes, owls, nighthawks, nightjars, tanagers, weavers, orioles, oropendolas, caciques, herons, egrets, kingfishers, plovers, sandpipers, cormorants, aningas... to name a few.
Also present in the areas you'll visit are a number of highly elusive and very rare creatures (don't expect to see these but think yourself very privileged if you see even a trace of their existence): peccaries, tapir, giant otters, ocelots, river dolphins, land tortoises, anacondas and many more!
The weather can also have an impact on animal activity and often sightings are scarcer during rainfall.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: $10 USD per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The tap water in mainland Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven't been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.
Shiripuno Lodge has a generator which is sufficient to charge batteries, bu there is no electricity at the Nenono Community. We recommend you bring your own portable charger for the devices you would like to use during your stay.
There really is no “best” time to visit the Amazon, anytime of year offers a great chance to experience the jungle. May and June tend to be the wetter months, but the climate is slightly cooler as well. July through December see a decline in the amount of rain that falls each month. The average temperature in the jungle remains around 25°C (77°F) year-round, but during the dry season, daytime temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F).
Yes, you are able to leave excess luggage in Quito at the start of the trip, to be collected when you return to Quito.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
TRIP DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday • 6th July 2024
to Friday • 12th July 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 5 spots left at 10% off
Saturday • 5th October 2024
to Friday • 11th October 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 3 spots left at 10% off
Saturday • 16th November 2024
to Friday • 22nd November 2024
FLASH SALE - Only 1 spot left at 10% off
Saturday • 18th January 2025
to Friday • 24th January 2025
Saturday • 8th February 2025
to Friday • 14th February 2025
Saturday • 15th March 2025
to Friday • 21st March 2025
Saturday • 10th May 2025
to Friday • 16th May 2025
Saturday • 7th June 2025
to Friday • 13th June 2025
Saturday • 5th July 2025
to Friday • 11th July 2025
Saturday • 9th August 2025
to Friday • 15th August 2025
Saturday • 13th September 2025
to Friday • 19th September 2025
Saturday • 18th October 2025
to Friday • 24th October 2025
Saturday • 22nd November 2025
to Friday • 28th November 2025
Saturday • 20th December 2025
to Friday • 26th December 2025
