Waorani Adventure
Come and discover the magic that the Waorani have to share with the world! Are you ready to embark on
The Ecuadorian Amazon offers an unparalleled opportunity for bird enthusiasts, being considered one of the planet’s biodiversity hotspots, hosting approximately 1,000 bird species across a variety of habitats, ranging from dense forests to lagoons and open spaces. Among our destinations in the Ecuadorian Amazon are Yasuní National Park, Waorani Territory, Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, Limoncocha Biological Reserve, Shuar Cultural Center Territory, Taracoa Lagoon, among others. Our native guides, equipped with exceptional hearing and sharp eyesight, have the ability to detect and name numerous species that inhabit the forest. You can feel honored by their skill in identifying and naming them, as they are intimately familiar with the places they hide and the calls they use. For this reason, we recommend getting up early, enjoying a hearty breakfast, and venturing into the forest at dawn, when the birds are most active, to increase your chances of spotting a greater diversity of species.
Group size: 2 – 10
Day 1
After a short 30-minute commercial flight, you will be warmly welcomed by our specialized bird guide. You will be transferred from the airport to the Auca Check-In Hotel, where you will receive necessary instructions before starting your visits. After lunch, you will head to El Moretal Botanical Garden, where you can observe several species that inhabit the city, including White-eared Jacamar, Black-fronted Nunbird, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker. Later, you will be transferred to the Malecon port in the city, where you will board a motorized boat to visit Yasuní Land, venturing into the jungle to experience the birdlife in the treetops from a 115-foot (35-meter) high tower. So far, 90 colorful species have been recorded here, including the Double-toothed Kite, Spectacled Owl, Speckled Chachalaca, Roadside Hawk. The day will end with a nocturnal birdwatching walk. Finally, we return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 2
4:00 am: Breakfast. We depart by land and, within an hour, will arrive at Taracoa Lagoon, where bird watching will take place while rowing canoes along the lagoon and hiking trails. In the afternoon, you will visit Limoncocha Lagoon, where more than 280 bird species are spotted daily. Designated as a Ramsar site, it is a paradise for lagoon birds such as Herons, Cardinals, Flycatchers, Tanagers, Toucans, and more. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 3
After breakfast, you can enjoy the hotel’s green areas and prepare your luggage for the transfer to the airport, marking the end of our services.
Group size: 2-10
Day 1
After a 30-minute commercial flight, you will be welcomed at the airport by a specialized bird-watching guide. They will escort you to Hotel El Auca, where you’ll receive instructions to start your journey with a delightful Amazonian coffee. Following this, you’ll be transferred to the embarkation port to board our motorized boat to the lodge. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your room and have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll explore nearby trails or take a canoe ride for bird watching. Return to the lodge, where our chef will be delighted to offer a wide variety of national and international cuisine catering to vegetarians and vegans.
Day 2
Breakfast at 4:30 am. Then, at 5 am, we set out for the Napo River, where we board a boat to visit the clay lick in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. Here, you’ll witness a magnificent sight as hundreds of parrots seek out holes to land and consume the clay, aiding their digestion. You’ll see Mealy Amazon, Yellow-crowned parrot, Blue-headed parrot, and dusky-headed parakeet. We continue with a hike and visit the Papagayos clay lick, where we’ll wait for these beautiful birds to descend for a drink of mineral-rich water. Here, you can observe scarlet macaw, Orange-cheeked parrot, and Cobalt-winged parakeet. Lunch and relaxation follow. In the afternoon, we continue our exploration of the southern part of the reserve, venturing into the heart of the jungle to experience bird life in the treetops from the 132-foot (40-meter) observation tower. So far, over 565 bird species have been recorded here, including colorful birds like macaws, toucans, honeycreepers, tanagers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, and more. Return to the lodge and have dinner.
Day 3
After breakfast, we’ll navigate the southern side of the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, venturing through Napo River tributaries to spot various river bird species such as flycatchers, Aracaris, Anis, Woodpeckers, woodcreepers, and more. Return and have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Limoncocha Lagoon, where more than 280 bird species are spotted daily. Designated as a Ramsar site, it’s a paradise for lagoon birds such as Herons, Cardinals, Flycatchers, Tanagers, Toucans, and more. Return and have dinner.
Day 4
After breakfast, return to the Napo River to board the boat and visit the Napo River islands to discover the species that inhabit these ecosystems. It’s essential to bring your binoculars for a better view. Lunch will be followed by a recap of the bird sightings along with a checklist. After dinner, there will be a nighttime owl-watching excursion.
Day 5
Breakfast at 5:30 am, followed by a return boat trip on the Napo River to El Coca. At 9:00 am, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Quito. This concludes our services.
Group size: 2 – 10
Day 1: Welcome to Minta Lodge and the Shiripuno Community in Waorani Territory
In the heart of Yasuni National Park, an extraordinary adventure awaits you. Get ready to witness the natural spectacle of four species of macaws soaring over this incredible territory. Moreover, you’ll have the chance to listen to rarities like the elusive nocturnal paujón, the black-listed owl, and the majestic gray-winged trumpeters. You can also enjoy the enchanting call of the Great Potoo, the mysterious screeches of the Caracaras, the distinctive cow-like call of the Rufescent Tiger Heron, and the melodious serenade of the Pauraque.
Day 2: Immersion in the Amazon Rainforest
We start early with a walk along the trails to discover birds like the banded antshrike, the white-plumed antbird, and the sooty antbird. We’ll also explore the territories of the rare Banded Antwren, Waved Antshrike, Pearl-spotted Antbird, and Yellow-billed Jacamar. You’ll have the opportunity to admire the Striped Manakin and the Golden-headed Manakin. Lunch will be a delightful pause before we explore a flooded forest to search for the white-plumed antbird, long-billed woodcreeper, green-and-rufous kingfisher, and the chestnut-headed fledgling. Dinner and accommodation will provide a chance to recharge.
Day 3: Adventure from a Natural Overlook
A walk will take us to a natural overlook where we’ll have the opportunity to observe birds like the Chestnut Jacamar, Yellow-billed Nunbird, Yellow-bellied Tanager, Purple Honeycreeper, Shimmering Cotinga, Black-tailed Tityra, Yellow-browed Flycatcher, and Paradise Tanager.
Day 4: Navigation and Arrival at the Shiripuno Community
We’ll depart early in the morning to navigate the Napo River, where you’ll be treated to a spectacle of birds, including toucans, parrots, and macaws. We’ll arrive at the Shiripuno community to rest and prepare for more adventures.
Day 5: Encounter with Scarlet Macaws
After breakfast, a walk will take us to a natural salt lick where you can observe the majestic scarlet macaws, blue-and-yellow macaws, parrots, and parakeets, along with the ocellated woodcreeper, spotted puffbird, black-necked cotinga, slate-colored mourner, long-winged antwren, and other fascinating species. Lunch at the lodge and additional species searching in the afternoon.
Day 6: Bird Watching along the Shiripuno River
After breakfast, we’ll navigate back to Minta Lodge, where you’ll enjoy an afternoon of hiking. Along this trail, you’ll have the chance to spot mixed flocks of crimson-crested woodpecker, rufous-tailed antwren, barred woodcreeper, and more. Additionally, we’ll visit the lekking site of the blue-crowned manakin and the white-crowned manakin.
Day 7: Return to the City of Coca
After breakfast, we’ll pack our memories and embark on the journey back to the city of Coca, with hearts full of unforgettable experiences.
Join us for a unique adventure in the Amazon rainforest and discover the amazing world of birds at Minta Lodge!
Come and discover the magic that the Waorani have to share with the world! Are you ready to embark on
“Awaken your senses and unleash your adventurous spirit: Yasuni awaits to dazzle you with its lushness and gift you unforgettable
“Embark on an epic journey to Jatuncocha, Tambococha, or Cocaya in the Amazon: Explore the wonders of the jungle, awaken