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Armadillo river Expedition (5 days)
Suggested Itinerary
The Armadilo River is one of the small, unexplored rivers of Ecuador's Amazon jungle, south of Coca, far from the tourist route. During this expedition we paddle downstream by canoe to enjoy nature and have an opportunity to get close to monkeys, birds or turtles that we might encounter on the way. Our campsites are close to the river and we will learn different survival techniques. A native guide will accompany us to share his traditional knowledge.
Day 1 We leave at 10.00 from Coca and travel south by pick-up. After 2 hours we arrive at Armadilo, an indigenous community of Huaorani and Shuar. Here we learn about the customs and traditions of these native tribes. After a box lunch we navigate downriver by canoe for 3 hours. We make camp near the river. After dinner we take lanterns in the canoe to look for caimans.
Day 2 After breakfast we take a 4-hour hike in the primary rainforest. The guide will explain the uses and applications of medicinal, poisonous, edible, and hallucinogenic plants. There are exotic birds and butterflies and, with a little luck, we may see monkeys or other jungle animals high up in the giant trees. We return to camp for lunch and later continue traveling downriver by canoe for 3 more hours. We camp by the river.
Day 3 In the morning we hike in the forest to learn about various liana vines, including poisonous ones. Our guide demonstrates the making of traps, another of the indigenous' ancient customs. We arrive at a viewpoint with a breath-taking view of the Amazon Jungle. We return to camp for lunch. In the afternoon we learn how to prepare curare, the fastest acting poison in the world. We also learn how for centuries the local indigenous people have constructed their houses from what the jungle provides. The rest of the afternoon is free for swimming or relaxing. After dinner we take a walk to see the nocturnal life of the jungle. We may see phosphorescent plants and insects.
Day 4 After breakfast we take a walk in the forest looking for plants whose fibers are used to make hammocks and nets. Our guide will give us a demonstration. In the afternoon we navigate upstream to return to our first campsite. We fish for piranhas and catfish for our dinner.
Day 5 We return upstream by canoe until we reach our original departure point. By pick-up we return to Coca, arriving at 5:00 p.m.
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