Yasuni & Pink Dolphins
Journey into the Napo and Yasuní region on a community-based Amazon expedition shaped by rainforest wildlife, Kichwa traditions, river landscapes, nocturnal nature experiences, and the possibility of observing pink river dolphins in their natural habitat.
Designed for travelers seeking a remote and authentic Amazon journey, this experience combines canoe travel, rainforest walks, local cultural context, and close natural encounters in one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions.
Yasuní Amazon Expedition
This community-based Amazon journey is arranged by request, with options for solo travelers, couples, and small groups. Share your travel dates and we’ll check the best available route, local operation, updated pricing, and logistics for your trip.
Still researching? Our guide explains where pink river dolphins can be seen in Ecuador, including Yasuní, Cuyabeno, river conditions, access routes, and what travelers should realistically expect.
Pink river dolphin and wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and are never guaranteed.
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION |
Please note that departures will only take place upon request. We kindly ask that you check with us in advance. |
GETTING THERE OPTIONAL FLIGHT/TRANSPORT TO COCA |
Once you arrive in Coca, you’ll be taken to the pier where you’ll board a motorized canoe for a 4-hour ride, followed by an additional 2 hours to reach the first destination. |
COST |
Community ExpeditionFrom USD 1,000 per person Deep Yasuní RouteFrom USD 1,450 per person
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INCLUDED |
Accommodation in tents and community-owned lodges with private bathroom Rubber boots, life jacket, Poncho All tours River Transport From Coca All meals ( vegetarian available) Naturalistic bilingual guide Tour in canoe |
NOT INCLUDED |
Transport from Quito – Coca – Quito (30minutes, approx. $220) Drinks, personal expenses, tips. |
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING: |
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Please fill out the form or write to info@barefootexpeditions.com, and we can send you a suggested itinerary with a free quote. |
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A more expeditionary version of the Yasuní Pink Dolphin Expedition, designed for travelers who want to go deeper into the Amazon river system and experience a more remote, community-connected route.
This journey combines canoe travel along the Napo and Yasuní region, Kichwa communities, rainforest trails, lagoon ecosystems, nocturnal wildlife, traditional food, and river areas where pink river dolphins may be observed depending on natural conditions.
Compared with the Community Expedition, this route involves more movement, more remote logistics, and a more adventurous rhythm. It is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with simple accommodation, early starts, boat travel, humidity, insects, and flexible Amazon conditions.
The expedition begins with a river journey into the Ecuadorian Amazon, traveling by motorized canoe along the Napo River toward the Yasuní region.
Along the way, the route may include birdwatching, river landscapes, and visits to local community initiatives such as Sinchi Chicta or Santa Rosa, depending on timing and operating conditions.
Arrival at the Sacha Ñampi community base, where guests settle into simple community accommodation or tents within a traditional Kichwa-style cabana.
Overnight: Community accommodation
Meals: Lunch, dinner
After breakfast, begin a guided rainforest walk along trails connected to the Yasuní river system.
The day may include interpretation of medicinal plants, forest ecology, traditional survival knowledge, and the relationship between Kichwa communities and the rainforest.
Continue toward lagoon or river areas such as Jatuncocha, depending on local conditions, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
In the afternoon, visit a community-based cultural interpretation area focused on traditional hunting techniques, medicinal plants, ancestral foods, and local knowledge.
Overnight: Community accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today is focused on deeper river exploration in Amazon waterways connected to the Yasuní / Napo region.
Depending on river levels, logistics, and community coordination, the route may include areas such as Yaku Warmi, the Cocaya River, or other river systems where pink and grey river dolphins may be observed in their natural habitat.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but this day is designed around river ecosystems, aquatic wildlife, forest edges, birds, and Amazon landscapes.
In the afternoon, activities may include a short rainforest trail, traditional fishing, or community-based interpretation.
Dinner may include traditional Amazon food such as maito, depending on availability.
Overnight: Community accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
This extra day gives the route a better rhythm and allows more time for wildlife observation without rushing the return journey.
Depending on local conditions, the day may include a visit to a clay lick frequented by parrots and parakeets, additional canoe exploration, rainforest trails, or time with local guides learning about the surrounding ecosystem.
In the evening, take part in a nocturnal wildlife activity to look for frogs, insects, reptiles, black caiman, and other night-active species.
Optional cultural encounters may be included only when available and appropriate, always with respect for the local community.
Overnight: Community accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After an early breakfast, begin the return journey by river.
Depending on timing, river levels, and weather, there may be opportunities for final wildlife observation along the Napo River before returning to Coca.
Arrival marks the end of the Deep Yasuní Route.
Meals: Breakfast
This is a remote Amazon expedition, and the itinerary may vary depending on river levels, weather, wildlife behavior, community availability, and local guide decisions.
Pink river dolphins, black caiman, monkeys, parrots, and other wildlife may be observed, but sightings are never guaranteed.
This route is more adventurous than the standard Community Expedition and is recommended for travelers who are comfortable with simple accommodation, boat travel, humidity, insects, early starts, and flexible rainforest logistics.
A deposit of 30% is required upon confirmation of reservation. Please verify the amount with your Agent.
The final payment must be completed a maximum of 30 days before the departure day.
Please Note
– FITs are considered 1 to 7 passengers.
– GROUPS are considered from 8 or more passengers.
– If a cancellation should occur 31 days (or more) previous to the departure date, No refund
– If a cancellation should occur between 29 and 8 days before the departure date, passengers can reschedule their trip up to one year from the previous departure date, plus a cancellation fee of US$300 per person. No refund will be given.
– If a cancellation should occur between 7-0 days before the departure date, no refund or rescheduling option will be given. The reservation must be paid in full.
– An obligatory release must be signed before guests travel, where the parents will be entirely responsible for their children when visiting.
A remote, community-based Amazon journey through the Napo / Yasuní region, designed for travelers who want a more authentic rainforest experience connected with local Kichwa communities.
This expedition begins and ends in El Coca and combines river travel, rainforest walks, Kichwa cultural context, nocturnal wildlife observation, and visits to river areas where pink river dolphins may be seen depending on natural conditions.
This is not a luxury lodge experience. It is a deeper, more local Amazon journey, based around simple community accommodation, local guides, rainforest trails, river landscapes, and cultural exchange.
Your journey begins in El Coca, the main gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon.
After meeting the local team, you travel by motorized canoe along the Napo River, passing rainforest landscapes, river islands, and Kichwa communities along the way.
Depending on timing and conditions, the route may include birdwatching opportunities, river interpretation, and an introduction to the natural and cultural importance of the Yasuní region.
Arrival at the community base in the afternoon.
In the evening, enjoy dinner and settle into simple community accommodation surrounded by rainforest sounds.
Overnight: Community accommodation
Meals: Lunch, dinner
After breakfast, begin a guided rainforest walk with local interpretation.
The day focuses on the forest ecosystem, medicinal plants, traditional uses of the rainforest, and the relationship between Kichwa communities and their territory.
Depending on the route and conditions, the walk may include visits to large rainforest trees, wildlife observation areas, and trails where birds, monkeys, insects, amphibians, and other species may be seen.
After lunch, return to the community area for rest and cultural context.
In the evening, take part in a nocturnal activity focused on rainforest wildlife. This may include searching for frogs, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal species.
Overnight: Community accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today is focused on river and lagoon ecosystems connected to the Yasuní region.
Travel by canoe through Amazon waterways, with opportunities to observe birds, monkeys, reptiles, and other wildlife depending on the season and river conditions.
The route may include areas such as Jatuncocha Lagoon or nearby river systems, depending on local logistics and current operating conditions.
In the evening, take part in a nocturnal canoe excursion or shoreline observation activity to look for black caiman and other night-active wildlife.
Overnight: Community accommodation or rainforest camp-style community base, depending on operation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, continue exploring river areas where pink river dolphins may be observed depending on water levels, season, weather, and natural wildlife behavior.
This day is also focused on Kichwa cultural context. Activities may include traditional food preparation, local plant knowledge, community interpretation, or a respectful cultural exchange with local hosts.
Wildlife sightings in the Amazon are never guaranteed, but this region offers a meaningful opportunity to experience one of Ecuador’s most remote and biodiverse rainforest landscapes.
In the evening, enjoy a final dinner in the community area.
Overnight: Community accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After an early breakfast, begin the return journey by river toward El Coca.
Depending on departure time, river level, and logistics, there may be opportunities for final wildlife observation along the Napo River.
Arrival in Coca marks the end of the expedition.
Meals: Breakfast
This is a community-based Amazon experience, not a luxury lodge program. Accommodation is simple, local, and authentic.
Activities may vary depending on:
Pink river dolphins, black caiman, monkeys, birds, and other wildlife may be seen, but sightings are never guaranteed.
This journey is best for travelers who are comfortable with remote conditions, humidity, boat travel, insects, simple accommodation, and flexible Amazon logistics.
