Kayaking the Arajuno River

Day 1: Kayak to the Kichwa Community

Tracing the edge of the eastern Andes, we take a scenic drive passing the continental divide as we descend into the Amazon Basin. Upon entrance to this amazing ecosystem, you will see the change from dry shrub and plants of the Ecuadorian paramo to the large and leafy green of the rainforest. As we leave the modern world behind, we depart in kayak down the river Punin for a three-hour paddle towards a Kichwa community where we will set up our campsite. In the late afternoon, the members of the community will join us to recount stories of old as well as teach us traditions within the community.

Day 2: Kayak the Arajuno

We rise early to the sound of chirping birds and make our way in canoe downriver to the favorite gathering place of vibrantly feathered local parrots: the claylick. This mineral-rich structure is where the parrots come every morning to get minerals that help them detoxify the diet they eat. Watch as the birds flit around each other looking for the best spot to get their fill. After watching these colorful friends dine, we too will get nutrients through a yummy traditional breakfast including Guayusa tea brewed from the dried leaves of the plant, native to the Amazon, of the same name. Upon finishing breakfast, we will hop on our kayaks and paddle on the Arajuno River. Be on the lookout for the myriad of birds that live in the towering treetops such as toucans, king fishers, oropendolas, parrots, swallows, hawks, and more. We stop riverside to picnic on a freshly prepared meal before continuing. After a day on the river, we return to Quito.