Paddle a kayak or a traditional wooden canoe and commune with local Indigenous communities in one of the most isolated places in Colombia: the Mavecure Hills. Belonging to the Guiana shield, these 800m high domes rise from within the wild Amazon, along Rio Inírida, and are some of the oldest geological formations on Earth. To arrive at Mavecure, we take a motorboat up Rio Inírida and you can choose from two options for return:
1) Paddle a wooden-dugout canoe downstream for an incredible journey in the same manner in which the local Indigenous communities have traveled the river for thousands of years.
2) Paddle downstream by 1-2 person hard-sided or inflatable kayak.
While this is not a whitewater trip, it does require basic paddling skills and adequate fitness for prolonged days of paddling. More than anything, this trip requires a sense of adventure!
Pricing for 2024: $2900/person which is $264 per day, all inclusive.
• WILD & UNIQUE: Experience an expedition like no other- we are the only provider of tours to Mavecure by canoe or packraft.
• LOCAL: Indigenous guides provide necessary wayfinding and expertise during the tour for an interactive and educational experience. This is the only way to visit such a remote area and helps support local communities.
• SLEEP UNDER STARS: Spend your nights camping on pristine river beaches or in nearby Indigenous communities
• DINE: Indigenous cooks prepare hyper-local camp grub in traditional methods (while canoeing!)
• EXPLORE & DISCONNECT: Besides miles of wild paddling, activities include: climbing one of the Mavecure summits, swimming in spectacular rivers, fishing, & partaking in Indigenous rights and rituals
Lodging on our Amazon packraft & canoe trips is a mix between camping in tents, staying in Indigenous communities and the best possible hotels or lodges along the way. Oftentimes there are limited options.
Tourism is very new to this area, to the point that our partner organization in Colombia has helped teach local groups how tao prepare more diverse meals. For the expedition portion of this trip expect basic meals- cereals, eggs, pastas, and lots of fish- nothing fancy, but hearty and from the Earth.
These are trips for inquisitive, adventurous travelers who want to share in the perspectives, fun, and magic that comes with exploring the Amazon. Please don't hesitate to write or call with hesitations or questions.
Sincerely,
Dan, owner
• local, professional, naturalist, & certified guides
• permission to access and introduction to the Indigenous communities
• RT airfare from Bogota to the Amazon
• all accommodation from beginning to end: a mix of hotels, camping, and hammocks
• Meals from dinner on Day 2 through breakfast on the last day
• all adventure equipment: canoes, packrafts, tents, pads, and sleeping bags
• private ground and water transportation during the entire trip
• Medical Assistance Insurance
• professional photographer & download link to photos
• meet & greet evening before
• local tourism taxes
• All activities as described in the itinerary
• Airfare to and from Colombia (El Dorado International Airport in Bogota)
• alcohol purchased on the trip
• expenses not included in itinerary
• travel insurance (required- contact us for recommendations)
We arrive in Bogota 2 days before our departure for the Amazon to account for possible delays and to simply enjoy a day in Colombia’s grandest city. Depending on your time of arrival, choose from a wide variety of optional activities and get to know your guides. Enjoy private transport from El Dorado International Airport.
Among the many incredible city activities we have planned before we head to the jungle is a reception dinner at the top of Monserrate on Day 2, the tallest peak overlooking this city of 8 million.
Note- Meals & Activities on Day 1 through lunch on Day 2 are not included and paid by guest, however we'll have places picked out as a group if you care to join us.
In the morning, we fly to Cesar Gaviria Airport in Inírida, a city deep within the NE Amazon along Rio Inírida. After dropping luggage at our hotel, we head to the Sabanitas Indigenous community where we’ll learn about Indigenous food preparation, way of life, customs, and eat a typical meal of the Sabanitas. Before heading back to the hotel, enjoy an opportunity to swim in the river.
While not in the direction of Mavecure, first we travel north by motorboat to the Estrella Fluvial, a stunning meeting of rivers and place of massive ecological importance. Swim in the amazingly orange Rio Atabapo and gain important ecological and cultural insights from your guides. Next, it’s a three hour boat journey to the Mavecure Hills and an afternoon spent enjoying time with the local Indigenous tribe, swimming, and basking in the presence of these ancient monoliths.
Days 5-6 are dedicated to enjoying the wonders of Mavecure. Hike to the top of one of the Mavecure Hills, explore the surrounding jungle with a guide, swim, or relax at camp. The view of the jungle from the top of Mavecure is unsurpassed. Mavecure Hills are a sacred place. Meditate, relax, renew your spirit and share energy with some of the oldest rocks on Earth.
This will also be your time to familiarize yourself with your packraft or canoe through guided instruction and safety exercises on the river. For dinner, we travel to a nearby Indigenous communities before returning to our camp under the hills.
The next three days are spent paddling downriver through the Jungle. The river is mostly slow-moving flatwater so don’t expect a wild adrenaline-filled paddle. Rather, paddle slowly for three days for a wildlife viewing opportunity like none other. Indigenous guides paddle ahead of us to set up camp and prepare meals. Take breaks from paddling to swim, fish, and watch for wildlife. These days are incredibly special: a break from daily life to recharge and reconnect.
Midday on day 7 arrive back in Inírida for showers, cold beers, and soft beds.
On the morning of March 2 we return to Bogota for one final night in the city, our closing dinner, and final farewells. Flights should be scheduled for March 3 or later to account for delays.
