Journey deep into the jungles of northeastern Colombia on this rugged 6-day adventure along the Alto Orinoco. With a mix of boating and trekking excursions, you'll follow the route charted by the 19th-century naturalist Alexander von Humbolt, whose studies of the region's breathtaking biodiversity helped found modern ideas of climate and ecology. Travel down winding rivers, trek through spectacular rainforest scenery, and meet the area's indigenous communities.

Highlights

  • Travel the Orinoco, Guaviare & Inírida Rivers
  • Trek through pristine rainforests & national parks
  • Climb to the sacred Mavecure Hills
  • Search for freshwater dolphins in the Caño Matraca
  • Visit the local indigenous communities of Caño Lapa, El Remanso & Coco

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive at Puerto Carreño, Orinoco River to El Tuparro National Park On Trek
Day 2 Explore the El Tuparro National Park On Trek
Day 3 Follow the Orinoco River to Puerto Inírida On Trek
Day 4 Follow the Inírida River to Cerros de Mavecure  On Trek
Day 5 Dolphin Spotting at Caño Matraca, Return to Puerto Inírida On Trek
Day 6 Depart Puerto Inírida  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Puerto Carreño, Orinoco River to El Tuparro National Park

Set off on your adventure down the Orinoco River

Upon arrival at the Germán Olano airport in Puerto Carreño, you'll be welcomed by your host and start the first day of your tour, traveling along the Orinoco River to the town of Casuarito. Along the way, you can appreciate the different ecosystems made up of arizales (vegetation growing along the shore), transitional riparian forests, rocky outcrops, and gallery forests. From Casuarito, you'll continue by boat to the mouth of the Caño Mesetas, disembarking to take an hour-long walk to the port known as El Tablón. Here you'll rejoin the boat and continue to your destination for the night— the base camp in El Tuparro National Park.  

After settling in, visit the spectacular Maipures Rapids nearby, lauded by Humboldt as the eighth wonder of the world. As evening falls, return to the camp for dinner and rest. 

Day 2: Explore the El Tuparro National Park

Discover the flora and fauna of El Tuparro National Park today

After breakfast, get ready for your second day of exploration. An early start takes you on a tour along the Tuparro River towards the Raudalito Caño Lapa indigenous community, where you'll have the opportunity to see the process of preparing cassava for meals and admire the traditional churuata houses built from wood and palm. After a visit to the Caño Lapa Waterfall for a refreshing swim, you'll return to basecamp in time for lunch. 

In the evening you'll watch a spectacular sunset over the Cerro del Guahibo before returning to basecamp for dinner.

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Day 3: Follow the Orinoco River to Puerto Inírida

Leaves stain the water a distinctive "red wine" color

Today's journey continues along the Orinoco River to the Maipures Visitor Center, then on to Puerto Inírida.

During the trip, you'll pass the mouths of the Vichada and Matavén Rivers, stopping at the latter for lunch and a refreshing swim. Continue past Castillito, a monument to the patron saint of Venezuela, and on towards the Estrella Fluvial del Sur, where the Orinoco, Guaviare, and Atabapo rivers meet. Traveling up the Guaviare River, you'll reach the mouth of the Inírida River and your destination of Puerto Inírida. After a long day on the water, transfer to your hotel to settle in, rest, and have dinner.

Day 4: Follow the Inírida River to Cerros de Mavecure 

The sacred hills of Cerros de Mavecure

After an early breakfast, you'll set off by boat once again, following the Inírida River towards the Cerros de Mavecure (Mavecure Hills)— rocky outcrops that are sacred to the indigenous peoples of the region. After setting up basecamp near the indigenous community of El Remanso, you can visit the Cerros de Mavecure (weather permitting), tour the savannah to admire the fields of Inírida flowers, or go for a swim in the Caño San Joaquín, whose characteristic red wine color is due to the tannin of the tree leaves. 

At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to the camp for dinner and rest.

Day 5: Dolphin Spotting at Caño Matraca, Return to Puerto Inírida

Journey back along the Puerto Inírida today

Today you'll spend the morning in El Remanso, exploring more of the Cerros de Mavecure or enjoying more time in the village.

After lunch, it's time to journey back to Puerto Inírida, stopping along the way at the mouth of the Caño Matraca in hopes of spotting freshwater dolphins.  

In the afternoon you'll arrive back at your hotel in Puerto Inírida. 

Day 6: Depart Puerto Inírida

Sunset over the Orinoco

After breakfast today, you can visit the indigenous community of Coco to see ancient petroglyphs or explore the nearby Caño Vitina. Tour the urban area of Puerto Inírida to browse and buy some typical gifts and crafts of the region, then return to the hotel for lunch. 

In the afternoon you'll be transferred to Cesar Gaviria airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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