Yasuni Wilderness

Shiripuno Lodge

We have the advantage to offer you exclusive itineraries in the depths of the Ecuadorian Ama-zon. Shiripuno Lodge enjoys the privilege to be pinpointed in the core of the 16.820 km2 of the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve (Yasuni National Park & Waorani Ethnic Reserve)

The Yasuni is settled in a unique biographical position at the crossroads of the Andes (Andean foothills), the Western Amazon, and the Equator; where the species richness of amphibian, bird, mammal, and vascular plant species reach global scale: diversity maxima.

The Waorani People from the community of Neo-neno has a legal agreement with Shiripuno Tour Operator to organize and run tourist activities in-side their Reserve and sponsor the local develop-ing of the Community by Responsible Tourism; Shiripuno Lodge is constantly training and creat-ing job opportunities for the Waorani People, sup-port them in transportation, medicine and educa-tional.

LODGING Our cabins, furnished with both single and dou-ble beds, accommodate up to three persons in one room. All rooms have private bathrooms and ham-mocks; all lighted by candles, creating a perfect harmony with the sights and background sounds of the rainforest. Solar electricity is available to charge the batteries of cameras and other electron-ic devices

RESTAURANT During your stay at Shiripuno Lodge, you will be delighted by our cuisine. Three set menus daily, fresh baked bread, tropical fruit juices and a per-fect balance between Ecuadorian and international food would make you feel at home. Vegetarian or other dietary meals are provided upon request.

HIGHLIGHTS Pristine Forest for miles aroundHub of the Yasuni Wilderness Orchid Garden Wildflowers Garden Forest Clay licks Forest Swamps Oxbow Lakes Moriches Swamps

100 mts High Scenery MiradorExclusive Amazon beaches Remote location, away from oil activities 30 km of well-maintained and managed trailsNo other tourist facilities around No Speed boats and barges

ACTIVITIES Natural History Hikes Birdwatching Walks Amphibians & Reptiles Walks Mammals Search Walks Birdwatching Float Sunrise Canoe Float Sunset Canoe Float Full Moon Canoe FloatNight WalksNight Hikes Nature Photography Swimming Community Visit

VISITORS NATURE GUIDELINES: Our exploratory plans described below had been designed based on many years of experience in the Yasuni since 1998; although they can be modify when nature acts and permits. We encourage the learning and exploration of the Yasuni Wilderness with very limited footprint impact. Our visitors sponsor the Conservation of Nature and conse-quently behave such as:Silence in the forest at all timesSafety for the wildlife population Minimize the human impact in the forest dynamics Disturbance of any means is NOT permitted Birding Playback is minimum to 3 try per species Music is personalStay in the trailsFlash on Birds and Mammals is not allowed

NATURE TOURS Shiripuno Lodge had lay out Nature Tours with a duration of 4 and 5 days to enjoy the abundance and diversity of life with a series of activities to explore and learn about the different types of habitats, its wildlife and the useful plants use by the Waorani People who still hunting and gather-ing in the Yasuni.

DAY 01: Quito-Coca by airplane, from Coca We´ll travel 90 km south into the Yasuni Biosphere Re-

serve along the Auca Road, by “Chiva” (small local bus) to the Shiripuno Bridge (approx. 2:30 hrs). Box Lunch would be served on the site. Af-terwards we´ll navigate 65 km downstream with a motorized canoe to reach the Shiripuno Lodge, the canoe journey will take approximately 4 hours depending on water levels. It will turn into your first experience with the wide diversity of wildlife of the Amazonian Rainforest. Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 02: Breakfast. We´ll navigate to start our morning hike (3-4 hrs.) Into pristine Rainforest along the Mirador Trail; the aim of this trail is to share with you scenic view of the Amazon Basin and show you millions of reason to preserve the Rainforest for future generations. The Waorani and the Naturalist guides will provide you infor-mation and explanations about the biodiversity of the Rainforest; and the medicinal plants use by in-digenous people. This hike requires good physical condition. Lunch. In the afternoon canoe drifting along the Shiripuno River. Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 03: Before breakfast. We´ll descend the Shiri-puno River and listen the Rainforest waking up!!! Birds and mammals getting up!! Breakfast. Then we´ll go to a back-door trail to explore different type of forest and increase our chance to find more animals. Lunch. In the afternoon we will take the motor canoe and make an excursion into one of the small oxbow lake where it is possible to see different kinds of plants and animals such as; the bizarre bird Hoatzins. We will explore the Rainfor-est at night searching for nocturnal fauna. Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 04: After breakfast, navigate upstream to the Waorani Community; early canoe rides are great to surprises animals crossing the river such as Capy-baras, Tapir or resting Caimans; birds such as Ma-caws and Toucans also can be seen from the canoe. At the Waorani Community you will see the ef-fects of cultural expose by which are living all the different indigenous groups in the Amazon. The Waorani still keep most of their traditions such as: hunting with blowguns and poisoned darts, their unique language Wao Terero, the knowledge of the Rainforest and oral traditions. Responsible tour-ism brings revenues to all the families at different

levels by selling handcrafts, canoe drivers, native guides, housekeeping, kitchen assistants and oth-ers activities. Lunch. We´ll continue the navigation upstream to the bridge where we are going to take the bus back to Coca (arrival at 16:30 approx.).

DAY 01: Quito-Coca by airplane, from Coca We´ll travel 90 km south into the Yasuni Biosphere Re-serve along the Auca Road, by “Chiva” (small local bus) to the Shiripuno Bridge (approx. 2:30 hrs). Box Lunch would be served on the site. Af-terwards we´ll navigate 65 km downstream with a motorized canoe to reach the Shiripuno Lodge, the canoe journey will take approximately 4 hours depending on water levels. It will turn into your first experience with the wide diversity of wildlife of the Amazonian Rainforest. Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 02: Breakfast. We´ll navigate to start our morning hike (3-4 hrs.) into pristine Rainforest along the Mirador Trail; the aim of this trail is to share with you scenic view of the Amazon Basin and show you millions of reason to preserve the Rainorest for future generations. The Waorani and the Naturalist guides will provide you infor-mation and explanations about the biodiversity of the Rainforest; and the medicinal plants use by in-digenous people. This hike requires good physical condition. Lunch. In the afternoon canoe drifting along the Shiripuno River. Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 03: Before breakfast. We´ll descend the Shiri-puno River and listen the Rainforest waking up!!! Birds and mammals getting up!! Breakfast. Then we´ll go to a back-door trail to explore different type of forest and increase our chance to find more animals. Lunch. In the afternoon we will take the motor canoe and make an excursion into one of the small oxbow lake where it is possible to see different kinds of plants and animals such as; the bizarre bird Hoatzins. We will explore the Rainfor-est at night searching for nocturnal fauna. Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 04: Breakfast. We´ll head to a Forest Clay Lick; it is a location inside the forest where mam-mals and birds with a plant diet-base come to lick minerals all year round. Lunch. Swimming next to a regular Blue-and-Yellow Macaw roosting site

Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 05: After breakfast, navigate upstream to the Waorani Community; early canoe rides are great to surprises animals crossing the river such as Capy-baras, Tapir or resting Caimans; birds such as Ma-caws and Toucans also can be seen from the canoe. At the Waorani Community you will see the ef-fects of cultural expose by which are living all the different indigenous groups in the Amazon. The Waorani still keep most of their traditions such as: hunting with blowguns and poisoned darts, their unique language Wao Terero, the knowledge of the Rainforest and oral traditions. Responsible tour-ism brings revenues to all the families at different levels by selling handcrafts, canoe drivers, native guides, housekeeping, kitchen assistants and oth-ers activities. Lunch. We´ll continue the navigation upstream to the bridge where we are going to take the bus back to Coca (arrival at 16:30 approx.).

ADVENTURE & CAMPING Our adventure is for those who want to experi-ence the Amazon Rainforest in tents; our camp-ing sites had been carefully chosen to make your trip of a memorable lifetime experience. You will spend 3 nights into the wilderness; assisted by our Adventure Team

DAY 01: Quito-Coca by airplane, from Coca We´ll travel 90 km south into the Yasuni Biosphere Re-serve along the Auca Road, by “Chiva” (small local bus) to the Shiripuno Bridge (approx. 2:30 hrs). Box Lunch would be served on the site. Af-terwards we´ll navigate 65 km downstream with a motorized canoe to reach the Shiripuno Lodge, the canoe journey will take approximately 4 hours depending on water levels. It will turn into your first experience with the wide diversity of wildlife of the Amazonian Rainforest. Dinner and lodging in tents.

DAY 02: Breakfast. We´ll be introducing to the Yasuni Wilderness on our hike in the forest. The Waorani and the Naturalist guides will provide you information and explanations about the biodiver-sity of the Rainforest; and the medicinal plants use by indigenous people. Lunch. In the afternoon we

continue to uor next campsite along the Shiripuno River. Dinner and lodging in tents.

DAY 03: Breakfast. We take an easy exploratory hike; where we´ll increase our probabilities to en-counter several species of primates. Lunch. We head out with a light gear to spend the night in the middle of the forest, this is a special place where we can experience the sunrise and sunset of the Rainforest. Diiner and lodging in tents. DAY 04: Breakfast. We will hike to several Forest Salt Lick; it is a location inside the forest where mammals and birds with a plant diet-base come to lick minerals all year round. Lunch.Travel down-stream to Shiripuno Lodge

DAY 05: Breakfast. We take our final hike in the forest to view more wildlife. Lunch. In the after-noon, free to explore and do what you would like to do. Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 06: After breakfast, navigate upstream to the Waorani Community; early canoe rides are great to surprises animals crossing the river such as Capy-baras, Tapir or resting Caimans; birds such as Ma-caws and Toucans also can be seen from the canoe. At the Waorani Community you will see the ef-fects of cultural expose by which are living all the different indigenous groups in the Amazon. The Waorani still keep most of their traditions such as: hunting with blowguns and poisoned darts, their unique language Wao Terero, the knowledge of the Rainforest and oral traditions. Responsible tour-ism brings revenues to all the families at different levels by selling handcrafts, canoe drivers, native guides, housekeeping, kitchen assistants and oth-ers activities. Lunch. We´ll continue the navigation upstream to the bridge where we are going to take the bus back to Coca (arrival at 16:30 approx.).

BIRDWATCHING Imaging you birding in the remotest place left in the Ecuadorian Amazon.Definitely away from speed boats, cargo barges, jam-packed blinds and noisy generators. In most of the nights you can listen rarities as Nocturnal Curassow, Black-banded Owl, Gray-winged Trumpeters or just get familiar with the loud unique song of the Great Potoo, the screech from Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, the pain of Rufescent Tiger-Heron, or sim-ply the melody of the Pauraque and all this just

happens from your bed. Shiripuno Lodge is in the center of the biggest IBA (Importan Bird Area) of Ecuador: The Great Yasuni. Our location make every birder to get excite about finding Amazo-nian specialties, such as Salvin´s Curassaw, Noc-turnal Curassaw, Red-and-green Macaw, Pearly Antshrike, Hairy-crested Antbird, Black-necked Red Cotinga and others.

DAY 01: Quito-Coca by airplane, from Coca We´ll travel 90 km south into the Yasuni Biosphere Re-serve along the Auca Road, by “Chiva” (small local bus) to the Shiripuno Bridge (approx. 2:30 hrs). Box Lunch would be served on the site. Af-terwards we´ll navigate 65 km downstream with a motorized canoe to reach the Shiripuno Lodge, the canoe journey will take approximately 4 hours depending on water levels. It will turn into your first experience with the wide diversity of wildlife of the Amazonian Rainforest. Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 02: Breakfast. We´ll wander in the primary forest trail network behind the lodge and look for Army Ants Specialist such as Lunulated Ant-bird, White-plumed Antbird, Sooty Antbird; and give some visits to the different territories of the rare Wing-banded Antbird, Undulated Ant-shrike, Pearly Antshrike, Yellow-billed Jacamar; there will be time to observe Striped Manakin, Golden-headed Manakin. Lunch. In the afternoon: Visit to the Oxbow Lake. Search for the White-lored Ant-pitta, Long-billed Woodcreeper, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed Crake. Dinner and lodging

DAY 03: Breakfast. We´ll walk to the Mirador View will give us species from the canopy such as Brown Jacamar, Yellow-billed Nunbird, Yellow-bellied Tanager, Purple Honeycreeper, Spangled Cotinga, Black-tailed Tityra, Yellow-browed To-dy-Flycatcher, Paradise Tanager and others. Along this trail, mixed flocks with Red-billed Scythebill, Rufous-tailed Antwren, Amazonian Barred Wood-creeper; There are territories of Coraya Wren, Ochre-striped Antpitta, Ash-throated Gnateater, Cinnamon Neopipo, Yellow-browed Antbird. Lek-king site of Blue-backed Manakin, White-crowned Manakin.

DAY 04: Breakfast. Our next birding trail will be

ÒEl Misterioso TrailÓ a good birding trail with a lot of mixed flock with Yasuni Antwren, Red-crowned Ant-Tanager, Rio Suno Antwren, Ruddy Foliage-gleaner; territories for Thrush-like Antpit-ta, Ringed Antpipit, Banded Antbird, and others, it will keep us busy the entire day as we add more species to our list. Lunch in the forest.

DAY 05: Breakfast. Birding along ÒSkucth TrailÓ and try for the Salvin´s Curassow, Ocellated Wood-creeper, Spotted Puffbird, Black-necked Cotinga, Grayish Mourner, Long-winged Antwren and oth-ers. Lunch in the lodge. In the afternoon check for some of the vicinity species we have missed.

DAY 06: Breakfast and birding along the river to get to the El Saladero trail and it leads to the for-est clay lick, where sometimes there is a chance to find the Scarlet Macaw, Orange-cheeked Parrot, Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet. We will have lunch in middle of the Rainforest.

DAY 07: After breakfast, navigate upstream to the Waorani Community; early canoe rides are great to surprises animals crossing the river such as Capy-baras, Tapir or resting Caimans; birds such as Ma-caws and Toucans also can be seen from the canoe. At the Waorani Community you will see the ef-fects of cultural expose by which are living all the different indigenous groups in the Amazon. The Waorani still keep most of their traditions such as: hunting with blowguns and poisoned darts, their unique language Wao Terero, the knowledge of the Rainforest and oral traditions. Responsible tour-ism brings revenues to all the families at different levels by selling handcrafts, canoe drivers, native guides, housekeeping, kitchen assistants and oth-ers activities. Lunch. We´ll continue the navigation upstream to the bridge where we are going to take the bus back to Coca (arrival at 16:30 approx.).

AMAZONIAN AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES Yasuni harbours roughly one-third of the Ama-zon Basin´s amphibian and reptile species, despite covering less than 0.15% of its total area. Shiri-puno Lodge has design a trip, the first of its kind to explore the diversity of the Herpetofauna of the Yasuni Herpetofauna: 271 species of amphibians and reptiles.

DAY 01: Quito-Coca by airplane, from Coca We´ll travel 90 km south into the Yasuni Biosphere Re-serve along the Auca Road, by “Chiva” (small local bus) to the Shiripuno Bridge (approx. 2:30 hrs). Box Lunch would be served on the site. Af-terwards we´ll navigate 65 km downstream with a motorized canoe to reach the Shiripuno Lodge, the canoe journey will take approximately 4 hours depending on water levels. It will turn into your first experience with the wide diversity of wildlife of the Amazonian Rainforest. Dinner and lodging at the Shiripuno Lodge.

DAY 02 - 06: The remote Tropical Rainforest of the Shiripuno Lodge offers a unique opportunity to find a great number of species of the Amazonian Herpetofauna from tiny Glass Frogs (Cochranella sp.) resting on vegetation near to the water to the impressive Smoky Jungle Frogs (Lepto- dactylus pentadactylus) calling out from the river bank. Or bright colored Poison Frogs (Epipedobates sp.) can be found during the day calling from falling logs. The Tree Frogs (Hypsiboas sp.) get very active as the night comes especially next to an oxbow lake. Anoles can be found resting on small branches of scrubs near to the ground during the night. For-est Lizards can be encounter next to mud paddles, light gaps or forest interior. Smooth-fronted Cai-mans (Paleosuchus trigonatus), Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) or Golden Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) are basking along the river on a sunny day. The snakes such as Green- striped Vine Snake (Oxybelis argenteus) happen during the day next to vines in the understory, Tiger Rat Snake (Spilotes pullatus) occurs in light gap, Com- mon False Viper (Xenodon rhabdocephalus) on the floor litter in terra firme, Western Coral Snake (Micrurus spixii) at night after the rain, Fer-de-lance (Bothrops atrox) next to rivers during sunny days, or the Bushmaster (Lachesis muta) resting on big buttresses. Breakfast. Hike to the surrounding trails to hunt for day light species. Lunch. Dinner. Night walk to different forest swamps.

DAY 07: After breakfast, navigate upstream to the Waorani Community; early canoe rides are great to surprises animals crossing the river such as Capy-baras, Tapir or resting Caimans; birds such as Ma-caws and Toucans also can be seen from the canoe. At the Waorani Community you will see the ef-fects of cultural expose by which are living all the

different indigenous groups in the Amazon. The Waorani still keep most of their traditions such as: hunting with blowguns and poisoned darts, their unique language Wao Terero, the knowledge of the Rainforest and oral traditions. Responsible tour-ism brings revenues to all the families at different levels by selling handcrafts, canoe drivers, native guides, housekeeping, kitchen assistants and oth-ers activities. Lunch. We´ll continue the navigation upstream to the bridge where we are going to take the bus back to Coca (arrival at 16:30 approx.).

Shiripuno Lodge could suggest you to bring only items that you are going to use in the forest; truly there is no reason to carry your larger suitcase. Keep in mind the following items: Luggage per-mitted is 10 Kilos

PERSONAL ITEMS ¥ Passport & Vaccine Card ¥ Personal First Aid Kit ¥ Personal Medicine* ¥ Long Trousers ¥ Long Sleeves ¥ Wind Jacket ¥ Cap or Hat ¥ T-Shirts ¥ Shorts ¥ Socks ¥ Raincoat ¥ Sunglasses ¥ Bottle Water ¥ Bathing Suit ¥ Insect Repellent ¥ Waterproof bag ¥ Zip-lock Bags for wet cloths ¥ Soap & Shampoo (Biodegradable!!!)

TECHNICAL ITEMS ¥ Camera with Extra Memory Card ¥ Spare Camera Batteries and charger ¥ Flashlight with Rechargeable Batteries ¥ Waterproof Binoculars (8 X 32 or 10 X 42) ¥ Notebook and Pencil

COMMUNITY ITEMS (Optional: for the com-munity children) ¥ 50 Pages Notebooks ¥ Crayons ¥ Pencil ¥ Markers

¥ Rulers ¥ Tooth Brush and ¥ Tooth Paste

How do I to get to Shiripuno Lodge? In a 30 minutes flight from Quito to Coca (Francisco de Orellana), or an 8 hours night Bus ride from Quito. Our staff will meet you in Coca at the Hotel Auca or at the Airport. We start our trip at 10:30 AM. We will drive you along the Auca Road for 2:30 hours to the Shiripuno River. Downstream on the Shiri-puno River for 4 hours to reach Shiripuno Lodge

Important Travel Information US citizens need a current passport to travel to Ec-uador that is valid for at least six months past your return date. Residents of other countries should in-quire as to the most current travel requirements. You are advised to carry traveler´s insurance which, at a minimum, covers both equipment loss and medical evacuation coverage. Overall, the risk of disease, including malaria, is exceedingly low, but you need to consult with a physician or oth-er medical professional to discuss the risks. At a minimum, a Yellow Fever and Hepatitis A, B vac-cination is needed to enter Yasuni Biosphere Re-serve and you must present proof of vaccination prior at the start of the trip.

The Ecuadorian Government had created the In-tangible Zone that spans nearly 3,000 square miles (758,051 hectares) is designed to protect the core territory of a Waorani family group known as the Tagaeri and Taromenane, the last two known groups of indigenous peoples involuntary isolation in Ecuador.

The Shiripuno Research Center Volunteering Programs consists of 4 and 8 weeks in the Waorani Community and in the forest with a whole series of activities and work assignments. Our Goals: - To teach English to the Waorani School - To create the Yasuni Wildlife Inventory - To create educational material for local schools - To keep track of 30 km of trails - To download photos from Trap-Cameras - To create 50 km of trails - To built a volunteers facilities - To built a scientists facilities - To build a data base online