ANCESTRAL VAUPES
Guiana Shield. The oldest and best preserved forest ecosystem in the world.
Mitú; Vaupés, Cananarí and Apaporis rivers.




Ancestral culture, rapids and tepuis
Introducción
* Out of comfort.
* Accommodation in a hammock with mosquito net every night, in native homes and/or in the jungle.
* Adventurous travelers, lovers of nature and ancestral culture, active and in good physical condition.
*
Mitú, the capital of the Vaupés, is reached by commercial flight, usually from Bogotá, or by charter flights from other locations. The main objective of this expedition with SELVAVENTURA is to explore the Cananarí River , visit some traditional malocas along the way, climb the hill (sacred tepuy) of Morroco and travel along a transect of the Apaporis River. Navigation is mainly in calm waters (by motor boat and/or kayak - upon request), combined with crossings of rapids and jungle walks, depending on the water levels in the season. The adventure involves flying in a private plane from Mitú to the area of interest (day 1) and returning to Mitú (last day) in the same way. To avoid setbacks with the flights, it is necessary to spend at least one night in Mitú and also the last one after the adventure.
In its simplest version, you can cover part of Cananarí and Apaporis in a minimum of 4 days (3 nights in the countryside). But the most complete Cananarí - Apaporis experience suggests a 6-night stay in the area of interest. In addition, while in Mitú, during your free time you can make the obligatory visits to: Cerro Flecha, Ceima Cachivera, Urania, the central square, the boardwalk and the bridge over the Vaupés River.
Cananari 7 days 6 nights
Day 1. Mitu - San Jose del Cananari
08:00 Meeting at Mitú airport after breakfast. Flight in a private plane from Mitú to the Cubeo indigenous village (overflight of the jungle, rivers and tepuis. Approx. 40 min.). Landing on an improvised dirt runway next to the community, welcome by the locals and walk to the visitors' hut. Greeting to the local authorities and accommodation (hammocks with mosquito nets inside the hut). Lunch, casual tour of the community, walk in the jungle, interpretation of ecosystems, observation of fauna and flora, swimming in the Cananarí River. Dinner and rest.
Day 2. Cananari River. San Jose - Altamira
Wake up and have breakfast at the Maloca, walk to the port and board a motorized boat (approx. 4 hours) down the Cananarí River to the Taiwano community of Altamira. Interpretation of ecosystems, observation of flora and fauna, crossing rapids (rapids) depending on water levels, bathing in the river. Arrival at the community, reception and greeting by the local authority, accommodation in the visitors' maloca (hammock with mosquito net), lunch. Casual tour of the community and cultural afternoon in the maloca. Sharing of arts, crafts and daily rituals. Dinner and rest.
Day 3. Cananarí River and Metales Canal
Sunrise at the maloca. Typical breakfast, baggage collection, farewell and walk to the port. Boarding a motorized canoe and sailing along the Cananarí River towards Caño Metales. Exploration of the canyon. Setting up camp in the jungle, lunch by the fire, swimming in waterfalls and natural pools. Dinner, night walk in the jungle. Rest in the hammocks.
Day 4. Metales Channel - Morroco Community
Dawn in the jungle, breakfast by the fire, baggage collection and walk to the port. Boarding a motorized canoe and sailing down the Cananarí River to the community of Morroco. Crossing rapids and walking in the jungle along the way, depending on the water level. Observation of fauna and flora, river landscape. Arrival at the port of the Morroco community (Tatuyo / Taiwano / Barasano). Reception and walk to the maloca for visitors. Greeting to the local authority. Casual tour of the community, spontaneous sharing of uses, customs and rituals. Dinner and rest in the maloca.
Day 5. Ascent to Tepuy (Cerro Morroco).
Breakfast at the maloca, baggage collection, walk to the port and boarding towards the other bank of the Cananarí River at the starting point of the trail to the Tepuy Morroco. Start of the walk (approx. 4 hours). Observation of fauna and flora, swimming in pools and waterfalls. Exploration of caves at the top of the tepuy and landscaping from the so-called Window to the World. Lunch on the way. Setting up camp on the mountain. Dinner and rest.
Day 6. Apaporis River and Buenos Aires community.
Sunrise at the top of Tepuy, breakfast in the countryside and walk back to the port on Cananarí. Boat downstream to the Apaporis River. Exploration of the river (rapids / waterfalls) and surrounding forests. Lunch in the countryside. Swimming in pools and waterfalls. Navigation upstream to the Cananarí River. Arrival at the port of the Buenos Aires community of the Cabiayarí. Approach to the visitors' maloca. Greeting and accommodation (hammock with mosquito net). Casual sharing with the community. Dinner and rest.
Day 7. Mitú - Bogotá.
Wake up and have breakfast at the maloca, swim in the river, collect your luggage. Walk to the runway and take a plane to Mitú.
Value (COP$) of the plan for each traveler according to the number of nights
6 Nights
1. San Jose del Cananarí Community
2. Altamira Altamira Community
3. Metal Pipe
4. Morroco Community
5. Morroco Hill (Tepuy)
6. Buenos Aires Community
Price per person
1 person: 21,500,000
2 people: 13,500,000
3 people: 10,500,000
4 people: 8'000.000
5 people or more: 7,000,000
5 Nights
1. San José or Altamira Community
2. Metal Pipe
3. Morroco Community
4. Morroco Hill
5. Buenos Aires community
Price per person
1 person: 18,000,000
2 people: 11,250,000
3 people: 8´750.000
4 people: 6,700,000
5 people or more:
5´900.000
4 Nights
1. Buenos Aires Community
2. Morroco Hill (Tepuy)
3. Morroco Community
4. Buenos Aires community
Price per person
1 person: 14´332.000
2 people: 9´000.000
3 people: 7,000,000
4 people: 5´400.000
5 people or more:
4´700.000
3 Nights
1. Buenos Aires Community
2. Morroco Hill (Tepuy)
3. Buenos Aires community
Price per person
1 person: 10,800,000
2 people: 6´750.000
3 people: 5´250.000
4 people: 4´000.000
5 people or more:
3´500.000
Inclusions and Exclusions
Includes
* * All entry permits to indigenous territories and local communities.
* Full meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day.
* Snacks, refreshments and/or fruits and hydration during the tour.
* Accompaniment of a SELVAVENTURA guide throughout the tour.
* Accompaniment of at least one native guide throughout the tour.
* All air and river transport from Mitú to Mitú.
* Loan of SELVAVENTURA jungle kit per person (swamp boots, hammock, mosquito net, sleeping bag, individual roof and food supplies).
* Health insurance
* Basic first aid care during the tour.
* All activities and river transfers mentioned in the plan.
Not Included
* Round-trip air tickets to Mitú.
* Municipal income tax (Mitúí City Hall). COP$: 43,000 per person. Upon arrival at Mitú airport.
* Porters or carriers of personal equipment during the tour.
* Additional feeding doses.
* Food, lodging, transportation, activities, during the stay in the municipality of Mitú.
* Additional costs arising from non-compliance on commercial or charter flights to or from Mitú.
* Additional costs due to unforeseen events during the tour.
* Transportation and/or activities not specified in the program.
Optional Additional
* Round trip airfare to Mitú. Get a quote from SELVAVENTURA
* Accommodation services in Mitú. Get a quote from SELVAVENTURA.
* Other activities (tours) in Mitú. quote with SELVAVENTURA.
* Translator service during the tour: USD$ 60.00 per day per group. * Kayaking on the Cananarí River (the entire river trip by kayak). COP$ 500,000 per person.
* Accident and material damage insurance. Get a quote from SELVAVENTURA before booking.
* Emergency messaging system and satellite tracking. Get a quote from SELVAVENTURA before booking.
Recommendations and Warnings
Aptitude and Attitude
* Respect and value individuality and cultural differences, both of locals and your fellow travelers.
* Maintain a contemplative and positive attitude throughout the tour.
* Always follow the instructions of the guide and locals.
* Food provided during the tour is not a la carte nor unlimited. Accept and make the most of what is available, mostly ordinary local food in very basic preparations or even improvised country meals.
* Please inform SELVAVENTURA of any specific requirements or dietary limitations before booking.
* Measure and control your resources regarding food, hydration and energy expenditure during the journey.
* The program is subject to positive changes in favor of the client, resulting from weather conditions and other external factors.
* Please carry a personal identification document under your responsibility during the excursion. Be patient and proactive in the face of possible adversities.
* Do not bring jewelry, non-essential valuables, important documents or large sums of cash.
* Access to power sources, internet or cellular coverage is not guaranteed during the tour. * Please bring only the minimum luggage necessary for the duration of the tour. *
What to bring?
* Waterproof backpack or dry bag (ergonomic, minimum 40 liters in capacity).
* A second smaller backpack for short expeditions during the journey.
* Do not bring your luggage in hard-shell suitcases or wheeled bags.
* If you do not have waterproof backpacks, pack your belongings inside plastic bags within the backpack.
* If you have your own suitable jungle gear (hammock, mosquito net, and sleeping bag), inform SELVAVENTURA and bring them.
* Personal utensils (plate, cup or mug, and cutlery for eating).
* Personal medications and dietary supplements.
* Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant of your choice.
* Avoid bringing soaps, shampoos, perfumes, creams, and other cosmetics to reduce the load during the journey and minimize environmental impacts.
* Clothing suitable for hot, humid climates, breathable and quick-drying. Include at least one pair of shorts, swimwear, pants, long-sleeve shirt, a couple of t-shirts, underwear, and socks for the number of days. If the weather allows, clothes can be washed and dried along the way.
* 1 pair of rubber boots, preferably, or any boots that can get wet and dirty during the trip.
* 1 pair of sandals or outdoor-type sneakers, lightweight and quick-drying, to wear when you rest from the boots.
* Snacks and additional food of your choice.
* Sun protection: hats, long sleeves, and sunscreen.
* Rain cape or poncho, thin and lightweight.
* Cameras, phones, chargers, batteries, and electronic devices at your own risk, in shockproof and waterproof containers.
* Accessories: water bottle and/or camelback for personal hydration, headlamp with extra batteries, bandana and/or hat, small personal towel (light, quick-drying), and sleeping bag (if you have it) ultra-thin, lightweight, and easy to pack.
* Optional additional items: neck buff or bandanas.
* You may bring some small cash for personal purchases during the trip.Biosecurity and Health
Biosecurity and Health
* Inform SELVAVENTURA staff of any health or physical integrity issues before starting the excursion.
* SELVAVENTURA and its field service providers carry basic first aid kits during the journey and at various stations. In some cases, our guides may provide traditional plant-based medicine and/or apply conventional protocols for stabilizing patients in the field when necessary.
* In case of any serious health situation that arises in the field, SELVAVENTURA staff will, under specific conditions and within realistic possibilities, facilitate the transportation of the patient to the nearest healthcare center.
* Bring your own prescribed or personal medications, under your responsibility, in the appropriate containers.
* COVID-19: responsibly apply personal care before, during, and after your excursion, following international guidelines. SELVAVENTURA staff adheres to current international protocols but respects and tolerates the freedom of service providers, tour guides, and/or any passerby interacting during the journey in various settings.
* Yellow Fever: International recommendations, which are a requirement in some tropical countries, mandate carrying a yellow fever vaccination certificate, valid for 10 years, and does not apply to individuals over 60 years old. If you have the certificate, carry it with you. If you have not been vaccinated, check whether the destination country or region requires the certificate when traveling. However, the Amazon region where this excursion takes place does not pose a risk for contracting the disease. Local authorities generally do not ask for the certificate.
* Malaria or Paludism: A vaccine for this illness is not yet available on the formal market. The likelihood of contracting this disease during your excursion is low, but it may increase in certain seasons and specific locations throughout the year. The best prevention is to avoid mosquito exposure during their usual activity hours (05:00 to 07:00 / 17:00 to 19:00), wear long sleeves, and use repellents. We do not recommend taking prophylactic (“preventive”) medication against this disease, as its full effectiveness has not been proven, and it can significantly affect your body. People using these medications may mask the disease in their body with long-term effects. If contracted, malaria is easily detected through blood tests and has an effective curative treatment.
* Diarrhea and stomach issues: Statistically, these are the most common factors that disrupt travelers' well-being. To prevent this, we recommend using antibacterial hand gel before meals and washing cooking utensils with chlorinated water and soap before and after each use. Occasionally, in cases of moderate stomach discomfort, our guides may use plant-based remedies they are familiar with and/or basic stabilization treatments, with rehydrating mineral salts and commercial intestinal flora repair products.
* Allergies: Statistically, these pose the greatest risk during field excursions. Inform SELVAVENTURA staff if you know you are allergic to anything and make sure to bring your own antihistamines to the field. For unknown allergies, the guide carries some common antihistamines in their first aid kit.
* After the trip: If you experience abnormal symptoms such as fever, headache, severe colds, joint pain, diarrhea, etc., after your trip, we recommend visiting specialized medical centers and notifying them so that relevant tests for possible tropical diseases are performed.
Cancellation policies and contractual clauses
* Responsabilidad sobre bienes materiales. Nuestras excursiones pueden involucrar la visita a escenarios sociales públicos con presaencia de población local carente, fuera de nuestro control. En nuestras excursiones pueden ocurrir accidentes fortuitos con daño o pérdida de bienes materiales. Durante todo el recorrido, cada pasajero es único responsable del cuidado de los bienes que decide llevar a la excursión. Nuestra agencia no se hace responsable por el cuidado de ninguna de sus pertenencias, bajo ninguna circunstancia.
* Pago. Este plan se reserva para las fechas solicitadas con un anticipo total (preferiblemente) o mínimo del 50% de su valor total. El programa debe ser pagado en su totalidad por adelantado, a más tardar 24 horas antes al inicio de la excursión. Algunos de nuestros programas pueden requerir el pago total anticipado para reservar.
* Cancelación o abandono. SELVAVENTURA se reserva el derecho a considerar y decidir internamente sobre cualquier posibilidad de devolución de dinero, en caso de cancelación previa o abandono de la excursión en marcha.
* Postergación. Los clientes que por fuerza mauyor demostrada no puedan realizar la excursión, reconocerán a SELVAVENTURA el valor de cualquier compromiso adelantado por la empresa en favor de la excursión, en caso de haberlos, y podrán retomar su excursión al futuro, según su conveniencia, pagando el saldo que venga a lugar en su momento.
* Compensación. En caso de errores, fallas o incumplimiento reconocido por parte de SELVAVENTURA - dentro de sus responsabilidades operativas directas, que signifique un deterioro en la calidad del servicio prestado a nuestros clientes, la empresa ofrecerá algún tipo de dervicio adicional en favor del cliente, dentro o fuera del programa tomado, a manera de compensación proporcional.
* Reembolso. A manera de conciliación, SELVAVENTURA acudirá al reembolso económico total o parcial, ante el reconcimiento de error o incuimplimiento demostrado en perjuicio objetivo del cliente, únicamente en caso de no poder llegar a otro tipo acuerdo.
* Noshow. Se considera No show, al incumplimiento por parte del cliente que no aparece ni se reporta ante la agencia en un plazo mínimo de 24 horas a la fecha de inicio de su excursión. En este caso SELVAVENTURA cobrará al cliente un valor del 30% sobre los dineros depositados más el valor de los pagos adelantados a terceros en función de la reserva.
group outing programming
Schedule of group departures to our destinations
If you're looking for a group to travel (at a lower cost), check out our schedule of upcoming experiences. Share with us the dates, destination, and type of experience you're interested in. We will help you find the best option.