Bameno Community Tours

Sam, UK

Really my time in Bameno with the Baihuaeri was life changing. I’ve never felt more connected to nature or clear minded than I did on the long boat journey back. There’s something magical about seeing Yasuní through the stories and perspectives of the Waorani guides that you can’t get anywhere else. There are too new experiences to list, too many memories which I now hold dear, so I just want to thank Penti, Wareka and the other guides who welcomed me into their home with open arms. I hope to return soon! x

Dominic, USA

I’ve been to Ecuador many times, but never had I seen the Amazon from the perspective of indigenous people. Being in the jungle, chasing after peccary, learning about the Huaorani lifestyle was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. Their ability to find all the resources they need in the rainforest is an incredible feat, which has made me realize how important the forest is to preserve their culture. Besides the culture shock, another aspect that made the trip even better was the welcome we got from all the Huaorani of Bameno. They wanted to learn from us as much as we wanted to learn from them; fun times were inevitable.

Alejandra, Argentina

The day that we left Bameno, sitting in a restaurant awaiting my first lunch outside of the forest after a trip of five days, I could only think about returning to the community. I wanted to continue sharing the experience of living in their home, their forest, of observing and sharing in their way of life and their traditions. Being informed about the Huaorani, their lives and traditions and about the place where they live, in very little time the community of Bameno showed me and taught me a lot more than I could have anticipated. I am so thankful for having met the Huaorani, for having met the children who invited me to play with them, for having met the young Huaorani with whom I shared laughs and conversations about things in common, and for having met the elders – for having the privilege of having listened to their unique stories that I never imagined I would ever hear. This was a trip that exceeded my expectations and was without a doubt more than I could have possibly imagined.

Katya, Poland

It was a truly magical experience in the heart of the rainforest. I was fortunate to see many rare and incredible animal species, including four anacondas, a harpy eagle, a boa constrictor, various monkey species, and more! I was informed that it’s less common to spot them during the rainy season, so I was particularly lucky— or rather, I had a very talented guide. The stories, customs, and songs of the Baihuaeri Waorani people enchanted me, and it was a real privilege to participate in various community activities, rather than simply feeling like a tourist. It was the right decision to do the tour directly with the community as it was authentic and I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced the real rainforest in all its diversity. It was also a significant support to the community that helps to preserve their culture and way of life. An unforgettable adventure!

Anna, US

My trip to Bameno was everything I could have hoped for and more. For nature lovers, the Ecuadorian rainforest offers the chance to see a breathtaking assortment of plants and animals you can’t find anywhere else. But the real joy of the trip was getting to spend time with the Waorani. The community was so welcoming and interested in sharing their experiences and way of life with us. Besides having a great time, I left with a greater appreciation of the value of the rainforest, the need to protect it, and the challenges facing those who depend upon it.

Lorenzo, Venezuela

This was by far the most incredible trip I have ever taken. The natural beauty of the Amazon, combined with the friendliness and openness of the Huaorani, made this experience truly life changing. From the first day, when we went jogging into the jungle hunting small pig, to the last, when we spent our final hours playing soccer with the kids, we were immersed in an authentic and enriching environment that is hard to find anywhere else. It is like we had leapt into the pages of National Geographic and found some of the nicest people on earth. I would not trade this experience for any other.

Michael, USA

I spent nine days living with the Huaorani and experiencing their culture. To have the opportunity to actually share their lifestyle and join in their activities is truly incredible. Hunting, fishing, swimming, dancing- we weren’t just tourists, we actually participated in community life. It was an amazingly personal experience and I’ll never forget the friends we made.