IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HUMBOLDT
From ancestral rivers
to sacred mountains
Activities
Boating, Trekking, Wildlife and flora observation, Swimming, Encounters with local communities.
Where
Eastern Plains & Amazonia.
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Accommodation
Standard hotels, camping, and indigenous lodges.
Rhythm
Intense.
Food
Full board.
Transport
Private vehicle and boat.
CO2 production
338 kg.
You will appreciate
- Sunsets over the Orinoco.
Climb of Cerro Guahibo and panoramic views of the Maipures rapids.
An unforgettable encounter with wildlife (if luck is on your side!).
Interaction with the Piaroa and Puinave communities.
The spiritual mystery of the Mavicure Hills and their local legends.
The ecological and cultural richness of a still-pristine region.
The thrill of walking in Alexander von Humboldt’s footsteps within one of the Earth’s oldest landscapes.
- Day 1 – Off to the Orinoco
Meet-and-greet at the airport and hotel check-in. First boat ride on the Orinoco to Bojonawi Nature Reserve. Possible sighting of pink river dolphins at the Meta–Orinoco confluence. Forest walk and birdwatching around El Pañuelo lagoon. Return to Puerto Carreño for the night.
- Day 2 – Toward El Tuparro National Natural Park
Navigation down the Orinoco with a stop in Casuarito. Stroll near the Atures rapids. Continue to the camp set near the confluence of the Tomo and Orinoco rivers. Dolphin watching and exploration of several ecosystems.
- Day 3 – Climb to Cerro Guahibo & Maipures Rapids
Hike up Cerro Guahibo for sweeping savanna-and-river vistas. Refreshing swim in El Tuparro. Afternoon visit to the impressive Maipures rapids—described by Humboldt as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Return to camp.
- Day 4 – Floating: From Tuparro to the Matavén jungle
Boat ride and overland transfer to the Selva del Matavén Indigenous Reserve. Discover the Vichada and Matavén rivers, possible swim, and crossing of Caño Fruta. Welcome by the Piaroa community of Sarrapia, cultural visit and sunset over flooded forests.
- Day 5 – The Guiana Shield
Boat to the sacred Mavicure Hills. En route: monument of the Virgin of Coromoto in Castillito and the triple confluence of the Orinoco, Atabapo and Guaviare rivers (the Inírida Fluvial Star). Lunch in Amanavén, then set up camp at the foot of the hills in the El Remanso community.
- Day 6 – In the heart of the sacred stones
Climb Cerro Mavicure weather permitting (alternatives in case of rain: spotting the famed Inírida flowers or swimming in Caño San Joaquín). Return to camp late afternoon.
- Day 7 – From the Mavicure hills to the shores of Puerto Inírida
Second chance to climb Cerro Mavicure (if not done the previous day). After lunch, boat back to Puerto Inírida with a stop at Caño Matraca to look for freshwater dolphins. Hotel night in Inírida.
- Day 8 – Farewell to the vast lands
Visit to an indigenous community (Coco or Caño Vitina, depending on season), exploration of petroglyphs (water level permitting) and Puerto Inírida town centre. Free time for handicraft shopping. Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Bogotá.
Environmental & social responsibility: High.
Nothing is more respectful than travelling by dug-out canoe, on foot and at the rivers’ pace.
Social responsibility: By staying with indigenous communities and in locally run camps, you support families who live in harmony with nature and keep their ancestral knowledge alive.
This expedition unfolds in remote, hard-to-access areas, with canoe transfers, camp nights and hikes in hot, humid weather. Not recommended for people with heart conditions, pregnant women or children under ten. Good physical shape is necessary—regular walks beforehand are advised.
Special recommendations:
- Pack light, long-sleeved clothing and a sun hat.
- Bring sturdy walking shoes.
- Carry a rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
- Get a good night’s sleep before departure and hydrate often.
- Use sunscreen and sunglasses.
- A small dry bag is handy to keep your gear safe during boat rides.
Travelling greener:
- Keep your waste and take it back to town.
- Avoid loud music or shouting so as not to disturb wildlife.
- Respect the traditions and guidelines of indigenous communities.
Extension options:
- Stay in a nature reserve in the Amazon region.
- Explore the Tarapoto lakes or Tikuna communities near Leticia.
- Add a Llanos safari extension.
Best season:
January – March and July – December
(Cerro Mavicure climbs depend on weather conditions).
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