COLOMBIAN AMAZONIA

Dates: December 1 — 17, 2023

Duration: 17 days / 16 nights

Number of participants: 7 — 10

Cost per person:
— 5 690 USD subject to 10 participants,
— 6 090 USD subject to 8 – 9 participants,
— 6 590 USD subject to 7 participants, based on twin/double accommodation.

10% early booking discount (in case you book before July 1, 2023)

Everything is included except for:
— international flight to Bogota roundtrip
— medical insurance
— lunches and dinners in Bogota and Mitu.

Estimated flight cost from Moscow to Bogota roundtrip is about 1800 — 2200 USD.
Estimated flight cost from Istanbul to Bogota roundtrip is about 1300 – 1700 USD.
Estimated flight cost from Madrid to Bogota roundtrip is about 950 — 1200 USD.
Estimated flight cost from Paris to Bogota roundtrip is about 1000 — 1200 USD.
Estimated total cost for lunches and dinners in Bogota and Mitu is about 150 USD.

Single supplement in hotels: 250 USD (provided both in hotels)

Single supplement in tents: 210 USD (provided both in tents)




TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO COLOMBIAN AMAZONIA
Day 1. December 1, 2023 (Friday). ARRIVAL IN BOGOTA

Any time arrival by plane in Bogota – capital of Colombia. Transfer to the Hotel Casa Deco 3* or similar.

Rest and free time today. If you wish, you can take a walk around the city center of Bogota, visit the historical part of the city – the Candelaria district, famous for its old streets and colorful colonial architecture, or climb Mount Montserrat by funicular, which offers a breathtaking view of Bogota.

At night we can go out to a nice restaurant in the neighborhood and meet and greet each other. Overnight in Hotel Casa Deco or similar.

* Recommended flights:
— by Turkish Airlines from Moscow with a stopover in Istanbul, departure from Moscow on December 1 at 2:55 am, stopover in Istanbul 3 hours 30 minutes, then departure from Istanbul on December 1 at 9:30 am, arrival in Bogota on December 1 at 14:55,
— by Turkish Airlines from Istanbul, departure from Istanbul on December 1 at 9:30 am arrival in Bogota on December 1 at 14:55,
— by Iberia Airline from Madrid, departure from Madrid on December 1 at 16:20, arrival in Bogota on December 1 at 20:45,
— by Avianca from Barcelona, departure from Barcelona on December 1 at 15:35, arrival in Bogota on December 1 at 20:10,
— by Air France from Paris, departure from Paris on December 1 at 17:15, arrival in Bogota on December 1 at 22:05,
— or by any other flight from any city with arrival in Bogota at any time on December 1.

Meals included: no
Accommodation included: Hotel Casa Deco 3* or similar


Day 2. December 2, 2023 (Saturday). BOGOTA – MITU

Breakfast and transfer to the airport of Bogota. We fly to Mitu in the middle of the jungle of the state of Vaupes with a scheduled plane of Satena airlines approx. 12:30 – 13:50. Timing changes on this flight. Transfer to the Hotel Los Paisas.

The course of the program in Mitu depends on the time of arrival and the onward flight the next day. Depending on the weather, it can be even on the day after next (we have a buffer day for that). Therefore, the process in Mitu (and later in Comunidad Buenos Aires) is flexibly adapted to the circumstances.

Possible program points are: a visit to the city center with cathedral, lively Indian market, bathing beach with sandbank or rock slab shore, kilometers of bamboo forest on the river bank, hospitality in the Maloca of Urania, Cerro Flecha Hill, boat trip in a dugout canoe in a picturesque overgrown river arm passing under one of the covered bridges. Mitu is known for its variety of chichas (4 types of indigenous beer) and guarapes (2 types of fruit wine). We will try to get to know these varieties. In one of the typical bars in the center there is an opportunity for a drink.

In the evening we pack everything we don't need on the upcoming jungle expedition and want to deposit here (e.g. warm things and luggage for the return flight).

Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Los Paisas


Day 3. December 3, 2023 (Sunday). MITU – COMUNIDAD BUENOS AIRES

We deposit all luggage that we do not need for the jungle expedition in the hotel. In time for the departure of the charter plane we drive to Mitu Airport (the departure may be announced at very short notice and may be postponed due to the weather). Approx. 50 min flight with a propeller plane to Comunidad Buenos Aires in the middle of the jungle of the state of Vaupes. Possibly, during the flight we can optionally (at extra cost) 1) fly over the table mountain Morokko (located not very far from the flight route before landing) to see the sacred rock towers, and circle around to see the vertical rock edge and the waterfall several hundred meters high; or 2) fly over the Jijirijimo waterfall (located further beyond the landing field).

The program in Buenos Aires depends on the weather-related arrival time/day and is flexibly adapted. Possible activities are: hospitality in the large Maloca, acculturated emigrated Barasana group, school, communication center.

Overnight for the first time in hammocks with mosquito nets or in tents with mattresses (each of you decides in advance).

Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in tents or hammocks


Day 4. December 4, 2023 (Monday). COMUNIDAD BUENOS AIRES – BRAZIL BORDER – RADAUL DE JIJIRIJIMO WATERFALL

After breakfast we will go down the Rio Cananari in a motorboat. Halfway we cross the equator - which of course has to be celebrated. We pass the mouth of the Rio Apaporis. The river is the border with Brazil on the other bank.

Shortly before the Jijirijimo waterfall we moor on the bank and take a footpath through the forest to a small waterfall with a small lake below. There, with the help of our porters, we set up the covered night camp with a view on the small waterfall, that invites you to an idyllic bath in the middle of the impenetrable jungle.

Then we trek through a short gorge to the large, wide waterfall Radaul de Jijirijimo. The roar of the waterfall can be heard from afar. We climb down rocks on the many falls. Bizarre stone formations that are reminiscent of living things, hollows, overhangs, circular partly water-filled holes in the plateaus and colored areas offer a variety of additional photo motifs. At the lowest point, a small sandy beach with a view on the waterfall awaits us. The descent takes place over large rocks with different levels of difficulty. Everyone has to decide for themselves, what they think they can risk. A foot path runs parallel to the descent through the forest with several entrances to the plateaus on the edge of the multi-level waterfall.

We return to our overnight accommodation well before dark. Here we can also try to wash gold from the river sand, as it is still practiced here today. We pack a small day luggage for one day and an overnight stay including swimming suit and camera – because on the tomorrows steep ascent to the table mountain with various ladders the main luggage cannot be taken.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in tents or hammocks


Day 5. December 5, 2023 (Tuesday). JIJIRIJIMO WATERFALL – RIO CANANARI – TEPUI CERRO MOROKKO

After breakfast we return to the motor boat above the waterfall and go up river the very wide Rio Cananari. We pass the Comunidad Buenos Aires without stopping there again. The river meanders through the untouched rainforest, where – if we are lucky – we can also see some local animals. Via a narrow side-channel we reach a large fish-rich lake, where we can try out our fishing luck. Large strangling snakes are said to live on the shore, which we want to search for from our safe boat. Back on the Rio Cananari, the Cerro Morokko table mountain (Tepui) rises in the direction of travel in the distance. In front of the large Moroko rapids, our boat is moored at the small indigenous village of Morroko, where we deposit our main luggage for one day.

With our day luggage we cross the river and start our strenuous trekking to the Cerro Morokko table mountain. The path leads ever steeper uphill over root stairs and on rock cliffs – also up several ladders that possibly need to be repaired first. We pass a high multi-level waterfall under which we can take a bath. We climb from approx. 200 m jungle altitude to approx. 600 m plateau height, up to a group of gigantic moss-covered rock towers with almost vertical deeply grooved walls.

We set up our night camp under a large rock-overhang in the middle between the rock towers, from which water constantly drips down.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in tents or hammocks


Day 6. December 6, 2023 (Wednesday). TEPUI CERRO MOROKKO

After breakfast we explore the area of the top of the table mountain. There are some sacred sites of Wai Reariku of the local indigenous people. The most impressive we can visit – under strict observance of the indigenous taboos! There is also a continuous cave with bats, a small waterfall with a shallow lake, and several viewpoints that we can visit. All sites are in exposed places, so that we return on the same way. Access is of different difficulty-levels, so that everyone has to decide for themselves, what they can do.

We return to our camp between big stone columns high on the table mountain. In the late afternoon we can walk to a little waterfall for a nice cool bath. Just in time before dawn, we return to our sleeping place for dinner and a second picturesque night in our hammocks or tents.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in tents or hammocks


Day 7. December 7, 2023 (Thursday). TEPUI CERRO MOROKKO – MOROKKO VILLAGE

After breakfast we visit a place, where we have a great view from the top over the whole jungle. Hopefully we are lucky and have long clear views down. Back to our camp, we prepare our baggage to return to the Cananari river.

In the early afternoon we trek back on another jungle path. We pass another high, multi-level waterfall, where we can take a last bath on the table mountain. On the further way back, we will cross a little creek and go to great ancestral paintings on the feet of the Morroko table mountain. It is a nice way to walk through the jungle – between the wall of the table mountain and the jungle. Here we also can observe a lot of big vivid macaws, having their nests in the big wall of the table mountain.

Further down we reach the ascent path and return to the village of Morroko. We spend the night in the village's maloca and enjoy the hospitality of the local indigenous people. The main luggage is available here again. Overnight in hammocks.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in tents or hammocks


Day 8. December 8, 2023 (Friday). MORROKO VILLAGE – RIO CANANARI

After breakfast we drive river up the Rio Cananari in a "wooden" motor canoe (due to the rapids). The boat has to be carried over several rapids, in which - depending on the water level - only the main luggage remains. We then get out of the boat and walk a path through the forest along the bank. You can try walking directly along the bank through the river – to photograph the boat in the rapids. But the bank embankment, rock slabs and large rocks on the bank are very difficult and risky to pass with photographic equipment.

After almost all-day driving, we turn into a narrow, picturesque – unfortunately very short – black-water canal. The last part of the way is too flat for the boat. Here we have to get out and walk first over an underwater rock slab and then along the riverbed. The path ends at a covered, all side open sleeping place. We shouldn't run barefoot here, as niguas (sand fleas) live in the sand. Stockings and clocks are a good protection. You have the opportunity to bath/swim in the flat black-water river between huge rock slabs. Possibly, we can go on a boat trip to witness crocodile hunting in the dark.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in tents or hammocks


Day 9. December 9, 2023 (Saturday). TREKKING ACROSS THE JUNGLE

After breakfast we start our jungle trekking on a narrow path through the untouched rainforest. On the way, several rivers have to be crossed on narrow crossings or over tree-trunk bridges. Our companions will provide assistance. There is enough time on the way to take pictures of nature and adventurous trekking. The group should definitely stay together on the trek because the path is not always easy to recognize. Again and again there are slight inclines and ascents to be overcome.

Finally we reach a shelter that will be our overnight camp. Here you have the opportunity to wash on a narrow river right next to the camp. Please keep on stockings and clocks again.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in tents or hammocks


Day 10. December 10, 2023 (Sunday). TREKKING ACROSS THE JUNGLE – BARASANA TRIBE'S MALOCA

After breakfast we continue our trek through the jungle. In front of us there is an increase of 250 m, in parts via root-stairs. On the high plateau, the path leads over extensive rock slabs and through gullies. Here we find a unique flora that is reminiscent of high tepuis. We also pass a landing field belonging the former drug lord Escobar, from where the here extracted cocaine has been brought out of the country.

After 250 m descent, we will pass plantations of the former Maloca (very big communal house) of Barasana. Here we absolutely have to stay and wait together – until we are announced at the Barasana and they are ready to welcome us. In advance there are no means of communication to announce our visit. That is the reason, why only those scouts, who have already had contact with them, who know them and whom they trust, go first.

We will strictly observe their taboos. And under no circumstances will we leave or exchange objects of civilization there – especially no western clothing, plastic objects or technology – because we don't want to be the ones, who leave behind us culturally "burnt earth". But anyway they are very happy about unwrapped sweets and loose tobacco (without cigarette paper) and see themselves with enthusiasm on the display of the camera or hear their own voices/singing immediately after recording. We will willingly fulfill these wishes in order to maintain their enthusiasm during our presence.

Probably at dusk we can go together to the Maloca of Barasana, are greeted by the Jefe (chief) and the shamans and led into the Maloca. It is only illuminated by a large spherical chandelier with a resin light and a long wood chip. When photographing, we will anytime respect the darkness of their Maloca – even all day in the following days – and do not use torches or flashlights there, because the eyes of the Barasana also take a long time to adapt to the darkness. As guests we have to reckon with the fact that – to protect us from bad influences – our faces are painted with patterns made of red plant paint (washable with soap or alcoholic refreshing towels). In this case, we believe, also the Barasana paint themselves very photogenic.

In the course of the evening there is an opportunity to observe the enjoyment of Coca-dust Mambe and the slightly mind-altering strong snuff Yopo, which is blown into the nose through a tube. If they offer one of it to us, it would be a great honor. We should at least pretend to consume Mambe dust. As for Yopo, everyone can decide for themselves whether they dare to try it. This is very serious and may be dangerous for you. It burns like hell in the nose for about 1 minute and can lead to balance disorders for a while. Before going to bed (provided the sky is clear) you can admire the crystal clear starry sky. Overnight in the old Maloca in hammocks.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: old Maloca (Barasana traditional dwelling) in tents or hammocks


Day 11. December 11, 2023 (Monday). BARASANA TRIBE'S MALOCA

In the morning we can go about 800 m hill down to a multi-level shallow waterfall for swimming.

This is the only washing place for the Barasana, where men and women go to wash at different times. After breakfast, the Maloca offers the opportunity to observe the daily activities of women and men, e.g. how they chop the poisonous yucca on a large grater, squeeze the poison in a long tube and bake meter-diameter cassava bread and the granular farina from the flour, how they pound small fish into a pulp (together with cassava bread their main food), how they fry and stamp coca leaves and process it in a bag to very fine dust ("Mambe") and turn their own tobacco into snuff ("Yopo"). We hope to be able to accompany the Barasana women to their fields and the Barasana boys for fishing. Possibly, they show us how to prepare Barbasco fish poison and fish with it. Due to the consequential damage in the further course of the river, however, they use this fishing method only very rarely.

The whole tribal community lives together in an imposing, pointed gullible "Maloca" with a roof that almost reaches the ground. Only the sleeping places of the women are separated by a privacy screen. Men and women each live in half of the house and have separate entrances that can be folded down at night.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: old Maloca (Barasana traditional dwelling) in tents or hammocks


Day 12. December 12, 2023 (Tuesday) . BARASANA TRIBE'S MALOCA

After breakfast we try to persuade the hunters to demonstrate their weapons and shooting accuracy in the forest: blowgun, bow and arrow and spear. We can try out our targeting arts ourselves. An animal hunting success would hardly be possible with a group "in tow", but we will try. In the forest, they usually harvest seasonal fruit on their way back. If they are successful, they bring it back with back packs produced ad hoc. Other conceivable activities are boat building, children swinging at lianas, seeing cicada (big insect) tubes/towers, making cigars and using them with a cigar holder and getting to know the variety of traditional instruments. What the Barasana show us is their decision, because they are hosts and not actors. In the evening we hope to see the Barasana dances in the Maloca, where they also play some of their instruments. In this case they will ask us to dance and have a good time. Of course we treat them to the fun.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: old Maloca (Barasana traditional dwelling) in tents or hammocks


Day 13. December 13, 2023 (Wednesday). BARASANA TRIBE'S MALOCA – SMALL JUNGLE VILLAGE

After breakfast as early as possible we set off for the full-day trek to the next landing field. Only luggage can be transported by boat, as there are many rapids on the route. On the way we pass a picturesque waterfall with very old petroglyphs. The Barasana do not know the origin of these stone carvings. The destination of our trek is a small jungle village with a jungle landing runway. We set up our camping and spend overnight.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in tents or hammocks


Day 14. December 14, 2023 (Thursday). SMALL JUNGLE VILLAGE – MITU

During the day approx. 45 minutes charter flight with a propeller plane back to Mitu. As on the outward flight, we only find out the flight date at very short notice and it can be postponed due to the weather. On the return flight optionally (at extra cost) we can arrange to fly over the Maloca of Barasana, which is a bit far off the return flight route.

Upon arrival transfer to the hotel in Mitu. The deposited luggage is available here again. After a short break we set off on a 4 km hike around the airfield and along the bamboo-covered river bank to the center of the city. In a bar we can toast on the successful expedition. Return or transfer to the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel Los Paisas


Day 15. December 15, 2023 (Friday). MITU

This is a buffer day, since the return flight from the runway possibly can take place not before today. We will use the available time to explore other destinations in and around Mitu.

Possible program points are (those we missed on the way there): a visit to the city center with cathedral, lively Indian market, bathing beach with sandbank or rock slab shore, kilometers of bamboo forest on the river bank, hospitality in the Maloca of Urania, Cerro Flecha Hill, boat trip in a dugout canoe in a picturesque overgrown river arm passing under one of the covered bridges.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Los Paisas


Day 16. December 16, 2023 (Saturday). MITU – BOGOTA

After breakfast transfer to the airport. We fly back to Bogota National Airport with a scheduled flight of Satena airlines, approx. 14:20 -15:35. Experience has shown that severe delays can be expected. Thus, better not to plan anything for Bogota sightseeing.

Upon arrival to Bogota, transfer to the Hotel 109 Suites 4* or similar. Rest at the hotel. You can go out for a dinner or walk.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel 109 Suites 4* or similar


Day 17. December 17, 2023 (Sunday). BOGOTA – RETURN FLIGHT

After breakfast we can take a walk and see another center of Bogota, as our hotel is located in different part of the city. Early in the afternoon transfer to the airport to take evening flight back home.

* Recommended flights:
— by Turkish Airlines to Moscow with a stopover in Istanbul, departure from Bogota on December 17 at 16:25, arrival in Istanbul on December 18 at 16:30, stopover in Istanbul 4 hours 35 minutes, then departure from Istanbul on December 18 at 21:05, arrival in Moscow on December 19 at 0:05 am,
— by Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, departure from Bogota on December 17 at 16:25, arrival in Istanbul on December 18 at 16:30,
— by Iberia Airline to Madrid, departure from Bogota on December 17 at 18:20, arrival in Madrid on December 18 at 10:10 am,
— by Air France to Paris, departure from Bogota on December 17 at 23:55, arrival in Paris on December 18 at 16:10,
— or any other flight from Bogota to any city with departure at any time on December 17.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no


* The itinerary can be changed in the course of expedition by the decision of the team leader for the sake of the interests of the participants, due to weather conditions, flight conditions or due to safety reasons.
Activities schedule for days 10 – 13 may be changed or performed in completely different order depending on the activities of Barasana community and their will.

** The participant of expedition to Barasana must be motivated to be respectful to Barasana culture, be aware of the objectives of the expedition and possible program changes depending on weather conditions, be in a good shape and able to adapt to the new environment and culture.