Are you planning a trip to the Amazon Rainforest?

I’ve recently been in a beautiful off-the-grid ecolodge for a week. Hopefully, you have already read my experiences from Day 1 until Day 3. If not, you should read the article first. This Amazon Rainforest trip guide will take the guesswork out of your planning and help you make the most of your time in one of the most biodiverse places on earth. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Experience the Beauty and Wonder of the Amazon Rainforest: Days 4 -7 of my experience in the jungle

Day 4: Exploring the Amazon Rainforest – A 2 1/2 Hour Hike, Crafts, and an Overnight Camping Trip

A beautiful hike through the Amazon

After our typical breakfast consisting of freshly squeezed juice, an egg, and arepa, we were ready to start our day. We set out on a breathtaking two 1/2-hour hike through the verdant rainforest. Our guide, Rico, who was a native of the area, expertly pointed out the various plants, insects, animal tracks, and sounds that surrounded us.

He reminded us not to expect to see exotic creatures like anacondas, jaguars, or toucans, as it is not as common as one might think. I mean, how often do you run across a badger or a wolf taking a walk in your local woods? Even without these sightings, the experience was still truly awe-inspiring. Don’t get there with the mindset that you’re now part of the Jungle Book.

Upon arriving at the Ecolodge, we were asked if we wanted to rent, buy, or bring our own rainboots. Initially, we thought we wouldn’t need them, but ultimately, we decided to rent a pair each. This proved to be a wise choice.

There is simply no way to navigate through the Amazon without rainboots – reminding you that we were there during the dry season.

As we trekked through the rainforest, we caught glimpses of monkeys known as “bebeleche” high up in the trees and stumbled upon a spiky plant that held a delightful surprise inside. We even collected one of the plants to use in a crafting session later because when shaking the spiky stem, the plant revealed hundreds of green leaves. The hike was quite grueling due to the high humidity and heat.

A crafting session

After returning, we engaged in a crafting session, making bracelets out of natural materials. We used the green leaves we had collected earlier, which revealed a fine fiber when dissected and dried to create beautiful bracelets.

We also discovered the Huito fruit, which can be used for a natural blue tattoo that lasts for about three weeks, depending on the number of layers applied. The tricky part about applying it is that it is clear when first applied, and the color only develops gradually.

So if you put on ten coats because you think that your tattoo still needs to be darker, don’t be surprised if it will be super dark the following day.

A real night in the jungle

After dinner, we again ventured deep into the jungle to spend the night in hammocks. What an adventure!

Although we had traversed the same path during the day, it was vastly different at night as the jungle was thick and dark. Our guide had already set up our hammocks at the overnight camp, which had built-in mosquito nets to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. The jungle was loud at night, but the sounds were soothing and relaxing.

Day 5: Exploring the Amazon Rainforest – San Martin, Basket Weaving, and Surprising Animal Encounters

Starting the day with another boat ride

We began our day in the jungle with the symphony of nature as the noises of the insects, and other animals gently woke us from our slumber. The ever-changing sounds of the jungle were genuinely mesmerizing.

After a delicious breakfast at the Ecolodge, we embarked on a small boat journey to the indigenous community of San Martin, located a picturesque half-hour ride away.

Arriving in San Martin

The village, boasting a population of 700, was imposing. They had a school, a restaurant, and even a hostel for backpackers to stay in. We were also treated to the sweet and refreshing taste of coconut ice cream.

Our first stop in the village was a basket weaving class, where we were taught how to create intricate baskets. The process was quite involved, but we found it to be a fun and enlightening experience.

After lunch, we took a pottery class using natural materials. We learned that they make the clay out of ashes by burning the bark of a specific type of tree.

Animal Encounters in the Yoi Ecolodge

As the day came to an end, we made our way back to the Ecolodge.

One might expect to have the most animal encounters while out in the rainforest, but we were surprised to have quite a few animal encounters in our hotel room as well.

A cockroach found its way into my bed, a frog in the toilet, multiple cockroaches in the bathroom, a rat on the shower ceiling, and two giant locusts next to our beds.

And I almost forgot to mention the two giant tarantulas on the ceiling, while we were sitting directly under them having a conversation.

Day 6: Exploring the Amazon Rainforest – Exploring the Rich Culture and Biodiversity of Puerto Nariño

Another day – another boat ride

Today, as I stand on the brink of my final full day in the lush jungle, I can’t help but feel a wave of mixed emotions.

Today, we embarked on yet another excursion, this time to the picturesque town of Puerto Nariño. As with all our previous expeditions, we journeyed to this destination via boat.

Puerto Nariño

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Amazon River, the town is renowned for its eco-tourism and rich indigenous culture.

It is home to around 14,000 residents, the majority of whom belong to the Ticuna indigenous tribe, who have lived in this region for thousands of years. The Ticuna possess their own unique language, customs, and traditions, many of which revolve around traditional activities such as fishing, hunting, and agriculture.

The town also attracts a plethora of tourists, eager to immerse themselves in the culture and way of life of the Ticuna people through eco-tourism.

Giant Piraruku fish and other animals

Upon arrival in Puerto Nariño, we made our way to the Wochine Reserve.

As we made our way to the reserve, we were surrounded by an array of cacao plants, native fruits, avenues of palm trees, and grazing cattle. Within the reserve, we were awestruck by the sight of Amazon giant water lilies that spanned up to 3 meters in diameter.

At the reserve, we were greeted by two Piraruku fish from the Amazon protected in this reserve. The largest of the two measures an impressive 4 meters in length. These fish were once abundant in the Amazon, but due to overhunting, they are now protected, and any attempts to hunt them will result in a severe punishment of 10 years in prison.

Additionally, the reserve staff takes care of a toucan and a parrot, adding to the area’s rich biodiversity.

Fishing Piranha

After a satisfying lunch and the welcome return of reception after six days, we set out to fish at Lago Tarapoto. Our guide successfully caught a piranha while the rest of us watched in admiration.

We then returned to the main stream of the Amazon and stopped at a secluded beach to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

As the night fell, we spent our time packing our bags in the dark, as the generator had once again failed to work.

Day 7: Saying Goodbye to the Jungle – Reflecting on an Unforgettable Adventure in the Heart of the Amazon Rainforest

The final boat ride with the small boat

As I stood on the small boat’s deck, taking one last look at the lush jungle that had been my home for the past week, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of mixed emotions.

On the one hand, I was eager to return to the comfort of a bed, free from the fear of cockroach attacks. However, on the other hand, I would undoubtedly miss the tranquility and simplicity of my social detox time here.

The journey back to civilization began early, as we had to wake up at 5 am to catch the main boat that would take us back to Leticia. The journey would start with a 1-and-a-half-hour trip downstream on a small boat, which proved to be quite bumpy.

I had a few anxious moments, fearing that my luggage would fall into the water, but we managed to make it safely to the big tree. At the big tree, we waited for the other boat that would take us back to Leticia, which was on time, which is quite impressive by Colombian standards.

Another 2-hour boat ride on a bigger boat

As we made our way down the Amazon River, I couldn’t help but reflect on all the memories I had made during my time in the jungle.

From hiking through the dense rainforest to fishing for piranhas on Lago Tarapoto, it had been an unforgettable experience. The final leg of the journey was a two-hour boat ride back to Leticia, and from there, we took a taxi to the airport and waited for our flight back to Bogota.

Time to board the plane

As I boarded the plane, I knew this jungle adventure would stay with me forever. The sights, sounds, and people of the Amazon had left a profound impact on me, and I couldn’t wait to come back and experience it all again.

Wrapping up

It was an exhausting, fascinating week with many different impressions.

Like I said before, I’ve never been disconnected from modern life for such an extended period. In our daily lives, when do we ever truly sit and do nothing, let alone think of nothing?

It’s difficult for me as there are so many distractions, especially with a phone always within reach. But in the Amazon rainforest, nothing else mattered, only the present moment.

If you haven’t done it yet, check out my article about my first three days in the Amazon. If you’re in Colombia or planning a trip there, make sure to visit San Jose del Guaviare. It’s another off-the-grid experience, but on a completely different level. Check out the Lost City Trek if you’re looking for a physical challenge.

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