WAO KAMP

Among the many opportunities to travel around the world, the Amazon has always caught my attention. In my mind, the Amazon rainforest (especially the Yasuni) always evokes mystery and secrecy. So, of course, I’d hop onto any opportunity to visit it as soon as it came.

Until this point in my life, I missed some chances to visit the Yasuni rainforest, but it finally came. It is considered the most biodiverse place on Earth, so what better place to have my first safari experience? It felt as if the Amazon itself was calling me to visit it.

Of course, I couldn’t keep the experience to myself, so let me tell you about the complete Wao Safari Experience.

Before Going Into the Yasuni

The first stop was El Coca City, offering the first glimpse of Amazonian culture. Sadly, I could not stay there long since I had to reach the Shiripuno River by noon and was a bit short on time.

On the way, I started noticing how different the weather was. Since I’m more used to drier, colder weather, I could really feel the change of air in the Amazon. It kinda was like the Amazon was embracing me. As I reached the Shiripuno River, my excitement started to grow even more.

Once In the Yasuni

Navigating the Shiripuno River was my first contact with the Yasuni. I must admit that I was stunned by the way the dense rainforest seemed to swallow everything around it. The trees stretched toward the sky while the river carved its way through the forest.

Every turn felt like entering a completely different world.

As we ventured deeper into the Yasuni, the feeling of isolation became even stronger. There were no roads, no cities, and barely any signs of human presence. Just the endless sounds of the rainforest.

After several hours navigating the river, we finally arrived at Wao Kamp. The way the safari camp blends with nature puts you in awe as much as it makes you feel comfortable. The camp immediately gave me the feeling that this part of the safari itself.

The staff handled everything we needed and were very kind. Upon arrival, they offered us a mocktail and gave us a brief overview of the experience. We then went for a short night walk right as the sun was setting. Through the night walk, Marcelo -our guide- showed us a plethora of different insects. We also got to see many tiny frogs croaking in the night. The most memorable species was called Glass Frog, which is translucent. It was both eerie and beautiful.

Since we were already a bit tired from the trip and had to wake up early the next day, we headed back to the camp early. But still, even there, the feeling that the rainforest itself was alive permeated.

Birds calling from the canopy, insects humming around us, and the occasional splash in the water reminded me that life was everywhere, even when I couldn’t see it. It felt less like checking into accommodation and more like home in the jungle.

It didn’t take long for wildlife to start making an appearance. And while the birds sang their welcomes, the first animals I could actually spot were the monkeys.

The first ones I saw were a family of squirrel monkeys jumping between the branches. They watched us just as we watched them. Not long after, we encountered woolly monkeys moving through the higher canopy. They were completely unfazed by our presence and kept on moving.

After several hours navigating the river, we finally arrived at Wao Kamp. The way the safari camp blends with nature puts you in awe as much as it makes you feel comfortable. The camp immediately gave me the feeling that this was part of the safari itself.

The camp felt cozy and comfortable to rest before continuing the journey. The traditional design also helped me feel refreshed by the breeze. The entire staff ensured that our stay was as comfortable and accessible as possible. They handled everything we needed and were very kind.

Upon arrival, we had a welcome briefing with a mocktail, explaining the details of the experience. We then went for a short night walk right as the sun was setting. Through the night walk, Marcelo -our guide- showed us a plethora of different insects. We also got to see many tiny frogs croaking in the night. The most memorable species was called Glass Frog, which is translucent. It was both eerie and beautiful at the same time.

Since we were already a bit tired from the trip and had to wake up early the next day, we headed back to the camp early.

Direct Safari Encounters

Every day began early. Before sunrise, we were already preparing for another expedition, coffee in hand and spectating. That sense of anticipation quickly became one of my favorite parts of the experience.

Some mornings we explored by boat along the Shiripuno River, while others took us deep into the forest on guided walks. Every outing felt different because the Amazon is constantly changing. The guides often reminded us that nature sets the schedule here, which augmented the sense of wonder.

It didn’t take long for the rainforest to reveal its inhabitants.

Along the riverbanks, the scenery constantly changed. Giant river otters appeared, swimming together, surfacing every few moments before disappearing beneath the water again. Nearby, capybaras rested quietly while caimans blended into the shoreline, barely noticeable until they opened their eye.

Like every safari, there was one animal everyone secretly hoped to see.

The jaguar remained elusive, but the rainforest still left us with an unforgettable reminder that it was nearby. Fresh jaguar footprints marked the muddy riverbank, their size making it impossible to mistake them for anything else. Standing beside those tracks, knowing one of the Amazon’s most iconic predators had passed through not long before us.

Not every memorable encounter involved predators. Finding out how fast tapirs swam was a jaw-dropping realization. I was quite stunned by how fast it was, compared to a motorized canoe.

Birdwatching experience

For bird lovers, Wao Kamp is nothing short of spectacular.

One of our expeditions was to a clay lick where we could see many bird species. But the ones that had the spotlight were the red and green macaws. Their calls made the experience stand out, and their colored feathers created a scene worthy of a postcard.

We were also lucky to spot two rare species: the black-necked red cotinga and the spangled cotinga. Their brilliant colors almost looked unreal against the surrounding greenery.

And perhaps the most impressive sight of all was catching a glimpse of a majestic harpy eagle perched high above the canopy. Seeing one of the world’s most powerful eagles in its natural habitat is something I’ll never forget.

Close encounters of the wild kind

The rainforest never stopped surprising us. It also revealed some of its quieter residents.

During one river expedition, we encountered tortoises resting near the shore. The guide said they were both morrocoy and terecay tortoises.

Once the sun disappeared, the safari took on a completely different character.

Night walks became one of the most exciting parts of staying at Wao Kamp. The rainforest transformed after dark, revealing species that remain hidden during the day. Tiny insects filled the forest with sound while colorful amphibians emerged on leaves and branches. One of my favorite discoveries was the beautifully camouflaged fringed leaf frog, a reminder that even the smallest creatures contribute to the Amazon’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Every excursion felt different. Some moments were filled with exciting wildlife encounters, while others were simply about appreciating the silence, the rivers, and the immense biodiversity surrounding us. That’s the magic of the Amazon: you never know what the rainforest is willing to reveal next.

More Than a Wildlife Safari

While the wildlife was undoubtedly the highlight of the experience, what made the journey special was the setting.

It is one of the last places on the planet where nature remains practically untouched. Visiting this region is more than a bucket-list experience; it’s a chance to connect with nature and be surprised.

The Wao Safari Experience completely changed the way I see the Amazon. Before visiting, I imagined it as a mysterious rainforest full of incredible animals. After leaving, I realized it’s much more than that.

It’s a place where every river, every tree, every sound, and every footprint tells a story. Even on the days when wildlife stayed hidden, simply being immersed in the Yasuni felt like an unforgettable privilege.

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing nature at its wildest, this is one destination that truly lives up to the expectations.