WAO KAMP

Few global icons have managed to reinvent themselves as Will Smith has. His charisma is well known and has propelled his career. From his beginnings as a rapper and sitcom star to one of the most famous celebrities worldwide, Smith has a knack for connecting with people.

His genuine personality and charisma give his projects a human, authentic feel. Fueled by this personality and to honor his mentor, the late Dr. Allen Cullen, Will Smith started one of his most ambitious projects.

Will Smith’s personal passion project

In collaboration with Disney and National Geographic, Pole to Pole with Will Smith shows a 100-day journey around the world. In each episode, we visit a unique place on Earth and follow Smith and his companions on their journey.

Beyond a travel documentary, Pole to Pole is a window to the wonders Smith and his companions show. Will Smith puts the spotlight on his companions and the experience of each of these places.

Smith’s openness, humor, and genuine emotional reactions are what make the show resonate so deeply. He takes a humble approach to each trip and shows his genuine fascination for the action. He even faced some of his fears within the Ecuadorian Amazon. And talking about that:

Facing the Ecuadorian Amazon

Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest stands out as one of the most powerful chapters of the journey. Two episodes put this region in the spotlight, inviting viewers into an eerie and whimsical world.

One episode explores the enigmatic Cave of the Tayos, a site long wrapped in mystery and legend. This Cave is famous among climbers, including Carla Pérez, who went alongside Smith.

In this episode, Smith faced one of his biggest fears: Spiders. The toxicologist Bryan Fry was also part of the expedition into the Amazon. The mission at the Cave was to find new tarantulas and spider species to study their venom and properties.

The second episode, which focused on the Ecuadorian Amazon, took Will Smith into the heart of the Yasuni National Park. Yasuni is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, if not the most.

Watching Will Smith experience Yasuní is watching a perspective shift in real time. Surrounded by towering trees, dense jungle sounds, and a living ecosystem that operates on its own rhythm, the superstar is visibly humbled. Smith’s reactions capture what many travelers feel when they first encounter the Amazon.

This episode also had the goal to find an animal often feared by humans: snakes. Particularly, the Yasuni is famous for the great presence of boas and anacondas, and the crew went out to find the latter.

They took one of his scales and samples, without harming the imposing snake. Will Smith’s childlike reactions have gained him a lot of sympathy from his audience since he also hates snakes.

The Importance of this project to the region

The Yasuni National Park demands attention and to be present while you visit it. The air feels heavier with life, and every visitor can feel it as they step deeper into the lush green sea of trees.

Due to Smith’s platform, the beautiful Ecuadorian Amazon is in the spotlight worldwide. These kinds of visits show the importance and beauty of the region. Will Smith’s presence brings global attention, but it’s the rainforest that leaves the lasting impression.

For travelers inspired by Pole to Pole, Yasuní offers a chance to connect with nature. This also becomes an incentive for the preservation of the region.

The beauty of the region draws the attention of many visitors and avid travelers. Thanks to Will Smith’s effort, even more travelers are diving into the Yasuni. For a complete Yasuni Experience, we can offer some of the most complete and intimate dives designed right for you.