Expedition to the Apaporis River and to the Morroco Tepuys Vaupes Colombia
Overview
An invitation to share the sacred dance of the Jaguar Men, of the Yuruparí tradition.
In the department of Vaupés on the Cananarí river that flows into the great Apaporís; lives this small community of the Yurupary Jaguar Men lineage, whose origins and ancient traditions have been maintained for hundreds of years (Ethnic Groups: Tucanos, Taibanos, Barasanos, Cubeos, Tatuyos, Besanos, Guananos), and they are inviting us to their sacred ceremony.
This millenary sacred dance ceremony, in which the dancers use their power elements such as crowns of feathers, canes, maracas and animals sacrificed to the gods, perform their dance in the Maloca (sacred house, the cosmic mother), directed by Great Spirit and guided by the shaman: Payé.
Sacred medicinal plants accompany the ritual, ñopo (toasted powdered tobacco that is blown through the nose), mambe (toasted coca leave powdered that is put in the mouth and slowly absorbed), smoked tobacco wrapped in plantain leaves, and Capi or Yagé.
The invitation to the party is for all those who feel the call to learn more about the ancient cultures of the Amazon and want to observe with respect (and without obligation to use sacred plants), admiration, transformation, and joy.
During this expedition, you will live a unique and memorable experience. Between the magnificent landscapes, the cultural exchanges, you will live in total immersion and will fill up with good energies cut from the outside world. As a bonus, you will witness the ancestral dance of Yuruparí, a magical event (unscripted and spontaneous) in danger of extinction. In addition to being an intangible heritage of humanity declared by Unesco, it is an activity that the grandparents of the community wanted to share with outsiders (before they did not show it) because these dances tend to disappear, as the new generations do not practice these sacred acts anymore. Therefore, our presence as visitors means that these dances will be engraved in our memories, in the documentation and will not be forgotten.
- Day 1: Meeting with the Morroco community
- Day 2: Morroco Hill
- Day 3: Community of Morroco
- Day 4: Community of Buenos Aires
- Day 5: Urania hill
- Day 6: Mitú -Bogota
Itinerary
Meeting with the Morroco community
Private charter flight from Mitú to the indigenous village of Buenos Aires in the middle of the jungle (included). Reception and lunch in the community of Buenos Aires. Then we will sail on the Cananari River by boat thr...
Morroco Hill
After a traditional breakfast, we sail from the community of Morroco to the entrance of the Morroco hills. Hike (with your own camping gear) to the Morroco hill and visit the “Sardina” waterfalls. At the top of the Morro...
Community of Morroco
Breakfast and return to the community of Morroco, we arrive for lunch. We will then visit the Chagras of Morroco, the orchards where the community grows cassava, pineapple, coca, tobacco and other plants used for food an...
Community of Buenos Aires
Breakfast and free time to relax and swim in the river, with a view of the Morroco hills. Afterwards, we go for a boat ride to the Apaporis River. We will have lunch and then head to the community of Buenos Aires to sett...
Urania hill
Breakfast and then we take a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Mitú (included), then transfer to the hotel. Lunch and then we go for a hike to the Urania hill in the town of Mitú. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Mitú -Bogota
After breakfast, we will have the morning free to enjoy our last moments and visit Mitú. Lunch and transfer to the airport.
Trip Details
Country
- Colombia
Group Size
- 10 Travelers Max
Tour Highlights
- A unique and memorable experience.
- Learn about mambeo, traditional medicines, myths and community stories.
- Unforgettable cultural immersion amidst spectacular scenery.
Next Departures
- Oct 10th, 2024
- Nov 7th, 2024
- Dec 12th, 2024
- Jan 7th, 2025
Included
- Tour leader and English speaking guide
- Local guides specialized in the region
- Entrance Fees
- Domestic flights
- Boat transportation
- Camping
- Tents, bedding, insulation
- Tous-les-Petits-Déjeuners,-Déjeuners-et-Dîners
- Logement-dans-des-hôtels-standards
- Logement-en-maloka-/-hamac
- Guides-locaux-spécialistes-de-la-région
- 2-vols-domestiques
- Transport-en-bateau
Not Included
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Additional drinks and meals
- Medical insurance
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Tips
Minimum Deposit
- 30 %
Payment Options
- Credit Card (+2.5% fee)
- Wire Transfer (no fees)
Gallery
Recommendations
Follow the tour guide’s recommendations, meet the schedules of the itineraries, and on the trip forget about everyday life and let yourself be impregnated by the natural beauty of the place. Connect your mind with the place and ask Mother Nature for permission beforehand to be in these sacred temples. Do not pick up stones or take them with you, as they can alter the spiritual environment of the place. Walk quietly and carry:
-A change of clothes to travel on flights and land trips.
-A change of clothes for walking (long pants that become shorts, a long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt, tennis shoes or walking boots, river sandals)
-Change of clothes for sleeping (cozy and warm).
-Personal hygiene items. (Toilet paper, soap, toothpaste etc)
-If you are a vegetarian/vegan, bring your own food for us to prepare there.
-Rubber boots
-Tennis.
-Flip flops
-Binoculars if you want to see birds. In Mitú we are going to look for the Guianan cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola). We need to walk in silence.
– A form of official ID
-Personal medications
-Swimsuit
-Water bottle
-Sun hat
– Sunscreen, natural without chemicals. Or don’t use.
-Insect repellent. (We recommend start taking thiamine a couple of weeks before the trip) (abundant)
-Flashlight and a spare set of batteries.
-Photographic camera
-Solar powerbank (preferably to charge your camera and cell phone batteries)
-Ziploc bags of various sizes to pack electronic elements.
-Everything packed in plastic bags
-Personal food utensils: Bowl and a plastic cup. Spoon, fork, and knife.
-Water purifying filter or purifying tablets. (Optional, we give you boiled water)
-Small towel
-No camouflaged element (cloths, caps, blankets …)
-The nights are spent in native houses. You will sleep on a camping mattress, a tent or a hammock (recommended).
-Personal waterproof dome-type tent that does not need to be stake to the ground. (This is if it is difficult for you to sleep in a hammock)
-Waterproof poncho/raincoat.
-camping or light mattress (for those who prefer to not sleep in a hammock).
-Sleeping bag for 15°C or colder (small compact)
-Be vaccinated against yellow fever and tetanus. (It is not mandatory, we only suggest it)
-35 Lt hands-free backpack for walks and hopefully everything is stored in this backpack.
-In terms of safety, together with the local and environmental authorities, we coordinate with the National Army the permits and the places that can be visited for the tranquility of the visitor.
-The average temperature is 30 degrees centigrade and can reach 35 degrees with high humidity.
-Some routes are carried out on unmarked trails. It is important to wear shoes with good grip and, if possible, a cane.
-Bathrooms are wooden rooms with septic tanks within the communities and in open nature when we are in the mountains.
-Take thiamine 15 days before to prevent mosquito bites.
-Gifts for the communities. IT’S NOT MANDATORY. ONLY IF IT IS BORN FROM THE BOTTOM OF YOUR HEART: school supplies, notebooks, colors, paints, children’s stories, fishing nylon, hooks, rubber boots, clothing for children and adults, flashlights or solar energy lamps, etc.
-The community (isolated tribe) lacks some specific elements that can be taken from Bogotá. If we ask them ahead of time, they can tell us their needs and maybe we can bring them those things they need. This is not required.
Spotted Species
Here is a non exhaustive list of Animals Species You can spot during this tour
Terms & Conditions
The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information.
Practical Information
Colombia is a country located in South America, known for its rich cultural history, diverse landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. It offers a wide range of experiences from its Caribbean beaches to its Andean mountains.
Reasons to Go
1. Stunning natural landscapes
2. Rich cultural heritage
3. Delicious cuisine
4. Vibrant cities like Bogota and Medellin
5. Affordable travel destination.
Country Facts
- Official Name: Republic of Colombia
- Location: South America- Time Zone: GMT-5
- Capital: Bogotá
- Population: ~51 million
- Official Language: Spanish
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Economy: Emerging market economy
Regions at a Glance
Bogotá: The capital city, known for its museums, and vibrant culture.
Medellín: Known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant climate.Cartagena: A historical city with beautiful colonial architecture and nearby beaches.
Tourist Attractions
- Cartagena's Walled City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Tayrona National Park- The Coffee Cultural Landscape
- The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)
- Medellin's Metrocable
Money Matters
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
- Credit cards are widely accepted in cities but less so in rural areas
- ATMs are plentiful
Packing List
- Light, breathable clothing for the coast
- Warmer layers for mountain regions
- Rain jacket, hiking boots
Healthcare Requirements
- Tap water is generally safe in cities but should be purified in rural areas.
- Street food is generally safe but use your judgment.
Culture
Colombia has a rich cultural landscape influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, and African heritages. From the rhythms of Cumbia and Vallenato to the nation's love for soccer, Colombia is a tapestry of traditions.
Accommodation
- Hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs are widely available.
- Budget options from $20/night, mid-range $40-$80, luxury $100+
- Generally safe for solo female travelers, but always take standard precautions.
Visa Requirements
- Illegal drugs are severely punished
- Respect local traditions and customs
- Public displays of affection are generally accepted but may be frowned upon in rural areas.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Police: 112
Medical emergency: 112
Embassy: Check for your country's embassy contact
Electricity, Plugs, and Voltage
- Plug type: Types A and B
- Voltage: 110V
- Frequency: 60Hz
Climate
Tropical near the coast and in the lowlands, cooler in the mountains. Light clothing for the coast, warmer layers for the mountains.
Public Transportation
- Public buses and TransMilenio in Bogotá
- Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available
- Domestic flights for long distances
Language Spoken
Spanish is the official language. Basic English is understood in tourist areas.
- Useful phrases: "Hola" (Hello), "Gracias" (Thank)
Sustainability Tips
- Use refillable water bottles
- Respect local customs and natural habitats
- Opt for eco-friendly accommodation and tours
Useful Apps & Websites
- Google Translate for language translation
- Uber or local taxi apps for transportation
- TripAdvisor for reviews and recommendations
Colombia offers a rich travel experience that caters to all types of travelers. From its diverse landscapes to its vibrant culture, Colombia is a destination that should not be missed. Check out other resources on our website for more information.
Tour Guide
Ivan Macias
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