If you are interested in indigenous cultures, medicinal plants, and/or environmental preservation, this trip is for you. The Huaorani people have lived for thousands of years in the Western Ecuadorian rainforest. This tour allowed me to visit the people & learn about their lifestyle. I saw kind, attentive, gentle parenting. I met people who are finely attuned to their environment. I learned about the stranglehold that the oil industry has on governments & the environment, & on the people who live on land coveted by the oil industry. We saw parrots, tucans, oro pendulas, neon blue Morpho butterflies, hummingbirds, & more. Unfortunately, the Huaorani's highly successful lifestyle which is in harmony with nature is increasingly threatened. Their knowledge of medicinal plants may be lost before it can be passed on. Plants & animals in one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet are being lost. On this trip I experienced the beauty of living in harmony with nature, & the destruction of nature for oil profits. The accomodations at the Huaorani Ecolodge were very comfortable. The food prepared by Huaorani cooks was tasty & abundant. As a solo female traveler I felt safe & secure with Tropic Detour staff from the time I was met at my hotel in Quito until I returned to the hotel 5 days later. This was a meaningful adventure on many levels. Before this trip I carefully read all of these reviews to make sure it was right for me.

We had an amazing guide named Louis. Make sure you ask for him before you start your trip. The place is in the middle of the jungle in a very remote area. Do NOT expect any real world comforts. Its quite rough but quite enjoyable at the same time. Adventure junkies will be disappointed as its all very laid back. No animals to be seen but plenty of birds. Feel free to contact me for questions