Expedition to Guainia and The Cerros of Mavecure, El Coco community and Fluvial Star

Day 1

Rendezvous at the airport in Inìrida; check-in at the hotel. We will start the day visiting the Indigenous community called El Coco where we will learn something of their culture and have the opportunity to appreciate and or purchase their handicrafts. Dusk will find us on the banks of the Inìrida river revelling in the awakening sounds of the forests as evening draws on. Hotel accommodation for that night is provided leaving the visitor free to eat out in Inìrida and sample the local cuisine.

Day 2

Breakfast, departure towards the river dock, followed by 2 hours in a boat before reaching the Cerros or the Peaks of Mavecure. During the trip we will discover the villages and hamlets of the Puinave, Curripaco, Tucano, Cubeo y Sikuani indigenous people who live along the riverbank. Arriving at Mavecure, we have an initial ascent which is a medium level of difficulty. We share lunch with members of the El Remanso community, followed by a canoe ride to San Joaquin and a session of trying to spot the elusive, but very beautiful pink dolphins which are so emblematic of so many of the still unspoilt rivers of Colombia. The day ends with the enjoyment of dusk seen from the beach, followed by dinner with the community with the day ending with the projection of a documentary of local and environmental interest with the community.

Day 3

Breakfast, followed by an 11km walk which will take us on a route through the flowery meadows surrounding Inìrida followed by a trip to the Denshikoira Canyon and the Devil`s Peak. A picnic lunch next to the Mavecure Rapids, finishing off the day with a river trip back to El Remanso for dinner and rest.

Day 4

Breakfast with the community, with an opportunity to get to learn about their self-sufficiency and sustainability projects which we will have an opportunity to participate in with a session of tree-planting, followed by our return trip downriver to the municipality of Inìrida, with the first stop being for food, fuel and drinks, then taking off back down the river again to the Natural Reserve Moru which we reach by navigating all four of the rivers of the area: Inìrida, Guaviare, Atabàpo and Orinoco.

We will explore the reserve and have lunch there, visiting the mouth of the river Atabàpo where we will attend a presentation about indigenous cosmology. We return to the municipality of Inìrida, staying overnight in the hotel and having a free evening to explore Inìrida and find dinner in the town.

Day 5

Breakfast. We will go to the Witch’s Lagoon and enjoy a morning of kayaking on this lovely stretch of water and take a dip if we feel motivated enough to do so. We will return to the hotel with enough time to sort out our luggage, and possibly buy some souvenirs, with lunch being ours to organise for ourselves in the town. A fleet of tuc tuc will take us to the airport/ airstrip for our return trip to Bogota DC.

El Remanso and the Cerros of Mavicure

Cerro Mono, Cerro Pajarito and Mavicure are the places that give life to the legend of the Puinave indigenous people in which a beautiful princess became the flower of Inírida. Located in the Guiana massif, fifty kilometers from the capital of the Department, these immense hills rise to allow us to carry out recreational activities such as hiking, contemplation of fauna and flora, bird watching, camping and water sports in the river. , like canoeing.

Coco Viejo Community

On the banks of the river Inìrida, where the Guaviare and Inìrida rivers converge, the Coco Viejo community stands guard over their stretch of the river and the pictograms painted by their distant ancestors. When they’re not standing watch, the inhabitants of the community spend their peaceful lives dedicated to agriculture and making handicrafts to sell to tourists. There is so much character to this place and specifically so very much personality in the wonderful people who take us in and welcome us to their home, despite how very alien we must appear to them, a trip to this community should be mandatory for anyone visiting Puerto inìrida.

The Fluvial Star of the East

We can reach the river Guaviare by going down the river Inìrida, and one hour further on from there we reach the waters of the river Atabapo alongside those of the Orinoco. Where these rivers meet we can see on the waters surface a mix of colours and sediments which arise in the form of a star, a unique set of circumstances which give this peculiar landscape its name. Furthermore, this place rejoices in being a holder of the Territory Ramsar certification, a title which is only given to those places in the world with the greatest wealth in terms of water resources. Easy to see why this special place wins such accreditation: in Guiana there is three times more water than there is in the entirety of the European continent.

Inìrida tourist route

We will visit a charming tourist area where we can find something for everyone amongst the wide variety of local, handmade handicrafts and jewellery offered to us by the community.

😷 Bring a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kit (Masks, antibacterial gel, alcohol spray, goggles or face shield, disposable tissues, waste disposal bag).

💧 Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the trip.

🧢 Wear a hat or cap for sun protection. Use sunscreen, especially on your face.

👕 Pack lightweight, breathable clothes for five days in hot weather. Include a change of clothes and long pants and sleeves to protect against scratches from branches. Bring a raincoat and pack clothes in plastic bags to prevent moisture.

🥾 Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes, and bring an extra pair in case your shoes get wet.

💊 Bring necessary medications and personal documents (medical insurance card and ID). There are no ATMs in the area, so bring enough cash for personal expenses.

🎒 Avoid wheeled suitcases and use a small backpack for personal items during walks.

🔦 Bring a flashlight.

🧴 Use organic repellent and sunscreen to avoid contaminating water sources.

🩱 Don't forget to pack your swimsuit and towel for personal use.

Relevant Information:

• Please note that you are responsible for your belongings. Protect your electronic devices and personal documents from rain and humidity.
• Make sure to have your phone fully charged for taking photos and using it in case of emergencies.
• Your safety is paramount, so please be cautious, always keep the group in sight, and follow the instructions of the guide or tour coordinator.
• Avoid going on hikes if you are sleep-deprived, under the influence of alcohol, pregnant, or have any medical conditions.
• Strictly adhere to your doctor's instructions in case of injuries and remember to bring your personal medications.
• We recommend booking your trip at least 3 weeks in advance of your selected travel date. Dates close to departure are subject to hotel availability, flight availability, and river transportation.
• If you have special health restrictions, it is advisable to consult your doctor before purchasing air tickets.
• During the rainy season (June, July, August, October, and November), the river and its tributaries swell, allowing boats to navigate more freely within the flooded forest, providing a magical setting for birdwatching. In the dry season (December, January, February, March, and April), you can enjoy beautiful landscapes of beaches, savannahs, and streams, perfect for relaxation and hiking along various trails.
• For older adults, it is important to assess health conditions before embarking on demanding hikes and tours, considering extreme weather conditions.
• In the Guainía department, the provision of tourist services is subject to changes according to seasonal weather conditions, which may cause delays in the itinerary. Any modifications will be agreed upon with the group to ensure safety and satisfaction during the activity.