AKUANI RIVER LODGE

AKUANI
RIVER LODGE

UNLEASH THE ULTIMATE FISHING ADVENTURE

Venture deep into Colombia’s pristine wilderness for an unrivaled fishing experience at Akuani River Lodge.

Nestled in the heart of the untamed jungle, this exclusive destination offers the thrill of battling trophy Peacock Bass and the fierce Vampire Fish.

With access to two distinct ecosystems, every cast promises an unforgettable encounter in some of South America’s most biodiverse and unspoiled waters.

Season

November to March

10

Guests per week

Trip Information

Discover the Diverse Ecosystems of Colombia’s Jungle

Immerse yourself in a distinctive fishing adventure at Akuani River Lodge. During your trip, you’ll have the opportunity to fish in two diverse environments. For Peacock Bass enthusiasts, our expeditions take place along the Vichada River and its serene lagoons. Utilizing specialized bongos (boats) designed for fly and spinning techniques, each day brings new fishing spots and thrilling opportunities.

Experience the Power of the Orinoco River

Venture into the heart of the Orinoco River for an adrenaline-pumping encounter with Payara at the Maipures rapids. Amidst imposing rocks and powerful rapids, our excursions start with an exhilarating speedboat ride, followed by intense fishing sessions targeting Vampire Fish, Sardinata, and Pacu from rocky outcrops. As night falls, unwind in comfortable tents beneath the jungle canopy, concluding your adventure with a full day of fishing before returning to the lodge.

Immerse Yourself in Sikuani Culture

At Akuani River Lodge, nestled in the Mataven jungle, you’ll immerse yourself in the Sikuani culture. Handmade items like bows and arrows are available for purchase.

Spectacular Views and Comfortable Accommodations

The payara camp provides a more rustic experience with double-occupancy tents and cots. This camp serves as the starting point for an exciting expedition to the Maipures Rapids, set in an otherworldly landscape.

Rustic Charm at the Payara Camp

Trip Itinerary:

Includes:

– Airport shuttles
– 2 hotel nights in Bogotá (double accommodation)
– Domestic flight to Puerto Inírida
– Lodge and river transfers
– 3 meals a day
– Unlimited soft drinks and beer
– Snacks
– Travel insurance

Equipment and Services:

Boats: For peacock and payara fishing, you’ll use Bongos, large and comfortable canoes equipped with chairs, casting platforms, and coolers stocked with beer, soft drinks, and water. Each boat accommodates two anglers and a guide.

Guides: For peacock bass fishing, you’ll have the same 2 guides for four days. For payara fishing on the Orinoco River, you’ll be accompanied by different guides. Although the guides are not fluent in English, they can communicate essential information. Additionally, an English-speaking host will be available to assist with all your needs.

Power: The cabins and dining area at Akuani River Lodge have 110V electricity, the same as in the US.

Fishing Gear: Fishing gear is not provided. Single hooks are required for all lures and flies when targeting peacock bass and payara. Lures and flies are available for purchase at the Lodge. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.

Communications: There is no cellular service at the lodge, but Starlink is available for internet connectivity.

Excludes:

– Flight to Bogotá, Colombia
– Excess luggage fees at El Dorado International Airport
– Meals in Bogotá or at places other than the camp
– Extra activities in Bogotá
– Fishing gear
– Hard liquor (please notify us in advance if you would like them provided at the camp, with the corresponding invoice)
– Tips (we suggest leaving a tip of 10 to 15% of the total package price)
– Global Rescue service (highly recommended).

*In Bogota, you can use Uber for transportation, and credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants in the city. However, we recommend exchanging some Colombian pesos for your expenses in the remote locations we will visit.

Wildlife in the Vichada and Orinoco rivers, Vichada, Colombia

Explore the rich biodiversity of the Vichada and Orinoco Rivers. Some of the species you might encounter include:

SPECKLED PEACOCK BASS Cichla temensis

The largest cichlid in the world, native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Known for its aggressive nature and striking looks, it can grow up to 100 cm and 30 pounds. Anglers prize this fish for its impressive size and challenging fight.

ORINOCO PEACOCK BASS Cichla orinocensis

Commonly known as the Orinoco Peacock Bass, is a carnivorous cichlid found in the Orinoco River basin of South America. It reaches sizes of 30-60 cm and is prized by anglers for its aggressive nature, vibrant coloration, and strong fighting ability. This species inhabits slow-moving waters with vegetation and is a sought-after game fish for sport fishing enthusiasts.

INTERMEDIA PEACOCK BASS Cichla intermedia

Carnivorous fish found in various South American river systems, including the Amazon and Orinoco basins. It reaches sizes of 30-50 cm and is prized by anglers for its aggressive nature, vibrant coloration, and strong fighting ability. This species prefers habitats with moderate current and vegetation, making it a sought-after game fish for sport fishing enthusiasts.

PAYARA (VAMPIRE FISH) Hydrolycus armatus

Payara, also known as the Vampire Fish, is a predatory freshwater species native to South American rivers like the Amazon and Orinoco basins. It is characterized by its elongated body, silver coloration, and large, prominent fangs used for catching prey. Payara are apex predators, reaching lengths over 1 meter and weights exceeding 30 pounds. They inhabit fast-flowing waters near rocky areas, where they hunt smaller fish with aggressive and precise strikes.

Fish Species:

RED TAIL CATFISH Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Large freshwater species native to South American rivers like the Amazon and Orinoco basins. It is known for its impressive size, reaching over 1.5 meters in length and weights exceeding 170 pounds. Recognizable by its broad head and distinctive red-orange tail fin, this catfish inhabits slow-moving waters with muddy or sandy bottoms. Red Tail Catfish are omnivorous, consuming fish, crustaceans, and plant matter.

SHOVEL NOSE CATFISH Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum

Large freshwater species native to South American rivers like the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Known for its distinctive shovel-shaped snout, it can reach lengths of 1-1.5 meters and weigh up to 65 pounds. These catfish prefer habitats with fast-flowing currents and rocky bottoms, where they hunt fish, crustaceans, and other prey. Highly prized by sport fishermen for their size and powerful fights.

AMAZON PELLONA Pellona castelnaeana

Is a slender freshwater fish native to South American river systems, especially in the Amazon Basin. It grows up to 45 cm in length and is known for its silvery coloration and schooling behavior. Amazon Pellona primarily feeds on small fish and aquatic insects, making it a popular target for sport fishermen due to its spirited fights and acrobatic leaps.

AROWANA Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Freshwater fish known for their elongated bodies, large scales, and vibrant metallic colors like silver and gold. They inhabit tropical regions of South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia, preferring slow-moving rivers and lakes with dense vegetation. Arowanas are prized in the aquarium trade for their striking appearance and jumping ability.

BLACK PACU Colossoma macropomum

This large freshwater fish is recognized for its robust build, black coloration, and preference for habitats with abundant vegetation and submerged structures. Black Pacu are prized by sport fishermen for their size and strength, feeding primarily on fruits, seeds, nuts, and aquatic plants. Conservation efforts are crucial to sustain their populations due to their ecological importance and vulnerability to habitat degradation.

MATRINXA Brycon amazonicus

Medium-sized freshwater fish native to South American rivers, particularly in the Amazon Basin. It has a streamlined body with silvery scales and grows up to 60 cm (24 inches) in length. Matrinxa prefers clear, moderately flowing waters with sandy or rocky bottoms and feeds on small fish, insects, and plant matter. It is prized by sport fishermen for its acrobatic leaps and spirited fights.

SILVER CROAKER Plagioscion squamosissimus

Freshwater fish found in South American river systems, including the Amazon and Orinoco basins. It has a slender, silver-scaled body that can grow up to 60 cm (24 inches) in length. Silver Croaker inhabits rivers, floodplain lakes, and reservoirs with muddy or sandy bottoms. It is omnivorous, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and plants. Valued for its taste, it is targeted by both commercial and sport fishermen.

PIRANHA Pygocentrus cariba

Is a carnivorous freshwater fish native to South American rivers, particularly in the Amazon Basin and Orinoco River systems. Known for their robust bodies, silvery coloration, and sharp, triangular teeth, Piranhas grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length. They inhabit slow-moving rivers and lakes with dense vegetation, where they feed on fish, crustaceans, and occasionally small mammals or birds.

JAGUAR Panthera onca

The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas and a powerful apex predator. It has a robust build with a yellowish-brown coat marked by black rosettes and spots. Jaguars primarily inhabit tropical rainforests, including the Orinoquia region, where they hunt a variety of prey, such as deer, capybaras, and tapirs. They are solitary animals, known for their stealth and strength.

TAPIR Tapirus terrestris

The South American tapir, also known as the Brazilian tapir, is a large, herbivorous mammal with a prehensile snout. It has a dark brown coat and can weigh up to 250 kg. Tapirs inhabit the forests and grasslands of the Orinoquia region. They are primarily nocturnal and feed on leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants. Tapirs play a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration.

CAPYBARA Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world, easily recognizable by their large, barrel-shaped bodies and webbed feet. They are social animals, often found in groups near water sources. Capybaras are herbivores, feeding on grasses and aquatic plants. They inhabit various wetland environments, including those in the Orinoquia region, and are an essential part of the ecosystem.

GREEN ANACONDA Eunectes murinus

The green anaconda is one of the largest snakes in the world, capable of growing over 9 meters in length. It has a thick, muscular body with olive-green coloration and black oval patches. Anacondas are primarily aquatic and inhabit swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams in the Orinoquia region. They are ambush predators, preying on a variety of animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.

ORINOCO CAIMAN Caiman crocodilus

The Orinoco caiman, also known as the spectacled caiman, is a medium-sized crocodilian native to the Orinoco River basin. It has a broad, flattened body with rough, scaly skin and a distinctive bony ridge between the eyes. Caimans are opportunistic feeders, preying on fish, birds, and small mammals. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

RED HOWLER MONKEY Alouatta seniculus

Red howler monkeys are known for their deep, resonant calls that can be heard over long distances. They have reddish-brown fur and are arboreal, spending most of their time in the forest canopy. These monkeys are herbivores, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. They are an important part of the Orinoquia forest ecosystem, aiding in seed dispersal and forest health.

KINGFISHER Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are small to medium-sized birds with bright plumage and large, pointed bills. They are commonly found near water bodies, where they hunt for fish and aquatic insects. In the Orinoquia region, several species of kingfishers can be observed. They play a crucial role in controlling fish and insect populations, contributing to the health of aquatic ecosystems.

SCARLET MACAW Ara macao

The scarlet macaw is a large, brightly colored parrot with predominantly red plumage and blue and yellow wings. These birds are highly social and often seen in pairs or flocks. They inhabit tropical rainforests, including those in the Orinoquia region. Scarlet macaws feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds, and their strong beaks allow them to crack open hard shells. They are vital for seed dispersal and forest regeneration.

TOUCAN Family: Ramphastidae

Toucans are easily recognizable by their large, colorful bills and vibrant plumage. These birds are primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, but they also consume insects and small animals. Toucans inhabit the forests of the Orinoquia region, playing a significant role in seed dispersal. Their striking appearance and unique vocalizations make them a favorite among bird watchers and ecotourists.

PINK DOLPHIN Inia geoffrensis

The pink river dolphin, also known as the Amazon river dolphin, is a freshwater cetacean found in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It is known for its distinctive pink coloration, which becomes more pronounced as they age. These dolphins have a flexible neck and can turn their heads side-to-side, which helps them navigate through flooded forests and complex river systems. They feed on a variety of fish, crustaceans, and even small turtles.

ORINOCO GIANT OTTER Pteronura brasiliensis

The giant otter is the largest otter species in the world, reaching up to 1.7 meters in length. It has a sleek, brown body with a distinctive white throat patch. Giant otters are social animals, living in family groups and communicating with a range of vocalizations. They inhabit rivers, lakes, and wetlands in the Orinoquia region and are excellent swimmers, preying primarily on fish.