Akuani Floating Camp

The fishing program covers the Tomo River, the Gavilán River and their surrounding lagoons and backwaters. The Tomo is the larger system, with cutbanks, submerged timber, rocky areas, sand flats, shoals and broad sections of open river. Some lagoons are reached directly by boat, while others may involve a short walk to a second skiff positioned on the water.

The Gavilán is generally clearer and provides some of the best sight-fishing opportunities. Guides search for peacock bass holding around structure, cruising shallow flats or resting just beneath the surface. Fishing may involve casting large streamers, poppers and conventional lures around fallen trees, banks, drop-offs and bait schools.

Speckled peacock bass are the main trophy target and regularly reach double figures, with fish over 20 pounds possible. Orinoco and intermedia peacock bass provide additional action and are often found feeding in groups. Anglers may also encounter payara, arowana, black pacu, sardinata, matrinxa, piranha, redtail catfish and shovelnose catfish. These species are generally secondary to the peacock bass program, and opportunities depend on the water being fished and the interests of the anglers.

Both fly and lure fishing are available. Fly fishing is casting-intensive and requires anglers to repeatedly deliver large, wind-resistant flies. Tropical floating lines are used for poppers and other surface patterns, while intermediate or clear-tip lines are useful for streamers. Conventional anglers can fish topwater plugs, jerkbaits, swimbaits and other strong artificial lures.

Fishing is carried out from 14-foot shallow-draft skiffs powered by 30-horsepower outboards. Each boat carries two anglers and an experienced local guide. Casting platforms and electric trolling motors allow the guide to work quietly along banks, flats and structure. Both anglers can fish at the same time where space and conditions allow.

Akuani is a genuine floating camp rather than a permanent land-based lodge. The operation consists of five floating cabins, accommodating a maximum of ten anglers in double rooms. The camp is positioned on the Tomo River to provide efficient access to the fishing while maintaining a small and private atmosphere.

Each cabin has two single beds, electricity, fans and a private bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower. The cabins are not air-conditioned, but their open design and individual fans provide ventilation during the night. Showers are cold-water, which is typical for a camp in this remote setting.

Meals are prepared by a professional chef and served in an open-air dining area beside the river. Breakfast is served before fishing, lunch is normally eaten on the river and dinner follows the return to camp. Meals are substantial and designed around full fishing days, with snacks, soft drinks and beer included.

Starlink internet is available at camp, although anglers should expect connectivity to be less consistent than at a conventional hotel. Laundry service is provided, helping anglers keep luggage to a minimum. The camp also carries a satellite phone, first-aid equipment and portable coolers for the fishing boats.

Akuani Floating Camp is positioned on the Tomo River in Colombia’s eastern Vichada region, within the wider Orinoco basin. The area has no practical road access from Bogotá, and the journey combines a private charter flight, four-wheel-drive transfer and boat ride.

International anglers fly into El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. An airport transfer and a hotel night in Bogotá are included before the journey to camp.

The following morning, anglers transfer to the domestic airport for a private charter flight to La Primavera. Flying time is approximately one hour and 20 minutes. From La Primavera, anglers travel for around four hours in four-wheel-drive vehicles across the Vichada savannah to the Tomo River. At the river, anglers transfer into boats for the final journey to camp.

Rates Per Angler:
Starting from  $4,500.00 per person

What’s Included:

What’s Not Included:

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá
Arrive at El Dorado International Airport, where anglers are met for the transfer to the included airport hotel. The remainder of the evening is free, with dinner and personal expenses in Bogotá paid separately.

Day 2: Charter Flight and Transfer to Camp
Transfer to the domestic airport and take the private charter flight to La Primavera. Continue by four-wheel-drive vehicle for approximately four hours to the Tomo River, followed by a short boat transfer to Akuani Floating Camp. After settling into the cabins, anglers prepare equipment and attend the camp and fishing orientation before dinner.

Days 3 to 8: Fishing Days
Each morning begins with coffee and breakfast before anglers leave camp with their guide. Fishing takes place across the Tomo River, Gavilán River and surrounding lagoons, flats and backwaters. Lunch is served beside the river, with fishing continuing through the afternoon. Anglers return to camp for appetizers, drinks and dinner.

Day 9: Return to Bogotá
Leave camp early and travel by boat and four-wheel-drive vehicle to La Primavera. Take the private charter flight back to Bogotá and transfer to the included hotel for the final night.

Day 10: Departure
Transfer from the hotel to El Dorado International Airport for the onward international flight.

What level of fishing experience is required?
Akuani can accommodate both experienced jungle anglers and those targeting peacock bass for the first time. Guides help with presentations, boat positioning and fish-fighting technique. Fly anglers should be comfortable making repeated casts with large flies, while lure anglers should expect a physically active day of casting plugs and other heavy presentations.

How many anglers fish from each boat?
Each skiff normally carries two anglers and one local guide. Anglers can fish together where space allows or rotate between the main casting positions. The camp accommodates a maximum of ten anglers each week.

Is fishing equipment included?
Fishing tackle is not included in the standard package. Optional equipment may be available by prior arrangement, but anglers should bring their own rods, reels, lines, flies, lures, leaders and replacement terminal tackle. A detailed equipment list should be provided before travel.

What tackle should fly anglers bring?
Strong 8 to 10-weight outfits are suitable for most of the fishing. Anglers should bring both floating and intermediate tropical lines, powerful reels, abrasion-resistant leaders and large baitfish and surface patterns. Bringing two complete outfits allows anglers to switch quickly between poppers and streamers.

What tackle should lure anglers bring?
Medium-heavy or heavy baitcasting and spinning outfits are required, together with strong braided line and abrasion-resistant leaders. Productive presentations include topwater plugs, jerkbaits, swimbaits and other lures designed for peacock bass. Single, barbless hooks are required, so lures should be prepared before travel.

Is the camp air-conditioned?
No. Cabins have open ventilation and individual fans rather than air conditioning. Each cabin has electricity and a private bathroom with a cold-water shower. Anglers should be comfortable with practical camp-style accommodation in a hot, remote environment.

Is internet available?
Starlink internet is available at camp. It is suitable for basic communication, but anglers should not rely on it for uninterrupted calls, large uploads or time-sensitive work.

How much luggage can anglers bring?
The private charter has baggage restrictions, and excess luggage charges are not included. Anglers should use soft-sided bags, pack lightweight clothing and take advantage of the camp’s laundry service. The final weight allowance should be confirmed before departure.