Orinoco Payara Adventure
9 Nights | Vichada, Colombia
Trip Details
Accommodation
Jungle Lodge
Season
December – April
Target Species
Payara, Peacock Bass, Sardinata
Fishing Style
Spinning, Fly Fishing
Trophy Payara Fishing in Colombia
Trip Overview ➜
- Journey into the remote northern Orinoco Basin for an expedition combining trophy fishing, pristine rainforest and extraordinary wildlife. This protected river system offers anglers the chance to target some of South America’s most powerful freshwater species in waters surrounded by largely untouched jungle.
- The fishing centres on trophy payara, peacock bass and sardinata. Anglers can expect genuine opportunities for payara and peacock bass exceeding 20 pounds, and sardinata with potential record-class size. Five full days of guided fishing allow time to explore productive lagoons, rocky channels, fast currents and secluded tributaries throughout the river system.
- Accommodation is provided at a fixed riverside camp, combining the atmosphere of a remote jungle expedition with the comfort and amenities of an established lodge. Each day begins close to the fishing, while evenings offer the chance to relax beside the river after a full day on the water.
10-Day Adventure
$5,000 per angler
- Seven days guided Payara & Peacock Bass fishing
- Seven nights lodging at the riverside camp
- Two nights hotel in Bogota on arrival & departure
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks, and beers in camp
Payara and Peacock Bass Fishing in Colombia
Fishing both the Orinoco and the Tomo, Terrecay and Mesetas rivers, this trip is a perfect mix between world class wading class IV rapids in search of 20 pound+ Payara and giant Sardinata on the Orinoco river, and excellent opportunities at catching multiple 10-22 pound Peacock Bass on a variety of flies and lures. Great catfish fishing is also available for Jau (gilded catfish), Red-tail Catfish (pirarara), Piraiba (valenton) and Surubi Catfish (shovel nose).
The season runs December through April. This coincides with the dry season, this is when the rivers drop and the fish enter the main channels and lagoons, creating an underwater world teaming with an abundance of predatory fish seen nowhere else. February to late March is the prime time for world-record Sardinata.
The vast area of the Orinoco is home to hundreds of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects who live in harmony with one of the wildest areas of the Amazon basin. Each expedition is carefully designed, in order to have a responsible approach to the fauna and flora in the region and the importance of them in the natural environment.
Lodging:
Orinoco Lodge provides full-size individual cabins and tents with single beds, private bathrooms and showers in every room means the benefits of camping in the most remote and virgin corner of the northern Orinoco Basin, without sacrificing any comfort of a fixed lodge. Guests are advised that this trip is aimed at adventurous anglers with a minimum level of fitness required. There is no cell service on the river but guests have access to a satellite phone if an emergency arises.
Food & Drinks:
Local freshly-made Colombian cuisine designed and served by on-site chefs.
Unlimited beer, soft drinks and snacks.
Other Activities:
- Wildlife Safaris
- Birdwatching Tours and Photography
- Accompany the local guides on traditional hunts or gathering fruit and seeds from the jungle
Orinoco Lodge is located on Cejal Island in the remote Vichada region of Colombia near the border of Venezuela.
How to get there:
Fly into Bogota, Colombia (El Dorado International Airport) and spend the night at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel.
Direct flights from several US and European locations are available.
Take a domestic flight to Puerto Carreno, before driving to the Orinoco Camp.
Documents Required:
A valid passport is required. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and other Western European nations do not need a visa for tourist trips of up to ninety days.
Itinerary
Trip Duration: 9 Nights / 7 Fishing Days
Day 1:
Arrive in Bogota, Colombia. Our host will be waiting to pick you up at the airport to take you to the Marriott Courtyard Hotel.
Day 2-4: Orinoco Island Camp – Payara Fishing
The next day you will join the main guide in the hotel to take the daily flight from Bogota to Puerto Carreno. You will be met by our driver who will drive the group through natural savannah’s full of deer, tapir, pumas and anacondas until you reach the lodge at the mouth of the Tomo River. The next days will be spent targeting payara and sardinata in the Orinoco River.
Day 5-8: Tuparro Camp – Peacock Bass Fishing
You’ll leave on a 3-hour drive though the savannah to reach the headwaters camp where you will target Peacock Bass. Peacock Bass weighing over 22 pounds have been caught in this area. You’ll spend the next 4 nights at the Tuparro Camp.
Day 9:
On the last fishing day you will fish your way down the Tuparro River for Peacock Bass and Payara. You will then leave for the 3-hour drive back to Puerto Carreno Airport and fly back to Bogota, where you will spend the night at the Marriot Hotel.
Day 10:
Depart Colombia.
Double Occupancy Rates:
$5,000 USD per angler (Including $700 Indigenous Conservation Fee)
What’s Included:
- Round-trip transfers, including domestic flights, from Bogota to Orinoco.
- 2 nights at the Marriot Courtyard Hotel in Bogota.
- Guided fishing, as well as any other activities at the camp.
- Fishing tackle and equipment – rods & reels.
- Double occupancy rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks, and beers at the camp.
- Indigenous Conservation Fee ($700).
What’s Not Included:
- International airfare to Bogota.
- Lures, terminal tackle (leader,swivels, split rings)
- Tips for guides and staff.
- Trip insurance.