Nestled deep in the untouched Mataven jungle of Colombia, Akuani River Lodge offers travelling anglers a unique opportunity to explore two exceptional and contrasting river systems in a single, action-packed trip. With access to both the Vichada River, known for its colourful and aggressive Peacock Bass, and the Orinoco River’s Maipures Rapids, home to the hard-hitting Payara, this experience blends variety, challenge, and adventure in equal measure.
The main lodge sits high on a cliff overlooking the tranquil Vichada River. Here, anglers are accommodated in four well-appointed cabins, providing a comfortable and welcoming space to return to after a full day on the water. For the more rugged portion of the journey, the Payara camp offers a back-to-basics experience with double-occupancy tents, the launch point for your expedition into the dramatic Maipures region.
What sets Akuani apart is its balance of comfort and raw adventure. The staff are attentive, and every detail is carefully handled to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay, even in such a remote setting. Local, bilingual guides with deep knowledge of the rivers and surrounding ecosystems will tailor each day to match your preferences and fishing goals, all while offering valuable insight into the region’s remarkable biodiversity.
For anglers seeking something off the beaten track, remote, rich in species, and far from the crowds, Akuani River Lodge delivers a rare combination of thrilling jungle fishing and genuine wilderness comfort.
During your stay at the incredible Akuani River Lodge, you’ll have the chance to fish two distinct and remote river systems, the Vichada River and the Orinoco River. Each offers its unique style of fishing, scenery, and challenges, making this a well-rounded and truly memorable experience for both fly and lure anglers.
Set against a backdrop of calm lagoons and lush jungle, the Vichada River is a dream for those in search of Peacock Bass. Known for both numbers and size, this river system provides consistent action with real potential for trophy fish. Whether you’re casting a fly or working a lure, the fishing here is diverse, rewarding, and largely untouched. Each day, you’ll venture out by specialised bongos (local fishing boats) to explore new spots, giving you fresh water to fish and new opportunities at every turn.
In contrast to the Vichada’s tranquil pace, the Orinoco River and its Maipures rapids deliver fast-paced, adrenaline-filled sessions. After an exhilarating speedboat ride into the rapids, you’ll be cast from rocky outcrops into powerful water, targeting aggressive species such as Payara (Vampire Fish), Sardinata, and Pacu. It’s an entirely different setting, wilder and more rugged, perfect for anglers looking to combine excitement with technical fishing.
This trip is designed to give you time on both rivers. Typically, your week begins with two days fishing for Peacock Bass on the Vichada, staying at the well-equipped Akuani River Lodge. From there, you’ll transfer to the Orinoco for two days, one night, under canvas in comfortable riverside tents surrounded by jungle. After your Payara adventure, you’ll return to the lodge for two final days back on the Vichada to round out the trip. Whether you’re after numbers, size, or variety, this unique itinerary delivers all three, with expert guides, incredible scenery, and a level of comfort that’s rare in such a remote setting.
Fishing at Akuani River Lodge in Colombia offers the chance to target an exciting mix of hard-fighting jungle species, all set within one of South America’s most pristine and biodiverse freshwater environments. While the rivers are home to a wide range of fish, two standout species dominate the experience: the Peacock Bass and the Payara.
Arguably the most iconic sportfish in South America, the Peacock Bass is a must-catch for any serious freshwater angler. Native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins, these fish are known for their explosive surface strikes, vibrant colouration, and powerful fights. They can reach lengths of up to 100cm and weigh over 30 pounds, offering a challenging and rewarding experience whether you’re casting flies or lures.
Nicknamed the “Vampire Fish” due to their long, protruding fangs, Payara are aggressive, fast-moving predators that inhabit the fast-flowing, rocky waters of the Orinoco. With their silver sheen, sleek bodies, and powerful bursts of speed, they provide heart-pounding action. These apex predators can grow over one metre in length and exceed 30 pounds, making them a thrilling target, especially in moving water.
Beyond these headline species, the waters around Akuani also hold plenty of surprises. Anglers may encounter Redtail Catfish, Shovel Nose Catfish, Amazon Pellona, Arowana, and Matrinxã, among others.
At Akuani River Lodge, each week is limited to just eight anglers, ensuring a personalised and immersive experience. Guests fish in pairs, with each boat accompanied by a native guide who knows the Vichada and Orinoco Rivers intimately. These experienced guides are there to help you get the most from every session on the water, so if there’s a particular species you’re keen to focus on, they’ll tailor the day to suit your goals.
Note: 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. For Peacock Bass fishing, you’ll have the same two guides for four days and for Payara fishing on the Orinoco River, you’ll be accompanied by different guides.
Fishing days are thoughtfully structured, offering a relaxed but purposeful rhythm that maximises both comfort and time on the water:
6.30am – Breakfast
8.00am – Leave for morning fishing session
12.30pm – Lunch from the coolers, eaten by the water
14.00pm – Afternoon fishing session
17.30pm – Return to the camp, to freshen up
20.00pm – Evening meal
This trip is more than just great fishing, it’s a journey into Colombia’s wild, unspoiled heart, delivered with a level of comfort and service that sets it apart. In partnership with award-winning operators recognised by ProColombia for innovation and exceptional tourism experiences, Akuani blends luxury and sustainability in a way that few remote lodges can. With a strong focus on social and environmental responsibility, this adventure offers a truly exclusive and authentic look at Colombia’s natural beauty, designed for anglers who want their trip to be as meaningful as it is memorable.
At Akuani River Lodge, nestled in the Mataven jungle, you’ll immerse yourself in the Sikuani culture. The lodge is situated atop a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Vichada River. It features four spacious cabins, each with two queen beds, private baths and ceiling fans. The cabins and dining area have 110V electricity, the same as in the US.
The Payara Camp offers a more rustic experience, featuring 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.
During your stay at Akuani River Lodge, all meals and drinks are included, excluding spirits, which you’re welcome to bring from duty-free or request in advance for the team to arrange.
Each day, you’ll enjoy three freshly prepared meals cooked by the camp’s private chef. Expect a mix of local flavours and familiar international dishes, all served in a relaxed and comfortable setting. While out on the water, your boat will be stocked with lunch, cold drinks, and snacks, allowing you to enjoy a break by the river without missing a moment of the experience.
Even though the camp is so remote, it’s still equipped with first aid kits, satellite phones and Starlink internet. Global Rescue is also available and something which we would highly recommend.
Note: As an optional add-on, it’s possible to book a professional photographer to join you and your group throughout the duration of your trip, creating lasting memories of your fishing experience.
To learn more about the first-class fishing experience at Akuani River Lodge and the fantastic and wild fishing opportunities available in Colombia, visit our YouTube channel.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Bogota
Transfer from Bogota airport to your overnight hotel
Once you have arrived and collected your luggage, a representative from our supplier will transfer you to your overnight accommodation. After check-in, you can relax around the hotel or take a stroll around the local area.
Overnight Accommodation: Bogota Standard Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to the local airport
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred back to Bogota airport for your short flight to Puerto Inírida. The flight time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Depart Bogota
Arrive Puerto Inírida
Travel from Puerto Inírida to Vichada
Once you have landed in Puerto Inírida and collected your bags, you will be transferred by tuk-tuk to the Vichada River, a journey time of approximately 10 minutes. On the journey to the river you will stop off at the local shops to have a look around or even grab any last minute supplies you might need.
Transfer from Vichada to Akuani River Lodge
Once you have arrived at the river, the boats will be waiting to transfer you the four hour journey to the Akuani River Lodge. This boat journey is a fantastic experience and will provide you with some brilliant sightseeing opportunities. Lunch is served onboard the boat during the transfer, and when you arrive at the lodge you will be greeted with a cold beverage and snacks.
Overnight Accommodation: Akuani River Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
During your first two fishing days, you will get a taste of the fantastic fishing on offer on the Vichada River in Colombia. This famous waterway is home to excellent numbers of Peacock Bass, including fish of trophy-sized proportions.
At the Akuani River Lodge, it’s possible to fly or lure fish, depending on your preference. The waters around the camp are diverse, featuring a vast array of structures and tranquil lagoons. Each day offers new fishing spots and thrilling opportunities.
Overnight Accommodation: Akuani River Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
On your third and fourth fishing days, you’ll journey to the Maipures rapids on the Orinoco River for an adrenaline-pumping fishing experience amidst imposing rocks and fast currents, wetting a line for Payara (Vampire Fish), Sardinata, and Pacu from rocky outcrops.
As night falls, you will unwind in comfortable tents beneath the jungle canopy, concluding your adventure with a full day of fishing before returning to the Akuani River Lodge.
Overnight Accommodation: Payara Camp in a twin room on a full board basis
On your last two fishing days, you will be back on the Vichada River, fishing for the Peacock Bass. Throughout all your days on the Vichada, you’ll be fishing from Bongos. These are large, comfortable canoes equipped with chairs, casting platforms, and coolers stocked with beer, soft drinks, and water. Each boat accommodates two anglers and a guide.
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.
Overnight Accommodation: Akuani River Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
Transfer from the Akuani River Lodge to Vichada
After breakfast you will be transferred by boat, back to Vichada. The boat journey is approximately four hours and is a fantastic experience, providing you with some brilliant sightseeing opportunities. Lunch is served onboard the boat during the transfer.
Travel from Vichada to Puerto Inírida
When you reach the shore and leave the boats, tuk-tuks will be waiting to drive you back to Puerto Inírida, a journey time of approximately 10 minutes.
Once you arrive in Puerto Inírida, you’ll catch a short flight back to Bogota. The flight time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Depart Puerto Inírida
Arrive Bogota
Transfer from Bogota airport to your overnight hotel
Once you have arrived and collected your luggage, a representative from our supplier will transfer you to your overnight accommodation. After check-in, you can relax around the hotel or take a stroll around the local area.
Overnight Accommodation: Bogota Standard Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Bogota airport
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred back to Bogota airport for your return flight home.
Depart Bogota
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from January to March.
Season: January to March
Peak: January
Weight: 1lb to 28lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Season: January to March
Peak: January
Weight: 4lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 5lb
Season: January to March
Peak: January
Weight: 1lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 2lb
Season: January to March
Peak: January
Weight: 1lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2026 | 31/01/2026 | 10 | £4,890 | Enquire Now |
| 01/02/2026 | 28/02/2026 | 10 | £4,890 | Enquire Now |
| 01/03/2026 | 31/03/2026 | 10 | £4,890 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two anglers sharing, transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.
This is a super operation and the location is stunning. All the staff are very dedicated to make certain there guests want for nothing, are well fed, happy and catching fish. I enjoyed a fantastic trip and would thoroughly recommend it.
Across this spectacular wilderness territory, the protected, mythological Xingu River, flows over granite bedrock, running clear and allowing for sight-fishing opportunities for a wide variety of species. But what sets Xingu apart from anywhere else in the Amazon are the impressive numbers of large Payara - one of the hardest-hitting and strongest fighting fish in the Amazon.
Kendjam Lodge in the Xingu basin, which the Iriri River is part of, is now the first official sport fishing operation in Brazil, located inside an Indigenous Territory. It offers the most intense jungle fishing experience found anywhere in South America and the World, giving freshwater fly anglers the chance to enjoy some truly wild, explosive mixed fishing.
The fishing at the Rio Marie Lodge is some of the best found anywhere in Brazil, and this isn't just a guess; it's a fact. The river holds at least double the quantity of trophy-sized Peacock Bass compared with any other destination in the Rio Negro basin and offers travelling rods the chance to sample some explosive sport.
Visit the best destination in the world to catch Arapaima all exclusively on the fly. Enjoy 6.5 days fishing at Pirarucu Lodge, the largest Arapaima fishing reserve on this planet, all set in the stunning Amazon rainforest. Also, how about, on average, catching 3.5 Arapaima each day, plus many other species all on your fly rod.
The Akuani Floating Camp is nestled in the heart of the untamed jungle in Colombia's pristine wilderness, and it provides an unrivalled fly and lure fishing experience for trophy Peacock Bass, fierce Payara, Pacu and a range of different Catfish. Every cast promises a memorable encounter in some of South America's most biodiverse and unspoiled waters.
