Amazon Basin Program - Ecuador Tour

Depart by private transportation from Quito (or depart earlier to visit Termas Papallacta, entrance not included) or Baños, lunch can be enjoyed along the way (not included); arrival to the Lodge by mid-afternoon. After the long drive we can relax in our bungalow and enjoy the Lodge’s facilities. Dinner and very special welcome drink is served while sitting around the open fireplace for an introductory lecture on the Amazon Basin and to coordinate and discuss next day’s activities with your guide.

Early morning breakfast. Afterwards prepare your gear: boots, camera, mosquito repellent, raincoat to begin the adventure! Board a canoe and start your journey downstream through the enchanted Amazon Jungle along the imposing Napo River. Arrive to the Town of Misahualli where we make a short stop to check our papers with local Marina, so don’t forget your passport. Continuing our canoe-trip we arrive to the majestic Arajuno River to visit Animal Rescue Centre “AmaZOOnico” which is specialized in the rescue of wild animals for specie conservation and reintegration into the wild. In here we will observe a great variety of species such as: toucans, colorful parrots, snakes, monkeys, jaguars, capybaras and much more.

Afterwards, we will enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch by the river shore. We’ll have the opportunity to swim in the river or just resting peacefully surrounded by a wonderful natural atmosphere.

Head back to the Lodge, but first we will visit a Quichua family and learn about their millenary culture and traditions such as gold rinse in the river shoreline, traditional pottery making, making of typical drink “chicha” made of yuca (a traditional Ecuadorian manioc), and the use of the “serbatana” (blowpipe for hunting use). After this amazing encounter with Quichua culture, we return to the Lodge by foot over secondary jungle pads; enjoy a snack and refreshing natural juice. At night, after dinner, gather around the fireplace to share our day’s experiences.

After breakfast, we depart by canoe upstream for ten minutes, arriving to a small shore where we begin a fun and thrilling one hour walk, marveling with the jungle’s secondary forest diverse flora and fauna so bring your binoculars and camera. After our short walk, discover the breathtaking cascade “Las Latas” where we will take a refreshing bath in its clear crystal waters and enjoy the surrounding views, which mixed with the jungle sounds, makes it a unforgettable experience. Return for lunch at the lodge.

After lunch, put on your “wet gear” (boots & rain coat) to start an exciting walk in the jungle forest ready to find the secret wonders of the mysterious hidden jungle, finding amazing plant species with medicinal properties, which will be fully explained by our expert native guide: their characteristics and how the jungle inhabitants used them in ancient times. Observe a great variety of insects and short monkey groups weaving around the giant trees, but stay very quiet to admire these beautiful creatures. Dozens of curious colorful birds tag along with you during the hike whistling beautiful notes delighting our senses. After about three hours, return to the Lodge. At night, a delicious dinner and relax by the fireplace while enjoying an exotic cocktail or drink from the bar.

Enjoy a farewell Breakfast; prepare for your drive back to the city or to Baños to continue your amazing adventure in Mainland Ecuador or to the Galapagos Islands. End of program.