Nature

Birdwatching / Natural Areas

Closed to Quito we have a big variety of Rainforests and natural protected areas. you will began to feel the beneficial effects of the life giving, diaphanous air wich originates in a singular meeting of the Amazonian winds with the rocks, forest and water of the high Andean mountains The Biodiversity of Ecuador is huge and we can find thousands of species of flora and Fauna like birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, orquids, flowers, medicinal plants, and others.

These natural places contains, rivers, thermal waters, waterfalls, rainforest, and much more. These wonderful places are: Mindo Rainforest, Pasochoa Volcano reserve, Papallacta hot springs, Bellavista reserve, Puerto Quito.

• Pasochoa Andean Forest 1 Day
• Papallacta Hotspings 1 Day
• Papallacta Hotspings 2 Days
• Mindo Tropical Rainforest 1 Day
• Mindo Tropical Rainforest 2 Days
• Bellavista Reserve 2 Days

Jungle / Rainforest

The Ecuadorian jungle has more diversity than any other ecosystem, and covers around 45% Of the total area of Ecuador. There are impressive varieties of animal species like birds, insect, reptiles, as well as a very large Flora and wonderful plants can be found.
In the Jungle you can experience wonderful hikes through the Virgin forest, canoe trips, visits to the indigenous communities, and much more ....

• Sacha Lodge 5D/4N DeLuxe
• Casa del Suizo 5D/4N First Class
• Cabañas Aliñahui 5D/4N - 4D/3N First Class
• Paradise Huts 5D/4N - 4D/3N Turist Superior
• Yuturi Program 5D/4N - 4D/3N Turist Superior
• Yarina Program 5D/4N - 4D/3N Turist Superior

Imagine yourself drifting down a narrow, winding creek surrounded on all sides by a lush, endless sea of tropical greenery. All that separates you from the deep black Amazon waters is a canoe hand-carved out of a single tree trunk. As you maneuver around a bend something unidentified crashes off into the underbrush, and you catch a glimpse of two magnificent, colorful macaws startled into flight. Suddenly, the forest erupts with a roar so loud that all you can imagine is some giant, fierce predator on the prowl. But as you turn to face your destiny, the menace is revealed as a family of furry red howler monkeys huddled together in a treetop. With a sigh of relief you continue onward, deeper into the unknown.

Facilities

Tours

In the eastern skirts of the Andes Mountains and on the shore of Ecuador's Napo River, one can find Ahuano, a small but growing Quichua Indian village. It was here in this Amazon hamlet that Swiss expatriate Beny Ammeter decided to open a general store in 1985. In those days, when foreign travelers found their way to Ahuano and needed a place to stay, they were inevitably directed to 'La Casa del Suizo': The Swiss Man's House. Happy to receive visitors from afar, Beny warmly welcomed them into his home. Within a short time, his residence became so popular that he decided to construct several cabins to better accommodate the steady flow of travelers. This was the beginning of La Casa del Suizo, which today offers first class accommodations and international fame.

Facilities

Each of our comfortable rooms offers 24-hour electricity, hot water, a refreshing ceiling fan and an exquisite view that may be peacefully absorbed from the privacy of one's own terrace. With a magnificent panorama of the Napo visitors may enjoy our swimming pool, outdoor dining area and pool bar, which offers an array of delicious tropical drinks. The hotel's dining rooms offer a wide variety of both Ecuadorian and international dishes, and our buffets cater to vegetarians. International telephone service is conveniently available in our reception area.

Tours

Cabañas Aliñahui (pronounced Ah-lin-ya-wee) is located on a bluff 150 feet above the Napo River, a major tributary of the Amazon, flowing out from the eastern base of the Ecuadorian Andes. Aliñahui means 'beautiful view' in the indigenous Quichua language; in keeping with its name, the Lodge has panoramic views of the river, the Andes and three snow-capped volcanoes. The surrounding forest is renown for its exceedingly rich diversity of plant and animal species -- perhaps the richest on earth.

Bird watchers will delight in the possibility of seeing and hearing many of the more than 500 species which inhabit our forest. Nature lovers and scientists return to study and marvel at the vast inventory of Alinahui's tropical life.

Guests can visit the Jatun Sacha Biological Station, walk its self-guided trails, and see the botanical gardens and tree nursery. Of special interest is on-going research on medicinal plants; over 250 species have been identified and some are being tested for commercial production.

Purpose

Because Cabañas Aliñahui is a program of tax-exempt charitable organizations, proceeds are devoted to conservation and other charitable purposes including education, research, protection, and purchase of rainforest and other natural resources. Aliñahui, with its 350 acres, was purchased in March, 1994 by Ecuador's Jatun Sacha Foundation and California based Health & Habitat. The purchase was made possible by contributions from individuals matched by the Schlinger Foundation, grants from the Children's Rainforest Organization (Barnen's Regnskog) of Sweden, the Weeden Foundation, the World Parks Endowment, and a loan from the Nature Conservancy.

Accomodation

Eight comfortable, wooden cabins, inspired by local indigenous designs and with a total capacity of up to 45 guests, are attractively spaced in a lush, 4-acre tropical garden Each cabin has a second floor deck, a lower patio with hammocks, and a bathroom with flush toilet and showers. Thatch-covered lookouts are conveniently spaced along the high bluff above the river, affording spectacular views from dawn until sunset.

Dinning

An open-sided dining room offers three hearty and healthful buffet style meals. Homemade soups, breads and seasonal tropical fruits are our specialties. The cuisine is a combination of Ecuadorian, European, and American dishes. Cold beverages are available at reasonable prices.

Amenities

Location

The cabins are attractively spaced in a four acre tropical garden adjacent to primary rainforest. In the nearby forest, the towering canopy is home to flocks of chattering parrots. Electric blue morpho butterflies flit across the open glades.

The scene is colored by more than 750 species of butterflies, hundreds of plant species, including 14 species of Heliconia, over one hundred species of orchid and a drapery of bromeliads.

Activities

This comfortable, small resort offers guests easy access to the adjacent 150 acres of primary tropical rainforest owned by Alinahui as well as 2,500 acres at nearby Jatun Sacha Biological Station. Jatun Sacha trains local tourist guides, gives environmental education programs in nearby schools, offers field training for Ecuadorian biology students and also manages the National Herbarium in Quito.

Specifications

Paradise Huts accommodates up to 36 people in 6 individual guest lodges; each lodge has a three double bedrooms, each one with its own private bathroom and shower. Additionally a spacious balcony is incorporated into each lodge with hammocks and comfortable seats. The main lodge is centered around the spacious dining area and includes the kitchen and bar.

Program

DAY 1: Morning flight from Quito to Lago Agrio. Reception at the airport followed by lunch. Transfer by bus to Chiritza then your transportation in by motorized canoe down the Aguarico river until you reach PARADISE HUTS. Evening meal. Nocturnal Hike optional.

DAY 2: After breakfast hiking in the 110 acres forest owned by Paradise Huts to see the great variety of species of plants, trees and animal life. Lunch back at the lodge is followed by a visit to the home of an indigenous family to see a demonstration and participation of the use of blowpipes, typical musical instruments and the elaboration of woven goods. Evening meal.

DAY 3: Breakfast followed by a visit to San Pablo, the largest Secoya tribe community in the region to learn of their customs and way of life. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon try your hand at paddling an indigenous canoe o the Aguarico river. Evening meal (farewell cocktail for those on the four-day tour).

DAY 4: After breakfast, departure for Seguayas to visit the local shaman who will lead a small hike revealing secrets of jungle life, medicinal plants and their uses.
Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon a journey by canoe up the Shushufindi river for an excellent opportunity for bird - watching. Evening meal and farewell cocktail.

DAY 5: Early breakfast and departure to Chiritza by canoe and then by bus to lago Agrio to catch the flight back to Quito.

Incluides:

Accomodation in a lodge, all meals, naturalist guide, bilingual guide, tour by canoe, transportation from Lago Agrio to Paradise Huts, rubber boots and life jackets, airline ticket QUITO - LAGO AGRIO - QUITO

Does Not include:

Alcoholic drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Entrance fee to San Pablo community usd$ 2,00 per person. It has to be paid locally.

Day 2: Get up early. Canoe trip through Yuturi Lake in order to observe the transition between the terrestrial and aquatic vegetation, the diversity of birds and their morning concert. Nearly 500 species of birds have been found in the area. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, canoe trip through the rain forest where you will have the opportunity to observe the exhuberant vegetation, some plants like 'chontillas', anthuria, and a diversity of aquatic birds. In the afternoon, piranha fishing and dinner.

Day 3: After breakfast, walk by the way of Huarmi Yuturi in order to observe many plants and animals. We will visit the indigenous community called Samona Yuturito learn about their customs and traditions. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, native guides will show you how to use a blowgun. Afterwards visit the Chorongos Island (monkey island). Dinner.

Day 4: Starts after breakfast with an adventure walk ( about 3 hours ) to see medicinal plants and learn from the guides how they have been used traditionally. Observation of bird life: caciques, toucans, parrots, iguanas, and the forest: orquids, bromeliads, palms, lianas, and a great diversity of insects. In the afternoon visit to the Canopy tower. After dinner, nocturnal canoe trip to observe reptiles, and nocturnal birds.

Day 5: Early departure to Coca. Breakfast will be served in the canoe. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito. Arrival time in Quito is approximately 1:30 PM.