Jungle - Latin Tour and Galapagos Tours, Ecuador, South America

The Ecuadorian Amazon is an exotic paradise teeming with life; almost half of the planet's 8,500 bird species, more than 1,200 butterflies, and thousands of reptiles and mammals thrive amidst a primordial setting of black-water lagoons, winding creeks, and towering trees. Travelers often find the rainforest's abundance and variety of flora and fauna overwhelming - one Amazonian tree can host more ant species than all of the British Isles put together and one hectare of forest boasts about as many frog species as all of North America! In addition to its incredible plant and animal life, Ecuador's rainforest is home to thousands of indigenous inhabitants from 200 distinct nations, including the Siona, Secoya, Cofan, Shuar, Zaparo, and the infamous Huaorani. The indigenous tribes that live in Ecuador's rainforest are the ancient keepers and guardians of the world's biological heritage; having lived there for more than 10,000 years, they know its trees, its animals, its rhythms better than anyone else on the planet.

Ecuador, with its 2% share of the Amazon (know as the Oriente), provides unparalleled opportunities for experiencing the magic of the rainforest. Not only does it have one of the world's best developed infrastructures for rainforest tourism, but most destinations are accessible within a day's journey from Quito.

Whether you are looking for a luxury lodge with three-course meals and hot showers, a mud-up-to-your-knees trekking and camping adventure, or something in between, Ecuador has just what you are looking for and LATIN TOUR has a program to meet your needs. Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon with LATIN TOUR and let our specialized jungle-guides help you unlock the secrets of the rainforest.

Our tours in the Ecuadorian Amazon include:

Casa del Suizo
reservations

1st Day
The trip to La Casa del Suizo will depart from Quito, Ecuador's capital, at 7:30am in private transportation. The first leg of our journey brings us to Papallacta, a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs.

The group will arrive here between 9:00 and 9:30am, and take some time to visit these springs for a soothing swim in their thermal waters before lunch at the Hotel Papallacta. Shortly after noon, we will continue our journey along a scenic stretch of road that takes us out of the majestic Andes highlands and down into the "Oriente", or Amazon region.

Along the way there will be several opportunities to stop for photographs at scenic overlooks that tower over lush green valleys and beautiful sparkling waterfalls. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the North bank of the Napo River, where canoes wait for a late afternoon, 15-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo.

The group will arrive with enough time to get settled and enjoy the sunset from our swimming pool, with a refreshing welcome cocktail in hand. During days 2 and 3 at La Casa del Suizo, our guests will participate in several morning, afternoon, and full-day activities. These programs will begin after an early breakfast, and will be led by both native and bilingual guides. Pangayacu Cultural Visit. After breakfast, the group will board a dugout canoe, and navigate 20 minutes down the scenic Napo River. The destination is Pangayacu, where during an approximately three-hour walk through primary rainforest, visitors will have the opportunity to see actual hunting traps which were traditionally used by the local natives in the past.

2nd Day
The guides will demonstrate how they work and explain which type of animals are captured by each one. And, of course, at all times we will be on the lookout for tropical birds while pointing out important aspects of the surrounding vegetation. The trail leads to the home of a Quichua Indian family, whose garden contains many medicinal plants still commonly used today. Your guide will explain how they are prepared, and afterwards serve lunch (which will be sent from the hotel) near the edge of the Napo. Later, the group will continue on to the village of Ahuano where we will visit with the local shaman, who will teach us about several aspects of traditional Quichua culture. Our host will show us how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which, of course, we all may taste), and demonstrate the spiritual cleansing rituals still practiced today throughout the surrounding community.

Finally, all may participate in a blowgun-target-shooting contest - but don't expect to beat the natives! Before returning to the hotel it is also possible to visit a local animal rescue center, where several wounded and displaced rainforest animals are cared for. Several species of monkeys wander around freely here, while others are maintained in semi-captivity until they are fit to return to their natural environment.

3rd Day
Misicocha Adventure. This visit consists of a walk through primary and secondary forests on trails from which it is possible to observe diverse species of birds and insects, as well as a great variety of trees and medicinal plants. The guides will explain how such plants are used, not only as medicine, but also in construction and for other important local activities.

Along the trails guests may enjoy several opportunities for adventure, such as swinging from tree to tree on hanging vines. After the walk you may choose to eat lunch in the jungle, and later, to live the incredible experience of building and navigating a raft! On a small river island your guide will show you how to tie balsa logs together, so those who wish can float down the Napo for about an hour back to La Casa del Suizo. The duration of this visit is around 4 hours, and you may choose to have lunch in the forest.

For our more physically limited guests, who do not wish or are not able to participate in all of the activities listed above, we have alternatives such as "The Island"- a one-hour walk along a totally flat river island, where one may observe a great variety of plants and insects. It is also possible to visit an artisan in the village of Ahuano, who will demonstrate how the traditional Quichua ceramics are created, painted, and hardened.

4th Day
After breakfast the group will depart for the trip up the mountains and back to the city. About halfway there, the bus will stop at a spectacular lookout to stretch your legs and enjoy a box lunch before continuing on to Quito.

reservations

Jungle Tour Includes:
• Private transportation from Quito to Punta Ahuano and back to Quito
• Fluvial transportation from Punta Ahuano to La Casa del Suizo and back
• Both native and English-speaking guides;
• 3 daily meals
• Accommodation at double cabins
• Excursions through the jungle
• Canoe rides.
• Rubber boots

Does Not Include:
• Entrance fee to Papallacta hot springs
• Drinks
• Tips
• Rain coats

(8 Days, 7 Nights)

1st Day
Reception. Meet LatinTour staff members in the city of Coca. Travel by bus to Huaorani village of the Tiguino, on the bank of the Tiguino River. Explore the Tiguino with an expert guide. Canoe down the river and observe parrots, toucans, monkeys and many other animal and plant species. Dinner at a nice lodge.

2nd Day
Breakfast, walk in the jungle accompanied by a Huaorani-guide. We have the chance to learn about their culture and the various medicinal plants. Furthermore he will show us how he allures different animals by imitating their sounds for example birds or monkeys. Return to the lodge. Lunch. In the afternoon we can go sport fishing for pirañas. Dinner and a night tour to watch crocodiles.

3rd Day
Early, navigate the Tiguino river in canoe to the mouth of the Cuchiyacu river, a tributary of Tiguino. A great opportunity to see the areas many birds and mammals. Lunch. In the afternoon, set up camp and take a long jungle walk. Dinner. Night tour to observe insects and other nocturnal animals. Also, with a little luck, you may have the opportunity to meet with members of the Bameno community.

4th Day
Early Breakfast. Navigate the Cuchiyacu and tour the jungle along its banks. See monkeys, parrots, toucans, hundreds of plant species and other exotic birds and animals. In the afternoon, go fishing in the river. Dinner and a night tour.

5th Day
Navigate the Tiguino river in canoe to its end where it flows into river Cononaco. Fish in the river or take a short walk in the jungle. Lunch. In the afternoon, set up camp on a pleasant riverside beach. Dinner and cocktails by the campfire.

6th Day
Breakfast. Tour the jungle with a guide that explains the flora and fauna you encounter. Lunch. In the afternoon, navigate upstream to a lodge where the group dines and sleeps.

7th Day
Breakfast. Take a jungle walk to a secluded and beautiful stream. Later, row up the Cononaco to the point where it flows into river Tiguino. Return to the lodge. In the afternoon, learn how the indigenous elaborate CURARE -a dangerous poison used by Huaronis to hunt - and watch (and if you want, participate in) a Cerbatana blowgun competition. Dinner and farewell cocktail party.

8th Day
Pack and travel upstream to catch the bus to Coca. Eat lunch on the way. Travel to Coca by bus.

*It is also possible to stay only the first and last night in the lodge.

Airplane tickets and other vouchers will be given to you at the LatinTour office in Quito.