JUNGLE

Adventure, Ecology, Culture in the Ecuadorian AMAZON!

Half of Ecuador is covered in Tropical Rainforests, National Parks and Nature and Animal Reserves, some of which contain as much as 10% of the biodiversity of the world. More than just the geography as you traverse the country from North to South. Ecuador is so rich in biodioversity that each region of the Amazon is unique in the types of flora and fauna.

The Ecuadorian Amazon beholds a wealth of indigenous cultures, each with their own distinct language. Each culture demonstrates various means of living simply and easily in the jungle without the luxuries of cosmopolitan life. The Amazon offers something for everyone from those who would like to escape the chaos of city to those deeply interested in studying the biodiversity of the landscape or the people inhabiting it.

• Pañacocha Reserve: 4 to 5 day tours
• Yasuni Park: 4 to 5 day tours
• Pastaza Zone: 1 to 5 day tours
• Region South of Macas: 3 to 5 day tours
• Cuyabeno National Park: 3 to 15 day tours

CUYABENO LAGOONS - 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

DAY 1

• Flight or Bus ride from Quito to Lago Agrio
• Transfer to bus or private transportation in Lago Agrio to Cuyabeno
• Take a Motorized Canoe to the Campsite
• From the Campsite, you can see many species of animals (birds, monkeys, insects, or vegetation)
• Lunch
• Excursion to the jungle surrounding the Campsite; Swimming
• Leisure time back at the Campsite with the opportunity to swim
• Dinner

DAY 2

• Breakfast
• 3 to 4 hour in primary rainforest, during which the guide will explain the medicinal values of plants and animals and point out different species of flora and fauna.
• Lunch
• Excursion in motorized canoe to the Cuyabeno River to see the differences in biodiversity between a lagoon and river. With luck, you will also have the chance to see pink dolphins, birds, and monkeys.
• Dinner
• Nighttime excursion to see alligators.

DAY 3

• 6:00 am walk with the opportunity to bird watch (1 hour, if you choose).
• Breakfast
• Excursion in paddle canoe to the other lagoons in the area
• Observation of the rainforest in IGAPO style
• Lunch
• Sport Fishing for piranhas
• Dinner
• Nighttime excursion

DAY 4

• Breakfast
• Short hike in the jungle
• Excursion in paddle canoes (optional)
• Lunch
• Travel down the Cuyabeno River to the bridge
• Take a bus from the bridge to Lago Agrio (approximate arrival time in Lago Agrio 16h30)
• Return to Quito by plane (flights available Monday to Friday at 17h30) or by bus

INCLUDED: Transport (ground from Lago Agrio), 3 daily meals, Native Guide, Bilingual Guide, Equipment (rubber boots, rain poncho, blankets, mosquito nets)

NOT INCLUDED: Entrance fee to the Reserve, Flight, Bus Fare to Lago Agrio, Breakfast the first day

NOTE: The program is flexible and we can tailor trips according to the current climate or to the particular desires of the tourist.

CUYABENO LAGOONS - 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

DAY 1

• Flight or Bus ride from Quito to Lago Agrio
• Transfer to bus or private transportation in Lago Agrio to Cuyabeno
• Take a Motorized Canoe to the Campsite. On the way, you will have the opportunity to see papagayos, birds, and monkeys, as well as different types of vegetation.
• Lunch
• Short excursion in the jungle near to the campsite
• Leisure time to swim or relax
• Dinner

DAY 2

• Breakfast
• 3 to 4 hour in primary rainforest, during which the guide will explain the medicinal values of plants and animals and point out different species of flora and fauna.
• Lunch
• Excursion in motorized canoe to the Cuyabeno River to see the differences in biodiversity between a lagoon and river. With luck, you will also have the chance to see pink dolphins, birds, and monkeys.
• Dinner
• Nighttime excursion to see alligators.

DAY 3

• 6:00 am walk with the opportunity to bird watch (1 hour, if you choose).
• Breakfast
• Take a motorized canoe to Puerto Bolivar to visit SIONAS-SECOYAS and take 1 to 2 hour hike in the area.
• The guide will explain the lifestyle and traditions of the indigenous community.
• Small Lunch
• Short demonstration by the Shaman of a traditional ceremony
• Return to campsite
• Leisure time to swim or relax
• Dinner

DAY 4

• Breakfast
• Excursion in paddle canoe to the other lagoons in the area
• Observation of the rainforest in IGAPO style
• Lunch
• Sport Fishing for piranhas
• Dinner
• Nighttime excursion

DAY 5

• Breakfast
• Pack up campsite
• Travel down the Cuyabeno River toward the pass of the tiger
• Lunch
• Short hike in the area (optional)
• Continue downriver to the bridge over the Cuyabeno River
• Take a bus from the bridge to Lago Agrio (approximate arrival time in Lago Agrio 16h30)
• Return to Quito by plane (flights available Monday to Friday at 17h30) or by bus

INCLUDED: Transport (ground from Lago Agrio), 3 daily meals, Native Guide, Bilingual Guide, Equipment (rubber boots, rain poncho, blankets, mosquito nets)

NOT INCLUDED: Entrance fee to the Reserve, Flight, Bus Fare to Lago Agrio, Breakfast the first day

NOTE: The program is flexible and we can tailor trips according to the current climate or to the particular desires of the tourist.

PUYOPUNGO - 1 DAY

* Minimum of 3 people are necessary for this trip.

• 8:30 am Departure from Baños
• Take private transportation to Puyo (1.5 hours) along the route of the waterfalls.
• Continue to the Ecological Reserve Hola Vida in Puyopungo
• Lunch in cabins at the Reserve
• Hike to a waterfall in the jungle, swim, bird watch, learn about the biodiversity and vegetation in the area.
• Take a paddle canoe down river to visit the traditional cabins of an indigenous family of the area.
• Learn about the traditions of the indigenous people and observe the atrs and crafts of their culture.
• Return to Puyo and then Baños in the evening.
• PRICE: $50 per person

INCLUDED: Transport, food, lunch, equipment (rubber boots, poncho), bilingual guide, entrance fee to the reserve, and canoe

PUYOPUNGO - 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT

DAY 1

• 8:30 am Departure from Baños
• Take private transportation to Puyo (1.5 hours) along the route of the waterfalls.
• Continue to the Ecological Reserve Hola Vida in Puyopungo
• Observe the birds and vegetation at the reserve
• Continue downriver in paddle canoe to visit the traditional cabins of an indigenous family in the area and to settle into cabins (beds with mosquito nets; bathrooms with showers)
• Hike in the area (optional), view the arts and crafts of the indigenous peoples
• Leisure time to relax or to swim
• Dinner
• Nighttime excursion to see alligators in the nearby lagoons

DAY 2

• Breakfast
• 2 to 3 hours hike in the jungle to learn about the medicinal values of flora and see insects and animals in the area
• Hike to the Volcano Viewing point to see the Sangay Volcano, weather permitting.
• Return to the cabins
• Lunch
• Return to Puyo and then to Baños

PRICE: $70 per person

INCLUDED: Transport, food, lunch, equipment (rubber boots, poncho), bilingual guide, entrance fee to the reserve, and canoe

PUYOPUNGO - 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

DAY 1

• 8:30 am Departure from Baños
• Take private transportation to Puyo (1.5 hours) along the route of the waterfalls.
• Continue to the Ecological Reserve Hola Vida in Puyopungo
• Observe the birds and vegetation at the reserve
• Leisure time with the opportunity to swim
• Dinner
• Sleep at the cabins (beds with mosquito nets)

DAY 2

• Breakfast
• Hike to the hidden waterfall in the jungle and swim
• Lunch at the waterfall
• Return to the reserve and prepare belongings for the next site
• Continue downriver in paddle canoe to visit the traditional cabins of an indigenous family in the area and to settle into cabins (beds with mosquito nets; bathrooms with showers)
• Leisure time with the opportunity to swim and observe the traditional arts and crafts of the people
• Dinner
• Nighttime excursion to see alligators in the nearby lagoons

DAY 3

• Breakfast
• 2 to 3 hours hike in the jungle to learn about the medicinal values of flora and see insects and animals in the area
• Hike to the Volcano Viewing point to see the Sangay Volcano, weather permitting.
• Return to the cabins
• Lunch
• Return to Puyo and then to Baños

PRICE: $105 per person

INCLUDED: Transport, food, lunch, equipment (rubber boots, poncho), bilingual guide, entrance fee to the reserve, and canoe

TOUR OF PINDOYACU RIVER - 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

* Minimum of 4 persons necessary for this trip.

DAY 1

• Depart from Baños to Shell (approx. 1 hour)
• Take a plane from Shell Airport to the town of Anchamacocha (45 minutes)
• Take a paddle canoe to the Pindo River (2 hours)
• Prepare the campsite
• Go fishing to observe the variety of fish in the region (catfish, dogfish, piranhas, sea bass, handias, huanchiches, carachamas and more)
• Lunch
• Leisure time
• Dinner

DAY 2

• Breakfast
• Travel further down river by paddle canoe to fish for lunch
• Lunch
• Hike in the jungle or continue fishing for dinner
• Dinner
• Prepare campsite where we finish for the day

DAY 3

• Breakfast
• Continue 2 to 3 hours downriver in paddle canoe
• Fishing
• Lunch
• Hike
• Prepare campsite
• Dinner

DAY 4

• Breakfast
• Return in canoe and then travel to the airport in Chama
• Take a plane from Chama to Shell
• Return to Baños

PRICE: $300.00 per person

INCLUDED: Transportation (air and ground), Guide, Equipment, Canoe, and Food

WHAT TO BRING:

Original Passport, Flashlight or headlamp, Waterproof & Windproof Jacket, Sweater, Sunblock, First Aid Kit or necessary medicines, Swimming Suit, Towels, Long Sleeve Shirt, 2 to 3 Short Sleeve Shirts, Shorts, Socks (1 pair per day to wear with rubber boots), Pants (long and lightweight, not jeans), Hat and Sunglasses, Camera Insect Repellent, Light Comfortable Shoes and Sandals, Biodegradable Soap and Shampoo, Binoculars, Plastic Bags for wet clothes and items ...