ECUADORIAN AMAZON RAIN FOREST

ECUADORIAN AMAZON RAIN FOREST

LA SELVA JUNGLE LODGE

It has sixteen double bed cabins built in the traditional native style of the region and each with their own toilet and shower perch on a bill overlooking Lake Garzacocha (also, called Heron Lake). The bar and restaurant hug the shore ready for magical sunsets, macaws, toucans, parrots and a permanent view of infinite green tranquility.

The lodge culinary backgrounds is French and it has applied these skills to local ingredients and dishes. Fresh tropical fruit juices accompany each meal: maracuya, babaco, taxo, naranjilla each one more exotic than the last. (Special mealtimes available for birdwatchers).

The lodge has a large staff in order to make small groups and offer many options. From leisurely to grueling, you can see the spectacular sights of the jungle at your own pace. After dinner each night, guides will discuss and explain the options available so you decide what tour to take next day.

LA SELVA LODGE

5 Days/4 Nights Itinerary Tara No. 48B

Day 1 - Assistance from La Selva staff at the Quito airport for TAME flight to Coca. Flight time 40 minutes. In Coca you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Napo River and by motorized canoe.

A two hour ride down river follows. From LA SELVA dock a short picturesque walk leads you to a stream for a trip by paddle canoe to Heron Lake. (Garzacocha). Welcome cocktail.

Half nile from the hotel, Mandicocha offers a complete different ecosystem from Garzacocha and its the home of the many strange and rare birds such as the prehistoric Hoatzin, the Zig-zag Heron and all 5 species of Kingfishers. (L,D).

Day 2/3 - Days of full activities or just relax, swim or fish. Get up early, today you’ll have a good chance to see monkeys or wild boars. Paddle down a primaveral stream, climb up to the high forest or visit neighbors villages. (B,L,D).

Day 4 - Start early in the morning for an all day excursion up to the Piranha river arriving at the Lake by lunch time. Time to observe the wildlife you’ll find there. Farewell dinner ((B,L,D).

Day 5 - Early morning departure for Quito.

LA SELVA LODGE 2009 RATES PER PERSON

All meals	Twin	Triple	Single
Wed to Sat. (4 Days) or Fri to Mon.	US$ 757	736	1196
Sat. to Wed. (5 Days) or Mon to Fri.	899	862	1330
Extra night	199	187	268

Plus airfare from Quito US$187.00 per person and entrance to Yasuni National Park US$25.00

THE MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER

Welcome to the Amazon region of Ecuador. Now you can really enjoy an adventure deep in the Amazon with comfort and safety aboard the new River Boat "The Manatee". It accommodates 30 passengers in 15 double bedded cabins with air conditioned, hot/cold water, private bathrooms..and more.

Below you will find sample itineraries for 4, 5 and 8 days. Departures are on Mondays and Fridays.

ITINERARY:

5 days/4 nights
DAY 01 MONDAY
Quito / Manatee Amazon Explorer
Depart from Quito in the morning (11:00), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca at around 12:00. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one hour and 30 minutes. Once aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating downstream. The courteous crew will attend to your needs and the guides will introduce you to the surprising Amazon world, its people, more than 600 species of birds, and hundreds of botanical wonders. The Manatee sails along different ecosystems and important natural reserves such as the Yasuní National Park and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve.
DAY 02 TUESDAY
Terra Firmae Forest, Lakes and Gorges
Morning disembarkation for a stroll on terra firma forest, towards an internal lagoon on the Yasuní National Park, observing the different ecosystems and accompanied by the naturalist guide. The excursion includes the opportunity to swim and fish for the famous piranha, time to rest and lunch. The return to the mighty Napo River will be on board a native canoe, rowing along a small black water creek or gorge.
DAY 03 WEDNESDAY
Parrots and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve
Early departure by motor canoe to visit a very special corner of the jungle, the clay banks of the river where different species of parrots gather daily to eat this clay that helps them digest the seeds they feed on, it is quite a sight, colorful and noisy! Then, back aboard the Manatee to sail upriver and reach one of the tributaries of the Napo to observe the flora and fauna, the surprising pygmy monkeys and then a trek to the facilities of what used to be South America's Summer Institute of Linguistics in Limoncocha, currently the only Biological Reserve of Ecuador.
Upon reaching the Limoncocha Lake, we will board a canoe and travel along the banks of this marshy ecosystem, where over 470 species of birds have been recorded. There is a possibility to fish for piranha, and for a short walk. At night, it is possible to observe the black caimans that inhabit the lagoon; quite an experience... Late return to the Manatee for dinner and overnight.
DAY 04 THURSDAY
Culture / The Amazonian man / Giants of the Forest
The adventure today begins with a visit to the Museum of Pompeya, a small archaeological sample with Amazonian funeral urns that date back several centuries, as well as utensils and ways of life of the ancient denizens of the rain forest, which can still be seen today. We will also have the opportunity to see the giant trees of the Amazon, like the kapok, which rises over the forest canopy to more than 40 meters high, with huge, protruding roots. Guests can also try rowing the canoes on a tranquil tributary of the Napo River up to the house of a native family, to share a moment with them and learn their ways of life.
DAY 5 FRIDAY
The Return
While the Manatee navigates upriver, the guides wrap up our knowledge of the great Amazon region. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito.

COST PER PERSON:

2009	Double	Triple	Single	Children
5 days	US$880	781	1295	490
4 days	691	591	997	394

Plus: local airfare Quito/Coca/Quito ...about $187 per person ($90 child)

National Park entrance fee of $20 per person and $25 Clay Lick fee is included.

Call for the 8 day trips.

Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve

Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve is located in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin. From Quito you will fly to Wayensa from where wooden canoes will take you to Kapawi in a comfortable 1 hour and half ride. The lodge accommodates up to 40 passengers and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of Architecture (not a single nail was used). Environmentally friendly methods such as solar energy and trash recycling are also being utilized.

"The Kapawi lodge provides an array of activities characterized by their flexibility in order for you to set the pace at which you discover this whole new world.

As part of a small group (not larger than ten, leaded by a naturalist and an Achuar guide), you can fully customize your itineraries, which may include visits to the Achuar communities, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, cayman watching and birdwatching, in accordance to the group's chosen degree of difficulty.

These activities range from short hikes on weel-defined trails and visits to the Achuar communities, and leisurely canoe and kaykas rides to more strenuos and demanding hikes that may take a day or even overnight camping after trekking through poorly defined trails or flooded areas. You will find however that every step in contact with the forest shall be worth it."

Nevertheless, most itineraries will include visits to the Achuar communities, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing in rivers and lakes as well as close observation of the flora and fauna. This is a true experience of the Amazon Rain Forest.

The tour package to Kapawi includes all your meals, daily excursions with a naturalist English speaking guide, accommodations, airfare Quito-Kapawi-Quito.

Not included: Achuar community fee of $10.00 (per passenger), soft beverages, alcoholic drinks, Government taxes

KAPAWI LODGE 2008 RATES PER PERSON

All meals	Twin	Triple	Single	Children*
Fri. to Mon (4 Days)	US$691	610	970	335
Mon. to Fri. (5 Days)	970	790	1295	442
Mon-Mon or Fri-Fri.	1,492	1290	2050	702

PLUS LOCAL AIRFARE US$295.00

*Children rates Sharing with 2 adults (3-12years old) (Children under 3 years old pay $87.50 for the local airfare).

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