ECUADORIAN AMAZON RAIN FOREST

ECUADOR AMAZON RAIN FOREST EXTENSIONS

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 2013 RATES PER PERSON

All meals	Twin	Triple	Single
4 Day Adventure	US$ 880	862	1420
5 Day Adventure	970	952	1510
Extra night	199	187	268

Rates include fuel surcharges.

Plus airfare from Quito US$250.00 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.

4 days/3 nights

DAY 1 - FRIDAY : QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER – YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK
Morning departure from Quito (a short 30-minutes flight) arriving at the city of Coca (Francisco de Orellana); transfer to the Río Napo port; journey by motorized canoe downstream (ninety minutes) to board the M/V MANATEE, all the while observing the ever-changing forest-clad riverbanks of the silty-brown headwaters of the Amazon River. Soon after boarding, the M/V Manatee will start navigating downstream, a great opportunity for observing from our sundeck the amazing flora and fauna of the region. After lunch, an initial outing on one of our trails will introduce you to the wonders of the tropical rainforest, an easy walk that will bring you to your first encounters with the Amazon Basin. After dinner, enjoy an optional nocturnal walk into the forest to discover the mysteries of this unique environment and see how life emerges in the dark right before your eyes.
DAY 2 - SATURDAY: VISITING THE PAÑACOCHA BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR
We will continue our navigation downstream to the Pañayacu River delta; take a canoe trip up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. We will seek out Pink River Dolphins, Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. Pañacocha (Piranha Lake, in Quechua) is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes here are the perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, as well as the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caiman. After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner.
DAY 3 - SUNDAY: KURY MUYU & PARROT CLAY LICK
Breakfast served on board. Today we will enjoy a cultural & ethnic encounter with the locals. We will spend some time at one of the forest communities to learn about their everyday lives. Take advantage to shop for local handcrafts and souvenirs. Later we head over to the Parrot Clay licks, a great place to witness one of the most exciting wildlife spectacles in Amazonia.
After lunch, explore one of our local jungle trails as we head to a most unique water museum, where you will learn about many of the creatures that inhabit this environment. After the visit, conditions permitting, paddle your way downstream back to the Napo and enjoy more opportunities to observe wildlife.
DAY 4 - MONDAY: RETURNING HOME
Early departure from the Manatee and transfer back to Coca (two-hour canoe ride); return flight to Quito.

MANATEE 2013 COST PER PERSON:

	Double	Triple	Single	Children
5 days	US$1070	970	1590	551
4 days	880	790	1187	490
8 days	1772	1537	2706	844

Plus: local airfare Quito/Coca/Quito ...about $200 per person ($90 child) and National Park entrance fee of $20 per person and $25 Clay Lick fee. 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, transportaton Quito-Kapawi-Quito (Quito-Shell by car and air Shell-Kapawi)

Not included: Achuar community fee of $35.00 (per passenger) and 2.50 per day, soft beverages, alcoholic drinks, Government taxes.

KAPAWI LODGE 2013 RATES PER PERSON

All meals	Twin	Triple	Single	Children*
Fri. to Mon (4 Days)	US$1039	980	1400	530
Mon. to Fri. (5 Days)	1249	1212	1700	692
Mon-Mon or Fri-Fri.	1709	1610	2357	897

PLUS LOCAL TRANSPORTATION: US$498.00 net (includes land transportation Quito-Shell by car, then by air Shell-Kapawi and 12% tax). Rates subject to change.

*Children rates: Under 12 years Sharing cabin with 2 adults.

Papallacta Pass Thermal Springs 2 days / 1 night

Private, 2 days / one night, daily from Quito.

Located over 10,000 feet above sea level in a temperate mountain forest, Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort is just two hours away from Quito. Nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle, Papallacta features several hot thermal spring pools of different sizes and temperatures, with hydro-massage and bubble jets; private pools are used by Metropolitan's guests (the first day), but they also have access to the public pools if they wish. Resort facilities include a first-class hotel and restaurants offering local and international cuisine with the main specialty: fresh trout.

Day 1 - Depart Quito at 8:00 in the morning for Papallacta Pass traveling on the Cinnamon Trail, the route the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Orellana took in 1542, when he crossed the Andean mountain range in search of spices and gold, only to discover the Amazon River. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel to leave your luggage there. Then proceed to the Thermo-ludic area of the Spa (pools) where guests receive towel, bathing cap and are assigned a locker. If they wish, guests can make reservations for extra treatments, which have to be paid directly to the Spa. A snack is offered at the Cafeteria (hot cheese sandwich, coffee or tea). Then, get ready to discover your adventurous spirit through a nature walk on marked paths alongside a pristine mountain stream, observing the flora and fauna of the humid montane Andean forest of the Canyon Ranch, a protected area of 625 acres (250 hectares), one of the entrances to the ecological reserve Cayambe-Coca. After this pleasant walk, enjoy lunch featuring fresh trout from their own trout farm. Vegetarian and other options are also available.

In the afternoon relax and soak away life's aches and pains. Revitalize your body and soul in Papallacta's medicinal hot thermal spring pools experience the notable, restorative effects of the crystalline thermal waters (sulfate alkaline terreous). Submerge yourself in the warm water and take advantage of its curative properties in rheumatic, arthritic, digestive and respiratory processes. The water is odorless, crystalline and ever changing. Guests have unlimited use of the pools at the hotel, at the Spa or the larger public pools. Do try an after-dinner soak under the starry equatorial skies. (L,D)

Day 2 - An early hike, before or after breakfast, is great to feel the beneficial effects of the life-giving, diaphanous air which originates in a singular meeting of the Amazonian winds with the rocks, forests and water of the high Andean mountains. Papallacta is ideal for birdwatchers, with more than 160 different species of birds, including many hummingbirds and tangaras. Visit the Exploratory research and interpretation center, which offers audiovisual information on those species only found around Papallacta. Once again, enjoy the thermal pools of the hoel, or the public pools before lunch at the hotel and return to Quito in the afternoon. (B,L)

Private, 2 days / one night, daily from Quito.

2013 COST PER PERSON: DOUBLE US$790; TRIPLE US$691; SINGLE US$1195

Includes Transfers Quito-Papallacta-Quito; accommodations for one night, meals as specified (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) and entrance fee to private pools (one day) and public pools

NOTE: Resort facilities include a first-class Spa that offers hydrotherapy using mineral, medicinal thermal water, therapies, massages, and treatments tailored to your needs. Use of the Spa facilities (other than the pools the first day) has extra cost.

Dress warm in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, and coat). Don't forget your bathing suit! Take rain protection from February to May. This tour includes walking at an altitude of 3050 (10,000 feet). Sun protection (SPF 40). Hat or cap. Good walking shoes and an extra pair of socks.

Temperature: Day 6° to 18° C / 43° to 64° F.

Temperature: Night

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