Embark on a 4-day Amazon Jungle adventure. Sail rivers, meet indigenous communities, and explore diverse wildlife. Unwind at Papallacta hot springs.
Quito City - Papallacta Hot Springs - Tena City - Amazon Rain Forest
Quito - On the first part of the journey, we will head out to the eastern mountain range. The pick-up can be from the hotel or the International Airport of Quito city. As the valley passes, the scenery will change with elevations that are part of the Highlands.
Termas de Papallacta - After one hour of driving, we get in the village of Papallacta that in local language means “Potato farm”. 15 minutes away from this village, we get into the best lodge in the area called “Termas Papallacta” that means Hot Springs. Upon arrival, we will prepare our backpack to start a small walk along the paths, where plants, rivers, streams, animals and a mountain formation will be observed. Then, it is time to plunge into the pool, this is a moment to relax in the hot springs and after a break continue the descent to the Amazon. By traveling in the middle of the dense cloud forest and turbulent rivers, the history and culture of these village will make us go back in time.
Archidona - The city of petroglyphs, is a passing city that is close to Tena. The rivers that surround this city have several marked stones or commonly known as petroglyphs that were made by one of the ancient civilizations that inhabited this place.
Tena - Reaching out the city of Tena, we drive more to arrive in the Arajuno River Bridge. On this site, we will take a motorized canoe upstream that will direct us to the Eco-Lodge, the canoe ride will be by 20 minutes till the Eco-Lodge. See the magic and beauty of the Amazon jungle during the navigation. At the dock our staff will waiting for us to give the welcome with a brief explanation about the check-in and the following activities are scheduled. The Eco Lodge is located in a transition zone of the Ecuadorian jungle. Also, it is located on the banks of a river that is born in the Pastaza basin near the city of Baños. The cabins are lit with candles, in a traditional way.
Primary and Secondary Amazon Rain Forest by the Arajuno River
Rio Arajuno - After a tasty Breakfast, we depart for a long walk through the primary and secondary forest. This activity lasts about three hours, it depends how active you are in the hiking. At the end of the activity, we will return to have the lunch. The main things will observe in the forest is the dense vegetation that covers this place, where we will observe some giant trees and lianas that hang from these and the king of the jungle adventures will come to our minds. Occasionally, it is possible to observe the Tití pigmeo monkeys, who shyly approach this forest to be caught by our cameras. Remember that the animals that inhabit this area will not always be able to be spotted, it will depend on various geological or climatic factors.
Amazonico Park - Anaconda Island by the Napo River
Rio Napo - After breakfast, we take the canoe for about 40-minute sail to visit the “Anaconda Island”. We can observe the prehistoric bird “Hoatzin”, monkeys, squirrel monkeys, just to mention a few. We also visited a family in one of the indigenous communities to learn about their cultivation habits, medicinal plants, as well as the ancestral form of hunting with blowguns and handmade traps in the forest. The Anaconda Island is located by the Napo river one of the main tributaries of the Amazon.
Rio Napo - After lunch, we will go to the Amazonico Park which is protecting a wide range of animals that are on endangered. Amazonico is not a zoo, it is a rescue center for animals that are living in the Ecuadorean amazon rain forest. We can observe some animals in their natural environment at close range. After this, we will return to the Eco-Lodge to enjoy the hotel facilities.
Entrance fee is not included; 5 usd per person
Amazon Rain Forest – Tena City – Archidona City - Quito City
Rio Arajuno - Early departure to visit Parrot Clay Lick. This activity performance depends on weather conditions. After 15-minute canoe ride upstream, we arrive in the Parrot Clay Lick to admire a unique place where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them digest the fruits or seeds that have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the canopy and then go down to the clay wall to eat this mineral-rich land. It is essential to have some binoculars to enjoy this magnificent natural act. We return to have the breakfast and we take our luggage to return to the pier and from there to Quito. The drop-off will be at a hotel in the city or at the airport by Quito.
- All meals included at the Eco-Lodge
- 3-star accommodation in an Eco-Lodge
- Private transportation Quito City – Amazon Rain Forest – Quito City
- Naturalist Guide/Driver (English/Spanish-speaking)
- Travel Insurance for each passenger
- Entrance fees; Hot springs $9pp, Community $5pp.
- Tips, meals and services not mentioned.
Cross over the Andes and deep into the dense vegetation of the Amazon Rainforest. Make your first contact with the jungle and surprised yourself about this magnificent ecosystem. Sail on a calm river and observe great diversity of flora and fauna. Rest in the middle of the sound of the nocturnal animals of the jungle. Take a walk along the dense paths of jungle. Integrate to the culture of the indigenous communities. Enjoy a pleasant temperature averaging 76° Fahrenheit. Look at prehistoric bird “Hoatzin”, monkeys, fishing bats, owls, arthropods, tarantulas, toads, frogs, among others. Learn in detail about the animals in the area at the Interpretation Centre that runs by local experts from the rainforest. Admire a unique place where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them digest the fruits or seeds that have consumed. Includes a relaxation activity at Papallacta hot springs. The Amazon experience will be etched forever in your mind.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
