A trip to the Ecuadorian rain forest is a unique experience. It has a different climate and vegetation than the lower parts of the tropical rain forest. Because of its location near the Andes it is known as tropical humid forest, one of the most biological diverse regions in the world with a high number of endemic species in flora and fauna.

The Ecuadorian jungle consists of two specific regions. The first region is the upper Amazon basin; the jungle near the eastern cordillera of the Andes at an altitude of approximately 600 m above sea level. This part of the jungle has an interesting flora and indigenous culture, but it will be difficult to see wildlife. The other region is the lower Amazon basin; in this part some protected areas are situated, like the Cuyabeno Reserve and Yasuni National Park. In these parts of the Ecuadorian jungle you will be able to discover real primary forest and there is a good chance you´ll spot wildlife.

Whenever you wish to be more informed, or if you would like to have information about other products offered by Ecuador Travel Site, please do not hesitate to contact us!

JUNGLE PACKAGES

Establo de Tomas 3D / 2N
This lodge is comfortable (but not luxurious. Has 10 bungalows with private facilities. It is located near to Tena City and it is an ideal sport for families with children.

Day 1:
We´ll depart from Quito early in the morning, passing the town of Pifo on the way of Papallacta Hotsprings. From here we´ll continue in the direction of Baeza until Tena city, considered one of the most important towns in the Ecuadorian jungle. Upon arrival we invite you to a welcoming drink in the lodge. Later in the afternoon, after a well deserved rest, you´ll have the opportunity to visit an indigenous family from the region.

Day 2:
In the morning we will travel to the town of Misahuallí by road. From here we´ll continue our journey by canoe along the Napo and Arajuno Rivers. You will the opportunity to visit the Traps and Indian Museum, as well as The Amazónico Animal Rescue Centre. We will return to the lodge in the late afternoon.

Day 3:
On the last day of the tour, we´ll enjoy an early morning trek in the jungle in the Shicu-Yacu area. In the afternoon we will return to Quito.

Included: native guide, bilingual guide, all entrance fees, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge.

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Yuturi Lodge 4D / 3N
Lagoons and flooded Varzea forest, surrounded by imposing Terra Firme forests, are the scene of this unique jungle lodge. Yuturi is situated in an unspoiled part of the Ecuadorian rainforest where human interference has not yet taken place.

A very good alternative for those looking for a comfortable spot (not luxurious) but also looking for deep jungle. It is located on the shores of Yuturi River (5 hours canoe ride from Coca town) and it contains a very good biodiversity in flora and fauna.

Day 1:
Visitors fly from Quito to Coca, where the tour begins. From here you will provide transportation to the river, where a motor canoe will take us along the impressive Napo and Yuturi rivers to our lodge. An evening hike around the Paraguaco lagoon to observe the nocturnal animals.

Day 2:
Early in the morning we"ll set off on a canoe trip on the Yuturi lagoon, where you will be able to observe the transition from land vegetation to aquatic vegetation and a wonderful diversity of birds, of which 500 species exist in the area. Afterwards, we"ll explore the Manduro lagoon, and take pleasure in a hike through the rainforest with opportunities to see a variety of flora and fauna. Your jungle adventure continues in the evening with a night walk which we will observe caimans.

Day 3:
After breakfast, we"ll enjoy a walk through the rainforest in the area of Huarmi Yuturi, where there will be more opportunities to encounter the incredible diversity of rainforest flora and fauna. Following this we"ll visit an indigenous community, who will give you an insight into their traditional customs and way of life. In the afternoon, our native guides will show you how to use a blowpipe and weave baskets using local fibers before we head for "Isla de los Chorongos" (" Monkey Island") a walk to the observation tower, an ideal location for birdwatchers.

Day 4:
After an early breakfast, we will return to Coca by motorised canoe in time to catch the flight back to Quito.

Lodge Category:

Capacity: 50 persons

Type of Huts: All the huts accommodate 2 guests, each with beds, mattresses and mosquito nets, private toilet/shower. Kitchen and dining room are located nearby.

Location: Near lake Yuturi, situated at a five-hour canoe trip from Coca, a small jungle town that is reached from Quito in 30 min. by plane.

Included: Native guide, bilingual guide, all entrance fees, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge.
Not Included: Flights from and to Quito

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Yacuma Lodge
Located on the shores of Napo River in the Ecuadorian Rainforest, Yacuma lodge is  simple, yet cosy and the perfect destination for nature lovers. It has 10 bungalows for 2 person each and a separate dinning area as well as a separate toilet and shower area. It is a place recommended for students and for those not looking for first class comfort but for an ideal spot to observe the unique flora of the rainforest and enjoy the amazing rainforest.

There are different itineraries available for visiting Yacuma lodge. Below you´ll find a 4d/3n program.

Day 1:
We´ll leave Quito early in the morning and travel in the direction of Baeza. Lunch in Baeza or Tena and then we will continue our journey to the indigenous village of Santa Rosa. From here, we will travel downstream along the Napo River by canoe, arriving at Yacuma Lodge in the late afternoon. You´ll have time to settle in the lodge´s rustic cabañas, which sleep to people. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding forest by night.

Day 2:
After breakfast we"ll begin a 3-4 hour trek through the rainforest. Along the way an indigenous guide will show us the many species of plants and describe their medicinal purposes to us. With a little luck we will see monkeys and birds such us oropendolas and parrots. After lunch we"ll visit the Quechua indigenous community, where you will have the opportunity to learn about local customs and the way of life of the native people of the jungle. Later in the afternoon, you may like to enjoy a refreshing swim in the river or try your hand at fishing.

Day 3:
In the morning, we"ll travel further along the Napo River towards the mouth Arajuno River, where we invite you to visit the Amazonico Animal Rescue Center. Here we will able to observe different kinds of jungle wildlife. Our crew will serve a box lunch on the way. Later in the afternoon you will have the rare opportunity to try panning for gold on the shores of Napo River. We"ll also take you to a perfect spot for bathing beside one of the sandy shores of the Sumino River. We"ll return to the lodge late in the afternoon and after dinner we invite you to have a drink at our informal social evening.

Day 4:
After breakfast we"ll begin our return journey along the Napo River to Santa Rosa. From here transport will be provided back to Tena. From Tena you will be able to travel back to Quito.

Type of Cabins: These are typical Quichua bungalows built with traditional materials. All bungalows accommodate 2 guests with beds, mattresses and mosquito nets. Kitchen, dinner area and a toilet/shower area are located nearby.
Location: Near the Napo river, situated at a 30 min. canoe trip from Santa Rosa, an Indian village that is reached in an seven hour bus drive from Quito.

Included: Native guide, bilingual guide, all entrance fees, noted meals, accommodation.

Not Included: Transportation from and to Quito is not included in the price of the tour. On request we can provide public bus transportation or private transport.

Departure Days: Every Friday (min 2 passengers). We can also arrenge a 5 day trip with 1 night camping at the shores of BuenoYacu River (departing every monday min 2 passengers).

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La Selva Lodge 4D / 3N
A more luxurious (and more expensive) alternative. It is located on the shores of Napo River and offers very good opportunities to observe the flora and fauna the Ecuadorian Rainforest.

Day 1:
Visitors fly from Quito to Coca, where you will be at the airport and transport provided to La Selva Lodge.

Day 2 - 3:
Optional Excursions (see information below).

Day 4:
Transport will be provided to the airport in Coca, where you will be able to take the flight back to Quito.

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OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Trek in the vecinity of the Indigenous Community:
To begin the tour, we will cross Garzacocha Lake. We will then set off on 2-3 hour walk on a purposely underdeveloped trail, which provides some physical challenge. Half of the walk takes place in primary forest and the other half passes the huts of our indigenous neighbours along the Napo River.

Mandicocha Trail:
An easy trail close to the hotel in an area which is usually filled with wildlife no matter what hour of the day you do it. The excursion can last as long as you want.

Mandicocha - Mandiyacu:
A 3 to 4 hour trip. Follow the Mandicocha trail until you reach the Mandicocha Lake, which has a completely different ecosystem than lake Garzacocha (where the hotel is located). Board paddle canoes for a one and half hour glide down Mandiyacu stream. One easily sees the myriad of wildlife that presents itself along the shores of the stream. Arriving at Napo River, board a motorised canoe for the trip back to La Selva.

El Salado :
This is a two-hour excursion often combined with a picnic lunch and trips across the Napo River (see follow activities). Visit a site where, with a little luck, parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be seen by the thousands.

High Forest Trail:
The duration of this trail can vary from 3-5 hours. Cross the Napo River and arrive at a challenging mountainous trail, which offers yet another ecosystem. This is a chance to see birds and other wildlife seen nowhere else... as well as a chance to eat lemon ants!.

Calluacocha Lake:
This is a motorised canoe trip down the Napo River, followed by a walk and a paddle canoe trip to Calluacocha for a picnic at a shelter overlooking the lake. You will then have the opportunity to enjoy some relaxing canoeing, fishing for piranhas, or a two hour hike through yet another unique forest.

Pichel Trail:
On this tour we´ll firstly cross Garzacocha lake and then walk for one hour or more. We´ll see an enormous colony of leafcutter ants and whatever wildlife may come our way.

Night Excursions:
There are opportunities to go on canoe or walking trips after dark to view nocturnal animal such as caimans, monkeys, insects and owls. Sample the LA SELVA nightlife!

135 Feet Oservation Tower:
Not far from the lodge you can spend many hours observing birds flying at eye-level, wildlife of all kinds, and yes, a bird´s eye view of it all.

Butterfly Farm:
This activity is available every afternoon. Close the lodge, you´ll be able to watch and photograph butterflies at close range. With a little luck, you´ll also witness the miracle of metamorphosis.

Chawamango's Trail:
On this trip we head east at Mandicocha trailhead and walk parallel to the lake, arriving at Napo River. We´ll then return by elevated walkway and cross Garzacocha lake by canoe. This trip takes about 3 hours.

LITTLE CHAWAMANGO:
This is a short trip by foot around the edge of Lake Garzacocha. We return to the lodge by canoe.

RUTH´S TRAIL:
Across Mandicocha, the trail just goes on and on....This is a very good place to look for jaguars. The trail is named after the owner´s mother.

Included: native guide, bilingual guide, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge.

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