Amazon Rainforest

Exotic wildlife, microclimates, wilderness areas, indigenous communities; is what you will find in the Amazon Rainforest. You’ll explore the exquisite rainforest, where you can find pristine landscapes, unique microclimates, exotic flora and fauna and learn about traditional aspects of the indigenous communities of the area.

Weather information
Animals
Recommended Packing List

In the Amazon it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather at all times... July is usually the rainiest month of the year, but in August what's known as "fluctuation season" begins. In other words, no one can make heads or tails of the weather patterns between August and early December - One minute it can be hot and sunny and the next it will be pouring rain! Then, In January the "dry" period begins. However, in the rainforest the "dry" period is sometimes wetter than some people are used to at home!
The question about dry and rainy seasons is a common one, but it is best not to trust such generalizations to plan a trip. At times it can be hot and sunny, but a cool rainstorm can appear at a moment's notice during any time of the year. We provide all of our guests with rubber boots for walks as well as rain ponchos so they'll be ready at all times.

So, in late March, April and May, trees tend to produce more fruit. In response to the production of food, in turn, many species of monkeys and fruit eating birds begin their reproductive cycles and are more active. So, sightings of these animals can be a bit more common during those months. However, we are not sure we would plan a trip based on this either! The main factor in spotting animals is just pure luck, and as nature is unpredictable anything may happen at any time of the year - just like with the weather. We'd hate for you to plan a trip based on this trend and then have bad luck with the fauna... And some rare animal sightings have been made when we least expected it!

Passport
Binoculars
Flashlight (Torch)
Camera, film (high speed film is good for shady walks), and flash
Insect repellent (preferably a cream)
Sun protection (sunblock / sunglasses / hat)
Lightweight *breathable* long pants and long sleeved shirts for walks in the jungle
Shorts and short sleeves for the Lodge
Bathing suit
Comfortable shoes and extra long socks
Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, film, etc... from rain

Notes: The lodge provides rubber boots up to men’s size 14. Rain ponchos are available if you do not have your own.
Please limit checking baggage to 44 pounds. For the flight from Quito to Coca. The airlines will not check bags weighting more! Items such as books and cameras can be placed in carry-on bags

Mashpi Lodge

The adventure begins in Ecuador’s heritage capital, Quito, at our 8 AM pick-up time for guests staying in Quito’s main hotels (Time will be confirmed by our Operations Department). Mashpi Reserve, a 1,300 hectare (3,200 acres) conservation property located within the Metropolitan District of Quito, forms a part of the Ecuadorian Choco rainforest, known as one of the world’s greatest biodiversity hotspots. The sudden shift in altitude (from 2800 masl to 1000 masl) will allow us to discover the spectacular natural diversity of the Andean landscape as we travel through the dry valley of Pomasqui towards the cordillera’s western flank, into lush, misty cloud forest, and finally reach Mashpi. On our way to Mashpi, we visit the archaeological ruins at Tulipe, said to have belonged to the ancient Yumbo civilization of pre-Inca Quito, set in a magical forested location. We’ll taste delicious Ecuadorian appetizers and fresh-brewed coffee prepared by members of the local community before our final one-hour descent into Mashpi Reserve.

Itinerary (3-Day / 2-Night)

Day 1
Departure is 07:30 to 08:00am from the main hotel in Quito.
We take the highway north of Quito, passing the Equator Monument and Latitude 0. Climbing up to the western pass, we detour for a short break at the viewpoint of the Pululahua Crater, a dormant volcano. From here on, it’s downhill towards the Pacific Ocean, turning off the main highway onto rural roads about 30 minutes after this stop.
About two hours after leaving Quito, we reach the archaeological site-museum of Tulipe, where we stop to explore the grounds and learn about the Yumbo people who created the waterpools and structures here.
About an hour and a half later, we arrive at the entrance to the Mashpi Reserve which extends over the surrounding 1,300 hectares (3,212 acres) – a haven for wildlife and biodiversity – and then continue to the Lodge itself, arriving at between 12 and 12.30pm.
Here guests are welcomed with a refreshing drink and checked in to their rooms.
According to arrival time, guests will meet their Naturalist Guides for a short briefing about the reserve and activities. Lunch is served soon after, followed by a short time to relax.
After lunch, the afternoon’s activities begin (please see options detailed below). These will depend on factors such as group size, physical abilities and weather conditions.
Optional night walks head out from the hotel following dinner (these excursions can be taken any night of the package).

Day 2
For those who want to enjoy the beauty and magic of dawn in the forest – which is when most birds are active and calling, as well as when views are often most spectacular – early morning activities are organised before breakfast.
Following breakfast, we head out from the lodge to explore, returning for lunch and a rest, before enjoying an afternoon amid Nature, then dinner, night walks and sleep.

Day 3
On the last day, there’s an early breakfast, followed by a morning activity. Guests return to the lodge and check out. An early lunch is served before departure at 1.30pm. We then drive back eastwards, winding our way up the Andes towards the capital, arriving at Quito hotels between 4 and 5 pm (depending on traffic, location and number of passengers).

Sacha Lodge

DEEP AMAZON EXPERIENCE

Imagine yourself drifting down a narrow, winding creek surrounded on all sides by lush, endless sea of tropical greenery, and all that separates you from the deep black Amazon waters is a canoe hand-carved out of single tree trunk.

Sample Itinerary
*All Amazon trips are subject to weather conditions and passenger interests

Day 1: Quito – Coca
After a forty five minute flight from Quito we reach the town of Coca, in the Amazon rain forest. Private ground transportation and canoe ride to a jungle lodge. Lunch. Refreshing swim in the lagoon, bird and butterfly watching. Short nocturnal walk after dinner. Lodge accommodation.

Day 2: Amazonia
Breakfast. Early in the morning a bird watching walk inside terra-firme forest is scheduled to observe huge kapok trees and strangler figs. Picnic. After lunch we provide two optional hikes. A moderately easy walk along the Napo River; or a demanding hike to observe squirrel monkeys and other jungle species. Return to the lodge on canoe. Dinner and lodging.

Day 3: Amazonia
After breakfast, hike along the Lagartococha trail. We will navigate down a river to search for anacondas and caiman, perhaps capuchin monkeys. Return to the lodge. After lunch, we schedule piranha fishing, or canoe rides on Igapó River to observe sloths and otters. We then climb up to the canopy tower to observe an interesting variety of birds and if weather permits, Mount Zumaco in the distance. Upon returning to the inn we may watch caiman, bats and nocturnal birds. Dinner and lodging.

Day 4: Amazonia - Quito
Breakfast. Early departure and a final opportunity to spot other monkey species. Return to Quito.

La Casa del Suizo

casa suizo UPPER NAPO JUNGLE EXPERIENCE

Experience Ecuador's Amazon in a different way, a closer rain forest within 5 hours by car from Quito, with Amazon Lodges located in the upper Amazon basin overlooking the majestic Napo River. Perched comfortably above the river bank and the small Quechua indigenous village of Ahuano.

Sample Itinerary
*All Amazon trips are subject to weather conditions and passenger interests

Day 1: Quito - Jungle Lodge
Depart from Quito to the east for a five-hour drive climbing the Andes at around four thousand meters to descend into the Amazon basin crossing extended valleys and lush green forests to arrive at the lodge in the afternoon. Lunch. Upon arrival, take some time to relax, breathe the jungle breeze and explore the quarters. Dinner will be served by candlelight, followed by a welcome drink. Feel comfortable in a quiet and lovely atmosphere filled with the nocturnal sounds of the Amazon rainforest. Take an optional night hike to explore the depths of nature.

Day 2: Misahuallí
Breakfast. The day starts with a canoe ride inside the Amazonian rainforest, along the Napo River. Arrive in Misahualli. Follow this with a second canoe ride on the Arajuno. Visit "AmaZoonico", an animal rescue center in which numerous species are tended to, including toucans, a variety of colorful parrots, monkeys, jaguars, capybaras and much more. Enjoy a picnic on the riverbank and visit a Kichwa family to learn their ancient customs. Dinner and lodging.

Day 3: Jungle Lodge – Quito
After breakfast, drive back to the city
Or extend your stay to enjoy more activities as:
Start an exciting walk in the jungle forest ready to find the secret wonders of the mysterious hidden jungle, finding amazing plant species with medicinal properties, which will be fully explained by our expert native guide: their characteristics and how the jungle inhabitants used them in ancient times. We'll also observe a great variety of insects, short monkey groups weaving around the giant trees; we must stay very quiet to admire these beautiful creatures. Dozens of curious colourful birds tag along with us during our walk whistling beautiful notes delighting our senses.

Testimonials