|
We are authorized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism |
|
| |
Member of: |
|
|
|
Ecuador Amazon Rain Forest Jungle Tour |
|
| |
| Kapawi Rainforest lodge |
 Kapawi is the newest of the eco-lodges in South America . It is located on the Pastaza River, on the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. Accessible only by small aircraft, Kapawi is the most spectacular place in the tropical rain forest. Built in cooperation with the indigenous organization OINAE, Kapawi is a state of the art project. The lodge was created in accordance with the Achuar concept of architecture without a single metal nail. Environmentally -friendly methods such as solar energy, biodegradable soaps, and trash recycling systems are also being utilized. |
Kapawi is home to:
. More than 500 bird species
. Many insect species including bright colored butterflies most of which have not been identified by scientists
. Several thousand plant-species, many are used for medicinal purposes by the Achuar
. Mammals such as fresh water dolphins, monkeys, bats and several kinds of rodents (including capybaras) that you may see depending on the time of year
. Animal tracks from mammals like jaguars, ocelots and jaguarundis and other big cats. (since these cats are mainly nocturnal, mammals like they are difficult to spot)
. It is possible to see amphibians and reptiles such as frogs, caimans and snakes. Certain reptiles, like snakes are rather hard to find because they run away when they feel ground vibrations. |
Ecotourism |
The entire eco tourism operation takes place within a 300 sq. Km. area between the Pastaza, Ishpingo and Capahuari rivers. The area embodies different landscapes and vegetation types such as big and small rivers, lakes and lagoons, flooded forests, Terra Firme forest as well as six Achuar communities.
Due to the system of hikes and river trips, extensive and varied, we have four big advantages:
1. Avoid overuse of the trails, due to the possibility of alternating hikes.
2. Offer appropriate activities to all kinds of clients according to their physical condition and specific interests.
3. Reduce the cultural impact in the communities.
4. Provide opportunities in all communities for being visited by tourists. |
Activities |
Kapawii is known for its flexibility. Guests are able to design their own, with your guide and group experienced based on your own interests and physical condition. All tours have a combination of Bird Watching, Rain Forest Hikes, and Visits to Indigenous Communities.
Easy - Programs that include short hikes in the rainforest (up to 3 hours) on well defined trails, visits to Achuar communities as well as trips in canoes. Meals are served in the lodge or light meals are taken for the trip. Typical Achuar meals are also offered in their communities. Overnight stays in the lodge, occasionally in tents.
Moderate - Programs that include medium-distance hikes in the rain forest (up to 5 hours), sometimes crossing flooded areas. Trips in canoes and visits to the Achuar communities are also covered. Light meals are taken for the journey or typical Achuar dishes are served in their communities. Overnight stays in the lodge, in the Achuar communities and occasionally in tents.
Difficult - Demanding hikes of many hours or days in poorly defined and often flooded trails. Porters will carry food and supplies. Overnight stays are in tents or in the Achuar communities. Exploration journeys to virgin areas are occasionally offered. Trips on inaccessible rivers are done in inflatable rafts. Excellent physical condition is required. |
Price |
4 day price: From $570 per person based on double occupancy. Children under 15 sharing accommodations with their parents are half price. 3 nights / 4 days programs operate Friday to Monday
5 day price: From $750 per person based on double occupancy. Children under 15 sharing accommodations with their parents are half price. 4 nights / 5 days programs operate Monday to Friday |
Included |
Transportation via Canoe, Accommodations at the Lodge, Meals, Excursions with a Native Guide and a Bilingual Guide. |
Not Included |
Air Ticket to Kapawii $200 per person, Aschuar Community Tax $10 per person, Items of a Personal Nature, Gratuities, Soft Drinks or Alcoholic Beverages while at the Lodge |
|
| |
| Sacha Lodge Rainforest lodge |
 One of Sacha Lodge's highlights is our 130-foot observation tower, which allows guests to climb into and above the rainforest canopy for a magnificent view of the surrounding area. From the tower's ample platform it is possible to observe toucans, parrots, and dozens of other colourful bird species in the treetops. With some luck, noisy howler monkeys or the gentle three-toed sloth may also be seen, especially with the aid of a powerful telescope provided by your guides. |
The tower may be reached on foot via a half-hour walk through terra firma forest, although no one can miss out on at least a one-way trip to or from the tower along Orchid Creek, Pilchicocha Lake 's natural black water runoff to the Napo River . In a dugout canoe guests may follow this winding stream through untamed palm forest for about an hour, a trip that many choose to repeat.
In recent years Sacha Lodge has become a favorite destination of both professional and amateur ornithologists. Over 500 species of birds have been registered in the area, and from the tower platform our bird specialist guides have on several occasions reported seeing over 80 species in a single morning!
A short distance from Sacha Lodge is Ecuador 's most accessible parrot lick, an exposed clay bank where brightly colored parrots of several different species gather in the early morning. In ideal conditions (sunny and dry), the parrots will often perch on and eat the exposed clay.
On an ideal morning thousands of parrots can be seen gathering around this bank between 7:00 and 8:00 for a spectacular show of sound and color. The lick is located on the edge of Yasuni National Park , which may be reached from Sacha by a one half-hour motorized canoe trip down the Napo River .
Sacha Lodge is home of one of the largest butterfly farms in Ecuador . Designed as a live exhibition conservatory, the Butterfly House is now successfully breeding nearly 40 local butterfly species. Guests will be shown how these beautiful insects are bred and raised, and later be free to wander through "the flying room", where hundreds of colorful butterflies including spectacular blue morphs flutter from flower to flower. |
Day 1 |
After a 45 minute flight over the Andes to Coca, you will be met by a guide from the lodge and taken across town to the Napo river in a "Chiva" bus, a traditional vehicle of the region. At the dock our covered motorized canoe will be waiting to take you on a 2 1/2 hour trip down the Napo River , the largest river in Ecuadorian Amazonia. Here the guides will explain the surroundings in detail and a box lunch will be served. Although the Napo river is a kilometer wide in some areas, it is often surprisingly shallow.
The motorist will zigzag his way down the river following the deepest channels and avoiding trees that have fallen during floods. Small Quichua communities live along the riverbanks, where thatched roof houses are built on stilts and surrounded by small gardens called chacras. Upon arrival to Sacha Lodge´s property, guest will take their first walk through flooded palm forest to Pilchicocha lake.
Here dugout canoes await to paddle across the lake to the lodge itself. The staff will welcome you with a cocktail and snacks, and after a brief orientation guests will be shown to their rooms. There is usually opportunity to swim, bird watch or visit a small lookout with a scenic view of the lake and lodge before sunset. |
Day2 |
Once visitors arrive at Sacha they will be divided into small groups and the naturalist guides will organize an itinerary to fit to each group´s specific interests and physical abilities. A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, and each group may decide on its own wake-up and breakfast times.
In the afternoon, visits begin between 3:00 and 4:00 and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins. Activities are spread out over a wide area and allow visitors to explore several distinct but equally fascinating habitats. Several trails lead through pristine terra firme forest, where 150 foot kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give trees support.
Others follow strategically raised boardwalks in seasonally flooded forests, where walking on the ground would be nearly impossible during most of the year due to groundwater. One trail many choose to follow even leads across fallen tree trunks and a steel cable zip-line through rich swampland! For adventurous souls, the day does not necessarily end with dinner. Night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight. Caimans (of the alligator family) and giant insects rule the jungle after sunset...
One of Sacha Lodge´s highlights is our 135-foot (43 meter) observation tower. Situated on a hill and constructed around a giant kapok tree for stability, this tower allows guests to climb into and above the rainforest canopy for a magnificent view of the surrounding area. With some luck, noisy howler monkeys, foraging squirrel monkeys or the gentle three-toed sloth may also be seen, especially with the aid of a powerful telescope provided by your guides.
Every evening at dinner the naturalist guides discuss the following day´s activities with their group. There are different trails the groups could follow: Andén ("walkway"), Liana trails, Lagartococha, Garza ("heron"), Pantano ("swamp"), Orchid creek-observation tower, Danta ("tapir"), the Butterfly house, "Loros" the parrot clay lick. |
Day 3 |
Each group will decide on the activities depending on the specific interests and physical abilities of the group. |
(Day 4 of 5 Day Tour) |
Each group will decide on the activities depending on the specific interests and physical abilities of the group. |
Day 4 of 4 day tour or Day 5 of 5 day tour |
After breakfast we will walk back out to the Napo River along the boardwalk, where with some luck the local wildlife may appear to see you off. The motorized canoe will be waiting at the shore of the Napo for the trip to Puerto Francisco de Orellana, and from here it´s a 40-minute flight back to Quito . |
Price |
4 day price: $595 per person based on double occupancy. Children under 15 sharing accommodations with their parents are half price. 3 nights / 4 days programs operate Friday to Monday
5 day price: $750 per person based on double occupancy. Children under 15 sharing accommodations with their parents are half price. 4 nights/ 5 days programs operate Monday to Friday |
Included |
Transportation via Canoe, Accommodations at the Lodge, Meals, Excursions with a Native Guide and a Bilingual Guide. |
Not Included |
Air Ticket to Coca $120 per person, Items of a Personal Nature, Gratuities, Soft Drinks or Alcoholic Beverages while at the Lodge |
|
| |
| La Selva Lodge is located on Lake Garzacocha |
 At La Selva Jungle Lodge, situated high on Lake Garzacocha , deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest region , we offer you the ultimate in luxury jungle experience.
The Lodge offers many exciting excursions which will give you a genuine feeling for this very important, richly biodiverse and beautiful region of the world. |
Friendly service is one of La Selva's trademarks.
Their food is their pride. It blends the finest ingredients Ecuador has to offer with French, North American and Ecuadorian culinary skills. Expect to try most of these fruits: uvillas , guayabas , guanabanas , naranjillas , morete , obos , taxo , granadilla and tomate de arbol . They make Amazonian pizza that will rival any; veal milanesa a la Amazon, and local fish, when available, prepared with one of their numerous original recipes. Vegetarian and special diets are available on request. |
|
|
| Cabañas in the jungle |
The welcome appetizers |
|
2005 Rates
4 days Wed-Sat or Fri-Mon $634 US double
5 days Sat-Wed or Mon-Fri $756 US double
Single Supplement Add 30%
Children under 12 receive 30% discount
Add $120 for Quito-Coca-Quito air (private plane)
Add $15 for the Yasuni National Park Fee
All rates in US dollars. Itineraries subject to change |
Day 1 |
Quito-Coca flight. From the town of Coca you will travel downriver in a motorized dugout canoe for two hours. An English-speaking naturalist will escort you. From the La Selva dock a short picturesque walk leads you to a stream for a trip by paddle canoe to Heron Lake ( Garzacocha ) and La Selva Lodge. A welcome cocktail awaits you. A buffet lunch will be served or a buffet dinner if coming from Lago Agrio , afterwards, take your pick of activities for the afternoon or evening: swimming, fishing, canoeing or perhaps a walk to Mandicocha (which offers a completely different ecosystem from Garzacocha ). Return to the hotel for a briefing on next day activities.
|
Day2 |
If you awaken early, you have a good chance to see a variety of wildlife including monkeys or wild boar. Paddle down a primeval stream, climb up to the high forest or visit our neighbors . With our expert guides choose walking trips, paddling trips or trips that combine both.
|
Day 3 |
Any of the options which you did not choose for day 2. |
Day 4 |
A trip to Piranha Lake might be in order. Start early in the morning for an all day excursion up the Piranha river arriving at the lake by lunch time. Fish for you-know-what. Swim with them if you like. Fare well dinner . |
Day 5 |
Early morning departure for Quito. |
INCLUDES |
- Airport Assistance in Quito
- Transfers in Coca
- All meals and accommodation
- Naturalist Guides
- Guided Hikes and other excursions
|
DOES NOT INCLUDE |
- International or local flights
- Additional transfers, tours or meals in the cities
- Laundry , liquor , tips
- Personal Items
- Items not mentioned
|
YOU SHOULD BRING |
- Day Pack
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Sunblock
- Water bottle
- Head Lamp or Flashlight
- Hat
- Personal clothing
- Insect repellent
|
|
| |
Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise
Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve |
 Some 60 million years ago, South America was an enormous island, partly submerged in the Atlantic . The Amazon River flowed west, as the Andes rose majestically eons later. Life gathered in isolated patches, like Noah's Ark , bearing the promise of continuity. Salt water retreated to the sea, rains clashed against mountain slopes, and the Panamanian land bridge gave way to genetic transactions with the North. The result? The greatest orchestration of life ever heard on Earth - whose symphonies delight the spirit as its rainbow of colors come alive with what scientists call "biodiversity". What's more, not even the most outlandish imagination, nor the most sophisticated multimedia equipment, could ever emulate this "divinely computerized programming".
In 1541, the very first Europeans set out from Quito to explore these dense jungles east of this ancient Incan capital in search of gold and cinnamon. Not the jungle or the natives ever revealed where the precious metal of "El Dorado " was to be found, as they floated for 800 miles down the Napo to come upon what they thought to be the Atlantic. But it wasn't the Atlantic - yet. It was the Great Amazon River, fed by over a thousand tributaries that emptied one third of the Planet's fresh water into the sea!
Almost 500 years have passed since the discovery of this magnificent river system that flows through the world's largest primeval forest, containing 10% of all existing trees, 70% of all pharmaceutical compounds, and native Indians that live symbiotically with their unique ecosystem. This is the habitat of wildlife that is sure to be watching you - or vice versa - if you are lucky: freshwater dolphins, 500 species of birds, half a dozen species of monkeys, caimans, tapirs, 2500 species of butterflies.
Today, you can be a temporary guest in this magical wonderland for young and old. Our Amazon Manatee Explorer, designed for adventure, yet featuring the comforts and advantages of modern technology - is the result of over 20 years of experience in running expeditions others think are extinct. Come aboard for an experience of a lifetime! |
| The new Manatee Amazon Explorer riverboat has been specially built for cruises in the Ecuadorian rainforest on the Rio Napo . You will visit Monkey Island , Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve, walk jungle trails and explore virgin rain forest. The Manatee Amazon Explorer is 90 feet long (27 m) 24 feet wide (7 m) and accommodates 30 lucky guests in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and running hot water, individual air conditioning, on board laundry service, large dining room, inviting bar and lounge area, panoramic terrace, delicious cuisine and the finest multilingual naturalist guides. |
2005 Rates
5 Days/4 nights (Mon/Fri)
Single cabin: $923
Double cabin: $615
Triple cabin: $525
Children under 12: $308
4 Days/3 nights (Fri/Mon)
Single cabin: $692
Double cabin: $461
Triple cabin: $393
Children under 12: $231
Add $120 for Quito-Coca-Quito air
Add $20 for the Yasuni National Park Fee
All rates per person, in US dollars. Itineraries subject to change |
FRIDAY & MONDAY |
Morning flight from Quito to Coca over the Eastern Cordillera. Transfer to the pier to go aboard the MANATEE.
Then, we set out down stream on the majestic Napo River . After a couple of hours of navigation, we stop for a visit at the local museum in Pompeya , where we see an extent display of archeological samples from the Ecuadorian Amazonian cultures, as well as, an introduction to the Amazonian Anthropology. Return on board. Dinner and welcome cocktail. Optional jungle walk at night.
|
| SATURDAY & WEDNESDAY |
Early in the morning, river navigation continues downstream. After breakfast, on an open canoe, we go to the Yasuni National Park where we will enjoy the parrots saltlick, and afterwards we walk on a path through the tropical wet forest until we arrive to one of the many beautiful lagoons in the area. Swimming and piranha fishing. After our healthy box lunch, we go back for the MANATEE, paddling ourselves on small canoes through the waters of a spectacular small stream draining out of the lagoon. Great possibilities of watching fauna and flora. |
| SUNDAY & THURSDAY |
Early exploration of a river bank nearby. Close encounter with the real life of the Amazonian people; houses, planting and navigation in small rafts made out of a single tree. Great possibilities of watching flora and fauna. Return on board for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit a local family at their house and share their customs, nutrition, traditions and their amazing natural medicines. Then, we will penetrate one section of the wet forest until we reach the highest point on a hill from where we can delight ourselves with the beautiful immensity of the Amazonian Jungle. Return on board of the MANATEE for a farewell dinner buffet from the chefs hands. |
| MONDAY & FRIDAY |
Breakfast. Arrival to Coca and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Quito .
|
| TUESDAY |
Exploration of different lagoons and flooded forest. Piranha fishing, swimming, exploration of black water rivers and observation of fauna. Great possibility of seeing pink dolphins by the banks of the Napo river. Hike through the terra firma forest. Optional stay at a very basic and rustic camp, included traditional food, bonfire and exiting tales by our native guides. The sounds of the jungle are amazing. Transfer back to the MANATEE to join the other group.
|
| SPECIFICATIONS: |
The Manatee Amazon Explorer is equipped with two powerful 250 HP engines for a 12 knot output, two 60 kw generators for 110 and 220 V/60 cylces , Furuno GPS, deep sounder, radar, VHF, HF, satellite phone, video/cable and the highest safety standards, personable service and efficiency. |
| INCLUDES |
- Airport Assistance in Quito
- Transfers in Coca
- All meals and accommodation
- Naturalist Guides
- Guided Hikes and other excursions
|
| DOES NOT INCLUDE |
- International or local flights
- Additional transfers, tours or meals in the cities
- Laundry , liquor , tips
- Personal Items
- Items not mentioned
|
| YOU SHOULD BRING |
- Day Pack
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Sunblock
- Rain gear
- Water bottle
- Head Lamp or Flashlight
- Hat
- Personal clothing
- Insect repellent
|
|
| |
Yuturi Lodge
Is located on the shores of a beautiful series of lakes |
 The adventure begins with a 45-minute flight from Quito crossing the Andes and flying to Coca. From here you will travel by motorized dugout canoe on the Napo River , one of the major tributaries of the Amazon until coming to the Yuturi river . During the trip you will have many opportunities to enjoy the jungle scenery along the streamside. The tour will also include a stop at Monkey Island and a visit to the Archeological Museum at Pompeya . |
The Yuturi complex is located on the shores of a beautiful series of lakes. It is surrounded by the jungle and all it's wonderful sounds...
|
The resort includes 15 tropical cabanas (double occupancy) with private bath. Cabanas are constructed using local materials and native styles to fit in with the surrounding ambience. Lodging is comfortable and food service is good .
Amongst the various activities and programs are piranha fishing, hiking and canoeing. Especially interesting is the night time canoe cruise in search of caimans.
Early morning bird watching is also a real treat.
You may observe dozens of species in a very short period of time. |
2005 Rates
4 days Fri to Mon & Mon to Thurs $300
5 days Monday to Friday $375
Add $132 for the Quito-Coca-Quito air
Price includes: Transportation from Coca airport to Yuturi (and viceversa ), English-speaking guide, accommodation in double cabins, full board
All rates in US dollars. Itineraries subject to change |
| Day 1 |
Flight from Quito To Coca. Transfer to a motorized dugout canoe and navigation along the Napo and Yuturi rivers. During the trip a light lunch will be served. We shall arrive approximately at 5 p.m. After dinner a night hike around the Parahuaco Lake to observe nocturnal animals completes the day's activities. |
| Day 2 |
Get up early. Canoe trip through Yuturi Lake in order to observe the transition between the terrestrial and aquatic vegetation, the diversity of birds and their morning concert. Nearly 500 species of birds have been found in the area. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, canoe trip through the rain forest where you will have the opportunity to observe the exhuberant vegetation, some plants like " chontillas ", anthuria , and a diversity of aquatic birds. In the afternoon, piranha fishing and dinner. |
| Day 3 |
After breakfast, walk by the way of Huarmi Yuturi in order to observe many plants and animals. We will visit the indigenous community called Samona Yuturito learn about their customs and traditions. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, native guides will show you how to use a blowgun. Afterwards visit the Chorongos Island ( monkey island ). Dinner. |
| Day 4 |
Early departure to Coca. Breakfast will be served in the canoe. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito . Arrival time in Quito is approximately 1:30 PM. |
| INCLUDES |
- Airport Assistance in Quito
- Transfers in Coca
- All meals and accommodation
- Naturalist Guides
- Guided Hikes and other excursions
|
| DOES NOT INCLUDE |
- International or local flights
- Additional transfers, tours or meals in the cities
- Laundry , liquor , tips
- Personal Items
- Items not mentioned
|
| YOU SHOULD BRING |
- Day Pack
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Sunblock
- Rain gear
- Water bottle
- Head Lamp or Flashlight
- Hat
- Personal clothing
- Insect repellent
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| For further information please contact us:
info@nauticagalapagos.com
nautica@interactive.net.ec
NAUTICA GALAPAGOS CIA LTDA.
Tel: (593.2) 2906371 Fax: (593.2) 2503608 Mobile: (593.9) 9171145
18 de Septiembre 413 and Amazonas Av. Alamo Building, Office 502
Quito - Ecuador - South America |
|
|
