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Ecuador Tours and Travel

La Casa del Suizo Amazon Lodge

La Casa del Suizo is a tranquil Amazonian refuge located on the shore of Ecuador's majestic Napo River and a stone's throw away from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Perched comfortably above the riverbank and the small Quichua Indian village of Ahuano, La Casa del Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest.
La Casa del Suizo is accessible by road and river, beginning in Ecuador`s capital city, Quito. During the drive down the mountain, in one morning, the scenery magically transforms from the Andes snow-covered peaks into the lush rainforest of the Amazon. At the end of the road, in the town of Punta Ahuano, a canoe awaits for a 15- minute trip down the Napo River to your final destination.

Here one can enjoy the natural wonders of a 300-hectare (750-acre) private reserve, as well as the cultural treasures of the the cultural treasures of Ahuano, located within walking distance. And with all the comforts of home!

Each of our comfortable rooms offers 24-hour electricity, hot water, a refreshing ceiling fan and an exquisite view that may be peacefully absorbed from the privacy of one's own terrace. With a magnificent panorama of the Napo visitors may enjoy our swimming pool, outdoor dining area and pool bar, which offers an array of delicious tropical drinks. The hotel's dining rooms offer a wide variety of both Ecuadorian and international dishes, and our buffets cater to vegetarians. International telephone service is conveniently available in our reception area.

Each morning our guests may trek, paddle and swing through the lush, primary rainforest which surrounds the Lodge. The native guides posses vast knowledge of the diverse local fauna and flora, as well as the medicinal uses of many plants.

A variety of activities are available: One of our hikes ends with a balsa raft adventure down the Napo river and back to the Hotel. Our guests may also visit a local Quichua Village, where one can watch amazing blowpipe demonstrations and the preparation of chicha, a local alcoholic beverage.

Most outings end at noon and guests are brought back to the hotel for lunch. However, for those activities that last all day box lunches will be provided.

"The trip was fantastic, thank you! Everything went smoothly and we had an amazing experience in the Amazon. Thank you again for all your help!" Marcia de la Torre

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - The trip to La Casa del Suizo will depart from Quito, Ecuador's capital, at 8:00am in private transportation.
The first leg of our journey brings us to Papallacta, a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs. The group will arrive here between 10:00 and 10:30am, and take some time to visit these springs for a soothing swim in their thermal waters before lunch at the Hotel Papallacta (included in the rate) . Shortly after noon, we will continue our journey along a scenic stretch of road which takes us out of the majestic Andes highlands and down into the "Oriente", or Amazon region. Along the way there will be several opportunities to stop for photographs, overlooking lush green valleys and beautiful sparkling waterfalls. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the North bank of the Napo River, where canoes await for a late-afternoon 15-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo. The group will arrive with time to get settled, and enjoy a sunset from our swimming pool with a refreshing welcome cocktail.

During days 2 and 3 at La Casa del Suizo, our guests will participate in several morning, afternoon and full day activities. These programs will begin after an early breakfast, and will be led by both native and bilingual guides.

Note: the activities on day 2, 3 and 4 may be inverted.

Day 2: Cosano - After breakfast the group will board a dugout canoe, and navigate 20 minutes down the waters of the scenic Napo River. The destination is Cosano where during an approximately two hour walk through primary rainforest visitors will have the opportunity to see actual hunting traps which were traditionally used by the local natives in the past. The guides will demonstrate how they work and explain which type of animals was caught in each one. And of course, at all times we will be on the lookout for tropical birds, and point out important aspects of the surrounding vegetation. Just across the river from La Casa del Suizo is Amazoonico, a rescue center for wounded and displaced tropical rainforest animals. Here it is possible to see coatis, tapirs, and several species of monkey, snakes, and a variety of birds, many of which wander around freely. Lunch Casa del Suizo. Later, the group will continue on to the village of Ahuano, where we may learn about several aspects of traditional Quichua culture. A local host will show us how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which of course all may taste), and demonstrate the spiritual cleaning rituals still practiced today throughout the surrounding community. Finally, all may participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest - but don't expect to beat the natives! Dinner

Day 3: Misicocha Adventure or rafting Adventure - This visit consists of a walk through primary and secondary forest trails, along which it is possible to observe distinct species of birds and insects as well as a great variety of trees and medicinal plants. The guides will explain how such plants are used not only in medicine, but also in construction and other important local activities. Along the trails guests may enjoy several opportunities for adventure, such as hanging bridges, and vines for swinging from tree to tree. After the walk you may choose to eat lunch in the jungle, and later live the incredible experience of building and navigating a raft! On a small river island your guide will show you how to tie balsa logs together, so those who wish can float down the Napo for about an hour back to La Casa del Suizo.
The duration of this visit is around 4 hours, and from 5 to 6 hours Lunch

"The Island": A one-hour walk along a totally flat river island, where one may observe a great variety of plants and insects. Later will go to Mariposario (butterfly house) will have the opportunity to see variety butterfly and their metamorphosis. Dinner

Day 4 - Rio Rodriguez - After breakfast the group will board a canoe and navigate 25 minutes down the waters of the scenic Napo River. The destination is Runa huasi and then will arrive Rio Rodriguez where our guest will be able to swim and then they may to eat lunch in the jungle. Later walk through primary rainforest visitors will have the opportunity to observe distinct species of birds and insects as well as a great variety of trees and medicinal plants, along the trails guests may enjoy several opportunities for adventure. The guide will explain all .Return to the hotel
Dinner

Day 5 - After breakfast the group will depart for the trip up the mountains and back to the city. About halfway there, the bus will stop at a lookout to stretch your legs and enjoy a box lunch before continuing on to Quito.

2011-2012 Prices (minimum 2 people)
5 days/4 nights - US$400 per person double, triple or quadruple, $480 single + $190 per person for transportation
4 days/3 nights - US$330 per person double, triple or quadruple, $396 single + $190 per person for transportation
3 days/2 nights - US$265 per person double, triple or quadruple, $318 single + $190 per person for transportation

Children under 12 get 30% discount on lodge price, children under 5 stay in lodge for free and get 50% discount for transportation.

Price includes accommodations, all meals, all excursions, native and bilingual guides.
Not included are drinks and tips.