Sacha and Casa del Suizo
Days 3-4 Casa del Suizo (2B,2L,2D) 
All excursions at La Casa del Suizo will be led by both a bilingual naturalist as well as a native guide with expert knowledge of the rainforest's medicinal and other useful plants. A typical day begins after an early breakfast, and there are a variety of trails and activities to choose from: Walks may range from full day hikes through primary rainforest to short, easy walks along river islands, depending on each group's interests and physical abilities. Most outings begin with a short canoe ride along the Napo River or one of its many tributaries, during which it is possible to observe a variety of shore birds on the way to our trails. Once in the forest, where giant trees and tangled vines tower above, the guides will point out important aspects of the vegetation while on the lookout for tropical birds and other jungle creatures… Stay alert and you may find some yourself!
On one trail, our native guides have built model hunting traps to represent those traditionally used by the local people in the past. But this is only one aspect of the Quichua culture you may learn about here: There will be opportunity to visit with a local Quichua Indian family as well, whose garden contains many medicinal plants still commonly used today. They will explain how such plants are used, and demonstrate other aspects of their traditional culture such as the spiritual cleaning rituals still practiced today throughout the surrounding community. Learn how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which of course all may taste), and finally, all may participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest - but don't expect to beat the natives!
For those in the mood for more serene activities, it is possible to visit an artisan in the village of Ahuano, who will demonstrate how the traditional Quichua ceramics are created, painted, and hardened. And for birdwatchers? Over 300 species have been registered during La Casa del Suizo's activities, and bird guides are available upon request... Just be sure let us know in advance!
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US$1795
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F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Quito, Ecuador
Tour Code: SC9
Single Supplement: US$410
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Arrival / Departure Transfers:
1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person Start Dates
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
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