Casa del Suizo

Depart from Quito by private vehicle to Guango Lodge, a paradise for hummingbird lovers and photographers.  It's not uncommon to see 14 species of hummingbirds within an hour, and the Sword-billed hummingbird with it's unique, long bill is sure to amaze you. Explore scenic vistas and a variety of trails around the lodge in a beautiful setting surrounded by forest-covered mountains.  Continue on a scenic stretch of road which takes you 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. 

After breakfast, board a dugout canoe and navigate 20 minutes down the waters of the Napo River. Pull ashore and walk approximately two hours through primary rainforest to Casano.  Along the way find hunting traps that were traditionally used by the local natives in the past. The guides will demonstrate how they work and explain which type of animals were caught in each of them. At all times you will be on the lookout for tropical birds and point our important aspects of the surrounding vegetation. Just across the river from Casa del Suizo is Amazoonico, a rescue center for wounded and displaced tropical rainforest animals. Here it is possible to see coatis, tapirs, several species of monkeys, snakes, and a variety of birds. 

Later, continue to the village of Ahuano, to learn about several aspects of traditional Quichua culture. A local host will show you how to make chicha, a typical beverage, and demonstrate the spiritual cleaning rituals still practiced today throughout the surrounding community. Afterwards, you may participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest. 

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 there are several opportunities for adventure, such as hanging bridges and vines for swinging from tree to tree. Later, experience the tradition of building and navigating a raft! On a small river island your guide will show you how to tie balsa logs together, so you can float down the Napo for about an hour back to la Casa del Suizo. 

In the afternoon, you can take a one hour walk along a totally flat river island, where you can observe a great variety of plants and insects. Later, you will go to Mariposario (butterfly house) and have the opportunity to see a variety of butterflies and their metamorphosis. 

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

After breakfast, depart for the trip up to the mountains. Stop in the small mountain village of Papallacta, which is famous for its natural hot springs. Take some time to visit these springs for a soothing swim in the thermal waters. Refreshed and recharged continue on to Quito.