La Casa del Suizo is a tranquil Amazonian refuge located on the shore of Ecuador's majestic Napo River. Hike, paddle and swing through the lush, primary rainforest which surrounds the lodge. Your native guides will posses vast knowledge of the diverse local fauna and flora, as well as the medicinal uses of many plants. Don't miss out on this amazing Amazon adventure!
Highlights
Explore the Mariposario and see a variety of butterflies
Visit the Amazoonico, a rescue center for wounded and displaced animals
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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 before lunch at the Hotel Papallacta. Refreshed and recharged continue on to Quito.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.9 | 242 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 242 reviews on
19 hours ago
We received an immediate response from Kassandra who reserved our cruise as soon as she got a confirmation from us. Maria and Jess also were in touch right away.
Lynda Wallach
1 week ago
It is so easy to book trips, the staff is very friendly and helpful and they respond to any and all questions
Lorretta
1 week ago
Mary was super helpful and patient. Answered every question and with candor (answers of “Everything’s equally great” aren’t helpful! 😎).
TMort
1 week ago
The trip planner I worked with, Jane, was excellent. She had travelled to Antarctica twice and was the voice of experience as she explained travel options to me. I've travelled internationally for many years for many years for business and pleasure including a number of adventure trips. It is a delight to work with such an experienced planner. I've used Adventure Life for three trips, Costa Rica, Galapagos and upcoming, Antarctica. I highly recommend them.
Chuck Snavely
2 weeks ago
Clara was great to work with. She presented lots of options and always responded promptly. And she found excellent options within our price range.