Cotococha Amazon Lodge is located about 200 km east of Quito, at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. The area forms part of the Upper Amazon Basin, characterized by small Quichua communities and abundant vegetation. Due to the location near the Andes, the area is rich in tropical humid forests, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world with a high number of endemic species in flora and fauna. The comfortable lodge overlooks the amazing Napo River with its small islets of stones and sandy shores.
The Jungle:
Much more than a rainforest adventure, this trip provides an unequalled way to experience the natural and ethnic richness of this region. Flocks of parakeets often fly overhead. Orchids and heliconias bloom, adding color to the overwhelming greenness of the tropical forest. Quichua children run along the shores, marveling at the white water rafts or motorized canoes and their occupants. Birds are plentiful, Amazon kingfishers, oropendolas, hummingbirds, egrets, parrots and many more. White Water Rivers bring a fun and unique way to explore and learn more about the tropical forest and its inhabitants.
Facilities:
The lodge offers 17 beautiful and spacious bungalows, built according to traditional architecture in harmony with the surrounding rainforest. All bungalows are equipped with a private bathroom with hot and cold water showers, a private veranda with reclining chairs or hammocks to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle. The lodge becomes very romantic at night, with lots of candlelight around the gardens and social areas. The cozy lounge with fireplace offers comfortable seats to read or share your travel experiences with other travelers. Several tropical drinks are offered at the bar. The restaurant is partly open-air and serves great local & international food.
Bar
Drinks are not included in the package and must be paid on the last night of your stay in cash.
Drinking water
All the drinking water used for cooking and all offered drinks (including ice), has been treated and is totally safe for human consumption. There will be supplied one bottle of mineral water in the room, upon arrival. Additional bottles of mineral water can be purchased at the bar.
Climate
In the tropical rainforest it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather. A common question is about the “dry and rainy seasons” of the Amazon, but it is best not to trust such generalizations to plan a trip. At times it can be hot and sunny, but a cool rainstorm may appear at a moment’s notice during any time of the year.
What about insects and malaria?
There has not been any malaria in this area until now. Anyways you should take a prophylaxis with you. The fact that there have not be malaria does not mean that there are no insects in this area! Therefore, it would be better to protect yourself. Not at night, as everybody thinks, since you can walk around during this time with shorts without any problem, but during the day, when it is advisable to use repellent on or, better, wear a pair of long pants with socks. The insects that bite during the day are not at all dangerous. They are just unpleasant.
Itinerary - 5 days
Day 1: Quito - Cotococha Lodge
In the morning you will leave Quito and drive to the south over the Panamerican Highway. Arrival to the lodge in the afternoon. After the long drive you can relax in the bungalows. Dinner. A very special welcome drink is served while sitting around the open fireplace to coordinate and discuss next day’s activities with the crew, plus an introductory speech about the Amazon Jungle by the Lodge’s Administrator. -/L/D
Day 2: Amazoonico - Museum from the Quichua community
Early in the morning you will have breakfast. Afterwards you must prepare the gear: boots, rain coat so you can be ready to begin the adventure! You will board a canoe and start the journey downstream through the enchanted Amazon Jungle along the imposing Napo River. Arrive to Misahualli, where you will make a short stop to check the papers with local Marina, so don’t forget your passport!! Continuing the canoe-trip you arrive to Arajuno River. Visit to Animal Rescue Centre “AmaZOOnico” which is specialized in the rescue of wild animals for specie conservation and reintegration into the wild. In here you can observe a great variety of species such as: tucans, all kind of colourful parrots, various kinds of monkeys, jaguars, capybaras and much more! Afterwards, you will enjoy a delicious lunch in the river shore, picnic style. You will have the opportunity to swim in the river or just resting peacefully surrounded by a wonderful natural atmosphere. After concluding this day’s experience, you will head back to the lodge, but first you will visit a trap museum in a Quichua community, is a very interesting exhibition of how they used to hunt for centuries. You return to the lodge by canoe. At night, after dinner, you will have the usual meeting around the fireplace to share the day’s experiences. B/L/D
Day 3: Primary Forest
After breakfast you get ready with rubber boots and water ponchos for a 3 hours walk in the primary forest. With an experienced native guide, you will be able to learn many interesting subjects about plant uses, insect variety, bird watching, and the species that lives in this unique forest. You will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in this natural surrounding. After lunch you come back and arrive to the lodge to rest. At night you are going to enjoy a delicious dinner and a relaxing time by the fireplace while enjoying a tropical cocktail or drink from the bar. B/L/D
Day 4: Secondary Forest - Waterfall Las Latas - Quichua Family
After breakfast, you depart by canoe upstream for ten minutes, arriving to a small shore where you begin a fun and thrilling one hour walk, discovering the jungle’s secondary forest diverse flora and fauna. After the short walk, you will get to the breathtaking waterfall Las Latas where you can take a refreshing bath in its clear crystal waters and enjoy the surrounding views, which mixed with the jungle sounds, makes it a unforgettable experience. Then you will return to have lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you will visit a Quichua family and learn about their millenary culture and traditions such as gold rinse in the river shoreline, traditional pottery making, making of typical drink “chicha” made of yuca (a traditional Ecuadorian manioc), and the use of the “serbatana” (blowpipe for hunting use). After this amazing encounter with Quichua culture, you return to the lodge by foot over secondary jungle pads. Upon arrival enjoy a snack. At night after dinner, you will have the usual meeting around the fireplace to share the day’s experiences. B/L/D
Day 5: Return to Quito
After breakfast, you must prepare for the drive back to Quito. End of program. B
