La Casa de Suizo is a quiet Amazonian Lodge located on the shore of Ecuador's majestic Napo River and a stone's throw away from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains - therefore, at the beginning of the jungle. Perched comfortably above the riverbank and the small Quichua Indian village of Ahuano, La Casa de Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment.
Each of the modern rooms provides full electricity, hot water and ceiling fans to make your stay more comfortable in the jungle, and an exquisite view which may be peacefully absorbed from the privacy of one's own terrace. With a magnificent panorama of the Napo, you may enjoy the swimming pool, the outdoor dining area and a 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 the buffets cater to vegetarians.
Each morning you may trek, paddle and hike through the lush, primary rainforest which surrounds the lodge. The native guides posses vast knowledge of the diverse jugle fauna and flora, as well as the medicinal uses of many plants. Don't miss out on this amazing Amazon adventure!
Example Itinerary:
Day 01: Quito Papallacta - La Casa de Suizo
The tour to La Casa del Suizo will depart from Quito, Ecuador's capital, at in the morning in private transportation. The first leg of hte journey brings you to Papallacta, a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs. Upon arrival you can take some time to visit these springs for a soothing swim in their thermal waters before lunch at the Hotel Papallacta. Shortly after noon, you will continue the journey along a scenic stretch of road which takes you out of the majestic Andes highlands and down into the Oriente - the 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 de Suizo. You will arrive with time to get settled and enjoy the sunset from the swimming pool with a refreshing welcome cocktail. -/L/D
Day 02: Amazon Jungle Exploration
After breakfast you will board a dugout canoe, and navigate 20 minutes down the waters of the scenic Napo River. The destination is Pangayacu, where during an approximately three-hour walk through primary Amazon rainforest, visitors will have the opportunity to see actual hunting traps which were traditionally used by the local natives in the past. The local guides will demonstrate how they work and explain which type of animals was caught in each one. And of course, at all times you will be on the lookout for tropical birds, and point out important aspects of the surrounding vegetation. The trail leads to the home of a Quichua Indian family, whose garden contains many medicinal plants still commonly used today. The naturalist guide will explain how they are prepared. Later, you will continue on to the village of Ahuano, where you may learn about several aspects of traditional Quichua culture. A local host will show you how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which of course all may taste). Finally, all may participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest - but don't expect to beat the natives! B/L/D
Day 03: Amazon Jungle Exploration
This tour 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 you 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 de Suizo. The duration of this tour is around 4 hours, and from 5 to 6 hours if you choose to have lunch in the forest. For the more physically limited guests, who do not wish or are not able to participate in all of the activities listed above, you have alternatives such as The Island: A one-hour walk along a totally flat river island, where one may observe a great variety of plants and insects. It is also possible to visit an artisan in the village of Ahuano, who will demonstrate how the traditional Quichua ceramics are created, painted, and hardened. B/L/D
Day 04: La Casa Del Suizo Jungle Lodge - Quito
After breakfast you will depart for the trip up the mountains and back to Quito. About halfway there the bus will stop at a lookout to stretch your legs and enjoy a box lunch before continuing on to Quito. B/L/-
B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / D: Dinner
Note: The activities on day 2 and 3 may be inverted, depending on the number of guests present.
