Location:
Cotococha Amazon Lodge is located 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, our trips provide an unequalled way to experience the natural and ethnic richness of this region. Flocks of parakeets often fly overhead. Orchids and heliconias bloom, adding colour to the overwhelming greenness of the tropical forest. Quichua children run along the shores, marvelling at our white water rafts or motorised canoes and their occupants. Birds are plentiful, Amazon kingfishers, oropendolas, hummingbirds, egrets, parrots, and many more. White Water Rivers bring us a fun and unique way to explore and learn more about the tropical forest and its inhabitants. We hope you will share in our enthusiasm and join us with minds eager to learn!!
We look after our Ecological Foundation “Cotococha”, which covers an area of 250 hectares of protected forest. Our packages include interesting day tours and of course excellent food including international cuisine and typical dishes from the jungle. Our small bar is always open for those who want exotic refreshment.
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 cosy lounge with fireplace offers comfortable seats to read or share your travel experiences with other travellers. Several tropical drinks are offered at the bar. The restaurant is partly open-air and serves great local & international food.
Excursions:
We provide our activities and excursions in a flexible way. You are able to design your own itinerary day by day, in coordination with your local guide, customizing your trip according to your wishes and interests. Most itineraries include visits to the local communities, hikes in the rain forest, canoe trips, night walks, cascade visits, river tubing or rafting, and other activities. Some excursions will be shared with other passengers, but to maintain a high level of personal service the group size is limited to 12 in most conditions. Bigger groups are possible and additional guides will be used when necessary, in order to enjoy your trip in the most comfortable and safest way.
We offer several packages departing from Quito, then visiting the hot springs of Papallacta and entering the Amazon Basin, we can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of this region in our comfortable Cotococha Amazon lodge. We continue our trip towards the Andes, on the way will make a stop in Baños, a charming city with several tourist places and many things to do, under the Great Tungurahua Volcano. We visit the N.P. Cotopaxi with its small on-site museum and of course its masterpiece, the 5897 meters high snow-caped volcano. We return to Quito, after one of the most diverse trips of the continent.
Our Quito based office is also completely equipped and licensed to help you with the rest of your holiday plans to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We can easily make a tailor-made travel proposal according to your requests and interests.
Bar
Drinks are not included in your 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. We supply 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 we receive 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 our area until now. So no prophylaxis will be needed, if you only visit the Sierra and our area. But other rainforest places like Coca and Lago Agrio do have malaria problems, as well as the North coast (Atacames). You should then take medicines with you, if you intend to go to these places.
The fact that we do not have malaria does not mean that there are no insects in our 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 for 6 days
Day 01: Quito – Tena – Cotococha
We depart from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, at 7:00am in private transportation. The first leg of our journey brings us to Papallacta, a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs. The group will arrive here around 9:00am, and take some time to visit these springs for a soothing swim in their thermal waters before lunch at the Hotel Papallacta. Shortly after noon, we will continue our journey along a scenic stretch of road which takes us out of the majestic Andes highlands and down into the “Oriente” or Amazon region until Tena. Along the way there will be several opportunities to stop for photographs, overlooking lush green valleys and beautiful sparkling waterfalls. Arrival time at the lodge approx. at 17h00. after accommodation at the lodge we will enjoy a welcome drink and dinner. At night, depending on the weather conditions we take a walk trough the primary rain forest which surrounds the lodge. We will be looking for insects and nocturnal mammals. -/L/D
Day 02: Canoe excursion Napo River
We descend the Napo River by canoe in order to visit an animal refuge, where you have the opportunity to observe the diversity of the jungle. We have lunch on a sunny riverbank, swimming is optional. After the lunch we will visit an Indigenous museum with tramps and traps. Return to the lodge. Before dinner we will offer a demonstration of a shamanic ritual (OPTIONAL). B/L/D
Day 03: Jungle Walk
Long walk in the jungle accompanied by a native guide. Today we will learn about the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest. Lunch en route. In the afternoon we return to the lodge for dinner and accommodation. B/L/D
Day 04: Canoe trip – hiking – Waterfall
After a short canoe trip we cross the Napo River and start a hike following the course of a small river, until we reach a beautiful waterfall for a swim. Return to the lodge and have the lunch. In the afternoon we enjoy tubing by the Napo River from the lodge to Misahualli, where we visit a butterfly farm, and know more about these insects. We return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. B/L/D
Day 05: Tena – Rafting
After breakfast we leave from the lodge by bus to Tena and start our rafting trip to the upper Rio Napo. This is also known locally as the Rio Jatunyacu, which means "Big Water" in Quichua. Big is probably the best word to describe this river, big water, big waves and big fun! The adventure begins where the road ends in a remote spot in the jungle. This is the highest accessible point of the Rio Napo. Only a handful of scattered Quichua families live this far in. The fun begins immediately with large rapids and roller-coaster size waves, intermingled with some calm pools that give you a chance to fully relax, and take in the spectacular scenery. This is our most popular rafting trip. No previous rafting experience is necessary (Class III rafting, about 25 km). Lunch en route. In the afternoon we return to the Lodge for dinner and Overnight. B/L/D
Day 06: Tena - White water kayaking - Quito
Tena is a paradise destination for kayaking lovers, narrow creeks, and big volume rivers. Beginner or advanced white water lovers….. It is all here. This is one of the most challenging kayak trips offered in Ecuador; the Rio Misahualli nestles in a deep and enchanted canyon full of lush virgin vegetation and cascading waterfalls. It is packed with unforgettable rapids, such as the Tunnel, Paranoid, Casanova Falls, the legendary Land of the Giants and many more!! In the afternoon we return to Tena and from here we head to Quito where we arrive in the late afternoon.. B/L/-
Price 2007:
USD 825. - per person.
Single supplement USD 195.-
Minimum 2 People.
Included in the price:
Private transportation from and back to Quito (bus/canoe), accommodation in double rooms (single accommodation on request and availability), multilingual guide, native guide, meals as mentioned above, free purified water (1 bottle) and all general equipment, including rubber boots, rain ponchos and life-vests.
Not included in the price:
Binoculars, drinks, alcoholic beverages, tips, personal items and travel insurance!
What to bring with you:
Lightweight long and short-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants and shorts (no jeans), comfortable shoes, swimwear, hat with brim, sunglasses, torch, insect repellent, sun block, 1-2 plastic bags, binoculars, passport, camera (with flash), day pack.
The equipment is of the highest quality. Type V coastguard approved personal flotation devices, and modern self-bailing rafts add a significant margin of safety and comfort for our guests. Paddle boats are our standard craft, where everyone participates by paddling. But we also offer boats where guests can relax enjoy the scenery and leave the rowing to the guide. Please specify your preference with your reservation.
If you need any additional information please write us:
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South America 
