Hakuna Matata 4 DAYS

Hakuna Matata Lodge Comfortable lodging Jungle, Hiking, Horse riding and Rafting

Description

Experience the geographical diversity of Ecuador during a descent from the metropolis of Quito in the Andes to the tranquility of a lodge in the Amazon. Explore the jungle of the upper Amazon basin on foot, horse, raft and motor canoe. Expand your knowledge of the indigenous Quichua, their communities and the flora and fauna that surrounds them.

Season	All year
Included	All described activities Twin share lodging in cabin with private bathroom and hot water Professional English-speaking jungle and horse riding guides All meals from lunch Day 1 to lunch day 4 Local taxes Rafting: International Rafting Federation-certified guides Safety kayaker Top-of-the-line rafting equipment Transport to the river and back Unsurpassed safety
Not Included	Transportation Quito-Archidona-Quito ($6 each way by public bus. We can also arrange private transfers) Drinks Tips
Requirements	Minimum age is 12 years.
Price	2-3 persons – $412, 4 or more – $383 per person.

Itinerary

Day 1

Descend into the Amazon jungle

Your adventure begins with a remarkable descent into the jungle. But it’s not all downhill as you traverse the World Heritage-listed Sumaco Biosphere Reserve experiencing dramatic temperature and vegetation changes across altitudes from 4100m to 600m. Climbing up out of Quito we cross the Virgin de Papallacta pass, wind down into the Valley of Waterfalls, climb up to the Guacamayo (Spanish for macaw) pass and finally descend into the steamy Amazon basin passing through Quichua villages and tropical rainforest to the lodge.

After enjoying a delicious lunch in the lodge’s Restaurant Pangaea you’ll be refueled for your first jungle exploration on horseback. This unforgettable excursion is suited for both beginner and experienced riders. Accompanied by our professional guide and on well trained horses you’ll take a very varied ride of about three hours. The route crosses small rivers and traverses mildly sloping hills amidst rich jungle flora.

Day 2

Live a day in the life of Ecuador’s jungle

You’ll start the day with a delicious breakfast before driving for a couple of hours into the jungle. In a small native village on the banks of the Río Arajuno, you’ll board a motorized canoe, the preferred mode of transport to navigate the extensive waterways of the Napo river and its tributaries. Depending on weather conditions, number of participants and specific interests of the group, your guide will design a route for the day.

Rich flora, in primary and secondary forest, and fauna, in the form of birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles, will be introduced by your guide during walks and canoe trips. Explanations of the use of medicinal plants, trees and herbs by the native people will be given. Tubing on one of the quiet rivers through primary forest is an especially serene experience.

Day 3

Raft the Upper Napo river

After an early morning breakfast we drive up into the jungle to the start of our rafting adventure on the Upper Napo river, also known as the Jatunyacu, which means “Big Water” in Quichua. BIG is probably the best word to describe this river: big waves and tons of fun! This jungle river shows no signs of contamination as it flows from the Llanganates National Park – an extremely rugged and uninhabited mountain range believed by some to be the hiding place of Inca gold.

Day 4

Chill out on the beach

After a leisurely breakfast you can play archaeologist and check out the pre-Columbian rock carvings (petroglyphs), stretch your legs along one of the marked trails, or just relax on the white sandy beach which invites sun worshippers and enjoy the crystal clear water of the Rio Inchillaqui. Its all only a few steps away from your cabaña! After a wonderful experience you’ll climb back up over the rim of the Amazon basin into the Andes and Quito.