/ CASA DEL SUIZO (3 Days)/

CASA DEL SUIZO

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• Day 1	The trip to La Casa del Suizo will depart from Quito, Ecuador's capital, at 7:30am 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 between 9:00 and 9:30am, 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 that takes us 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 at scenic overlooks that tower over 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 wait for a late afternoon, 15-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo. The group will arrive with enough time to get settled and enjoy the sunset from our swimming pool, with a refreshing welcome cocktail in hand. During days 2 and 3 at La Casa del Suizo, our guests will participate in several morning, afternoon, and full-day activities. These programs will begin after an early breakfast, and will be led by both native and bilingual guides.
  Day 2	Pangayacu Cultural Visit. After breakfast, the group will board a dugout canoe, and navigate 20 minutes down the scenic Napo River. The destination is Pangayacu, where during an approximately three-hour walk through primary rainforest, visitors will have the opportunity to see actual hunting traps which were traditionally used by the local natives in the past. The guides will demonstrate how they work and explain which type of animals are captured by each one. And, of course, at all times we will be on the lookout for tropical birds while pointing 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. Your guide will explain how they are prepared, and afterwards serve lunch (which will be sent from the hotel) near the edge of the Napo. Later, the group will continue on to the village of Ahuano where we will visit with the local shaman, who will teach us about several aspects of traditional Quichua culture. Our host will show us how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which, of course, we all may taste), and demonstrate the spiritual cleansing rituals still practiced today throughout the surrounding community. Finally, all may participate in a blowgun-target-shooting contest - but don't expect to beat the natives! Before returning to the hotel it is also possible to visit a local animal rescue center, where several wounded and displaced rainforest animals are cared for. Several species of monkeys wander around freely here, while others are maintained in semi-captivity until they are fit to return to their natural environment.
  Day 3	Misicocha Adventure. This visit consists of a walk through primary and secondary forests on trails from which it is possible to observe diverse 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 as medicine, but also in construction and for other important local activities. Along the trails guests may enjoy several opportunities for adventure, such as swinging from tree to tree on hanging vines. After the walk you may choose to eat lunch in the jungle, and later, to 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 del Suizo. The duration of this visit is around 4 hours, and you may choose to have lunch in the forest. For our more physically limited guests, who do not wish or are not able to participate in all of the activities listed above, we 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.
  Day 4	After breakfast the group will depart for the trip up the mountains and back to the city. About halfway there, the bus will stop at a spectacular lookout to stretch your legs and enjoy a box lunch before continuing on to Quito.

  
  

  Tour includes: - Private transportation from Quito to Punta Ahuano and back to Quito - Fluvial transportation from Punta Ahuano to La Casa del Suizo and back - Both native and English-speaking guides - 3 daily meals - Accommodation at double cabins - Excursions through the jungle - Canoe rides - Rubber boots Not includes: - Entrance fee to Papallacta hot springs - Drinks - Tips - Rain coats