4-Day Amazon Lodge Tour in Archidona with Kichwa Community Visit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Walk to a beautiful waterfall and enjoy an energetic bath in its waters
• 02 Cross a 120-meter cave inhabited by fruit bats on a jungle trek through primary and secondary forest
• 03 Visit a Kichwa community to join typical dances and learn how manioc chicha is prepared
• 04 Spend a full day in Misahualli with a canoe trip, a walk to the Ceibo, and a visit to the Amazonico Rescue Center

If you are looking for a destination in the Ecuadorian Amazon that combines relaxation, jungle, culture, and adventure, this is an excellent choice. Every corner of this place reflects the energy and mysticism of the Amazon region, where you can discover new species of flora and fauna and enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience. Over four days, you will explore waterfalls and rainforest trails, visit a Kichwa community, and spend time in Misahualli with a canoe ride and other nature-based activities. It is a memorable way to experience the magic of the Amazon.

Cross a 120-meter-long cave inhabited by fruit bats.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Archidona

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival at the Lodge, Waterfall Walk, and Chocolate Session

• Arrival at the lodge and lunch.
• After a short rest, take a walk to a beautiful waterfall.
• Enjoy an energetic bath at the waterfall.
• Observe medicinal plants, a lagoon, and the Huasquila tree during the tour.
• Have the experience of hanging from a vine.
• Return to the lodge.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by a "frog concert" from the lagoon in front of the restaurant.
• Participate in a chocolate session.
• Learn about the chocolate-making process.
• Roast cacao beans.
• Grind the cacao beans and taste a delicious dessert with fruits.

2

Day 02

Jungle Trek, Golondrinas Waterfall, and Kichwa Culture

• After breakfast, embark on a jungle trek of approximately 3 hours.
• Trek surrounded by primary and secondary forest.
• Cross a 120-meter-long cave inhabited by fruit bats.
• Proceed to the Golondrinas waterfall with a native guide.
• Immerse yourself in the waters of the waterfall, which is approximately 14 meters high.
• Visit a Guayusa plantation and factory on the way back.
• In the afternoon, visit the Kichwa community.
• Participate in typical dances and cultural activities.
• Learn about the preparation of "chicha" made from manioc.
• Enjoy a dinner with regional specialties.
• Embark on a 40-minute night walk around the gardens.
• Observe frogs, grasshoppers, insects, and, with luck, bioluminescent fungi.

3

Day 03

Misahualli Excursion with Canoe Ride and Nature Visits

• Departure to Punta Ahuano after breakfast.
• Enjoy a full day in Misahualli with a canoe.
• Activities included in the program:
  • Canoe trip.
  • Walk to the Ceibo.
  • Visit the Amazonico Rescue Center.
  • Optional activity: tubing down the river.
• Visit the Caiman Lagoon.
• Have a box lunch.
• Return to the port by river transport.
• Conclude the day with dinner at the lodge.

4

Day 04

Breakfast and Check-Out

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast and check out.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Accommodation in a lodge in Archidona (3 nights)
• English-speaking guides
• Meals mentioned in the program
• Entrance fees to the mentioned places and activities

What's Not Included

• Domestic and international flights are not included.
• Travel insurance is not included.
• Transportation to/from Huasquilla Lodge
• Transportation on Day 3
• Transportation from Quito (hotel) or Quito Airport to the lodge, and from the lodge to Quito
• Additional transportation for activities outside of the lodge
• Optional excursions
• Personal expenses such as tips
• Alcoholic drinks
• Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program

What to bring

• Original passport or certificate
• Fast-drying clothes (shirts and shorts). For the evenings and mornings, you need light-colored long-sleeved clothing, preferably made of quick-drying material. Avoid jeans, as the weather is hot, humid, and wet.
• Swimwear
• Sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs
• Hiking socks for each day in the rainforest
• Light windbreaker, sweater, or fleece jacket
• Bathing suits
• Brimmed hats suitable for both sun and rain
• A pair of comfortable walking shoes
• A pair of sandals
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Linters
• Optional binoculars
• Personal medications
• Rubber boots for unusual or special sizes

Know before you go

• Research and gather information about the indigenous community before the trip. Understanding the history, culture, codes of conduct, and the indigenous groups' link to nature will also help you appreciate their customs. You can do this with the help of our travel advisors and on your own initiative.
• Report any type of related irregularity.
• Leave as small a footprint as possible. Preserve water, fauna, and flora, and ask the guide what can or cannot be done.
• Buy only those pieces made by local indigenous artisans, since many indigenous groups do not have their intellectual property registered.
• Avoid buying handicrafts made from endangered species. Irresponsible buying can create demand that could lead some species to extinction.
• In areas managed by indigenous communities, enter only those places open to tourists. Some spaces or rituals have spiritual significance and are therefore considered sacred, or may simply be off-limits or unsafe for tourists.
• Always ask permission before taking a photograph of indigenous people, significant places, or rituals. In some communities, it is considered inappropriate to be photographed.
• Ask for the consent of community members and the service of a local guide if you wish to participate in private spiritual ceremonies and rituals.
• Ask lots of questions. Ask the tour operator, guide, lodging establishments, and indigenous communities about their environmental practices and their commitment to protecting indigenous rights.
• Asking questions helps create a demand for environmentalism and responsible tourism throughout the tourism sector.
• Remember that indigenous cultures are constantly evolving and changing, like any other culture, and be aware that they may not meet expectations of authenticity. A visit to a community should be understood first and foremost as a learning experience.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Archidona, Ecuador

Tour start

Archidona, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.