4-Day Amazon Lodge Tour in Archidona with Quechua Visit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Kuyana Island along the Guitarracocha Trail for mesmerizing vistas over the Hollin River
• 02 Marvel at the Ushpayacu waterfalls, an estuary formed by natural springs winding through the lodge
• 03 Discover vibrant Amazonian birdlife on the lodge's nature trails, from orioles to parrots
• 04 Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a Quechua family in the Santo Domingo del Hollín Community
• 05 Join a guided night walk and campfire experience to glimpse the jungle's nocturnal ecosystem
• 06 Take part in the Hollin river reforestation project by planting a tree

Embark on a captivating 4-day adventure in Archidona, the gateway to the Amazon, with a stay at the Amazon Sustainable Lodge. Explore Kuyana Island along the Guitarracocha Trail, enjoy mesmerizing vistas over the Hollin River, discover vibrant birdlife on the lodge's nature trails, and marvel at the Ushpayacu waterfalls. Deepen your connection with the region through a visit to a Quechua family in the Santo Domingo del Hollín Community, a guided night walk in the jungle, and a hands-on cooking class featuring local delicacies. Your journey ends with a meaningful contribution to the Hollin river reforestation project.

As you step into the Amazon Lodge for check-in, prepare to be greeted with a delightful native beverage that will instantly immerse you in the local flavours and warmth.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Santo Domingo, Archidona

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival at the Lodge and Kuyana Island Exploration

• As you step into the Amazon Lodge for check-in, prepare to be greeted with a delightful native beverage that will instantly immerse you in the local flavours and warmth.
• Your journey continues as you venture to Kuyana Island along the captivating Guitarracocha Trail.
• During this adventure, you will explore the island, reach a mesmerizing viewpoint for majestic vistas, and have the chance to rejuvenate with a refreshing dip along the Hollin River's banks.
• After your captivating exploration, indulge in a mouthwatering dinner meticulously crafted from an artful fusion of the freshest local ingredients, allowing you to savour the authentic essence of the region.

2

Day 02

Birdwatching, Waterfalls, and Amazonian Cooking

• Begin your day with the early enchantment of Amazonian birdlife, their melodies serenading you as you explore the lodge's nature trails.
• Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colours and diverse bird species, from orioles to parrots, in an unforgettable experience suitable for most guests and lasting about an hour.
• Satisfy your appetite with mouthwatering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, carefully prepared from the freshest local ingredients, each bite a celebration of Amazonian flavours.
• Embark on a guided journey to the mesmerizing Ushpayacu waterfalls, an estuary formed by natural springs that wind through the lodge. This immersive adventure, rated moderately challenging, treats you to stunning waterfall views and the chance to spot various wildlife. The tour lasts around three hours.
• Step into a culinary world with the cooking class, where you will create and enjoy a range of local delicacies, including maito and chontacuro.
• Do not miss the chance to craft your own chocolate and delve into the region's gastronomic traditions.

3

Day 03

Quechua Community Visit and Jungle Night Walk

• Venture into the heart of local culture as you visit a warm Quechua family in the Santo Domingo del Hollín Community.
• Be warmly embraced into their world, sharing in their customs and creating unforgettable memories.
• As the sun sets, step into the mysterious embrace of the jungle during a guided night walk and campfire experience.
• Immerse yourself in the region's nocturnal ecosystem, discovering the captivating world of creatures that come to life after dark. This moderately challenging tour, rated 2.0 out of 5 points, unfolds over approximately 1 hour, offering you a glimpse into the jungle's secrets under the starry sky.

4

Day 04

Breakfast and Hollin River Reforestation

• Kickstart your day with a delightful breakfast, thoughtfully crafted from a fusion of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Join the Hollin river reforestation project, where you can plant a tree and make a meaningful contribution to the preservation and restoration of this precious ecosystem.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• 3 nights accommodation in the Amazon Sustainable Lodge
• Private bathroom in the cabin
• All trips and canoe journeys accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide (English and Spanish)
• All mentioned meals, water, coffee, and tea
• Canoe transfer during all excursions

What's Not Included

• Travel insurance
• Excursions / optional activities*
• Transportation from Quito to the lodge and back to Quito
• Drinks and meals not mentioned above
• Any increase in surcharges or taxes
• Everything not included in the described program

What to bring

• Passport and copies
• Personal medicine and a copy of the prescription
• Sun block
• Wide-brim hat
• Sun glasses
• Camera and photographic equipment (memory card, cables, batteries, etc.)
• Light clothing, preferably easy-drying and in light colours (T-shirt, shorts for the lodge and mornings, long-sleeve shirt and trousers for excursions and afternoons)
• Rain poncho
• Rubber boots (available without cost at the lodge up to size 47/13/31)
• High cotton socks for use with rubber boots
• Closed shoes
• Sandals
• Insect repellent for excursions

Know before you go

• Support the conservation of protected areas through the Ministry of Environment.
• Get involved in conservation programs in protected areas.
• Motivate clients to visit protected areas.
• Abide by national legislation on protected areas.
• Take responsible and sustainable advantage of the attractions of protected areas.
• Induce clients on the norms and rules that should be followed when visiting natural areas.
• Ensure that no waste of any kind is left behind.
• Do not allow any activity that endangers native, threatened, or endangered species.
• Avoid and denounce the illegal extraction and captivity of wild animals and plants by employees and tourists in general.
• Ensure that tourism operations do not affect the habitats or behavior of wild species.
• Discourage and avoid artificial feeding, directly or indirectly, to wild animals.
• Avoid all commercialization of species or products of flora and fauna prohibited by law.
• This Guitarracocha Trail derives its name from ancestral wisdom, as it is said that guitar melodies echo through the air at night near a small water formation.
• This experience, rated at 2.5 out of 5 points in terms of challenge, typically spans about 1.5 hours, promising an enchanting connection with the Amazonian landscape.
• Here at the Santo Domingo del Hollín Community, around 50 families proudly uphold their ancestral traditions, including their gastronomy.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Archidona, Ecuador

Tour start

Archidona, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.