SUGESTED EXCURSIONS
Quito

Mid-day options in Quito

Quito Modern and Colonial

This three hour sightseeing excursion offers the best of Quito with its rich cultural legacy, ornate facades, and dazzling gilt altars Visit the Independence Square, The Archbishop's palace, The Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other very representative samples of colonial art and architecture.Drive up to the Panecillo hill at the end of the excursion for the best panoramic of the old Colonial town and then drive back to your hotel.

Operational notes:

Duration : 3 hours
Departures: 09h00
Price per/person: USD24.50 per/person
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 20, June 21, June 27 and June 28
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking

Visit to the Equatorial Complex – The Middle of the World

Just 25 minutes outside of Quito , visit “ La Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World), marks 0 latitude and take advantage of the opportunity to stand on both hemispheres at the same time. Visit the Equatorial Museum featuring a complete sample of Ecuador 's different ethnic groups.

Operational notes:

Duration : 3 hours
Departure: 15h00 pm
Price per/person USD23.50
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 20, 21, 27 and 28
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking

The Archaeological Museum

Relive the history of Ecuador 's most ancient cultures in one of the finest archaeological and gold artefact collections in the Americas . There are over 1800 pieces, beautifully arranged in chronological corridors with explanatory panels and dioramas.

Operational notes:

Duration : 3 hours
Departure: 15h00 pm
Price per/person: USD23.50 per/person
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 20, 21, 27 and 28
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking

ONE DAY EXCURSIONS FROM QUITO

The Northern highlands and the Otavalo Market

An early start, to travel north of Quito to the province of Imbabura a magical land of lakes and beautiful panoramic views; the Otavalo Indian market, dates back to the pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on back-strap and shuttle looms.

The market is piled high with ponchos, hand made textiles, hats, Indian jewellery, and various handicrafts, as well as of vegetables, potatoes, cereals and exotic fruits. Wonder around the market and today you will buy the ingredients required to make one of the Ecuadorian dishes for dinner.

Visit one of the small towns in the area where the Otavalos live and witness the simplicity of their life, learn how they make their beautiful textiles, ponchos and other items in rustic looms.

Lunch will be at one of the Haciendas of the area, where their main activity is to produce roses, learn about the delicate process that the roses require.

Operational notes:

Duration : Aproximately 8 hours
Departure: 07h30 AM
Price per/person: USD88.00 per/person
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 21 and June 26
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking

The Central highlands and the Antisana Reserve

Morning drive south of Quito to the Central highlands to the Antisana reserve, an ecological sanctuary. Today trekking is the main activity, the area offers special attractions for nature lovers; observe the treeless vegetation of the Andean meadows or “ paramo”, its bird life which includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and if lucky, the Andean condor. You will have the opportunity to see wild horses and perhaps a deer while you experience the solitude and the silence of the Paramo in this remote place of the middle of the World.

Lunch will be at one of the unique Colonial Haciendas San Agustin del Callo the only remain of the Inca palaces in Ecuador; learn about the Inca Empire, its culture and beliefs.

Operational notes:

Duration : Aproximately 8 hours
Departure: 07h30 AM
Price per/person: USD88.00 per/person
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 21 and June 26
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking

The Cloud Forrest and Mindo, a natural Paradise

Discover one of the world's top-five biodiversity hotspots, according to Conservation International; understand your relationship and listen to the concert of life around you .At 80 kms northwest of Quito we find a Reserve of 15,000 acres of rainforest of incredible beauty and tranquillity; this amazingly bio diverse region is home of: 2000 species of plants, including at least 90 species of ferns and vivid flowering varieties such as bromeliads and orchids. Constant moisture in this montane environment provides perfect conditions for epiphytes and allows great variety of vegetation with more than 325 species of birds including the Golden headed Quetzal, Crimson-rumped Toucanets, Violet-tailed Sylph, Broad-billed Motmot, an active “Andean Cock-of the Rock” lek and at least 250 species of butterflies and moths, such as the Electric blue Morpho.

Operational notes:

Duration : Aproximately 8 hours
Departure: 07h30 AM
Price per/person: USD88.00 per/person
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 21 and June 26
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking

The Papallacta Thermal Springs & SPA

Discover the solidarity and adventurous spirit during the walks and tours through the fascinating high plateau of the Andes .  Enter the habitat of condors, pumas, bears and other species endemic to this area. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Antisana volcano (5.758 meters / 18,891 feet). Walks are in the ecological trails, allowing nature lovers to appreciate the unique endemic species of flora and fauna.
This area provides an ideal place for ornithologists who would be able to watch more than 160 different species of birds, including hummingbirds, tangaras and occasionally the great Andean Condor.
In addition, visitors have the opportunity to visit to enjoy the thermal spring waters at Termas de Papallacta. After lunch come back to Quito .

Operational notes:

Duration : Aproximately 8 hours
Departure: 08h00 AM
Price per/person: USD88.00 per/person
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 21 and June 26
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking

TWO DAY EXCURSIONS FROM QUITO AND COMBINATIONS

OTAVALO Indian region (2 days/1 night)

These two days include several highlights of the area : The Indian the artisans centres of San Antonio de Ibarra and Cotacachi, as well as the Indian communities located around the lake San Pablo . There is ample opportunities also to experience the rural life of this area of the country and learn about the industrious ethnic groups of Otavalo.

Day 01: Quito/Otavalo

Drive North to the Imbabura province, our drive will take approximately 2 hours to the Otavalo market (Otavalo is located at 114 Km north of Quito ). Visit the marketand its various plazas to observe what is available: fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals as well as the ample display of tapestries, ponchos, indian jewellery, hats among other interesting handicrafts of the area. Overnight at one of Haciendas of the area

Day 02: Otavalo/Quito

Visit the artisans centres of San Antonio de Ibarra and Cotacachi as well as some of the Indian communities located around the San Pablo Lake

Operational notes:
Duration : 2 days/1 night
Departure: 09h00
Price per/person: USD275.00 in double room
USD315.00 in single room
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 20 and June 26
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking
Accommodations at: Hacienda Pinsaqui or Hosteria Puerto Lago

Central Higlands & Banos with Hacienda stay (2 days /1 night)

This excursion displays perhaps the best sample of what the Central Highlands of Ecuador can show. Starts from Quito and will drive to the South along the so called Avenue of the Volcanoes towards the village of Baños with its green lush scene loaded on waterfalls and deep canyons, a place surrounded by mountains and has been called the gateway of the Amazon Rainforest. It also offers the opportunity to visit some of the artisan centers of the area, explore an Indian market if there is one available in the Area. In the Ecuadorian highlands there is almost one market every day of the week in different areas of the Andes .

Day 01: Quito /Patate. The drive itself shows a variety of terrain with temperate valleys and both of the towering andean ranges forming what von Humboldt called “The Avenue of the Volcanoes” and from Ambato East down into the valley of Patate with its productive fruit and vegetable land. Baños is located in this great canyon and displays a good variety of attractions. From its unique and peculiar church to crafting of many items. The thermal springs from the volcano are known to have medicinal properties so are almost a must. Down bellow the Pastaza River canyon is a collection of beautiful waterfalls and great nature trails overnight at Hacienda Leito.

Day 02: Patate/ Quito. Morning enjoy the Hacienda or take the opportunity for horse back ridding or walking. After lunch come back to Quito

Operational notes:
Duration : 2 days/1 night
Departure: 09h00
Price per/person: USD253.00 in double room
USD255.00 in single
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 20 and June 26
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking
Accommodations at: Hacienda Leito

The Northern highlands & Papallacta Thermal Springs 

These two days include the land of the lakes in the Northern highlands, the towns and villages home of the Otavalo Indians, the colorful Indian market of Otavalo as well as the opportunity to spend the night at Las Termas de Papallacta and enjoy the Thermal springs and the massages at the Spa.

Day 01: Quito/Otavalo

Morning drive North to the Imbabura province, visit the Indian market of Otavalo as well as the near communities as Peguche home of the Otavalo Indians and witness how this industrious people make their tapestries, ponchos and hat using very old artifacts to make this beautiful handicrafts. Lunch will be at the of the Haciendas of the area with the opportunity to see a Rose Plantation and its process. After lunch overland transfer to Papallacta.



Day 02: Papallacta/Quito

A day to enjoy the pools at the Thermas de Papallacta as well as the SPA and its offer of massages, mid-afternoon transfer back to Quito

Operational notes:

Duration : 2 days/1 night
Departure: 09h00
Price per/person: USD275.00 in double room
USD315.00 in single
Minimum required: 04 persons
Date: June 20 and June 26
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking
Accommodations at: Termas de Papallacta

EXCURSIONS IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST- FROM QUITO

The Amazon Rain Forest

Towards the Eastern part of Ecuador lies the Amazon Basin with the greatest bio-diversity on Earth. Our journeys make it available and can suit everyone's demand, from first class accommodations to simple but comfortable lodges. Our programs and excursions offer plenty of opportunities to experience the rich rainforest covering nature and some the ancient cultures living there.

The Amazon Rainforest overland from Quito with La Casa del Suizo

For those more interested on seeing the gradual change from the temperate highlands to the Rain Forest these excursion will offer the adventure of crossing the Andes and dive into the forest admiring the transition between these two super different environments. Plenty of photography and dramatic scenery change together with various jungle lodge destinations which can offer a wide and deep view of the Amazon on its own dimensions.

La Casa del Suizo

La Casa del Suizo is a tranquil Amazonian refuge located on the shore of Ecuador 's majestic Napo River and a stone's throw away from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains . Perched comfortably above the riverbank and the small Quichua Indian village of Ahuano , La Casa del Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment.

Getting There

It is also possible to reach La Casa del Suizo over land, along a scenic stretch of road which takes us out of the majestic Andes highlands and down into the jungle. During this 5½ -hour trip there are several opportunities to stop for photographs, overlooking lush green valleys and sparkling waterfalls. An optional stop along the way is at Papallacta, a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs , to enjoy a swim and lunch before continuing our journey.

Be it by land or by air, our destination is Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the North bank of the Napo River where canoes await for a 20-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo.

Accommodations

Our 75 modern rooms provide full electricity, hot water and ceiling fans to make your stay with us more comfortable. Each room has its own terrace as well, with an exquisite view that may be peacefully absorbed from a comfortable hammock. With a magnificent panorama of the Napo River , our guests may also enjoy our swimming pool, outdoor dining area and pool bar, which offers an array of delicious tropical drinks. The hotel's dining rooms offer a wide variety of both Ecuadorian and international dishes, and our buffets cater to vegetarians.
For larger groups, La Casa del Suizo now has a brand new, fully equipped air conditioned convention center, and fax, phone and e-mail available.

Activities

All excursions at La Casa del Suizo will be led by both a bilingual naturalist as well as a native guide with expert knowledge of the rainforest's medicinal and other useful plants. A typical day begins after an early breakfast, and there are a variety of trails and activities to choose from: Walks may range from full day hikes through primary rainforest to short, easy walks along river islands, depending on each group's interests and physical abilities. Most outings begin with a short canoe ride along the Napo River or one of its many tributaries, during which it is possible to observe a variety of shore birds on the way to our trails. Once in the forest, where giant trees and tangled vines tower above, the guides will point out important aspects of the vegetation while on the lookout for tropical birds and other jungle creatures… Stay alert and you may find some yourself!

On one trail, our native guides have built model hunting traps to represent those traditionally used by the local people in the past. But this is only one aspect of the Quichua culture you may learn about here: There will be opportunity to visit with a local Quichua Indian family as well, whose garden contains many medicinal plants still commonly used today. They will explain how such plants are used, and demonstrate other aspects of their traditional culture such as the spiritual cleaning rituals still practiced today throughout the surrounding community. Learn how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which of course all may taste), and finally, all may participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest – but don't expect to beat the natives!

After the morning walk, many of our guests choose to have lunch under the rainforest canopy. We will send lunch from the hotel, for all to enjoy near the edge of the Napo …

But the fun is not over yet! Afterwards you may live the incredible experience of building and navigating a wooden 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 back to La Casa del Suizo! We even have inner tubes for those who wish to take a refreshing, wet ride down this magnificent Amazon tributary.

For those in the mood for more serene activities, it is possible to visit an artisan in the village of Ahuano , who will demonstrate how the traditional Quichua ceramics are created, painted, and hardened. And for birdwatchers? Over 300 species have been registered during La Casa del Suizo's activities, and bird guides are available upon request... Just be sure let us know in advance!

Optional Excursions:

River Rafting
With advance notice it is possible to arrange a full day of river rafting, either on the upper Napo River (class III) or the Misahuallí River (class IV – IV+). Rafting trips are led by experienced bilingual guides with top-of-the-line equipment, and include a riverside lunch. These excursions begin in Tena, at about 45 minutes from La Casa del Suizo, which is reachable either by public bus or private transportation. Please make your request in advance in order to send availability and prices.

TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

Health
It is always advisable to consult your physician about health measures and vaccinations before traveling to a foreign country. Although tropical diseases are rare around La Casa del Suizo, during your stay in Ecuador you may pass through areas of slightly higher risk.
Please take any medication you may need with you, as the selection of medicines in our first-aid kit is very limited.

Emergency Communication
La Casa del Suizo now has direct radio contact with Quito , as well as permanent telephone communication. In case of a medical emergency, there is a medical center in the town of Ahuano (adjacent to La Casa del Suizo) where guests may be treated.

Itineraries
Flexible to be operated according to the interest of the clients and depending on the number of nights that our guest will spend with us.

Weather
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.
We have ceiling fans in each room for hot afternoons, but at night (especially after the rain) some guests are surprised at the need for a sweatshirt!

Clothing
Lightweight pants and long sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks in the forest. However, if you are more comfortable wearing short sleeves, remember that exposed skin may need a light dousing with insect repellant.
During the rain, full waterproof clothing can be uncomfortable as it often gets you wet with sweat instead of water, but rain ponchos are recommendable for tropical cloudbursts. We supply rubber boots up to men's size 14 for walks in the forest interior.
Comfortable shoes (or sandals), shorts and t-shirts are fine for around the hotel during meals and free time. And don't forget your bathing suit!

Laundry
La Casa del Suizo now provides laundry service (washing and drying) for our guests. Please consult costs with our hotel administrator.

Bar
Drinks are not included in your package, and may be paid on the last night of your stay in cash (U.S. dollars), travelers checks or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). Please note that the minimum charge for credit cards is $20 US.

Water
All of the water at La Casa del Suizo comes from a local well, and is perfectly safe for bathing, washing, and brushing your teeth. Bottled water for drinking is available at the bar.

Meal Requirements
Our chef will be more than happy to prepare vegetarian meals for you upon request. Please make sure to advise your travel agent of any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have, and also let our staff know as soon as you arrive.

Photography
High-speed film and a flash for cameras are recommendable for shady walks under the forest canopy. However, slower film is fine for photos on rivers and around the hotel.

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

• Passport
• Binoculars
• Flashlight (torch) and batteries
• Camera, film, and flash
• Insect repellent
• Sun protection (sun cream / sunglasses / hat or cap)
• Water bottle
• Lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts for walks
• Shorts and short sleeves for around the hotel
• Bathing suit
• Comfortable shoes and extra socks
• Small day pack
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, film, etc... from rain

Operational notes:

Duration : 4 days/3 nights
Departure: 09h00 approximately
Price per/person: USD576.00 in double room
USD652.00 in single
Minimum required: 02 persons
Date: June June 17 and June 26
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking
Accommodations at: La Casa del Suizo

Explore the Amazon Rainforrest with Sacha Lodge

Imagine yourself drifting down a narrow, winding creek surrounded on all sides by a lush, endless sea of tropical greenery, and all that separates you from the deep black Amazon waters is a dugout canoe carved out of a single tree trunk. As you maneuver around a bend something unidentified crashes off into the underbrush, and you catch a glimpse of two magnificent, colorful macaws startled into flight. Suddenly, the forest erupts with a roar so loud that all you can imagine is some giant, fierce predator on the prowl. But as you turn to face your destiny, the menace is revealed as a family of furry red howler monkeys huddled together in a treetop. With a sigh of relief you continue onward, deeper into the unknown.

This is one of the many sensations you may experience at Sacha Lodge , located in the heart of Ecuador 's Amazon Basin . A haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, scientists and adventure seekers, Sacha Lodge provides comfortable accommodations, first-class meals and expert guides in order for you to fully enjoy the wonders of the tropical rainforest.

Getting to Sacha Lodge

The journey to Sacha Lodge begins in Quito , Ecuador 's capital city. From here, a 45-minute flight takes you over the Andes Mountains ' majestic snow-covered peaks and down over 8500 feet (2600 meters) into the Amazon Region. The flight destination is the port town of Puerto Francisco de Orellana , locally known as Coca, where you will be met by a guide and taken to the town docks. Here, a covered motorized canoe will be awaiting you for a 2½-hour, 50-mile (80-kilometer) trip down the sediment-rich waters of the Napo , the largest river in Ecuadorian Amazonia. During the ride it is easy to spot handsome shore birds such as herons, kingfishers, spoonbills and ospreys between the scattered native huts as you travel steadily away from civilization. Upon arrival to Sacha Lodge's 5000-acre (2000-hectare) private reserve, our guests will take their first walk along a raised boardwalk through dense flooded palm forest where several species of monkeys are often sighted. However, as you continue deeper into the forest it is easy to feel more like you are the one being watched! The path leads to Pilchicocha lake, a blackwater paradise where you'd least expect to find any sign of people, but dugout canoes (and even paddlers!) await to carry you even farther. As you cross the lake, the cries of tropical birds lead you to your final destination, which magically materializes out of the jungle at the last possible moment.

Accommodations

The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience. Each of our 10 double cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces, is constructed with traditional materials and nestles well concealed in the lush surroundings. In their rooms, visitors may overlook the jungle from hammocks and often report seeing wild fauna such as anacondas or capybara (the largest rodents in the world) while resting between activities!

Electricity is provided by a distant, nearly inaudible generator, and the private bathrooms provide hot showers. All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds.

Guests may use free time to enjoy a raised lookout above our main bar and lounge, which offers a scenic view of Pilchicocha Lake and excellent opportunities to observe birds.

Our meals are prepared to please the international traveler, and vegetarians are more than welcome. During one meal we will even enjoy a barbecue at our outdoor bar and dining area right on the edge of our lake!

Swimming and piranha fishing are also activities not to be missed here… but don't worry! Piranhas are scavengers and the guides will prove that swimming is perfectly safe.

Activities

Sacha Lodge's guests will be divided into small groups, each of which will be led by a native guide with expert knowledge of the rainforest's medicinal and other useful plants, and a bilingual naturalist guide educated in the biology and ecology of the area. A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest's animals are most active. Each group may decide on its own wake-up and breakfast time, as well as the difficulty and duration of their morning outings. In the afternoon, visits begin between 3:00 and 4:00 and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins.

Activities are spread out over a wide area and allow visitors to explore several distinct but equally fascinating habitats. Several trails lead through pristine terra firme forest, where 150 foot kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give trees support. Others follow strategically raised boardwalks in seasonally flooded forests, where walking on the ground would be nearly impossible during most of the year due to groundwater. One trail many choose to follow even leads across fallen tree trunks and a steel cable zip-line through rich swampland!

A favorite activity of our guests is to paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, bromeliads and palm trees thrive. And wherever an outing may lead the possibilities of spotting animals, from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the feared ocelot or puma, are endless.

For adventurous souls, the day does not necessarily end with dinner. Night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight.

Caimans (of the alligator family) and giant insects rule the jungle after sunset… Do you dare search for them?

The Observation Tower

One of Sacha Lodge's highlights is our 135-foot (43-meter) observation tower. Situated on a hill and constructed around a giant kapok tree for stability, this tower allows guests to climb into and above the rainforest canopy for a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Be it shortly after sunrise or before sunset, from the tower's ample platform it is possible to observe toucans, parrots, and dozens of other colorful bird species in the treetops. With some luck, noisy howler monkeys, foraging squirrel monkeys or the gentle three-toed sloth may also be seen, especially with the aid of a powerful telescope provided by your guides.

In recent years Sacha Lodge has become a favorite destination of both professional and amateur ornithologists. Over 500 species of birds have been registered in the area, and from the tower platform our bird specialist guides have on several occasions reported seeing over 80 species in a single morning!

The tower may be reached on foot via a half-hour walk through terra firme forest, which is an easy way to get there at or before sunrise. However, no one can miss out on at least a one-way trip to or from the tower along Orchid Creek, Pilchicocha Lake 's natural black water runoff to the Napo River . In a dugout canoe guests may follow this winding stream through untamed palm forest for about an hour, a trip that many choose to repeat.

The Canopy Walk (March 2001)

A recent addition to Sacha's activities is our 940-foot (300-meter) long canopy walkway. At approximately 94 feet (30 meters) above the ground, imagine exploring the rainforest up in the treetops! This hanging walkway is fixed to the ground with metal towers for stability, and offers an unbelievable opportunity to spot dozens of animals and epiphytes that are seldom seen from the ground.

The Butterfly House

Sacha Lodge is home to one of the largest butterfly farms in Ecuador . Designed as a live exhibition conservatory, the Butterfly House is now successfully breeding nearly 40 local butterfly species! Guests will be shown how these beautiful insects are bred and raised, and later be free to wander through “the flying room”, where hundreds of colorful butterflies including spectacular blue morphs flutter from flower to flower.

The Yasuní Parrot Lick

At a short distance from Sacha Lodge is Ecuador 's most accessible parrot lick, an exposed clay bank where brightly colored parrots of several different species gather in the early morning. In ideal conditions (sunny and dry), the parrots will often perch on and eat the exposed clay. This acts as a sort of “antacid” for them: Parrots eat a variety of toxic and acid fruits, and the clay draws these toxins out of their bodies. On an ideal morning hundreds of parrots can be seen gathering around this bank between 7:00 and 8:00 for a spectacular show of sound and color. The lick is located on the edge of Yasuní National Park , which may be reached from Sacha by a one half-hour motorized canoe trip down the Napo River . Early morning visits to the site are possible, but this activity is strictly weather permitting… The parrots won't be there in the rain!

TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

Health
It is always advisable to consult your physician about health measures and vaccinations before traveling to a foreign country. Although Sacha is well-isolated from local populations and tropical diseases are extremely rare here, during your stay in Ecuador you may pass through areas of slightly higher risk.
Please take any medication you may need with you, as the selection of medicines in our first-aid kit is very limited.

Emergency Communication
Sacha Lodge now has direct radio contact with both Quito and Coca. In case of a serious medical emergency, we are able to radio Coca and have a helicopter sent directly to the lodge for assistance. For lesser emergencies, there is a medical center located at 20 minutes from Sacha by canoe on the Napo River . This medical center is run by a multinational company and will provide attention to our guests should it ever become necessary.

Itineraries
The normal tour schedule at Sacha is from Monday to Friday (5 days/4 nights) and Friday to Monday (4 days/3 nights). However, Sacha will now operate your program on any day of the week (except Sunday, when there are no flights). With a slight extra cost for non-Monday and Friday canoes, you can now tailor your trip to fit your scheduling needs!
Longer itineraries and bird specialist guides are also available… Consult your travel agent for details.

Luggage
For the flight to Coca, the airlines require that checked luggage be limited to a weight of 20 pounds per person. However, heavier items such as cameras and books may be taken in carry on bags if necessary. All suitcases will be placed in waterproof bags for the trip down the Napo River , for protection against spray and rain.

On The Canoe
For the ride to Sacha from Coca our canoe is covered against sun and rain, but a light jacket can be useful for the wind and spray. Be sure to wear sun protection, as the sun's reflection off the water can sometimes cause a burn. 

Weather
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.

We have ceiling fans in each room for hot afternoons, but at night (especially after the rain) some guests are surprised at the need for a sweatshirt!

Clothing
Lightweight pants and long sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks in the forest. However, if you are more comfortable wearing short sleeves, remember that exposed skin may need a light dousing with insect repellant.
During the rain, full waterproof clothing can be uncomfortable as it often gets you wet with sweat instead of water, but rain ponchos are recommendable for tropical cloudbursts. A limited number of ponchos are available at Sacha if you do not have your own, and we also supply rubber boots up to men's size 14 for walks in the forest interior.
Comfortable shoes (or sandals), shorts and t-shirts are fine for walking on boardwalks and around the Lodge during meals and free time. And don't forget your bathing suit!

Laundry
Sacha Lodge now provides laundry service (washing and drying) for our guests. Please consult costs with our lodge administrator.

Bar
Drinks are not included in your package, and may be paid on the last night of your stay in cash (U.S. dollars), travelers checks or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). Please note that the minimum charge for credit cards is $20 US.

Drinking water
All the drinking water provided at Sacha (including ice) comes from a local well and is treated with porcelain filters, one of the most thorough filtering systems available. This water is tested regularly and has proven perfectly safe for human consumption. If you prefer, however, you may purchase bottled water from the bar.

Meal Requirements
Our chef will be more than happy to prepare vegetarian meals for you upon request. Please make sure to advise your travel agent of any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have, and also let our staff know as soon as you arrive.

Photography
High-speed film and a flash for cameras are recommendable for shady walks under the forest canopy. However, slower film is fine for photos on rivers, lakes, the tower and around the lodge.

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

• Passport
• Binoculars
• Flashlight (torch) and batteries
• Camera, film, and flash
• Insect repellent
• Sun protection (sun cream / sunglasses / hat or cap)
• Water bottle
• Lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts for walks
• Shorts and short sleeves for the lodge
• Bathing suit
• Comfortable shoes and extra socks
• Small day pack
• Rain jacket
• Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, film, etc... from rain

Operational notes:

Available for 3 and 4 night programs with Departures Friday and Monday. Also available any day of the week except Sunday- at extra charge if departing or arriving other days of the week than Friday or Monday.

Duration : 4 days/3 nights, and 5 days/4 nights

Departure: 09h00 approximately
Minimum required: 02 persons
Guide to be provided: English/Spanish speaking
Accommodations at: La Casa del Suizo

Departures:

4 days/3 nights

June 17/20,2006 USD645.00 in double
USD840.00 in single

5 days/4 nights

June 12/16,2006 USD790.00 in double
USD990.00 in single

Additional:
Air ticket Quito/Amazonia/Quito current rate USD120.00 per/person. Air ticket is subject to change without previous notice.