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Ecuador: Amazon Jungle Short Break 4 days From R20 938
Travel through the lush ecology of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Discover the secrets of the Ecuadorian Amazon on this breathtaking tour into the heart of the jungle. Take guided walks to discover the abundant plant and animal life that call this part of the Amazon home. Awake to the exotic sound of birdcalls and discover the thrill of sleeping in this secluded spot deep in the Ecuadorian jungle.
Why you'll love this trip
Explore the majestic rainforest however you’d like – jungle treks, dugout canoe safaris, or by relaxing in a hammock and keeping an eye on the wildlife
Expert guides will reveal extraordinary wildlife – caiman, otters, sloths, parrots, monkeys, hoatzin, monkeys, capybaras, anacondas – and provide insights into the area's importance to the local communities
Staying in the depths of the Amazon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that defines the saying of ‘off the beaten track’
Is this trip right for you?
This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader – our local representative fills this role – and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip.
This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.
Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate. It can get really hot, humid, sticky during the day, and cold at night. Light cotton clothing is the best way to tackle the heat during the day, and base layers are ideal for keeping warm at night.
Insects, especially mosquitoes, abound in the Amazon. Bring tropical strength insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin.
This trip includes jungle hikes, which can be strenuous due to the humidity. A decent level of fitness is required to feel comfortable when exploring the jungle.
While accommodation in the Amazon is clean, comfortable and ideally located, it can seem pretty basic. Please remember that this is a very remote part of the world.
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito / Amazon Jungle
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador! Your trip starts with an early pick up from your preferred Quito hotel.
Flight times to the Amazon Jungle will vary according to the day of departure. The flight time and pick-up time from your hotel will be confirmed at your pre-departure meeting the evening before your trip starts.
Please check this with reception upon arriving the day before. Your early morning transfer takes you to Quito airport in time for a 30 minute flight over the Andes to the river port town of Coca. A lodge representative will meet you at the airport and take you to the river port. Here you’ll board an 18 metre (57 foot) motorized canoe for a 1-hour trip upriver. Life vests are provided. A box lunch is served as you navigate one of the largest tributaries to the mighty Napo. The Napo River is the largest river in Ecuadorian Amazonia and as you cruise along the water it is easy to spot a number of shore birds including herons, kingfishers, spoonbills and ospreys. At the lodge, you’ll receive a warm welcome from our local staff, who’ll give you a refreshing beverage and snack while you’re introduced to the facilities. You’ll be issued with a pair of rubber boots to use for the duration of your jungle stay. In the afternoon, and once you've settled at the lodge, your guide takes you on a short hike to a panoramic point for rainforest views that extend as far as the eye can see in every direction. Dinner at the lodge is normally served at 7pm.
Optional Activities
Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
Quito - Sweet & Culinary Experience - Urban Adventures - USD103
Quito - Condors and Culture in Otavalo Urban Adventures - USD156
Quito - Old Town & Gastronomic- Urban Adventures - USD99
Meals Included
Lunch
Dinner
Special Information
Please provide the location of your overnight hotel in Quito at least 7 days before the start of this trip. If you are finishing an Intrepid trip in Ecuador the day before this trip starts, we will know where you are staying at. If not, we can help you arrange extra accommodation in Quito for you. Please contact your booking agent for more details. The day before your trip starts, an Intrepid local representative will meet you at your hotel. The representative will call beforehand to advise you of the exact time. Please have your passport and insurance information ready for this meeting. If you arrive in Quito late at night the day before this trip starts, an envelope will be waiting for you at your hotel containing all the information and vouchers you need for this trip.
This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result, some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Info
Days 2-3: Amazon Jungle Lodge
The next two days are packed with activities. These may vary depending on the time of the year and weather, however they normally include wildlife spotting, canoe rides and jungle walks, with the opportunity to learn from a local guide about the many resources the Amazon provides – from medicine, to construction and food. Depending on what days of the week you are at the lodge, you may have the opportunity to meet an indigenous family of the Quichuas del Oriente community. You can learn more about their culture and their relationship with the forest. Jungle walks can be up to 3 hours long – we recommend bringing a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Please see the ‘Amazon specific’ detailed packing list in the 'What to Take' section. Whatever you do, you’ll be surrounded by one of the most magnificent landscapes on Earth, teeming with wildlife, incredible plant species – from the tiniest flower to the tallest tree – and providing an unforgettable experience in the heart of the greatest forest on the planet.
Included Activities
Daily Amazon jungle activities lead by an English speaking local guide
Meals Included
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
Day 4: Quito
After a hearty breakfast, travel back to Coca airport for your return flight to Quito. You are scheduled to arrive into Quito Airport at approximately 12pm, however flight delays are not uncommon in this part of the world. If you have an outbound flight today we recommend you fly after 6pm. If you are unsure about a flight time, please check with us. Your trip finishes upon arrival to Quito airport. If you need assistance with extra accommodation and transfers in Quito please contact your booking agent for assistance.
Notes: Your feedback is important to us. We have made many trip changes over the years based on past traveller feedback. So if you want to tell us anything, from how great the service was at a particular hotel or how delicious an included meal was or if you have any improvement suggestions then please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback.
Optional Activities
Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
Quito - Sweet & Culinary Experience - Urban Adventures - USD103
Quito - Condors and Culture in Otavalo Urban Adventures - USD156
Quito - Old Town & Gastronomic- Urban Adventures - USD99
Meals Included
Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?
Inclusions
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport: Minibus, Plane
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge (3 nights)
Included activities
Daily Amazon jungle activities lead by an English speaking local guide
Important notes
SHORT BREAK ADVENTURE:
This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader – our local representative fills this role – and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip.
This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.
GROUP SIZE
While that Amazon lodge has a capacity for up to 50 travellers, 1 local guide is allocated every 10 travellers.
START/END:
Start time: This trip starts early morning on Day 1 at a Quito hotel of your choice (we must be advised of details no later than 15 days out) The day before your trip starts, an Intrepid local representative will meet you at your hotel. The representative will call beforehand to advise you of the exact time.
DEPARTURE FLIGHT:
This trip finishes upon arrival at Quito airport. Please ensure flights out of Quito on the final day are booked to depart no earlier than 4pm.
Ref: IN11006
PLease contact us for more information
luzelle@atravelagent.co.za
