LA CASA DEL SUIZO - JUNGLE LODGE

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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 Quechua Indian village of Ahuano, La Casa del Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment.

Is 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. Approximately 4 -hour trip; there are several opportunities to stop for photographs, overlooking lush green valleys and sparkling waterfalls. 240 Km from Quito by 100% paved road which takes us to the Quichua village of Ahuano, our destination is Punta Ahuano, tiny port towns on the North bank of the Napo River where canoes await for a 20-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo.

Features

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 offer 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

The butterfly farm 
Designed as a live exhibition conservatory, the Butterfly House is now successfully breeding nearly 20 local butterfly species!

Misicocha 
Situated 15 minutes upstream by boat there is a private reserve of the Casa del Suizo with primary forest, shore, paths of different lengths and difficulty levels start out (walking time from 1 1/2 till 4 hours). Your local guide will introduce you to the secrets of the tropical rain forest. The routes lead you through picturesque creeks, some hills up and down, to a scenic viewpoint, always walking under the dark jungle canopy.

Cosano / AmaZoonico
A 20 minutes boat ride takes you to Cosano, a private property with primary forest on the Rio Arajuno. Walks of different lengths (1 till 3 hours) lead you through the dark world of the rain forest. Your local guide explains to you the amazing world of the plants that you encounter on your walk. Also located on the Rio Arajuno is the animal shelter AmaZoonico. Its mission is to take care of injured or confiscated wild animals and if possible to set them free later.

Cultural interaction 
A short boat ride downstream takes you to a Quichua family living somewhat outside of the village. You will witness the production of Chicha and be invited to taste the most common drink of the region. One will explain you the blowgun, an important weapon for the people of the jungle in former times. Take the chance to have a try yourself with this difficult and special method of hunting.

Isla 
You will cross the river to the island vis-a-vis. The path is even and the walk will last between one and two hours. Your guide explains to you the local agriculture: manioc (local name Yuca), bananas, cocoa, coffee, various herbs and tubers, mostly planted and sometimes growing wild. Amazoonico

Just across the river from La Casa del Suizo is Amazoonico, a rescue center for wounded and displaced tropical rainforest animals. Here it is possible to see coatis, tapirs, and several species of monkey, snakes, and a variety of birds, many of which wander around freely! Entrance into this center is approximately $2.5 USD.

Prices 2012:

Prices per person per night:

Rates Include:

• Accommodations
• All meals
• Excursions
• Native guides only Spanish
• Taxes

Rates do not include:

• In / Out canoe US$ 17
• Entrances - Drinks
• Tips
• Transportation Quito - Hotel – Quito

ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS:

ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAM, TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED   
Round trip transportation from Quito to La Casa del Suizo in private ground transportation, with  a stop to swim and have lunch at the termal springs at Papallacta

Rates Include:

• Accommodations
• All meals
• Excursions
• Native guides only Spanish
• Taxes

Rates do not include:

• In / Out canoe US$ 15
• Entrances - Drinks
• Tips

Sample Itineraries

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

Day 1 
The trip to La Casa del Suizo will depart from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, at 8:00am 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 10:00 and 10:30am, 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 which 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, overlooking 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 await for a late-afternoon 15-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo. The group will arrive with time to get settled, and enjoy a sunset from our swimming pool with a refreshing welcome cocktail. 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.

• Note: the activities on day 2 and day 3 may be inverted.

Day 2: Cosano
After breakfast the group will board a dugout canoe, and navigate 20 minutes down the waters of the scenic Napo River. The destination is Cosano where during an approximately two 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 was caught in each one. And of course, at all times we will be on the lookout for tropical birds, and point out important aspects of the surrounding vegetation.

Just across the river from La Casa del Suizo is Amazoonico, a rescue center for wounded and displaced tropical rainforest animals. Here it is possible to see coatis, tapirs, and several species of monkey, snakes, and a variety of birds, many of which wander around freely Lunch Casa del Suizo.

Later, the group will continue on to the village of Ahuano, where we may learn about several aspects of traditional Quichua culture. A local host will show us how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which of course all may taste), and demonstrate the spiritual cleaning 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!

Day 3: Misicocha Adventure o rafting Adventure 
This visit consists of a walk through primary and secondary forest trails, along which it is possible to observe distinct 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 in medicine, but also in construction and other important local activities. Along the trails guests may enjoy several opportunities for adventure, such as hanging bridges, and vines for swinging from tree to tree. After the walk you may choose to eat lunch in the jungle, and later 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 from 5 to 6 hours

Lunch 
“The Island”: A one-hour walk along a totally flat river island, where one may observe a great variety of plants and insects. Later will go to Mariposario (butterfly house) will have the opportunity to see variety butterfly and their metamorphosis.

Day 4:
After breakfast the group will depart for the trip up the mountains and back to the city. At Baeza the bus will stop at a lookout to stretch your legs and enjoy a lunch in a restaurant at the town before continuing on to Quito.

Optional Excursions: 
Kayaking: La Casa del Suizo has acquired river kayaks, and we are offering, half day and full day programs on rivers class one and two. These programs are available for children 12 years old and up. Please note that these programs are not included in our all inclusive programs, and must be reserved in advance.