Amazon Wilderness
4 days - from $1140
This exceptional jungle experience takes you into the very heart of Ecuador's Amazon Basin. The remote, pristine setting of Sacha Lodge is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, scientists and adventure seekers. The lodge provides quality accommodation, first class meals and expert guides in order for you to fully enjoy the wonders of the tropical rainforest. There is a wide range of activities to pick from including jungle walks, dugout canoe safaris and canopy walks, whilst a real highlight is the camouflaged, 43-metre high observation tower. This is the Amazon at its very best!
Highlights
Itinerary:
Day 1: (Fri) Fly from Quito to Coca and transfer to Sacha Jungle Lodge.2-3: Stay at Sacha Jungle Lodge and enjoy comprehensive jungle activities. 4: Travel back to Coca and fly to Quito, where trip ends upon arrival (Mon).
Included: Experienced English-speaking guides, transfers inside tour program, transport, activities of your choice in the jungle.
Not Included: Airport departure tax, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 3 breakfasts,3 lunches,3 dinners
Notes: This is not our group tour and there is not our Tour Leader. It is sold to independent travellers and the lodge provides all guides.
Yellow Fever Certificate
Please note, as of 1st March 2008 it is necessary for all travellers booked on this trip to be vaccinated against yellow fever (vaccinations are good for 10 years) and to carry their yellow fever certificate with them. Even though there hasn't been any case of yellow fever in Ecuador in the last 20 years, the local authorities are taking steps to ensure that no outbreaks occur in this sensitive region. All travellers should be vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days before the start of the tour.
Sacha Lodge
The lodge at Sacha has been designed to offer comfort to the traveller yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience. Each of the ten double cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces, is constructed with traditional materials and nestles well concealed in the lush surroundings.
Electricity is provided 24 hours a day by a distant, barely-audible generator.
All cabins are screened against insects and contain two comfortable double beds with private, modern bathrooms and hot showers.
Sacha Lodge has an excellent bar and restaurant, providing international quality meals.
Guests may use free time to enjoy a raised lookout above the bar and lounge, which offers a scenic view of Pilchicocha Lake and excellent opportunities to bird-watch.
Flights
The flights from Quito to Coca are charter flights using two different airlines, and departure times may vary. The airplanes are normally 19-seat Beechcraft (1900), and both the planes and pilots are FAA-certified in the U.S.
Laundry
Sacha Lodge provides a laundry service (washing and drying), at an additional cost.
Bar
Drinks are not included in your package, and may be paid on the last night of your stay in cash (U.S. dollars), travellers' cheques or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). The minimum charge for credit cards is $US20.
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
The chef will be more than happy to prepare vegetarian meals for you upon request. On booking, please make sure to advise us or your travel agent of any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have, and also let the staff at Sacha know as soon as you arrive.
Photography
High-speed film (if you are still using a film camera) and a flash for cameras are recommended for shady walks under the forest canopy. However, slower film is fine for photos on rivers, lakes, and the tower and around the lodge
Starts/Ends: Quito to Quito
Trip Reference: PSAW4