ECUADORIAN RAINFOREST Sacha Lodge Bird Walk - Kapok Tower - Yasuni Parrott Lick - Butterfly House

GETTING THERE:

From Quito, a 25-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 bilingual guide and taken to a private dock. Here we will pause for a snack and to use the rest rooms before boarding our covered motorized canoe for a 2-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. But don't worry… we will carry your luggage for you!

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 and home base for an exciting jungle experience.

ABOUT SACHA LODGE:

We are found within a 5000-acre private ecological reserve in Ecuador's Amazon region, an accessible yet pristine rainforest sanctuary where you and your family may enjoy a true jungle adventure in safety and comfort.

The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience. All of our cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle well concealed into the lush surroundings. Each of the 26 rooms, which include single, double and (upon request) triple accommodations, provides a private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower. All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds. During free time, visitors may overlook the jungle from hammocks and often report seeing wild fauna such as toucans, agoutis and monkeys right from their own cabin!

Guests may also enjoy a raised lookout above our main bar and lounge, which offers a scenic view of Pilchicocha Lake and excellent opportunities to birdwatch.

Our meals are prepared to please the international traveler, and three buffets each day offer a wide variety of tastes to choose from. Vegetarians are more than welcome, and our chefs will be happy to cater any special needs you may have upon request.

During at least one evening we will even enjoy a barbecue at our outdoor dining area, right on the edge of the lake! And for those who would like a drink, our bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, liquors, wine and beer to enjoy after an active day.

ACTIVITIES AT SACHA LODGE:

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, orchids, 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.

During free time at the lodge, swimming and piranha fishing are also activities not to be missed… but don't worry! Piranhas are scavengers and the guides will prove that swimming is perfectly safe.

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

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 at around 3:00 and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins.

OUR GUIDES:

Sacha Lodge's guests are divided into small groups for activities, each of which are led by not one but two guides. One is a native guide, raised in the area and with expert knowledge of the rainforest's medicinal and other useful plants. This guide will often share stories from local culture, and lead the way with accustomed eyes that are incredible for spotting the jungle's hidden creatures.

The second guide to accompany each group is a bilingual naturalist, who has been educated in the biology and ecology of the rainforest. Our naturalists come from different countries and backgrounds, and they will translate for the native guides as well as share their own scientific knowledge about any plants and animals you may encounter.

For birdwatchers, we also provide bird specialist guides upon request. These guides know the best spots for the hard-to-find species, and can easily identify species by both sight and sound. If ornithology is to be the focus of your trip, please be sure to request a bird specialist guide in advance to make sure he is there when you arrive!

HOW TO INCLUDE SACHA LODGE IN YOUR ECUADORIAN VISIT:

Sacha Lodge offers two packages:

• 5-day/4-night Monday to Friday
• 4-day/3-night Friday to Monday

Packages include transportation from Quito, accommodations, all meals, services of English speaking naturalist guides and daily excursions.

TRIP TIPS:

Luggage: For the flight to Coca, the airlines require that checked luggage be limited to a weight of 30 pounds per person. However, heavier items such as cameras and books may be taken in carry on bags if necessary.

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. All suitcases will be placed in waterproof bags for the trip down the Napo River, for protection against spray and rain.

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. Plenty of ponchos are available at no charge 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!

Electricity: Throughout the Lodge, 24-hour electricity is provided by a distant, nearly inaudible generator.

Drinking water: All the drinking water provided at Sacha (including ice) comes from a local well and is purified with both porcelain filters and ozone treatment, the most thorough purifying 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.

Amenities: In your shower you will find dispensers of biodegradable soap and shampoo. Although all runoff water is treated with ozone, we recommend the use of these amenities as an extra measure to protect the environment. You will also be provided with fresh towels each day.

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

Boots and ponchos: Rubber boots and rain ponchos are available for all of our guests at the Lodge, free of charge!

Communications: In case of emergency, both cellular telephone (BellSouth) and radio communications are available from the lodge. In addition, each of our guides maintains permanent radio contact with the lodge during all excursions and activities.

First Aid: We keep a complete first aid kit for any minor injuries or ailments you may experience. However, please take any special medications you might need with you. In case of a serious injury or illness, there is a modern medical center located in 20-minute reach of Sacha Lodge.

Security: At all times we have five staff members on duty patrolling of our reserve as park rangers to keep both the lodge and the surrounding environment safe.

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). There is no minimum charge for credit card payments