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Surround yourself with the lush tropical vegetation of the Amazon rainforest. Focused on the cloudforests and rainforests of Ecuador, this trip offers an opportunity to become intimate with this area's fragile ecosystems and cultures.

• Visit a cloud forest preserve on the East side of the Andes. Hike trails with a naturalist through a forest hanging with mosses, bromeliads and epiphytic orchids. This protected area backs up to some of the most inaccessible terrain anywhere making for great opportunities to spot rare Mountain Tapirs and Spectacled Bears.
• Spend a few days living with a local indigenous family in the rainforest. Learn traditional and medicinal plant uses,  hike to sacred waterfalls with a medicine man, swim in crystal clear lagoons and learn about a rapidly disappearing culture.
• See the rainforest from a unique perspective while whitewater rafting for a day on the Jatunyacu River.
• Travel like the locals in a 40 foot motor canoe down the Napo River. Visit a center for the rehabilitation of wild rainforest animals.
• Hike to and spend a couple of nights at a rainforest lagoon, view abundant wildlife via paddle canoe and day hikes. Hike into the forest to camp deep in the jungle, a million frogs sing you to sleep.
• Climb the stairs of a 150 foot tall canopy observation tower to see the forest from the top of the biggest tree around.
• Hike through lower montane rainforest to view San Rafael Falls (the biggest in Ecuador).
• Soak in clean, clear hotsprings with mountain views.

   The best way to get to know the rainforest is by hiking it's trails and descending it's rivers. This trip offers plenty of both. Most enjoyed by reasonably fit people who like walking and paddling in order to fully appreciate this lush region.

"Immersed In Green" Itinerary:

Day 1... Arrive in the capital city of Quito nestled amongst volcanoes at 9,200 feet where Untamed Path will be there to greet you at the airport. Back at the hotel we provide you with a snack and a comfy bed.

Day 2... After a hearty breakfast we’ll have an orientation to Ecuadorian maps and culture and organize ourselves and equipment for an afternoon departure. Ecuador’s countryside awaits and we make our way over the Andes and down to the cloud forest. A short walk with packs leads to a wonderfully rustic yet comfortable lodge surrounded by trails through a cloud forests preserve.

Day 3... Discover this little known ecosystem with a highly trained naturalist. A full day to explore and learn about this unique and threatened region. This area is renowned for the wildness of the surrounding forest and is one of the few places in the world where Spectacled Bear and Mountain Tapirs still have room to roam. Waterfalls, bromeliads and a multitude of birds and orchids.

Day 4... Morning free-time to hike or relax, departing after lunch to travel further South into the Amazon Basin. Near the end of a long dirt road we meet the family we will be spending the next couple of days with. Lodging is in simple cabins falling asleep to the noises of the rainforest.

Days 5 and 6... Stay with a Quichua Indian couple trained in shamanism and traditional healing. This unique family is working to preserve traditional values and a way of life passed down through generations. Day hikes in the rainforest, swimming in crystal clear lagoons and various workshops on plants (medicinal and traditional), spiritual traditions and life as it exists today in a rainforest community. Learn the ancient ways of these peaceful people.

Day 7... Grab a paddle and head to the river for a day of whitewater rafting excitement to see the rainforest from a unique perspective. We pass several small communities along the way and walk into the forest up a narrow side canyon hanging with vines and other epiphites. Spend the evening in a tiny, tranquil port village along the river.

Day 8... In this rainforest region the larger rivers literally act as "highways" for transporting people and goods to and from different communities. Travel down river in a 40 foot motorized dugout canoe to a jungle lodge tucked up a small tributary. This region is the jump of point for trips deeper into the lowland rainforest and is in the middle of the debate over how to use/protect Amazon resources. Along the way stop at a rainforest animal rehabilitation center to get up close interaction with many of the otherwise elusive species of Amazonian wildlife. Run by a Swiss biologist and her Quichua husband their goal is to re-introduce as many animals as possible to the surrounding reserve. Our visit helps fund this important work.

Day 9... After continuing downstream for a few more hours a 1 hour hike on trail leads to a series of hidden lagoons famous for their wildlife. The afternoon brings time to explore for wildlife or relax in a hammock overlooking the lagoon. Simple cabins and an open dining area make for comfortable and rustic accommodations that get you closer to the jungle. Night canoeing on lagoons to see caiman and other nocturnal creatures.

Day 10...Take advantage of a full day at lagoons to explore by small paddle canoe, swim and hike in the surrounding area. A local Quichua guide leads us on hikes and shares his in-depth knowledge of the forest and his culture. This ecotourism project protects the fragile area and benefits the local community by providing employment and economic alternatives to resource extraction. They control access and have banned hunting which means wildlife abounds. Monkeys, birds, piranha, ocelots, otters, sloths and more.

Day 11...We shoulder our packs (lightened up to the basics) and head off into the forest to camp deep in primary forest. Sleeping under plastic traps and mosquito nets provides shelter from rain and insects while still allowing refreshing breezes to pass over us. The night noises are incredible and opportunities to see nocturnal monkeys and other wildlife are common. Waking up to the thousands of bird calls at first light is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Day 12...Coming out of the forest onto the tributary connecting the lagoons with the main river we paddle silently to the confluence with great birding along the way. Our motor canoe joins us here and the journey up river begins. A visit to a river island provides a glimpse at yet another unique ecosystem and a very good chance to see the wooley monkeys who live there. Lodging this evening includes a visit to a bird observation tower. Wrapped around the trunk of a huge Ceiba tree the stairs lead up to the canopy of the forest for a fantastic view. Hot showers and cold beverages complete a very full day.

Day 13...A short canoe ride to town where we meet our van for the ride up out of the humid tropical rainforest to the cooler climate of the upper montane rainforest. This stunning diversity of environments and wildlife within a short distance is one of the great beauties of Ecuador. After a short hike through lush greenery to view the largest waterfall in the country , we'll head up a little higher to the environment known as the "paramo". Unique to the Andes this ecosystem is a high rolling spongy grasslands below the glaciers. Our favorite hotsprings is tucked back in a valley here, a relaxing way to wind down.

Day 14...Take a morning walk in the hills or visit the interpretive center to learn about this region and it's unique flora and fauna. After one last soak we head back to Quito where you'll have time to walk the streets and browse the artisans crafts and wares before our celebration dinner.

Day 15...Untamed Path provides a breakfast and transport to the airport for your flight home with a more in-depth understanding of life in Ecuador’s rainforest and dreams of having been truly immersed in green. If you are staying on in South America we can point you in the direction of further learning and adventure.

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