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Our Other Adventures
"Heart of the Amazon"	Dugout canoe expedition deep into the Amazon Basin.
"High Andes, Hidden Amazon"	Hiking, rafting and mtn. biking in the Andes and Amazon
"Deep Amazon"	Cloudforest hiking & remote rainforest canoe camping trip, indigenous culture.
"Andean Traverse"	Backpacking into remote wilderness along the top of the Andes.
"Rainforest and River"	Rainforest river journey, jungle lodges, whitewater rafting.
"Immersed In Green"	Hiking, rafting, canoeing in lush green cloud and rain forests
"Galapagos Islands"	Walk and swim amongst fearless wildlife. Travel on 10-16 person yacht

This is an authentic and exciting adventure itinerary incorporating time in the cloudforest, upper and lower montane rainforest as well as the deep lowland rainforest. Days are full and active including hiking, whitewater rafting, cultural exchange, option for horseback riding and a little bit of time to breathe as well! We hope you can join us for this special custom designed itinerary to accommodate those interested in exploring the best that the rainforest has to offer with a small group of enthusiastic fellow travelers.

• Visit a cloud forest preserve on the West 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 wildlife and spectacular bird life.
• Visit a lodge in the Lower Montane rainforest where the Andes mountains and the Amazon basin meet. Great hiking or horseback riding if you prefer in the surrounding forest.
• See the rainforest from a unique perspective while whitewater rafting for a day on the Eastern slope of the Andes.
• Travel like the locals in a 40 foot motor canoe down the Napo River. Visit a center for the rehabilitation of wild rainforest animals.
• There are many incredible waterfalls to hike to in the rugged foothills of the Andes.
• Amazing vista of the forest canopy while flying in small aircraft to a remote village, view abundant wildlife via paddle canoe and day hikes.
• Canoe into the forest to camp deep in the jungle, a million frogs sing you to sleep.
• Unique opportunities for genuine cultural interaction with the Huaorani people who call this area home. This is one of the best ecotourism projects of it's kind.

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 and it's unique cultural heritage.

"Rainforest Immersion" Itinerary:

Day 1... Fly into the colonial city of Quito, at 9,200 feet. English speaking driver will be waiting to transport you to a simple yet comfortable and clean small inn (20 minutes). Back at the hotel we provide you with a snack and a comfy bed.

Day 2... Depart to the cloudforest stopping along the way at the middle of the world equator monument and museum. Arrive to the cloudforest reserve in time for lunch and a hike to a waterfall. Dinner back at the lodge.

Day 3... Early morning departure for a full day hike into the cloudforest to a neighboring community based ecotourism project for lunch then return back to your lodge and make the drive back to Quito arriving in time for dinner.

Day 4... Drive over the Andes traveling Eastwards dropping into the Amazon Basin on a sometimes winding mountain road. Transportation by public bus or small van, approximately 5 hours. Arrive in a small frontier town where you will transfer to a taxi which will bring you to a lower montane rainforest lodge (around 10-15 mins) for lunch. Time after lunch to hike or horseback ride through the jungle trails with a local guide. Dinner back at the lodge. Accommodations in clean, comfortable and simple room.

Days 5 ... Early morning departure to head for the river (approximately 1 hour and 15 mins drive in the cab or back of a small pickup truck). Exciting day of class III+ paddling with an English speaking guide. At the end of the day a 15 minute drive back to town. Accommodations in a small hotel in comfortable, basic and clean room with private bathroom.

Day 6... After breakfast hop a bus out to a frontier town at the edge of the rainforest to meet up with your canoe which will be taking you to a local animal rescue center downriver. Motor dugout canoe ride is around 1 hour. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch in the open air dining room. After lunch take a 30 min. hike along a forest trail to the animal rescue center to observe the animals and learn about the project. Night in a clean, comfortable but basic room (no electricity but there is hot shower water!).

Day 7... After breakfast travel upriver for around 10 minutes by motor dugout canoe to meet the transportation that will bring you to a small upper montane rainforest town to get ready for tomorrow’s flight into the deepest part of the rainforest (6 hours drive including stops and hikes to stretch your legs). Stop along the way for some hikes down to scenic waterfalls.

Day 8... After breakfast go to the airport for the 45 min. flight into the deepest rainforest section of the trip. You will have a different guide for this portion of the trip who is a regional expert in this area. Travel is on 3-5 seater Cessna. Upon arrival you will load into a shallow dugout canoe and pole downstream to an improvised tent camp. Accommodations are double cabins with thatched roofs up off the ground on a wooden platform, walls are screened. There are flush toilets and comfortable beds but cabanas are simple and rustic (cold showers which actually feel great here!). There is no electricity although solar power usually has enough juice to light the main area. Orientation to the culture and camp, dinner and a much welcomed night’s sleep with those awesome night sounds of the rainforest echoing on all sides of your tent camp.

Days 9 & 10...Explore the surrounding area with local indigenous guides and a naturalist guide/interpreter. Hiking, canoeing, cultural exchange.

Day 11...After an early breakfast travel downriver to camp. Lunch en-route. This is a 6-7 hour journey which is a short travel time for local people who are used to this sort of commute. Arrive at the campsite and take a 3-hour (round-trip) hike to visit an impressive waterfall. Return to the campsite for dinner and perhaps a bonfire.

Day 12...After breakfast continue downstream to where a road crosses the river, leave the forest and head towards “civilization” for a 2-3 hour ride in a vehicle. Late afternoon flight back to Quito (35 minutes) and transfer to your hotel. Hit the town with the group for a celebration dinner!

Day 13...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 rainforests and cultures. If you are staying on in South America we can point you in the direction of further learning and adventure.

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