Suggested itinerary
1st day: Quito - Ricancie community network office - Cusano river cabins
On the first day, we meet in the RICANCIE central office. After receiving detailed instructions about the program, we travel by car for 1.5 hours to the bridge at Campococha. There we board a canoe for a 20-minute ride up the Arajuno River. At the trailhead, we begin our hike through secondary and primary forest to the cabins alongside the Cusano River. We get settled in, have lunch and spend the afternoon on an ethnobotanic hike to learn about different species of plants and their medicinal uses. Before dinner, we can swim in the river or practice traditional canoeing. After dinner, the guide will tell us about the history of the reserve, and some of the myths of the Napo Runa people.
2nd day: Cusano River cabins
After an early breakfast, which includes guayusa tea to give us strength, we begin the long hike to the ridge of Chuva Urcu, through pure virgin forest. Along the trail we can observe birds and, with a little luck, different species of monkeys, including the spider monkey. We lunch at a site with a beautiful view of the extensive Napo River valley. After a 2-hour hike, we descend the Cusano River by dugout canoe – an unforgettable experience. We return to the cabins for dinner and rest.
3rd day: Runa Huasi cabins
After breakfast we visit a small farm to learn about the life of a solitary Kichwa family. We then hike for another hour to the Arajuno River, and descend by motorized canoe to the cabins at Runa Huasi, where we have lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Amazoonico animal rescue center, then have dinner.
4th day: Runa Huasi cabins
We have breakfast, then visit a Kichwa museum, where we learn about traditional hunting and trapping. We try our hand at the blowgun, then catch a canoe to a small farm, where we can try chicha after learning how it is made. We have lunch in the cabins, then rest in hammocks or swim in the river. Afterward, we hike for an hour to the lookout at Runa Huasi, which offers us a spectacular view of the peaceful Napo River basin, which is submerged in the soft light of the afternoon. We return to the cabins for lunch and rest. Before retiring for the night, there is an opportunity to participate in a shamanic ceremony around a campfire.
5th day: Runa Huasi cabins - Tena - Quito or Baños
After breakfast, we catch a motorized canoe, going first down the Arajuno River, then up the Napo River to the port at Ahuano. We then catch a car for Tena, arriving by 11 a.m. – in plenty of time to catch a bus to Quito or Baños.
Tour operators offering this tour:
Ecuador tours and Galapagos cruises : www.latintrails.com