Suggested itinerary
1st day: Quito - Tena - Ricancie community network office - Salazar Aitaca community lodge
On the first day, we meet in the RICANCIE central office. After receiving detailed instructions about the program, we travel by car for an hour to a point along the Hollin River, then hike through secondary and primary forest to the cabins of Salazar Aitaca. After a late lunch, we hike down to the cave of the oil birds (nocturnal birds), where there is a small waterfall. We continue on to the shamanic stone, a petroglyph with ancient symbols known in Kichwa as the Yachac Rumi. There, we get an explanation about the significance of shamanism for the Kichwa people, then return to the cabins, where there is a welcome cocktail and dinner.
2nd day: Salazar Aitaca community lodge
After breakfast, we begin our adventure with a hike through virgin forest, discussing medicinal plants along the way, until we reach an overlook with a spectacular view of the Misahualli River. We continue a bit further until we reach the banks of the romantic and mysterious Spirit Lake (Supay Cocha). We have lunch there, and in the afternoon there is time to rest or swim, or practice canoeing. We return to the cabins for dinner, and listen to Kichwa stories and myths.
3rd day: Machacuyacu rainforest cabin
After breakfast, we hike to the Rayo Paccha waterfall, which has a height of 70 meters. We can swim here beneath the waterfall, where there is a small lake. We continue hiking, and after about an hour, we cross the Misahualli River by canoe. We then climb up to the forest cabin of Machacuyacu. We lunch there, where there is a spectacular view of the valley. We then learn about the construction and use of traditional traps and baskets made of forest products. After dinner, we listen to Kichwa stories, myths and history around a campfire, accompanied by the mystical sounds of the forest.
4th day: Napo Runa community lodge
After breakfast, we hike for 3 hours to the community cabins. We settle into the comfortable cabins and have lunch. In the afternoon, we have a demonstration of handicrafts, with a little time to talk to and get to know the people of Machacuyacu. We close the day with a cultural program that includes the dances and music of the Napo Runa people.
5th day: Ricancie community lodge network - Tena - Quito or Baños
After breakfast we hike out to the road, where a car will carry us to Tena. We will arrive around 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