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South America - Central American - Travel DirectoryChoco rainforest natural history tour, 4 days
Andean Cultures | Coastal Cultures | Amazon Cultures |
Sample itinerary suggestion
small variations depending on native guides
Day 1. Quito - Borbon - Choco rainforest lodge: Early departure. North of Quito, we head to the northern Andes, we make a short stop by the Otavalo indigenous market and continue north. The road we take is a roller coaster of mountains, sugar cane plantations and finally a descent into the tropical lowlands of Ecuador´s Choco. Optional stop for lunch en-route.
We arrive at the port town of Borbon where our dugout canoe is waiting. A 4 hour river adventure, we arrive at our lodge. Upon arrival we will enjoy a warm welcome, after dinner we have a pleasant surprise as a night activity.
D
Day 2. Choco rainforest lodge: Breakfast. Departure in the morning, we will go through the path until the mining gold camp of Playa Rica (Rich Beach). In the trip we will observe the crops and land that the people of the community use to raise theirs products, like: coffee, chocolate, sugar cane, etc. Walking in the primary forest, where we will observe the native flora and fauna. In the camp of Playa Rica we will know more about the gold fever. If the Santiago River allows us we will enjoy a nice bath in its shores. Return to lodge by motor canoe. Lunch. In the afternoon we will make a visit to the community to know more about the customs of the African American people in the zone, visit a storyteller, dinner and night at the lodge.
B, L, D
Day 3. Choco rainforest lodge: Breakfast. Departure by motor canoe to path named as "Salto San Juan". Walking in the tropical humid forest, with our native guide, who will teach us about the use of the medicinal plants and native tales, arrival to a beautiful waterfall, where we can take a bath in a natural swimming pool. Return to the community to have a delicious typical lunch.
In the afternoon we will have a lesson about how to paddle in the native canoes, and beside we will learn about the gold panning techniques. Dinner and then the community will give us a traditional show called "La Parranda". Lodge.
B, L, D
Day 4. Choco rainforest lodge - Quito: Breakfast. Early departure by motor canoe towards Borbon, en-route we will visit a local community, we have a packed lunch to enjoy as a picnic. At Borbon we depart towards Quito, late afternoon arrival.
B, L
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights.
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate.
Recommendations: Sunscreen and bug spray are essential.
What to bring: camera, binoculars, flashlight sunscreen, insect repellant, hat and some cash for shopping and extras. Lodges provide rubber boots for hikes, but you should bring your own if you wear sizes from 47 on (11 or higher).
(Includes: Transportation, 3 nights at Choco rainforest lodge, daily guided excursions in company of English speaking-naturalist guides, meals as listed in itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner). Does not include: Meals not listed, Community entrance fee $10)
Travel companies that offer this tour:
Ecuador tours and Galapagos Cruises : Latin Trails offers custom itineraries, expert guides and private transportation for tours around Ecuador, we offer naturalist cruises on board our fleet of small yachts and expedition ship in the Galapagos Islands.