The Alya Luxury Cruise will...
Expedition Overview
Discover its rich flora, fauna, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Enjoy canoeing on the open river, learning about the diverse wildlife, far away from home in the world’s largest remaining tropical rainforest.
Itinerary
DAY 1: HIKE IN THE AMAZON - CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
Hike in the Amazon – Chocolate Experience
This morning, we will go deeper into the jungle inside the Llanganates National Park. The name “Llanganates” comes from “beautiful mountain” in the local native language. Here, 600 years ago, the Incas hid their golden treasures. Many explorers have spent years looking for these treasures, some have even disappeared with no luck in this dense pristine jungle. We will head to Pimpilala Kichwa community. Once here we will enjoy a magnificent visit to La Laguna Azul (Blue Loop) to enjoy nature in its maximum splendor. Our local native guide will teach about the incredible flora and fauna that thrive in this unequaled habitat; we will spend the night at the Local Basic Jungle Lodge run by a Kichwa indigenous family.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or Double
Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 2: CANYOING IN THE AMAZON
Canyoning in the Amazon
This morning we will enjoy a hike into the tropical rain forest and will climb through several waterfall canyons.
In the afternoon we will prepare a delicious chocolate fondue with the local family, we will learn about the process and enjoy the final product in our dinner accompanied with the charming sounds of the nature.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 3: ARAJUNO BRIDGE - AMAZON ECOLODGE - NIGHT WALK IN THE JUNGLE
Arajuno Bridge – Amazon Ecolodge – Night Walk in the jungle
We begin our trip at the Arajuno bridge, where we will take a motorized canoe that goes upriver for 20 minutes to begin our great experience in the tropical forest. On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest by traveling along a river that zigzags through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the main system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Once we arrive at the lodge dock area, our staff will welcome you. From there we will continue to relax in the lounge with a fresh tropical snack and a short briefing that will contain general information about the accommodation and activities, provided by one of our naturalist guides, and thus proceed to lunch.
18:30 Night Walk (optional)
A flashlight and camera are the most important tools on this nighttime excursion, allowing guests to hear and capture the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs, and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we could have the opportunity to observe a large number of stars.
19:30 Dinner.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 4: PARROT CLAY LICK - LOCAL INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
Parrot Clay Lick – Local Indigenous Community
5:45 – 6:00 Departure to the Saladero – Parrot clay lick (according to the weather)
Early in the morning we take a 15-minute canoe ride upriver to visit the Saladero de Loros and appreciate a unique place where parrots and parakeets meet in order to obtain the minerals that will help them digest the fruits or seeds that they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and then descend to the clay wall to eat this mineral rich soil. Binoculars are essential to enjoy this magnificent natural act.
7:00 – 8:30 Breakfast
9:00 or 9:30 Departure for a long walk
After breakfast we go on a hike through the primary and secondary forest. This activity lasts about 2 ½ to 3 hours.
13:00 Lunch
14:30 Visit to the community
In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community will welcome us and we will learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. In this meeting, that part of the Amazon that is not found on maps will be shown: the Amazonian people in their daily lives. Part of our visit to the community consists of sharing the famous “chicha”, a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivals and daily consumption. We are going to participate in the preparation of this drink and try some of the traditional dishes. We will end the visit with a traditional dance performed by the children of the community and we will also have time to buy some crafts made by the indigenous people of the area.
19:30 Dinner.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 5: RETURN TO QUITO
Return to Quito
Today after a delicious breakfast, we will take a motorized canoe for 20 minutes to the Arajuno bridge. Later, we will return to the charming city of Quito to rest and relax.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Amazon Homestay & Amazon Ecolodge
Location: ecuador – upper amazon
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Passenger’s hotel in Quito
Activity: Hiking, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Cultural encounters with local tribes
2
.- Amazon hiking in pristine rainforest
3
.- Parrot’s clay lick
4
.- Amazon rainforest canyoning
5
.- Chocolate experience
6
.- Night walk to see wildlife
Additional options
What is the food like?
Throughout the adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such as amazon food with plenty of local fresh vegetables. Lunch usually consists of soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.
In the Amazon Ecolodge there will be a wide variety of dishes with a national and international touch. All meals are made with fresh, local ingredients, buffet service for breakfast and lunch, and table service for dinner
What is the accommodation like?
Amazon Homestay
This is a very basic accommodation. You'll have your own room and a shared bathroom. The rooms are very clean and all the beds have mosquito netting. There is no electricity in the room but there is a social area where you can have access to power to charge your electronics.
Amazon Ecolodge
The Amazon Ecolodge consists of private rooms of varying sleeping configurations and several public gathering spots, including the spacious dining room, an open-air combined bar, a majestic pool, and an observation tower.
The rooms in these two-story cabañas are inspired by nature’s design: authentic, airy and comfortable, sitting right next to the river. The 8 ample rooms boast with unexpected amenities, including a spacious sleeping and sitting area, private bathroom with hot water in the rainfall-shower, and a balcony. On the balcony of your room, you can relax in a hammock or deck chair and observe the daily visitors: hummingbirds, shore river birds, kingfishers and tons of colorful butterflies. You can also listen to the night music of the multitude of frogs and other nocturnal creatures.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Transfers
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
General Specifications
STARTS
Passenger’s hotel in Quito
8:00 am on day 1
ENDS
Passenger’s hotel in Quito
Anytime on day 5
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at the lobby in your hotel in Quito. On the final day your trip will end at your hotel in Quito. Quito city is around 3 and a half hours from El Tena city (Amazon).
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation, motorized canoe.
Accommodations
Based on double occupancy: home stay in the Amazon, 3+* Amazon Ecolodge.
Activities
3 hours canyoning at Pimpilala waterfalls, bird watching and hiking exploration in the cloud forest, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, making chocolate, visit Anaconda Island.
Meals
4 breakfast, 4 lunch, 4 dinner.
Gear
Rubber boots, ropes, harnesses.
Guides
Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides.
Equipment
Rubber boots, ropes, harnesses.
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement USD 323
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Tips
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
What do I need to bring
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Fleece top
Shirts/t-shirts
Pair of short
Pairs of long trousers
Pair hiking pants/track pants
Sport sandals
Watch or alarm clock
Quick dry clothing
Rain coat
Waterproof binoculars
Bug spray
Sun cream
Flashlight
Sun Hat
Waterproof camera if possible
Swimming suit
Waterproof backpack
Water bottle
Tennis shoes
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service
Expedition Overview
Discover its rich flora, fauna, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Enjoy canoeing on the open river, learning about the diverse wildlife, far away from home in the world’s largest remaining tropical rainforest.
Itinerary
DAY 1: HIKE IN THE AMAZON - CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
Hike in the Amazon – Chocolate Experience
This morning, we will go deeper into the jungle inside the Llanganates National Park. The name “Llanganates” comes from “beautiful mountain” in the local native language. Here, 600 years ago, the Incas hid their golden treasures. Many explorers have spent years looking for these treasures, some have even disappeared with no luck in this dense pristine jungle. We will head to Pimpilala Kichwa community. Once here we will enjoy a magnificent visit to La Laguna Azul (Blue Loop) to enjoy nature in its maximum splendor. Our local native guide will teach about the incredible flora and fauna that thrive in this unequaled habitat; we will spend the night at the Local Basic Jungle Lodge run by a Kichwa indigenous family.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 2: CANYOING IN THE AMAZON
Canyoning in the Amazon
This morning we will enjoy a hike into the tropical rain forest and will climb through several waterfall canyons.
In the afternoon we will prepare a delicious chocolate fondue with the local family, we will learn about the process and enjoy the final product in our dinner accompanied with the charming sounds of the nature.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 3: ARAJUNO BRIDGE - AMAZON ECOLODGE - NIGHT WALK IN THE JUNGLE
Arajuno Bridge – Amazon Ecolodge – Night Walk in the jungle
We begin our trip at the Arajuno bridge, where we will take a motorized canoe that goes upriver for 20 minutes to begin our great experience in the tropical forest. On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest by traveling along a river that zigzags through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the main system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Once we arrive at the lodge dock area, our staff will welcome you. From there we will continue to relax in the lounge with a fresh tropical snack and a short briefing that will contain general information about the accommodation and activities, provided by one of our naturalist guides, and thus proceed to lunch.
18:30 Night Walk (optional)
A flashlight and camera are the most important tools on this nighttime excursion, allowing guests to hear and capture the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs, and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we could have the opportunity to observe a large number of stars.
19:30 Dinner.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 4: PARROT CLAY LICK - LOCAL INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
Parrot Clay Lick – Local Indigenous Community
5:45 – 6:00 Departure to the Saladero – Parrot clay lick (according to the weather)
Early in the morning we take a 15-minute canoe ride upriver to visit the Saladero de Loros and appreciate a unique place where parrots and parakeets meet in order to obtain the minerals that will help them digest the fruits or seeds that they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and then descend to the clay wall to eat this mineral rich soil. Binoculars are essential to enjoy this magnificent natural act.
7:00 – 8:30 Breakfast
9:00 or 9:30 Departure for a long walk
After breakfast we go on a hike through the primary and secondary forest. This activity lasts about 2 ½ to 3 hours.
13:00 Lunch
14:30 Visit to the community
In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community will welcome us and we will learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. In this meeting, that part of the Amazon that is not found on maps will be shown: the Amazonian people in their daily lives. Part of our visit to the community consists of sharing the famous “chicha”, a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivals and daily consumption. We are going to participate in the preparation of this drink and try some of the traditional dishes. We will end the visit with a traditional dance performed by the children of the community and we will also have time to buy some crafts made by the indigenous people of the area.
19:30 Dinner.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 5: RETURN TO QUITO
Return to Quito
Today after a delicious breakfast, we will take a motorized canoe for 20 minutes to the Arajuno bridge. Later, we will return to the charming city of Quito to rest and relax.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Amazon Homestay & Amazon Ecolodge
Location: ecuador – upper amazon
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Passenger’s hotel in Quito
Activity: Hiking, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Cultural encounters with local tribes
2
.- Amazon hiking in pristine rainforest
3
.- Parrot’s clay lick
4
.- Amazon rainforest canyoning
5
.- Chocolate experience
6
.- Night walk to see wildlife
Additional options
What is the food like?
Throughout the adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such as amazon food with plenty of local fresh vegetables. Lunch usually consists of soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.
In the Amazon Ecolodge there will be a wide variety of dishes with a national and international touch. All meals are made with fresh, local ingredients, buffet service for breakfast and lunch, and table service for dinner
What is the accommodation like?
Amazon Homestay
This is a very basic accommodation. You'll have your own room and a shared bathroom. The rooms are very clean and all the beds have mosquito netting. There is no electricity in the room but there is a social area where you can have access to power to charge your electronics.
Amazon Ecolodge
The Amazon Ecolodge consists of private rooms of varying sleeping configurations and several public gathering spots, including the spacious dining room, an open-air combined bar, a majestic pool, and an observation tower.
The rooms in these two-story cabañas are inspired by nature’s design: authentic, airy and comfortable, sitting right next to the river. The 8 ample rooms boast with unexpected amenities, including a spacious sleeping and sitting area, private bathroom with hot water in the rainfall-shower, and a balcony. On the balcony of your room, you can relax in a hammock or deck chair and observe the daily visitors: hummingbirds, shore river birds, kingfishers and tons of colorful butterflies. You can also listen to the night music of the multitude of frogs and other nocturnal creatures.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Transfers
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
Ships & Deck Plans
Specifications
General Specifications
STARTS
Passenger’s hotel in Quito
8:00 am on day 1
ENDS
Passenger’s hotel in Quito
Anytime on day 5
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at the lobby in your hotel in Quito. On the final day your trip will end at your hotel in Quito. Quito city is around 3 and a half hours from El Tena city (Amazon).
4
nights
FROM $1,248
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation, motorized canoe.
Accommodations
Based on double occupancy: home stay in the Amazon, 3+* Amazon Ecolodge.
Activities
3 hours canyoning at Pimpilala waterfalls, bird watching and hiking exploration in the cloud forest, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, making chocolate, visit Anaconda Island.
Meals
4 breakfast, 4 lunch, 4 dinner.
Gear
Rubber boots, ropes, harnesses.
Guides
Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides.
Equipment
Rubber boots, ropes, harnesses.
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement USD 323
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Tips
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
What do I need to bring
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Fleece top
Shirts/t-shirts
Pair of short
Pairs of long trousers
Pair hiking pants/track pants
Sport sandals
Watch or alarm clock
Quick dry clothing
Rain coat
Waterproof binoculars
Bug spray
Sun cream
Flashlight
Sun Hat
Waterproof camera if possible
Swimming suit
Waterproof backpack
Water bottle
Tennis shoes
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service