The Alya Luxury Cruise will...
Expedition Overview
Itamandi Eco-Lodge is an eco-tourist destination, it is located on the Arajuno river, thus it teaches us the wonders of the Amazon River, its lifestyles, traditions and its beliefs in the Kichwa culture. This contained area is located near the JATUN SACHA reserve, the same that manages and cares for our protected and still virgin forest in the province of Napo.
Itinerary
DAY 1: TRIP TO ITAMANDI ECOLODGE
12:00 Trip to Itamandi Ecolodge
Reception in Tena city; from where we will take the private transportation to Arajuno bridge (45 minutes approx.) At this point, our naturalist guide will give you information about the place, important recommendations and other tips to start our great experience in the tropical forest in a motorized canoe that goes upstream for 20 minutes to Itamandi EcoLodge start. On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest traveling along a river that flows in a zigzag through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the main system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Once we arrive at the dock area of Itamandi EcoLodge, our staff will welcome you and give you brief and general information about your accommodation and the activities to be carried out.
13:30 Lunch
15:00 Tubing
After a delicious lunch we will enjoy the first amazing activity of tubing in the Amazon.
18:30 Night Hike (optional)
A flashlight and camera are the most important tools in this nocturnal excursion, which allows guests to hear and catch the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we may have the opportunity to observe a large number of stars.
19:30 Dinner.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or Double
Lunch. Dinner
DAY 2: PARROT CLAY LICK - HIKE - VISIT NATIVE COMMUNITY
5:45 – 6:00 Parrot Clay Lick (If weather permits)
Early in the morning we take a canoe ride for 15 minutes upstream to visit a parrot clay lick (Saladero) to appreciate a unique site where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them to digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later will come down to the clay bank to eat this soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy it.
7:00 – 8:30 Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30 Long hike
After a scrumptious breakfast we head out for a hike through the primary and secondary Rainforest. Our expert naturalists teach you about the ecology and flora and fauna of the Rainforest along the trail. You will observe a great variety of insects, a diversity of birds flying around us and some lucky reptiles or monkeys. This activity takes about 2 ½ -3hours.
13:00 Lunch
14:30 Visit to the Native Community
In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us and we learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. This encounter is going to show you that part of the Amazonia that you do not find on the maps: the Amazon people.
Part of our visit to the community involves the demonstration of the famous “Chicha”, a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivals and daily use. We will take part in the preparation of this beverage and also try some of the local cuisine.
We finish the visit with a traditional dance performed by the kids in this community and you also have some time to buy some handicrafts, made by the indigenous. This little business is to support the indigenous people in their daily life.
19:30 Dinner.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 3: BACK TO QUITO
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Check-out and motorized canoe ride for 20 minutes to the Arajuno Bridge.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Amazon Ecolodge
Location: ecuador – upper amazon
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Arajuno Bridge
Activity: Hiking, Wildlife, Birdwatching
Activity List
1
.- Cultural encounters with local tribes
2
.- Amazon hiking in pristine rainforest
3
.- Parrot’s clay lick
4
.- 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 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 transfer to El Tena Payable Before Departure
Private transfer: USD 80 per person
General Specifications
STARTS
Arajuno Bridge
14:00 am on day 1
ENDS
Arajuno Bridge
10:00 am on day 3
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at Arajuno Bridge in El Tena. On the final day your trip will end at Arajuno Bridge. Quito city is around 3 and a half hours from El Tena city (Amazon) by public bus or private transportation.
To make your own way from Quito city to El Tena city, you can request a private transfer from the host.
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation, motorized canoe.
Accommodations
Based on double occupancy: 3+* Amazon Ecolodge
Activities
Bird watching and hiking exploration in the cloud forest, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, night walks to see wildlife.
Meals
2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner.
Gear
Life jackets and rubber boots (sizes 36 to 44)
Guides
English speaking local guide
Equipment
Rubber boots, ropes, harnesses.
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Transportation
Public bus or private transportation to El Tena city
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Additional entrances fees
USD 10 per person
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
Itamandi Eco-Lodge is an eco-tourist destination, it is located on the Arajuno river, thus it teaches us the wonders of the Amazon River, its lifestyles, traditions and its beliefs in the Kichwa culture. This contained area is located near the JATUN SACHA reserve, the same that manages and cares for our protected and still virgin forest in the province of Napo.
Itinerary
DAY 1: TRIP TO ITAMANDI ECOLODGE
12:00 Trip to Itamandi Ecolodge
Reception in Tena city; from where we will take the private transportation to Arajuno bridge (45 minutes approx.) At this point, our naturalist guide will give you information about the place, important recommendations and other tips to start our great experience in the tropical forest in a motorized canoe that goes upstream for 20 minutes to Itamandi EcoLodge start. On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest traveling along a river that flows in a zigzag through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the main system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Once we arrive at the dock area of Itamandi EcoLodge, our staff will welcome you and give you brief and general information about your accommodation and the activities to be carried out.
13:30 Lunch
15:00 Tubing
After a delicious lunch we will enjoy the first amazing activity of tubing in the Amazon.
18:30 Night Hike (optional)
A flashlight and camera are the most important tools in this nocturnal excursion, which allows guests to hear and catch the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we may have the opportunity to observe a large number of stars.
19:30 Dinner.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleLunch. Dinner
DAY 2: PARROT CLAY LICK - HIKE - VISIT NATIVE COMMUNITY
5:45 – 6:00 Parrot Clay Lick (If weather permits)
Early in the morning we take a canoe ride for 15 minutes upstream to visit a parrot clay lick (Saladero) to appreciate a unique site where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them to digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later will come down to the clay bank to eat this soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy it.
7:00 – 8:30 Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30 Long hike
After a scrumptious breakfast we head out for a hike through the primary and secondary Rainforest. Our expert naturalists teach you about the ecology and flora and fauna of the Rainforest along the trail. You will observe a great variety of insects, a diversity of birds flying around us and some lucky reptiles or monkeys. This activity takes about 2 ½ -3hours.
13:00 Lunch
14:30 Visit to the Native Community
In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us and we learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. This encounter is going to show you that part of the Amazonia that you do not find on the maps: the Amazon people.
Part of our visit to the community involves the demonstration of the famous “Chicha”, a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivals and daily use. We will take part in the preparation of this beverage and also try some of the local cuisine.
We finish the visit with a traditional dance performed by the kids in this community and you also have some time to buy some handicrafts, made by the indigenous. This little business is to support the indigenous people in their daily life.
19:30 Dinner.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Homestay – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 3: BACK TO QUITO
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Check-out and motorized canoe ride for 20 minutes to the Arajuno Bridge.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Amazon Ecolodge
Location: ecuador – upper amazon
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Arajuno Bridge
Activity: Hiking, Wildlife, Birdwatching
Activity List
1
.- Cultural encounters with local tribes
2
.- Amazon hiking in pristine rainforest
3
.- Parrot’s clay lick
4
.- 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 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 transfer to El Tena Payable Before Departure
Private transfer: USD 80 per person
Ships & Deck Plans
Specifications
General Specifications
STARTS
Arajuno Bridge
14:00 am on day 1
ENDS
Arajuno Bridge
10:00 am on day 3
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at Arajuno Bridge in El Tena. On the final day your trip will end at Arajuno Bridge. Quito city is around 3 and a half hours from El Tena city (Amazon) by public bus or private transportation.
To make your own way from Quito city to El Tena city, you can request a private transfer from the host.
2
nights
FROM $250
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation, motorized canoe.
Accommodations
Based on double occupancy: 3+* Amazon Ecolodge
Activities
Bird watching and hiking exploration in the cloud forest, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, night walks to see wildlife.
Meals
2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner.
Gear
Life jackets and rubber boots (sizes 36 to 44)
Guides
English speaking local guide
Equipment
Rubber boots, ropes, harnesses.
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Transportation
Public bus or private transportation to El Tena city
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Additional entrances fees
USD 10 per person
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