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Las Cascadas is a new jungle Lodge. It is located in the middle of the compact rain forest of Ecuador, which changes gradually into the Amazon basin. The Lodge can be reached in approximately 5 driving hours from Quito, from the parking lot it´s then another 10 minutes walk.
Las Cascadas received it´s name of the waterfalls, which are to be found on the territory of the jungle Lodge. The most spectacular of it is a waterfall of approximately 35 meters height, which falls down a semicircular steep waste similarly a Amphitheater and washed out a wonderful bath pool in the middle of the unaffected rain forest.
At present Las Cascadas offers accommodation for 20 persons, in 10 double bedrooms with private bath, as well as generous Verandas, from those , despite all comfort, which is able to experience the wonderful rain forest.
Because Las Cascadas is situated still relatively highly, the climate despite the rain forest, is not too hot, but mostly quite pleasant. By the height one has not to fear malaria at this beautiful place also.
The numerous flowers and blooms around the Lodge attract a multitude of hummingbirds, other birds of paradise as well as multicolored butterflies, therefore one can observe animals from the Verandas very comfortable. Sometimes, during an excursion, one can also see playing apes.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Quito - Avenue of the Volcanoes - Baños - Puyo - Las Cascadas
You drive from Quito South on the panamerican highway over the Andean high plain through the ¨Avenue of the Volcanoes¨, named by the famous German explorer Alexander von Humboldt. Along the huge mountains Pasochoa, Ruminahui, Illinizas and Cotopaxi you pass through Latacunga and Ambato towards the little Indian village of Salasaca. Besides their traditional fieldwork the Salasaca Indios live mainly from the handmade weavings they are famous for. After a walk through the village you continue your journey towards Baños (1800m), a tiny village with a beautiful setting and a pleasant sub-tropical climate, which is famous for its thermal baths and Basilica. Driving on to the East on a dusty road you will follow the Rio Pastaza on its way through the valley of the same name, passing a number of waterfalls until you reach Puyo, a jungle town where you will make a stop in order to visit Omaere, an ethno botanical reserve. Afterwards you will drive another 40 kilometres to the East to the Las Cascadas Jungle Eco-Lodge, where you will have dinner and spend the night. -/L/D
Day 02: Waterfalls Jungle Expedition
You will start the day with a huge tasty breakfast. The big variety of local fruits you will be served underlines the exotic character of your surroundings. Afterwards you will do a hike to the beautiful waterfalls of Las Cascadas. The local guide who will accompany you will give you a lot of information on the plants as well as on the wildlife of the untouched nature of this region. If you are lucky you can see hummingbirds, parrots, armadillo and sloths. After a bath in the natural pools below the waterfalls you will have your lunch in this unique place. Back from your hike through the rainforest you can relax in a hammock on the veranda enjoying a tropical cocktail. In the evening you will end the day with a romantic campfire. B/L/D
Day 03: Jungle Lodge - Baeza - Papallacta hot springs - Quito
After a 2-hours drive we will reach the Napo River. Here, we will make a canoe tour in the romantic river, where we can admire several animals and plants. On our way, we will visit an animal farm, in which ill animals are cured to get back to life in jungle. At midday we will have a pick nick at the river, where you can also take a bath. Afterwards, we will continue your journey to the west back towards the Andes. Passing the little village of Baeza you leave the jungle and gaining height again reach the slopes of the eastern Andes. In the village of Papallacta you stop in order to take a relaxing bath in the hot springs. Afterwards we follow the transoceanic highway west and return to the Andean highlands and reach Quito in the evening. B/L/-
Itinerary 4 days:
Day 01: Quito - Avenue of the Volcanoes - Baños - Puyo - Las Cascadas
You drive from Quito South on the panamerican highway over the Andean high plain through the ¨Avenue of the Volcanoes¨, named by the famous German explorer Alexander von Humboldt. Along the huge mountains Pasochoa, Ruminahui, Illinizas and Cotopaxi you pass through Latacunga and Ambato towards the little Indian village of Salasaca. Besides their traditional fieldwork, the Salasaca Indios live mainly from the handmade weavings they are famous for. After a walk through the village you continue your journey towards Baños (1800m), a tiny village with a beautiful setting and a pleasant sub-tropical climate, which is famous for its thermal baths and Basilica. Driving on to the east on a dusty road you will follow the Rio Pastaza on its way through the valley of the same name, passing a number of waterfalls until you reach Puyo, a jungle town where you will make a stop in order to visit Omaere, an ethno botanical reserve. Afterwards you will drive another 40 kilometres to the East to the Las Cascadas Jungle Lodge, where you will have dinner and stay the night. -/L/D
Day 02: Waterfalls Jungle Expedition
You will start the day with a huge tasty breakfast. The big variety of local fruits you will be served underlines the exotic character of your surroundings. Afterwards you will do a hike to the beautiful waterfalls of Las Cascadas. The local guide who will accompany you will give you a lot of information on the plants as well as on the wildlife of the untouched nature of this region. If you are lucky you can see hummingbirds, parrots, armadillos and sloths. After a bath in the natural pools below the waterfalls you will have your lunch in this unique place. Back from your hike through the rainforest you can relax in a hammock on the veranda enjoying a tropical cocktail. In the evening you will end the day with a romantic campfire. B/L/D
Day 03: Las Cascadas Jungle Expedition
Take the opportunity and explore the tropical rainforest with its huge trees covered with moss. Over and over again you will see orchids, bromeliads and helicons that bring colour to the dark green forest and attract many birds and butterflies around the lodge. Maybe you even meet some of the many animals of this area like tapirs, toucans, arras or curious monkeys. In the late evening you will make a nocturnal hike through the jungle around the lodge in order to look for the night active inhabitants of the forest. Back again in the lodge enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian barbecue. B/L/D
Day 04: Las Cascadas - Canoe Trip - Papallacta - Quito
After a 2-hours drive we will reach the Napo River. Here, we will make a canoe tour in the romantic river, where we can admire several animals and plants. On our way, we will visit an animal farm, in which ill animals are cured to get back to life in jungle. At midday we will have a pick nick at the river, where you can also take a bath. Afterwards, we will continue your journey to the west back towards the Andes. Passing the little village of Baeza you leave the jungle and gaining height again reach the slopes of the eastern Andes. In the village of Papallacta you stop in order to take a relaxing bath in the hot springs. Afterwards we follow the transoceanic highway west and return to the Andean highlands and reach Quito in the evening. B/L/-
Price 2009:
| Days |
Double Room |
Single room supplement |
| 3 Days |
USD 540.- |
USD 60.- |
| 4 Days |
USD 700.- |
USD 90.- |
Minimum 2 People
In the price included:
Private transportation from Quito (bus) to Quito, accommodation based in double rooms, multilingual guide, native guide, meals according to program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner), free purified water, coffee, tea, rubber boots, entrance fees.
Not included in the price:
Binoculars, alcoholic beverages, tips, personal items and travel insurance!
What to bring with you:
Lightweight long and short-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants and shorts (no jeans), comfortable shoes, swimwear, hat with brim, sunglasses, torch, insect repellent, sun block, 1-2 plastic bags, binoculars, passport, camera (with flash), day pack.
If you need any additional information please write us:
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South America 
