Casa del Suizo – Amazon Adventure & Nature
Overview
Casa del Suizo – Experience the Magic of the Amazon
Nestled on the banks of the Napo River, Casa del Suizo is the perfect gateway to Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. Combining comfort, authentic hospitality, and unforgettable adventures, the lodge offers an ideal balance between nature, culture, and relaxation.
With 3, 4, or 5-day programs, guests can explore the rainforest through guided jungle walks, canoe excursions, wildlife encounters, and visits to local Kichwa communities. Every experience is designed to immerse you in the incredible biodiversity and rich cultural heritage of the Amazon.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife, or a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Casa del Suizo offers an authentic Amazon experience for travelers of all ages.
Included/Exclude
- Canoe ride for entering and leaving the hotel
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Activities led by native guides
- Bilingual guide
- River transport in activities
- Rubber boots in excursions
- Free Wi-Fi
- Taxes
- Transportation from/to Quito
- Soft and alcoholic drinks
- Papallacta Thermal Springs | Entrance Fee
- Travel and Medical Insurance (mandatory to confirm)
Tour Plan
The journey to La Casa del Suizo departs from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, at 8:00am via
private transportation.
The first leg of our voyage brings us to Papallacta, a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs. Arriving between 10:00 and 10:30am, we take some time to visit these springs for a soothing dip in their steaming thermal waters, before lunch at the Hotel Papallacta. Shortly after
noon, we continue on our route along a scenic stretch of road which takes us out of the majestic Andes highlands and down into the “Oriente”, or Amazon region. Along theway there are several opportunities to stop for photographs, overlooking lush green valleys and sparkling waterfalls.
The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the north bank of the Napo River, where
canoes await for a lateafternoon, 15-minute ride downstream to La Casa del Suizo. We arrive with time to get settled and enjoy the sunset from the swimming pool with a welcome cocktail.
After breakfast we board a dugout canoe and navigate 20 minutes down the scenic Napo River. The destination is Cosano, where during a two-hour walk through primary rainforest we have the opportunity to see real hunting traps which were traditionally used by the local natives. The guides demonstrate how they work and explain which animals are caught in each one. And of course, at all times we will be on the lookout for tropical birds and interesting vegetation.
Just across the river from La Casa del Suizo is AmaZOOnico, a rescue centre for wounded and displaced tropical rainforest animals. Here we can see coatis, tapirs, and several species of monkey, snakes, and a
variety of colourful birds, many of which wander around freely.
Lunch at La Casa del Suizo. Mid-afternoon, we continue on to the village of Ahuano, where we learn
about traditional Quichua culture. A local host shows us how to make chicha, a typical beverage (tasting
optional!), and demonstrates the spiritual cleansing rituals still practiced today throughout the
surrounding community. Finally, we participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest – but don’t expect
to beat the natives!
We begin the day with an early breakfast. Walking through primary and secondary forest trails, we observe distinct species of birds and insects as well as a great variety of trees and medicinal plants. The guides explain how such plants are used not only in medicine, but also in construction and other local activities. Along the trails, there are several opportunities to up the adventure factor, with hanging
bridges and vines for swinging from tree to tree like Tarzan.
We go on to experience the true adventure of explorers past, building and navigating a raft! On a small river island our guide shows us how to bind balsa logs together with rope to form a ‘vessel’, so those who wish can float down the Napo for about an hour, en route back to La Casa del Suizo. The duration of this visit is around 4 hours.
Lunch at La Casa del Suizo, followed by “The Island”: a one-hour walk around a totally flat river island where we can spot a great variety of plants and insects. Later we visit the Mariposario (Butterfly House) where we witness the awesome life-cycles of butterflies.
After breakfast we depart for the trip up the mountains and back to the city. About halfway there, the bus
stops at a lookout to stretch our legs and enjoy a lunch box before continuing on to Quito.
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