CLASSIC AMAZOONICO TOUR
This is a full day trip suitable for all ages and allows an overall exploration of the upper Amazon basin of Ecuador. Guests will enjoy a complete overview of the jungle region, from a cultural point of view by visiting a local market as well as spending time with a Kichwa family and a naturalist view as we discover the plantlife of the rainforest as well as animal life like monkeys, parrots, tapir’s, ocelot’s and much more at the Amazoonico rescue center. The biodiversity of this environs is unmatched by any other region of the planet.
The price includes: Private transport, canoe trip, local Spanish speaking native guie ($50 per group surcharge for English speaking guide), picnic lunch, drinking water, all entrance fees, rubber boots (available up to size 47).
AMAZON EXPLORER TOUR
Our most popular trip, this tour offers one of the most authentic and remote experiences on the road less traveled. We visit a parrot clay lick, we will take a jungle walk that will unveil the lush plantlife and give us the opportunity to spot animal life in the wild, finally we will have a unique encounter with a local indigenous community whom we will share breakfast with and learn about their customs and lifestyle.
The price includes: Private transport, canoe trip, local Spanish speaking native guie ($50 per group surcharge for English speaking guide), picnic lunch, drinking water, all entrance fees, rubber boots (available up to size 47).
AMAZON ADVENTURE TOUR
This trip has been designed for active adventurers. An adrenaline filled adventure in the tropical rainforest awaits! Highlights of this tour include hiking through the rainforest, crossing rivers and bathing in swimming holes by idyllic waterfalls and exploring underground caves in the lower Amazon forest.
The price includes: Private transport, canoe trip, local Spanish speaking native guie ($50 per group surcharge for English speaking guide), picnic lunch, drinking water, all entrance fees, rubber boots (available up to size 47).
AMAZON RAFTING TOUR (Beginner and advanced level)
Enjoy a fantastic whitewater adventure on the rivers of the Amazon basin. Enjoy the exotic lush greenery as you paddle the headwaters of the mighty Amazon. Our journey starts on the upper part of the Napo river (level 3/3+), the adventure lasts around 5 hours enjoying rapids, naturally formed pools and the amazing scenery. Mid journey we will stop on the riverbanks for a picnic lunch. Of course, top equipment and world class internationally certified guides are leading the trip.
The price includes: Private transport, Certified English/Spanish speaking wihite water guide, first class equipment (oars, helmet, life vest), safety kayaker, picnic lunch, drinking water.
AMAZON RAFTING TOUR FOR FAMILIES
If you travel with kids or mature adults you can also enjoy a rafting adventure. In this case, we will select the Anzu river, a class 2. This trip is easy and full of fun for all ages so the entire family can enjoy a marvelous adventure in a completely safe area.
The price includes: Private transport, Certified English/Spanish speaking wihite water guide, first class equipment (oars, helmet, life vest), safety kayaker, picnic lunch, drinking water.
KAYAKING
For kayaking fans we offer bespoke trips on a private basis. The Ecuador Amazon offers a variety of kayakable rivers amongst a beautiful scenery with rapids for all levels of skill.
The price includes: Private transport, Certified English/Spanish speaking kayaking guide, first class equipment (oars, helmet, life vest), safety kayaker, picnic lunch, drinking water.
A WALK IN THE JUNGLE
Our private forest extends over 120 hectares of private protected reserve. Here you will be able to choose amongst different trails of both primary and secondary rainforest. You can decide on a self guided walk or you can request a guided hike with one of our guides who will give details on plant life, insects, wildlife amongst the most biodiverse region on the planet.
We also offer night walks where you can observe a different variety of insects and amphibians.
The Price includes: Local Spanish Speaking guide ($25 USD surcharge per group for an English speaking guide), drinking water, rubber boots.
HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR
We are the only Amazon lodge in Ecuador that keeps a stable with horses. We offer different horse excursions suitable for both beginners and experts, also suited for families with children. Even if you have not ridden before you can take this opportunity to enjoy a beautiful ride in the jungle , crossing rivers and exploring different trails. We have a well kept group of creole horses. The wellbeing of the animals and safety of our guests is our priority, for this reason our rides are guided and supervised by our horse caretaker and guide.
The Price includes: Local Spanish Speaking guide ($25 USD surcharge per group for an English speaking guide), drinking water, rubber boots, helmet.
HAKUNA MATATA CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
An entertaining activity for the entire family. Learn the process of preparing chocolate from the being to the bar. You will learn the details of growing cocoa beans, the traditional drying and grinding process and will be able to participate hands on. The reward at the end of the workshop is enjoying the chocolate you have made.
The price includes: Local Spanish Speaking guide ($25 USD surcharge per group for an English speaking guide).
PACARI CHOCOLATE TOUR
We invite your to explore the process of making the world’s finest chocolate in cooperation with the world famous Pacari brand. Led by these amazing chocolatiers we will visit the Santa Rita Kichwa community and the marvelous ago-tourism project where they grow cocoa beans and make 100% ecological chocolate. We will learn the entire process from harvest of the pods, peeling, fermenting and toasting of the beans. We will learn to prepare chocolate in the traditional way and even take part in the process. We will also help the ladies from the community to prepare an exquisite local dish called fish “maito”. This tour, which takes place in a unique surroundings is a unique and interesting experience for visitors, it allows to learn about this amazing project, the world’s best chocolate and the local community life in the rainforest. It is also an important form of income for the local community. Upon return to the lodge you will take part in a chocolate tasting session.
The price includes: Local Spanish Speaking guide ($50 USD surcharge per group for an English speaking guide), lunch, Pacari chocolate tasting.
The price does not include: Roundtrip transport from the lodge to the Santa Rita community (24 USD per vehicle, maximum 4 guests per vehicle).
BIRDWATCHING
The surrounding area and the grounds of Hakuna Matata are a true paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists. Just in the area nearby Hakuna Matata a massive 210 species have been registered, sightings include: Tangaras, Robins, Hummingbirds, Toucans, Oropendulas, Woodpeckers, Vultures, Papagayos and falcons amongst other species. If you are keen on birding, we can organize a private tour with a specialized guide.
VISITS TO ROCK AND CAVE PAINTINGS AND PETROGLYPHS
For both arqueology and anthropology enthusiast we offer a main course. In the surroundings of Hakuna Matata you can find interesting pre-colombian petroglyphs. Our specialiazed guide will give you a relative interpretation and tell the history of these arqueaological drawings.
CAVES
Close by to Hakuna Matata Amazon lodge you find a complex cave system that are worthwile to be visited. For families we recommend the nearby Jumandi cave, a beautiful option, most important of all, it is easily accesible. For our more adventurous guests we recommend the “ceremony cave” and the “elephant cave”.
WATERFALLS
Cascades and waterfalls are full of legends and have a magical draw. For many indigenous communities these have a ceremonial value. We are in an amazing area where several waterfalls are easily accessilbe like “Las Latas” which is one of the most accessible and well known in the area. After a beautiful walk you will arrive at this natural paradise and will be able to dip in the swimming hole in its natural waters. There are other waterfalls worth visiting and can be combined with other excursions with variable hiking times.
RIVER BEACH
In addition to our spring water pool we have another exclusive gem, our private sandy beach by the Inchillaqui river. Crystal clear water with the lush jungle as a backdrop create an ideal setting to dip in the natural pools formed by the river. Wadding and bathing in the river is fun, safe and special for both adults and children (should always be supervised by an adult).
