2 Day Itinerary

DAY 1

9:00 am
Departure from Puerto Belén

You will arrive by canoe to your lodge on the Napo River to the Puerto Providencia/Belen town, which is located 227 meters above sea level on the shores of the Napo river. From here, private transport takes you by land to Puerto Gregorio (located on the shores of the Shushufindi River, which eventually becomes the Aguarico river). This journey takes an hour, during which a bilingual naturalist guide will provide information about the sites and landscapes found along the way.

10:00 am
Arrival to Puerto Gregorio

You will arrive to Puerto Gregorio to be welcomed by the canoe driver and your local guide to continue your journey to the Secoya Lodge. Guests must wear life jackets, which will be waiting for you in the canoe, all luggage will be placed in a safe compartment to keep it dry, and seats are cushioned for extra comfort. Before departure, guides will give a brief introduction on the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, which the Secoya’s territory borders, and is home to amazing flora and fauna.

11:00 am
Arrival to the Lodge

After a short canoe ride, you will arrive safe and sound to the Secoya Lodge, which is located meters above sea level. You will be welcomed by local staff and offered a small welcome snack and fresh fruit juice. After the welcome, you will be shown to your rooms to settle in and feel at peace in your new home for the next two days.

1:30 pm
Secoya Cultural activity

Travel by canoe to different points up and down the Aguarico river to experience a combination of the following activities: become a human canvas with face painting, shamanic ceremony, a look at how Casabe, the Secoyas' most important meal is elaborated, mud collection for pottery, and a small tour around a community member’s land to experience how the Secoya have mastered utilizing every inch of earth for the use of something productive and sustainable.

All these activities will depend on the availability of each family and its members, as to not disrupt their life styles.

Photo Credit:  SPAJO Producciones

4:30 pm
Return to the Lodge

During the afternoon you will have time to read a book, swim in the river or just lay in a hammock.

6:00 pm
Traditional Dance and Bon Fire

As the sun sets, a bon fire is lit accompanied by traditional dance and music performed by members of the community.

7:00 pm
Dinner and Socializing at the Lodge

The day ends with the enjoyment of a traditional meal and after dinner, you will return to a smaller fire where the local guide will tell you stories and legends of the forest and river. You are welcome and encouraged to ask questions about the traditions and history of the Secoya.

DAY 2

5:45 am 
Yoko and Morning Bird Watching

Early wake up call to board the canoes and go up river to a beautiful spot where you can watch an array of birds waking up and beginning their day as the sun rises.  Enjoy a cup of coffee/tea or try the traditional Yoko (jungle coffee), a natural caffeine taken from the bark of a tree utilized by the Secoyas - or just be inspired by the energy of the birds.  If you are too sleepy and tired of early wake ups you can have the option of staying in bed.

7:30 am
Breakfast

Customers will get back to the lodge and have breakfast and tea or coffee (or more yuco).

9:00 am
Hike to the Cuadrante Trail

Depart for an adventure hike accompanied by a bilingual and local guide into the trail that begins behind the Lodge, where guests will be able to look for birds and wildlife. Observe the wonderful work the conservation NGO Vihoma has done with their study and research of the vast amount of tree life in this sector. The hike lasts an hour and a half and is optional.

12:00 pm
Puerto Gregorio – Coca and “The Toxic Tour”

Arrival to Puerto Greogorio, where land transportation awaits and will take customers on a three and a half hour ride to Coca. As you leave the protected lands of the Secoya, you immediately are introduced to what they are fighting against. The lumber industry, African palm plantations, and oil pipelines will give you a better idea of the harsh realities that face the Amazon region of Ecuador. The guide will give you a “Toxic Tour” explaining the threats in more detail, and giving you a chance to ask questions.

2:30 pm
Arrival at Coca Airport

After reaching the airport, customers will be able to board their planes to Quito and take any connection flights they may have. Your guide will say a final farewell, after verifying that all customers are set for their travels, and will conclude the tour.