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La Casa del Suizo

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La Casa del Suizo

La Casa del Suizo is a tranquil Amazonian refuge located on the shore of Ecuador's majestic Napo River and a stone's throw away from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Perched comfortably above the riverbank and the small Quichua Indian village of Ahuano, La Casa del Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment. In addition to our comfortable accommodations, La Casa del Suizo's property includes 1500 acres of pristine vegetation for our guests to explore. Whether walking on our jungle trails or visiting the neighboring village, our activities offer a unique and incredible opportunity to experience the culture, nature and wildlife of the Amazon yourself!


Getting There
The trip to La Casa del Suizo will depart from Quito, Ecuador's capital, by one of two routes: It is currently possible to reach La Casa del Suizo over land, along a scenic stretch of road which takes us from the majestic snow-covered peaks of the Andes Mountains down into the rainforest. During this 5½ -hour trip there are several opportunities to stop for photographs, overlooking lush green valleys and sparkling waterfalls. An optional stop along the way is at Papallacta, a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs, to enjoy a swim and lunch before continuing our journey! In the near future, on both Mondays and Fridays it will be conveniently possible to take a 40-minute flight from Quito over the highlands and down into the Amazon Region. The destination is the city of Tena, located only one hour from our port on the Napo River. (Please consult your travel agent for upcoming flight availability!) Be it by land or by air, our destination is Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the North bank of the Napo River where canoes await for an enjoyable 20-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo.

Accommodations
Our 75 modern rooms provide full electricity, hot water and ceiling fans to make your stay with us more comfortable. Each room has its own terrace as well, with an exquisite view that may be peacefully absorbed from a comfortable hammock. With a magnificent panorama of the Napo River, our guests may also enjoy our swimming pool, outdoor dining area and pool bar, which offers an array of delicious tropical drinks. The hotel's dining rooms offer a wide variety of both Ecuadorian and international dishes, and our buffets cater to vegetarians.

Activities
Both bilingual naturalist as well as native guides, with expert knowledge of the medicinal agents and other benefits of the rainforest's plants, are included for excursions at La Casa del Suizo. A typical day begins after an early breakfast, and there are a variety of trails and activities to choose from: Walks may range from full day hikes through primary rainforest to short, easy walks along river islands, depending on each group's interests and physical abilities. Most outings begin with a short canoe ride along the Napo River or one of its many tributaries, during which it is possible to observe a variety of shore birds on the way to our trails. Once in the forest, where giant trees and tangled vines tower above, the guides will point out important aspects of the vegetation while on the lookout for tropical birds and other jungle creatures… With some luck, monkey species such as tamarins or squirrel monkeys may even put in an appearance!
On one trail, our native guides have built model hunting traps to represent those traditionally used by the local people in the past. But this is only one aspect of the Quichua culture you may learn about here: There will be opportunity to visit with a local Quichua Indian family as well, whose garden contains many medicinal plants still commonly used today. They will explain how such plants are used, and demonstrate other aspects of their traditional culture such as the spiritual cleaning rituals still practiced today throughout the surrounding community. Learn how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which of course all may taste), and finally, all may participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest - but don't expect to beat the natives!
After the morning walk, many of our guests choose to have lunch under the rainforest canopy. We will send lunch from the hotel, for all to enjoy near the edge of the Napo… But the fun is not over yet! Afterwards you may live the incredible experience of building and navigating a wooden raft: On a small river island your guide will show you how to tie balsa logs together, so those who wish can float down the Napo back to La Casa del Suizo! We even have inner tubes for those who wish to take a refreshing, wet ride down this magnificent Amazon tributary.
For those in the mood for more serene activities, it is possible to visit an artisan in the village of Ahuano, who will demonstrate how the traditional Quichua ceramics are created, painted, and hardened.

Birdwatchers?
Nearly 300 species of birds have been registered during La Casa del Suizo's activities, and bird guides are available upon request... Just be sure let us know in advance!.

Optional Excursions:
Amazoonico
.
Just across the river from La Casa del Suizo is Amazoonico, a rescue center for wounded and displaced tropical rainforest animals. Here it is possible to see coatis, tapirs, several species of monkey, snakes, and a variety of birds, many of which wander around freely! Entrance into this center is approximately $2 USD.

River Rafting
With advance notice it is possible to arrange a full day of river rafting, either on the upper Napo River (class III) or the Misahuallí River (class IV - IV+). Rafting trips are led by experienced bilingual guides with top-of-the-line equipment, and include a riverside lunch. These excursions begin in Tena, at about 45 minutes from La Casa del Suizo, which is reachable either by public bus or private transportation. Please consult your travel agent for costs!.


TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP
Health

It is always advisable to consult your physician about health measures and vaccinations before traveling to a foreign country. Although tropical diseases are rare around La Casa del Suizo, during your stay in Ecuador you may pass through areas of slightly higher risk. Please take any medication you may need with you, as the selection of medicines in our first-aid kit is limited.
In case of a medical emergency, there is a medical center in the town of Ahuano (adjacent to La Casa del Suizo) where guests may be treated. In addition, there is a large hospital in the nearby city of Tena.
Emergency Communication
La Casa del Suizo now has direct radio contact with Quito, as well as permanent telephone, fax and e-mail.
Itineraries
The tour schedule at La Casa del Suizo varies, depending on the preferred means of transportation:
For visits with round-trip access over land, we are happy to announce that our programs may now begin and end on any day of the week!
Once the Tena airport has opened, flights between Quito and Tena will be on Mondays and Fridays. Therefore, for those who wish to fly round trip, our 5 day/4 night program will be from Monday to Friday and our 4 day/3 night program will be from Friday to Monday. For trips with one-way access by air and one-way over land, the departures/arrivals by land will be flexible for other days of the week. (Please consult your travel agent for upcoming flight availability!)
Longer itineraries and bird specialist guides are also available… Please consult your travel agent for details.

Flights
Once the Tena airport has opened, flights between Quito and Tena will be chartered using two different airlines; departure time will vary. The airplanes will be 19-seat, twin-engine Beechcraft (1900).

Luggage
For flights to Tena, the airlines will require that checked luggage be limited to a weight of 20 pounds per person. However, heavier items such as cameras and books may be taken in carry on bags if necessary. For round-trip transportation over land, there is no limitation on luggage.

Weather
In the tropical rainforest it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather. A common question we receive is about the "dry and rainy seasons" of the Amazon, but it is best not to trust such generalizations to plan a trip. At times it can be hot and sunny, but a cool rainstorm may appear at a moment's notice during any time of the year. We have ceiling fans in each room for hot afternoons, but at night (especially after the rain) some guests are surprised at the need for a sweatshirt!
Clothing
Lightweight pants and long sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks in the forest. However, if you are more comfortable wearing short sleeves, remember that exposed skin may need a light dousing with insect repellant.
During the rain, full waterproof clothing can be uncomfortable as it often gets you wet with sweat instead of water, but rain ponchos are recommendable for tropical cloudbursts (disposable ponchos are available for sale at the lodge for those who do not wish to bring their own). We supply rubber boots up to men's size 14 for walks in the forest interior.
Comfortable shoes (or sandals), shorts and t-shirts are fine for around the hotel during meals and free time. And don't forget your bathing suit!

Laundry
La Casa del Suizo now provides laundry service (washing and drying) for our guests. Please consult costs with our hotel administrator.
Bar
Drinks are not included in your package, and may be paid on the last night of your stay in cash (U.S. dollars), travelers checks or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Diner's Club or American Express). Please note that the minimum charge for credit cards is $20 US.
Water
All of the water at La Casa del Suizo comes from a local well, and is perfectly safe for bathing, washing, and brushing your teeth. Bottled water for drinking is available at the bar.

Meal Requirements
Our chef will be more than happy to prepare vegetarian meals for you upon request. Please make sure to advise your travel agent of any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have, and also let our staff know as soon as you arrive.
Photography
High-speed film and a flash for cameras are recommendable for shady walks under the forest canopy. However, slower film is fine for photos on rivers and around the hotel.


RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

  • Passport
  • Binoculars
  • Flashlight (torch) and batteries
  • Camera, film, and flash
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun protection (sun cream / sunglasses / hat or cap)
  • Water bottle
  • Lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts for walks
  • Shorts and short sleeves for around the hotel
  • Bathing suit
  • Comfortable shoes and extra socks
  • Small day pack
  • Rain jacket/poncho
  • Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, film, etc... from rain

    Prices available upon request.

    These prices include your accommodations , all meals, and native guides , and both ground and canoe transportation.

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