Cabanias Alinahui, which means "beautiful view", is a hostel/lodge located at the heart of the Ecuadorian jungle, in the province of Napo, 150 miles from Quito. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Napo River, a major afluent of the Amazon river and the zone is characterized for its tranquillity and the hospitality of its people, not to mention the exquisite and unique biodiversity in the world (about 560 species of birds). The lodge owns around 130 hectares (321 acres) of land that is divided into primary and secondary forest.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - TOUR
SHARING CULTURES
5 Days/ 4 Nights
DAY 1:
Arrival to The Butterfly Lodge. Reception and entrance to cabins. The manager will give general instructions and show the equipment of the cabins. Excursion to the Primary tropical rain forest. Trek along a narrow path, almost flat, observing tropical plants like Alcantaceae, Araceae, Bixsacae, Bombacacae, Bromeliacea, Euphordiaceae etc., lianas, medicinal plants and insects like the beautiful Morpho, among others. Also includes explanation of the rich ecosystem of the tropical rainforest. Dinner, lodging.
DAY 2:
Breakfast. Trip to the Misahualli Port and opportunity to visit a Butterfly Farm where one will learn about the metamorphosis process of more than 13 species of butterflies. Then, trip to Las Latas Waterfall, which is a mystic waterfall, that was used as a temple for witchcraft in older times. Human Sacrifices took place here in order to favor and strengthen the natural gods. This is followed with a dip in the magical water of the Umbuní River, where the Shaman obtained the spiritual pureness required to perform their magical rituals. Picnic lunch in the banks of the Umbuní River Trip back to Misahualli and to Aliñahui. Dinner.
DAY 3:
After breakfast, motorized canoe trip down the Napo and Arajuno Rivers to a native museum where you will learn about the past and present hunting practices of indigeous people. Here you will have the opportunity to practice some shots with the popular "blow gun". Afterwards, enjoy tubing down the Arajuno river for approximately 45 minutes full of adventure. We will eat lunch at the banks of one of the rivers and then head to Amazoonico. The AmaZOOnico animal rescue and rehabilitation center who shelters a number of different animals (more than 8 different species of monkeys and mammals), some in danger of extinction. This trip will allow you to know about the life in the rainforest. Dinner and accommodation.
DAY 4:
Breakfast. Go by bus to a native community: you will learn about past and present cultural practices by spending a day in a nearby community. First, we will explore and walk thru the botanical garden of the community with many medicinal and ornamental plants and fruits such as the famous and delicious cocoa tree. Also, we will visit a native house and watch the preparation of a popular drink made of yuca (manioch) from the gathering of the crops until is ready to serve!
Lunch at the community provided by the Lodge. Then, opportunity to learn about handicrafts and how they are made. Also, you can purchase many handicrafts and ornaments to support the people from the village. To end the day, the community has prepared a show that involves their music, costumes, instruments, and dancing. Return to Aliñahui. Dinner
DAY 5:
Enjoy your last tropical breakfast and check out 10:00 am.
