Hakuna
Explorer Tour

Upper Napo River Tours

Hakuna Matata Lodge

Upper Napo River Lodge

4 Days / 3 Nights - 3 Days / 2 Nights

This 3 days or 4 days tour of exploration and discovery offers a unique opportunity to experience Ecuador’s Amazon region in a truly immersive way. Stepping off the beaten path and away from common tourist routes, you’ll dive deep into the local culture, learn about the diverse plant life, and encounter the exotic wildlife of the Amazon basin. Highlights of the journey include a visit to a parrot clay lick, a cultural and gastronomic experience with a local indigenous community, an educational jungle walk to explore the rainforest’s incredible biodiversity, and an up-close encounter with monkeys in the charming port town of Misahualli.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Day
Day 2
Amazon Explorer Tour
Day 3
Jungle Rafting trip
Day 4
Departure Day

Your activities will depend on your arrival time, but we recommend making the most of your stay by exploring one of our optional lodge activities (not included). Options include a leisurely walk through our 120-hectare private reserve, swimming in our stunning springwater pool, or a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Inchillaqui River.

For guided experiences, consider exploring the reserve with a native guide who will introduce you to key medicinal plants of the Amazon, embarking on a horseback ride to admire the breathtaking tropical landscapes, or participating in an artisan chocolate workshop that takes you from bean to bar. Please let us know your preferences in advance so we can arrange your chosen activity.

In the evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying a gourmet three-course dinner.

Our day begins early with a 5:30 AM departure to the Arajuno River. At the take-out point, we’ll board a motorized canoe that will take us to the parrot clay lick. Here, we’ll witness a spectacular natural display as parrots gather to feed on the mineral-rich clay (please note that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed).

After this incredible experience, we’ll continue to the Santa Bárbara community for a cultural encounter with the Kichwa people. We’ll share a traditional Amazonian breakfast with the locals, offering a unique insight into their way of life. Next, we’ll embark on a guided walk through the primary rainforest at the Jatun Sacha Wilderness Reserve. This walk provides an opportunity to discover the region’s native flora and fauna and learn about their significance to the local communities.

Lunch will be served in the small port town of Misahualli, where we’ll also have a chance to meet the playful capuchin monkeys that roam the area.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the facilities. The day concludes with a delicious three-course dinner at our restaurant.

We begin the day with a delicious breakfast before heading to the put-in spot at the Jatunyacu River for an exciting day of fun and adventure. This section of the Jatunyacu is rated Class 3/3+, offering a thrilling yet manageable mix of rapids, natural pools, and stunning Amazonian scenery. Covering approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), this journey is perfect for first-timers and adventurers of all ages. No prior experience in whitewater sports is required, making it an excellent opportunity to try something new.

During our journey, we’ll pause at a peaceful riverside spot to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. For families traveling with young children or seniors, we can adjust the experience by choosing a calmer river section rated Class 2/3, ensuring a day of fun and safety for everyone.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the lodge, where you can unwind and take advantage of the facilities. The day concludes with a delightful three-course dinner at our restaurant.

Note: The White Water Rafting excursion is included only in our 4 days / 3 nights tour. No prior experience is necessary.

As our time at Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge comes to its end, it is still possible to take a last dip in the pool or take part in an optional homestyle chocolate making workshop.

Included

Lodging in the chosen room category (Cabins, Lodge, Supreme).
Local native Spanish-speaking guide for the day 2 tours (if you wish to hire an English-speaking
guide, there is a $50 USD surcharge per group).
Roundtrip transfer from the lodge to the Napo river port for day 2 excursions.
All activities listed in the program.
All entrances to visitor sites listed in the program.
All meals listed (from Dinner on your arrival day to Breakfast on your departure day).
Use of Lodge facilities, including swimming pool, private river beach, walking trails.
Rubber Boots (available up to size 47 European, 13 USA, 31 Asia).
Taxes

Not Included

Transportation to/from Quito.
Alcoholic and bottled beverages.
Gourmet two-course lunches (available by reservation: $13.50 USD).
Activities not mentioned in the tour.
Rain ponchos (available for an additional cost).
Tips or gratuities.
Optional activities:
o Jungle walks: $20.00 USD per person.
o Horseback riding: $30.00 USD per person.
o Chocolate-making workshop: $20.00 USD per person.

Upper Napo River Tours

Hakuna Matata Lodge - Upper Napo River Lodge

Hakuna Adventure
Tour 4 days / 3 nights

This trip is designed for our most active, adventurous, and intrepid guests. Over 3 or 4 days, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey that demands energy and delivers unparalleled satisfaction. Adventure in the tropical rainforest awaits!