Cotococha Lodge 3d/2n ⋆ Sacred Earth Travel

Cotococha Lodge 3d/2n

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival to the Lodge in the afternoon. After the long drive, we can relax for a while in our beautiful spacious bungalow built in a rustic native design, surrounded by gardens full of amazing jungle plants and flowers. A delicious dinner will be served in a romantic candlelight setting at the attractively decorated restaurant. Afterward, we will enjoy a special welcome drink, relax around the elegant fireplace to coordinate and discuss the next day’s activities with the local crew. We’ll feel absolutely comfortable in this lovely peaceful setting filled with nightly sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle.

Day 2

After breakfast, we depart by canoe to go upstream for ten minutes, arriving at a small landing place where we start a fun and thrilling one hour walk, marveling at the jungle’s secondary forest with its diverse flora and fauna. After our short hike, we’ll find ourselves by a breathtaking cascade “La Cascada de Latas” where we will take a refreshing bath in its clear crystal waters and enjoy the surrounding views, which, mixed with the jungle sounds, makes it an unforgettable experience. We return along the same way to have lunch at the lodge.

After lunch we put on our “wet gear” (rubber boots & rain poncho) to start an exciting walk in the rainforest ready to find the secret wonders of the mysterious hidden jungle, finding amazing plant species with medicinal properties, which our expert native guide: he will explain in detail the characteristics of the forest plants and how the native inhabitants used them in ancient times. We’ll also observe a great variety of insects, small groups of monkeys weaving around the giant trees; though we will need some luck to observe them, we must stay very quiet to admire these beautiful creatures. Dozens of curious colorful birds tag along with us during our walk, whistling enchanted notes. After about three hours of walking, we return to the Lodge. At night, we enjoy our dinner and afterward gather around the fireplace once more. It’s time for a good and peaceful rest while drifting off to sleep to the exotic sounds of the jungle’s nightlife.

Day 3

After breakfast, we will have to prepare our return trip. End of program.

Rates in 2018

Rates per person, based on double occupancy. For single or triple rates, please inquire.

Program	Rates	Includes
Standard	US$275	Lodging in bungalows with private bathroom and hot water Visits and excursions English speaking guide at the lodge Meals (from dinner of the first day to the breakfast of the last day) Taxes
Bronze	US$328	Transfers from the Hotel to the bus station in Quito and Tena to the Lodge by private car Ticket by public bus from Quito – Tena – Quito (or Baños) Transfer Tena – Cotococha Lodge by private car Lodging in bungalows with private bathroom and hot water Visits and excursions English speaking guide at the lodge Meals (from dinner of the first day to the breakfast of the last day) Taxes
Gold	US$450	Private transportation during the whole program with Spanish speaking guide Lodging in bungalows with private bathroom and hot water Visits and excursions English speaking guide Meals (from dinner of the first day to the breakfast of the last day) Taxes
Adventure	US$405	Visits and Adventurous Excursions (Rafting, Pimpilala and Cayman spotting. Private transportation from your hotel in Quito to the bus station and from the bus station in Tena to the lodge for both legs of the round trip. Public transport Quito – Tena – Quito (or Baños) Lodging in bungalows with private bathroom and hot water English speaking guide Meals (from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day) Taxes.

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From Quito to Cotococha Lodge:

There are currently no flights operating between Quito and Tena, but several public transport companies operate the route, departing from Quito’s main terminal. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, traveling on partially paved and unpaved roads. Cotococha Amazon Lodge can arrange a pick up at the Tena bus terminal by a staff member who will take you to the Lodge on another public bus. This will take another 45 minutes.

We can also arrange for a private transfer, at an additional charge.

see categories, but all packages include:

Lodging in bungalows with private bathroom and hot water
Mentioned visits and excursions
Native Spanish speaking guide
All meals (from dinner on the first day to the breakfast of the last day)
All taxes

Drinks
Tips
Extras
Transport to Tena
Insurance

What is the weather like?

Since Ecuador lies pretty much ON the equator, the weather is pretty much always hot and humid. April tends to be the wettest month, but the rest of the year isn’t far behind. Still, that does not mean that it is constantly raining. August and September, as well as December to February, are somewhat drier months, on average.

What about insects and malaria?

There has NOT been any malaria in our area until now. So no prophylaxis will be needed if you only visit the Sierra and our area. But other rainforest places like Coca and Lago Agrio do have malaria problems, as well as the North coast (Atacames). If you intend to go to these places it is wise to take precautions. The fact that we do not have malaria does not mean that there are no insects in our area! Therefore, don’t forget your insect repellent. But the bugs don’t mostly bite at night, as is often thought. You can walk around during this time in shorts without any problem, but during the day, it is advisable to use a repellent, or, better, wear a pair of trousers and socks. The insects that bite during the day are not dangerous. They are just unpleasant.

Is there electricity at the lodge?

The cabins do not have electricity. Per cabin two oil lamps are provided at night. The kitchen and the bar do have electric outlets, so if you want to charge any electrical device you ask our staff to take care of it. Our voltage is 110 – 60 Hertz.

What kind of guides does the lodge provide?

The lodge offers three types of guides: Spanish speaking native guides based at the lodge, English speaking guides based at the lodge and a Guide during the whole tour. If you need a special guide we will provide you that service with an extra cost. Please mention it when you fill out your booking form.

Tipping

Tipping primarily is a personal matter. However in Ecuador it is very common and if you want to be polite you should tip around 8-10% of the price of the whole package.

Cotococha Lodge is situated in the Amazon Rainforest so the weather is usually nice and warm but you have to be prepared for light to heavy rains. So bring mainly light clothes and just a few warmer ones for the evenings or when it starts raining. We recommend you to pack following on your trip to Cotococha:

Passport (always take a copy as well)
Camera Film with flash (high speed films are recommended (200-400 ASA))
Insect repellent
Sun cream (a high factor is recommended)
Lip balm (a high factor is recommended)
Light cotton pants
Long-sleeved light cotton shirts
Shorts
Bathing Suit
Comfortable shoes and/or sandals for at the lodge
Extra pairs of socks
Hat or Cap for sun protection
Small daypack
Plastic bags to protect cameras or films from rain and humidity
Flashlight and batteries
Binoculars (if possible)

Cotococha Amazon Lodge provides:

Rubber boots (up to size 46 (European size))
Rain coats
Life jackets for canoe, balsa and tubing trips on the river

Sustainable Tourism Operations

Besides a complete client satisfaction, Cotococha Amazon Lodge is fully aware of its responsibility towards the vulnerable Amazon region. We are constantly working on sustainable projects in order to conserve this important area. With your visit to Cotococha Amazon Lodge you contribute to maintain the rainforest and help local communities increase their quality of life. Moreover, Cotococha Amazon Lodge is one of the first Amazon lodges certified by Smart Voyager.

Number of employees: 17

Percentage of local employees: 75%

Caring for the wellbeing of the local and global environment: we don’t dispose of waste in the river or in the forests, and we have made changes to responsibly manage solid and liquid wastes. We don’t contaminate the air, we maintain the vegetation inside and outside the lodge, we don’t introduce domestic animals into the area or allow guests to bring them to the lodge, and we inform staff and guests on how to avoid negatively impacting flora and fauna in the area.

Our business supports the local community: the majority of employees are from the local area. Our two guides are from the indigenous Quechua group. We contract water and land transportation services from local suppliers, and we help economically by purchasing arts and crafts from native communities, and through the entrance fees for the butterfly garden and the animal rescue center.

We are committed to sustainable tourism and are certified by the Smart Voyager.

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