La Casa del Suizo

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 Quechua Indian village of Ahuano, La Casa del Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment.

Getting There
The trip to La Casa del Suizo will depart from Quito, Ecuador's capital, by one route:
It is also possible to reach La Casa del Suizo over land, along a scenic stretch of road, which takes us out of the majestic Andes highlands, and down into the jungle. During this aprox. 4 -hour trip there are several opportunities to stop for photographs, overlooking lush green valleys and sparkling waterfalls.

Be it by land or by air, our destination is Punta Ahuano, tiny port towns on the North bank of the Napo River where canoes await for a 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 offer 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.

For larger groups, La Casa del Suizo now has a brand new, fully equipped air-conditioned convention center, and fax, phone and e-mail available.

Activities
All excursions at La Casa del Suizo will be led by a native guide with expert knowledge of the rainforest's medicinal, and other useful plants. A typical day begins after an early breakfast, and there are a variety of trails and activities to choose from:

Misicocha
Situated 15 minutes upstream by boat there is a private reserve of the Casa del Suizo with primary forest, which we would like to show you. At the thatch roof shelter, located a hundred meters away from the shore, paths of different lengths and difficulty levels start out (walking time from 1 12 till 4 hours). Your local guide will introduce you to the secrets of the tropical rain forest. The routes lead you through picturesque creeks, some hills up and down, to a scenic viewpoint, always walking under the dark jungle canopy. Your guide explains you how the Quichuas use the large variety of plants. Their broad knowledge about the medicinal plants is impressive. After the walk we offer you a refreshing ride downstream on a raft made of balsa wood. In about 30 minutes you arrive back at the Casa del Suizo.

Cosano / Amazonico
A 20 minutes boatride takes you to Cosano, a private property with primary forest on the Rio Arajuno. Walks of different lengths (1 till 3 hours) lead you through the dark world of the rain forest. From two different points of view you can overlook the village Ahuano, the Rio Napo and some smaller rivers that merge with it. Your local guide explains to you the amazing world of the plants that you encounter on your walk. Afterwards you are invited to float downstream the Arajuno on a big inner tube. Don't worry, the ride is peaceful and relaxing. Also located on the Rio Arajuno is the famous animal shelter AmaZoonico. Its mission is to take care of injured or confiscated wild animals and if possible to set them free later. This is a great opportunity for our guests to observe animals living in the region, that are difficult to see in the wilderness. A 15 minutes boat ride takes you back to the Casa del Suizo.

Chicha, blowgun, ceramics, and wooden crafts
A short boatride downstream takes you to a Quichua family living somewhat outside of the village. You will witness the production of Chicha and be invited to taste the most common drink of the region. One will explain you the blowgun, an important weapon for the people of the jungle in former times. Take the chance to have a try yourself with this difficult and special method of hunting. After a 30 minutes walk back to the village on an even road we will visit a ceramics workshop. A Quichua woman will show you the handmade production of the typical fine ceramics of the Oriente, for which they use exclusively natural materials, from there, there is another stop at the wooden craft workshop, where the artesans will be demonstrate how a peace of wood can be turned in to a beautiful bird.

Isla
You will cross the river to the island vis-a-vis. The path is even and the walk will last between one and two hours. Your guide explains to you the local agriculture: manioc (local name Yuca), bananas, cocoa, coffee, various herbs and tubers, mostly planted and sometimes growing wild.
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, and several species of monkey, snakes, and a variety of birds, many of which wander around freely! Entrance into this center is approximately $2.5 USD.

The butterfly farm
At about 15 minutes walk from La Casa del Suizo, you'll find our butterfly farm. Designed as a live exhibition conservatory, the Butterfly House is now successfully breeding nearly 20 local butterfly species! Guests will be shown how these beautiful insects are bred and raised, and later be free to wander through the "flying room" , where hundreds of colorful butterflies  including spectacular blue morphs flutter from flower to flower.

Entrance fee USD 4.00 subject to change without notice.

Optional Excursions:

Kayaking
La Casa del Suizo has aquired river kayaks, and we are offering, haf day and ful day programs on rivers class one and two. This programs are avilable for children 12 years old and up.

Please  note that these programs  are not included in our all inclusive programs, and must be reserved in advance.

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 not operated by La Casa del Suizo, they are contracted with a local operator and  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, for more information and price please contact us.

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 very limited.

Emergency Communication
La Casa del Suizo now has direct radio contact with Quito, as well as permanent telephone communication. 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.

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. 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), traveler checks or credit card (Visa, MasterCard 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

In this section: Sample Itinerary |

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1
Quito Papallacta - La Casa de Suizo
The tour to La Casa del Suizo will depart from Quito, Ecuador's capital, at in the morning in private transportation. The first leg of hte journey brings you to Papallacta, a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs. Upon arrival you can take some time to visit these springs for a soothing swim in their thermal waters before lunch at the Hotel Papallacta. Shortly after noon, you will continue the journey along a scenic stretch of road which takes you out of the majestic Andes highlands and down into the Oriente - the Amazon region. Along the way there will be several opportunities to stop for photographs, overlooking lush green valleys and beautiful sparkling waterfalls. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the North bank of the Napo River, where canoes await for a late-afternoon 15-minute ride downstream to la Casa de Suizo. You will arrive with time to get settled and enjoy the sunset from the swimming pool with a refreshing welcome cocktail.

DAY 2
Amazon Jungle Exploration
After breakfast you will board a dugout canoe, and navigate 20 minutes down the waters of the scenic Napo River. The destination is Pangayacu, where during an approximately three-hour walk through primary Amazon rainforest, visitors will have the opportunity to see actual hunting traps which were traditionally used by the local natives in the past. The local guides will demonstrate how they work and explain which type of animals was caught in each one. And of course, at all times you will be on the lookout for tropical birds, and point out important aspects of the surrounding vegetation. The trail leads to the home of a Quichua Indian family, whose garden contains many medicinal plants still commonly used today. The naturalist guide will explain how they are prepared. Later, you will continue on to the village of Ahuano, where you may learn about several aspects of traditional Quichua culture. A local host will show you how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which of course all may taste). Finally, all may participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest - but don't expect to beat the natives!

DAY 3
Amazon Jungle Exploration
This tour consists of a walk through primary and secondary forest trails, along which it is possible to observe distinct species of birds and insects as well as a great variety of trees and medicinal plants. The guides will explain how such plants are used not only in medicine, but also in construction and other important local activities. Along the trails you may enjoy several opportunities for adventure, such as hanging bridges, and vines for swinging from tree to tree. After the walk you may choose to eat lunch in the jungle, and later live the incredible experience of building and navigating a 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 for about an hour back to La Casa de Suizo. The duration of this tour is around 4 hours, and from 5 to 6 hours if you choose to have lunch in the forest. For the more physically limited guests, who do not wish or are not able to participate in all of the activities listed above, you have alternatives such as The Island: A one-hour walk along a totally flat river island, where one may observe a great variety of plants and insects. It is also possible to visit an artisan in the village of Ahuano, who will demonstrate how the traditional Quichua ceramics are created, painted, and hardened.

DAY 4
La Casa Del Suizo Jungle Lodge - Quito
After breakfast you will depart for the trip up the mountains and back to Quito. About halfway there the bus will stop at a lookout to stretch your legs and enjoy a box lunch before continuing on to Quito.

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Information Price per Person (USD)

Explore

Explore Ecuador's Rainforest World  
"The big trees of the forest are very powerful," claims my Achuar guide Gilberto, standing in the shadow of a mammoth ceiba tree. "All plants and trees are people, but you can't see them normally. The tall ceiba earns great respect, but is also dangerous for newly born children. It whispers to them and makes them ill." He pauses and arches his neck back to look at the tree's top, some 40 m (130 ft) up in the canopy.

Walking through the forest with Gilberto, the green and brown morass of decay and destruction in turn comes alive. After an hour on a trail, his knowledge of plants, flowers, animals, myths and customs turns what seems like an impenetrable mass of life and death into a forest of revelation.

Dream world
In common with many other Amazonian peoples, the Achuar, who are part of the jívaro linguistic family, don't separate the waking world from the dream world, the "real" from the "spiritual." They use hallucinogens such as naatam, known more commonly as ayahuasca, or "the truth vine" Banisteriopsis caapi, under the guidance of a shaman for ritual trance purposes, a practice not recommended for the uninitiated.

"When you take naatam, the forest comes alive." For most people, the forest itself is hallucinogen enough. Although the missionaries have done their best to banish shamanism and prohibit the use of the forest's hallucinogens, both practices are still integral to the older generation of Achuar.

Further on, Gilberto points out an arrow-leafed plant carpeting the forest floor. "The shishin speaks kind words while you are in a trance. It is very friendly. The shamans brush it over the body of a patient, chasing bad spirits." Another plant, chirikiaspi, gives the hunter strength and fortifies the lungs to be able to shoot monkeys high in the canopy with a blow pipe. "It also anaesthetizes the body," explains Gilberto, "making you feel numb and able to walk for days without much food," which is exactly what the Achuar use it for: their territory is the size of Belgium or Maryland.

During the afternoon we sit on a little wooden bench drinking nijiamanch, a slightly acidic, yeasty, milky-white broth. It is made by one the village women by chewing up manioc and spitting it into a big, earthenware pot where it ferments for a few days. It is said that this "beer" or chicha as it's known in most of the country after its Quechua name, tastes of the woman who makes it. As practiced beer drinkers, we had no trouble quaffing it down from bowls continually refilled by the local shaman's first wife. Following Achuar custom, we carefully avoided looking her in the eye as she served us.

The Amazon Experience
Drinking strange beer, taking herbal teas, eating new foods, and learning about the day-to-day lives of the Indians of Ecuador's rainforest is a worthwhile and humbling experience. It is worthwhile as an opportunity to glimpse a way of life different in almost every respect to that with which we are familiar. Also because revenues from tourism undoubtedly play a part in protecting the fragile forests. Humbling because we are confronted with a totally alien environment which most of us would be unable to cope with alone and unaided. Most people come away from meeting jungle peoples in awe of their self-reliance and their apparently simple, uncluttered lives. Most regard their jungle trips as among their most lasting memories.

The Ecuadorian Amazon options
One of the most positive developments in the last years in Ecuador has been the development and consolidation of community-based and community-benefiting tourism. There are several excellent initiatives that Metropolitan Touring works with.

We also take guests to lodges that have large nature reserves where the chances of spotting the rainforest's elusive creatures are high. Sacha Lodge's canopy walkway, for instance, is an amazing structure that young and old enjoy no end, allowing one to appreciate the forest from a unique perspective. We also arrange tours aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer boat, which takes passengers on cruises of varying days along the Napo River, an Amazon tributary, offering yet another perspective on this region's great riches.

 

Amazon Rainforest - Ecuador

Ecuador's rainforest is located in the heart of the world's largest and most famous tropical rainforest, the Amazon Basin. A short flight, or a descent by road down the flanks of the Andes, leads modern explorers and adventurers along the same routes the first Spanish Conquerors ventured through in their search of El Dorado or the land of Cinnamon... and found the mighty River Amazon instead.

Accessibility
Ecuador's portion of the Amazon is regarded as the most accessible of all the countries that share the Basin. Leaving Quito in the morning, you can be swinging in a hammock at your chosen lodge by lunchtime. The country is also a continent-leader in nature- and community-based tourism initiatives, where the value of the forest and of its inhabitants' heritage has been recognised and prized above its short-term exploitation. By visiting the rainforest and staying at responsible lodges, you are actively contributing to its conservation for future generations - and of course, exploring one of the planet's most fascinating ecosystems.

Explorations and Discoveries
Our Ecuadorian Amazon itineraries offer environmentally-conscious programs for all ages, enjoyed in safety and comfort with reliable operators and experienced naturalist guides: explore the rain forest on treks on terra firma forest beneath the gigantic Amazon trees, along boardwalks crossing palm swamps and up observation towers for a close look at the forest canopy. Take to native dugout canoes to paddle up rivers and creeks, or start early for birdwatching outings. Climb canopy towers or walkways for wonderful perspectives of the forests and its denizens... A new, green world awaits.

Metropolitan Touring is currently developing a new lodge, Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve, located on the western, Pacific, slopes of the Andes. The reserve harbours some 1,000 hectares of cloud- and rainforest, and is located a mere two hours' drive from the capital, Quito. Find out more here.