We begin our journey by picking you up from your hotel in Quito. On the way, we’ll stop at the beautiful Papallacta Hot Springs, nestled in picturesque surroundings. Enjoy a relaxing dip for about 1.5 hours before we continue, gradually leaving the Andean highlands and entering the lush, humid jungle lowlands. Passing through the town of Tena, we’ll drive by banana trees and stilted wooden houses before arriving at the Arajuno River. Here, a canoe awaits to take us downstream to Liana Lodge (about 15 minutes).
After checking in, you’ll have some free time to explore the surroundings or unwind in a hammock. After a delicious dinner, embark on a guided night walk to spot nocturnal animals, drifting off to sleep later to the sounds of the jungle.
Overnight at Liana Lodge.
Following breakfast, we’ll walk through the forest to AmaZOOnico, an animal rescue center. During the hike, your guide will introduce various plants and their traditional uses in the jungle. Upon arrival, volunteers will guide us through the center, where you’ll see jungle animals up close and learn about the project’s mission to release as many as possible back into the wild.
After the tour, we’ll return to the lodge by canoe for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll head upstream by canoe, and then leisurely float down the river on tubes.
The river is safe for swimming, and you’re welcome to enjoy a swim near the lodge as well. If you’d like, try fishing the traditional way along the riverbank with a net.
Dinner and overnight at Liana Lodge.
After breakfast, we’ll visit a nearby island to explore plantations of local fruits, including bananas, coffee, papaya, cocoa, and more. Our guide will share insights into Amazonian life and traditions, and you’ll have the chance to try a blow gun or taste the local drink, chicha.
We return to the lodge for lunch, and in the afternoon, set off by canoe to a small beach where your guide will demonstrate gold panning, and you can give it a try! For sunset, head to the lodge’s viewpoint for a beautiful view over the river.
Optional: A shaman can visit the lodge (additional cost) to share insights on traditional healing practices in local culture.
Dinner and overnight at Liana Lodge.
After breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes and begin the return journey to Quito, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
Liana Lodge consists of 9 double cabins with a total capacity of 13 double-rooms (with two beds), 3 three-bed rooms and one four-bed room.
The cabins each have a large balcony and are situated in the lush green of the typical rainforest vegetation and are accessible by natural paths.
The central building hosts the reception area with the hotel administration, the restaurant and bar, and an open fireplace where you you can sit comfortably and enjoy a few drinks from the bar.
In the rainforest there is no electricity in the restaurant and rooms.
This tour is open to all ages and abilities.
Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for – please ask for more information.
In our lodge restaurant you can enjoy our first-rate delicious local and international meals.
Lots of fruits and locally sourced ingredients feature.
Liana Lodge employ smainly local staff from our Quichwa community, who receive regular onsite training and help from external specialists. The hotel provides a regular income to more than 15 families in the region.
Guides speak Quichwa and Spanish, and there are English translators at the lodge to translate for you.
An amazing Ecuador adventure filled with volcanoes, crater lakes, biking and snorkelling, before the unforgettable wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos stole the show.
A remarkable Ecuador adventure combining lodge-to-lodge trekking, volcano summits, and rich cultural discovery across breathtaking landscapes.
Liana Lodge lies only 4 hours by car from Quito, yet it is set in a mix of primary and secondary, protected Amazonian rain forest.
Learn about traditional and medicinal uses of plants and get an insight into tribal life in the fascinating Ecuadorian jungle.
Curious monkeys released as part of the nearby animal rescue centre’s monkey project often visit you at Liana Lodge, and a visit to AmaZOOnico will give you an insight into the work being done to protect Ecuador’s wildlife – in fact, your stay contributes financially to the running of the project.
Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.
In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season; this depends largely on altitude.
In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower intermontane basins, it gets significantly warmer.
Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June to Sept is the dry period and Oct to May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).
The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June to Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct to May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.
To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and March to Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.
Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.
It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.
Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high-performance outdoor gear.
You can also read our blog about a day in the Amazon rainforest of Peru.
Please note: Guests should arrive in clothes which they do not mind getting slightly dirty or wet, and should wear footwear that is suitable to walk on a rainforest trail. Sun cream, insect repellent, hat and waterproof clothing should be carried in hand luggage and kept accessible for the journey to the lodge.
You may want to keep your binoculars and camera handy, too.
All bedding, toilet paper etc. is provided at the lodge (or camp, if camping).
An amazing Ecuador adventure filled with volcanoes, crater lakes, biking and snorkelling, before the unforgettable wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos stole the show.
A remarkable Ecuador adventure combining lodge-to-lodge trekking, volcano summits, and rich cultural discovery across breathtaking landscapes.
