Activities

Jungle

We offer several jungle hikes in our own property and/or in the community areas around us. A native guide will take you through the rainforest and show you medicinal plants that are used in the kichwa culture and endemic plants such as heliconias and bromelias. You will hear different noises coming from everywhere and with some luck see some tracks of animals. During some months of the year we can hear and see big groups of parrots flying over us. This is a really fun tour, where you will learn a lot and enjoy the unique atmosphere inside of the rainforest.

 

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Animal Observation

Only 3 km from Huasquila there is an Animal Center called “El Arca Zoo”. This center is recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment and you can see a wide variety of Amazon animals here. Monkeys jump from tree to tree and macaws fly around you in a beautiful spectacle. These animals are rescued from illegal animal trade and find a home here. This is a great opportunity for our guests to see animals since wildlife has reduced in the last years, animals went deeper in the Amazon and are very difficult to see.

 

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Caves

In the Sacred Valley of Cotundo there is a system of caves that are connected by underground tunnels. Huasquila offers you the opportunity to visit them in a safe way under professional guidance and discover this fascinating underground world full of stalagmites and stalactites. In Huasquila there are also unexplored caves which offer biologists and professionals in this area a unique opportunity to discover unexplored areas. For non-professionals we offer an alternative to visit the caves: the Jumandy Cave, the most famous and one of the most beautiful caves in the area.

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Waterfalls & Rivers

Being in the tropical rainforest means that we have lots of rivers and water in general. Due to the topography of our area we have not only underground caves but also small and large cliffs which form beautiful waterfalls. In Huasquila we have two large cascade (over 50 feet high) waterfalls and over 10 minor ones. We also visit a canyon close by where a 50 feet high waterfall meets a natural formed swimming pool inside of the jungle, which has been described by our guests just as taken out of a jungle fairy tale…

 

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Archeological Park

In the Sacred Valley of Cotundo we find a high presence of Petroglyphs (stone carvings of figures) with carving dates or meanings that still open questions for our culture. These Petroglyphs have high spiritual meaning for the Kichwa shamans and are an essential part of this rich culture. There are different figures on every stone and an archaeological project has been established to identify each stone and figure to preserve and inform people about the Petroglyphs.

We also find lots of Archeological rests after digging a few meters close to the Petroglyphs, so we invite you to make a long term stay with us to fulfill the dream of lots of us being an archeologist for a while.

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Rafting & Kayaking

The region around Huasquila has become famous among kayaking and rafting fans. The gorgeous rivers of the Amazon are perfect to practice these sports and they take you into the heart of the Amazon. The region has achieved such legendary status that the World Rafting Championship 2005 took place in the close by valley of Quijos. We work with the best rafting and kayaking operators, which have very high safety standards and are professionals in this area. This is why we are sure that you will love an unforgettable rafting experience during your stay in Huasquila and that you will be wanting to repeat it soon.

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Culture

Taste the life of the Amazon by visiting one of the local kichwa communities close to Huasquila (the most representative indigenous nationality in the province of Napo). You will witness how they make handicrafts, prepare typical drinks such as chicha and cultivate their products. We can also arrange a visit to a Shaman (wise old man who can cure you with his powers) which is an unforgettable experience! You might even be willing to get a “limpia” (“cleansy”) to purify your body from bad energies.

If you want to be part of the daily life of the communities and want to better understand their vision of the world we suggest a long term stay that can be combined with some interactive activities like teaching or similar…

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Amazon Hacienda

Huasquila’s history goes back 100 years when it belonged to an American citizen who searched for gold…through the years it changed owners and part of it became a traditional small dairy farm in the last decades. This is the reason that you can visit this traditional farm, spend a day with the cowboys and experience milking cows and even prepare your own cheese or yogurt. With some luck you will see a cow giving birth and can give the little calf the name you like most….

 

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