You’ll spot monkeys and parrots at an animal refuge, paddle downriver by canoe, hike through lush rainforest to a hidden waterfall—and cool off with a swim. It’s real Amazon life packed into one day.
Boots on, poncho ready—by 9am we were already piling into the van outside the office, gear in hand. There’s a certain earthy smell in the air here, especially after last night’s rain. Our guide, Miguel, handed out rubber boots and checked everyone had water before we set off. The drive out of town was quiet except for the odd rooster and a couple of sleepy street dogs. About an hour in, we stopped at a lookout where Miguel shared stories about the Kichwa communities and pointed out which direction the Andes were hiding behind low clouds.
The animal refuge near Puyo was our next stop—a real highlight if you’re into wildlife. We watched a pair of woolly monkeys squabble over fruit while a toucan eyed us from above. The place isn’t fancy but you get close to animals you’d never see back home—tapirs, parrots, even a sleepy boa curled up in its corner. After half an hour or so, we drove deeper into the green until the road ended at the riverbank. Here’s where things got fun: we climbed into a wooden canoe for a 20-minute ride down the Puyo river. The water was brownish but calm, with kingfishers darting past and kids waving from muddy banks.
Lunch came just as my stomach started rumbling—a simple plate of chicken and rice at a riverside lodge (vegetarian option too). After eating, we hiked further into the forest. The path was muddy in spots and Miguel kept stopping to show us wild ginger plants and tiny frogs hiding under leaves. It took about an hour and a half to reach the waterfall. Cold spray hit my face before I even saw it—most of us jumped in for a swim while others just sat on rocks listening to cicadas and distant bird calls. By late afternoon, boots muddy but spirits high, we headed back toward town.
Your day includes transport with AC, rubber boots for muddy trails, plastic poncho if it rains (which it often does), bottled water along the way, plus lunch at a riverside lodge. Our guide is always there to help out or answer questions about local plants and animals.
Operated by Ivagatours
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