Amazon Lodge, ECUADOR
Airing Date: May 15th, 2006
You don't have to be Indiana Jones to discover the world's largest and most famous jungle - the Amazon.
Sacha Lodge is in the heart of the tropical lowlands of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle, and you have to travel by plane and truck just to find it! Siutuated on 3,000 acres, the lodge offers locally guided nature walks, a tall observation tower to just sit and soak in the jungle, and amazing dugout canoe safaris that will let you silently glide past Quechua Indian communities and colourful parrot salt licks. If only Indiana Jones had hot showers and electricity too - he would have stayed a lot longer! The Ecuadorian jungle offers layers of exotic vegetation that block the sky, and brown waters sweep beneath gargantuan foliage, as hundreds of species of exotic birds and equally brilliant butterflies provide constant bursts of colour.
This tropical rainforest is one of the richest and most complex ecosystems in the world.
The Amazon's rivers, lakes, streams and marshlands support hundreds of fish species and more than 250 species of amphibians and reptiles. Mammals living in Ecuador's Amazon including armadillos, honey bears, sloths, 60 varieties of bats, tapirs, peccaries, jaguar, monkeys and manatees. Birds are the richest group of Amazon vertebrates. Among approximately 1000 species, visitors will see hummingbirds, toucans, macaws and tanagers ,on land, and darters, herons and gulls on water.
Over 500 species of trees per acre have been recorded in the jungles of the upper Amazon! This fact alone may not be particularly astonishing, but consider that this is ten times greater than Europe or North America, and you'll begin to appreciate and understand the significance of the safekeeping of this area and others like it. The rainforest is also the traditional home of many indigenous communities, whose traditional homelands and way of life are threatened by the encroachment of 20th century industries like mining, large scale cash-crop farming and petroleum exploitation. Among the most representative are the Siona-Secoya, Cofan, Huaorani, Shuar, Ashuar and Quichua.
The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience. All cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle well concealed into the lush surroundings. Each of the 26 rooms, which include single, double and (upon request) triple accommodations, provide a private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower. All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds. During free time, visitors may overlook the jungle from hammocks and often report seeing wild fauna such as toucans, agoutis and monkeys right from their own cabin! There are also a host of activities and guided tours to help guests appreciate the vast majesty of the Amazon Jungle.
Further Information
Air NZ return to Los Angeles from $1690 ex Sydney, $1771 ex Melbourne, $1773 ex Brisbane, $1990 ex Adelaide and $2233 ex Perth. Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Air New Zealand
www.airnewzealand.com.au
American Airlines return to Quito from $1031.
Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
American Airlines
1300 650 747
5 day Jungle Extension from $1450 a person. Based on twin share. Includes taxes. Conditions apply. Includes return flights from Quito, 3 nights at Sacha Lodge & activities.
Valid to 31 December 2006
World Expeditions
worldexpetitions.com
Prices correct at 15/5/06
