San Pedro de Arajuno, Napo, Ecuador
Our road trip to the Napo Province from my hometown in Guayaquil, Guayas province which is in the Costa(coast) region. was 8 hours, I love road trips and was craving to drive across Ecuador. It is a surprisingly short ride I you really think about it. From Quito the ride is only three hours, one is you continue to the north to Papallacta.
In our case we decided to stop in Baños de Agua Santa for a couple of nights before continuing our journey to Itamandí Eco Lodge where we stayed for our trip in the primary forest. On the road you will want to stop at the city of Puyo in Pastaza Province Ecuador to eat and rest a little before continuing your journey. The roads are in great condition! Ecuador is the only country in South America were the Amazon is extremely accessible. I will make sure on the next trips to prove it! This is why I named our trips there “The Gate to the Amazon”.
“Ecuador is possilbly the only country in South America were the Amazon is extremely accessible”
The ride to the pick up stop was full of “oohhh” and “ahhhh!!!" it is scenic and wonderful. At some point 30 minutes after we passed the entrance to Puerto Misahuallií. We had to park the car for the guides from the Lodge to pick us up at San Pedro. There is no road access to the Lodge which is located ½ hour from Puerto Misahuallí, Napo. This is a 15- 20 minute canoe ride. Fun fact we were all a little anxious about the canoe. I didn’t ride the canoe in about 20 years since I was a little girl and with a 3 year old we didn’t know what to expect. Let me just say the anxiety fade away instantly as we got used to it quite fast! Locals use canoes to go everywhere in the Amazonía it is possibly their main source of transportation. At the arrival point designated by our lodge a couple of guides picked us up at a bridge and we took a motor canoe ride up the river to the lodge which was at the edge of the river.
The Lodge is beautifully located between the trees by the river. We thought the rooms had an interesting design as there were no glass windows and the only thing between us and the wilderness outside was a metallic net to avoid bugs coming in. This place is the perfect place to relax and do nothing as there was no TV’S, I do recall there was WIFI in the Hotel. The hotel had a pool and beautiful social area where we had the opportunity to meet other explorers.
Itamandí was a one stop shops as they included a few excursions for us which included:
Community Tourism
Bird Waching
Day Hike in the forests
Night Hike in the forests to spot bugs
Traveling as a family to adventurous destinations
Many mom friends have asked me why did i take my 3 year old at the time to a place like that. Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about. I did take a big risk. Anyone who is a parent will know that before taking a family vacation, you really need to think about the destination. There is so much to worry about. My advice is not to worry and do your research. Also, it is very helpful to know your child and be able to compromise your level of comfort for the sake of a an unforgettable experience.
Stella had the time of her life on this one and her limits were put to the test. It was a learning and growing experience for all of us that we will never forget. This was one of the trips that set me on the journey to start LaCarishina.net.
If you will like to read a post on my tips to traveling with children, go here.
