Ecolodge
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Places you visit, activities and trail descriptions
You travel on the Shiripuno River by dugout canoe and explore the extensive rainforest trails by foot. The Huao and naturalist guides show you how to interact with this intense environment while teaching you about some of the many fascinating organisms and systems you see. In order for things to go as smoothly as possible, please read and abide by the Code of Conduct.
The trails often follow the path of least resistance and/or take advantage of nature's assistance by detouring around a fallen tree, using fallen log bridges, or following the spine of a ridge. The canoes too must follow certain paths, which usually change weekly if not daily depending on river level and obstacles. Though the canoe's draft is fairly shallow, if fully laden and the river level low, movement up and downstream can be affected; don't be surprised if you're asked to leave the canoe briefly to lighten the load to get over a shallow patch or around an obstacle - don't worry, your guides will keep you safe.
While suggestions for what you should bring on each activity appear at the end of the descriptions below, you should always carry the following things with you on the activities:- water bottle
- toilet paper
- rain poncho
- hand sanitizer
- binoculars
Activity Difficulty RIO SHIRIPUNO easy QUEHUERI´ONO COMMUNITY easy NENKEPARE CAMPSITE easy NIGHT WALKS moderate CEIBO TRAIL easy CASCADA (WATERFALL) TRAIL moderate CASERIA (HUNTING) TRAIL moderate COMMUNITY TRAIL easy SALADERO (SALT LICK) TRAIL moderate FERN STREAM WALK easy COCHA (OXBOW LAKE) TRAILS, GRANDE AND PEQUEÑO easy QUEHUERI'ONO CEIBO TRAIL easy HORMIGA (ANT) TRAIL easy DISCOVERY TRAIL easy Rain days
In a rainforest, rain is inevitable and pleasantly offsets the high humidity and heat. Because of the dense forest canopy, you may not even notice if it is gently raining. However, the sound of approaching rain can be like a tsunami, and the dripping continues long after the shower is done. Rain actually brings out some organisms, mostly fungi and amphibians, and the "giant earthworm" (actually a caecilian) must leave its borrow until the ground has absorbed the water.
Of course, there are ponchos for when the rain comes down hard, or when you are in the canoes. Unless it is a torrential rain, we do not cancel any activities, but we may have to adapt the program accordingly.If you choose not to join in an activity
If you would like to take it easy or are not feeling well and choose not to participate in an activity, there is plenty you can do around the Lodge.
If relaxation is your thing, then a hammock is your answer for tranquil riverside reading and a siesta in the Casa des Hamacas, or you could sit on the steps to the river at the Entrance and watch the water flow by -- ask for a cushion so you can settle in for awhile. There is a small collection of naturalist books available for you to borrow, just ask the Administrator or a naturalist guide.
If you're feeling energetic, you could take a swim in the Shiripuno River or walk the Discovery Trail, a great opportunity to get a feel for the rainforest on your own; toward the end of it, there's a bench beside the river on which to relax, birdwatch and commune with nature.
Given enough warning, we can accommodate you with a late meal or a box lunch.