Natural History Explorer | Trip Accommodations

The following hotels are used for our Natural History Explorer itinerary:

Alternate hotels can be used on request and pricing will be adjusted accordingly

Hotel Descriptions:
Recommended/moderate

Casa Aliso: This 10-room gem offers all the style and comfort of a small luxurious home with an especially inviting interior. The use of color, wood, iron and marble throughout creates the atmosphere of a sophisticated private residence, maintaining the same tradition and elegance as when it was built in 1936. Delightfully secluded, Casa Aliso is well known to experienced travelers who want to be close to everything, but desire a quieter, more refined atmosphere. It is located in the fashionable residential neighborhood of "La Floresta", a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet just a short taxi ride away from some of Quito's most popular tourist attractions.

Quito Upgrade Option/First Class

La Casona de la Ronda:
The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to the main attractions of Quiito’s historic center.
With 22 rooms, our Heritage Boutique Hotel has been tastefully renovated for you to immerse in the Ecuadorian Culture. Enjoy all the modern conveniences built into the original house, with colors and stone walls that reflect the passing of time. The rooms have been designed to provide you with an authentic stay, immersing you into the true atmosphere of the unique colonial center of Quito.

Quito Upgrade Option/Deluxe Boutique
Mama Cuchara
After a meticulous renovation, this old Spanish colonial house was resurrected and modernized in what is now the Hotel Mama Cuchara. This hotel offers its guests all the charisma of a historic hotel, the deep charm of a boutique hotel and the expected comfort, service and contemporary elegance of a 5-star accommodation.

Located in the Historic Center of Quito - the best preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America according to UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Mama Cuchara Hotel enjoys an ideal location among the other hotels in the historic center. Walking distance to Plaza de Santo Domingo, La Ronda, and many other historic city attractions.  True to the Art Hotels brand concept, Hotel Mama Cuchara delights discerning travelers with a private art collection, complemented by rotating exhibits by various Ecuadorian artists. The sources of art sales directly benefit the artists and their community.

Chilcabamba Lodge/Optional extension to Day 6 after Antisana volcano tour
At Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge you can feel the stillness of the Andean highlands. It’s a rugged, awe-inspiring place, where the birds float ever-higher on the mountain breezes. It is a sacred and silent place that offers peace and solitude. Even breathing the high alpine can be a restorative experience. The atmosphere will change you, filling you with energy and allowing you to rediscover your essential self.

Built from local materials, Chilcabamba is cozy, unpretentious and charming. The lodge lies in a gentle valley circled by the rugged peaks of four towering mountains. The lodge is the perfect base for getting to know the magnificent surrounding countryside – on foot, horseback or bicycle. Here travelers can explore a natural wonderland, sipping its crisp, refreshing air and taking in its magnificent vistas.

Amazon Rainforest-Sacha Lodge: The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience. All of our cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle well concealed into the lush surroundings. Each of 26 the rooms, which include single, double and (upon request) triple accommodations, and 3 family cabins provide a private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower, and air conditioning. Some even feature floor-to-ceiling windows for an immersive jungle shower experience!  All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans and electrical outlets. During free time, visitors may overlook the jungle from their private verandas and often report seeing wild fauna such as toucans, agoutis and monkeys right from their own cabin!

Guests may also enjoy a raised lookout above our main bar and lounge, which offers a scenic view of Pilchicocha Lake and excellent opportunities to birdwatch.

Our meals are prepared to please the international traveler, and three buffets each day offer a wide variety of tastes to choose from. Vegetarians are more than welcome, and our chefs will be happy to cater any special needs you may have upon request.

During at least one evening we will even enjoy a barbecue at our outdoor dining area, right on the edge of the lake! And for those who would like a drink, our bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, liquors, wine and beer to enjoy after an active day.

Please follow this link for more details on the Sacha Lodge experience, photos of the cabins and possible wildlife sightings.