At only 10 km from Tena, capital of the absolutely safe Napo Province, this private hacienda of approximately 150 ha is the perfect place to enjoy to the fullest a never-ending series of activities, which this area lends itself to more than any other. Hakuna Matata lies on the shores of the crystal-clear Inchillaqui River, at an altitude between 1968 and 2789 feet, which makes it free of all tropical diseases.

Hakuna Matata contrasts with all other destinations in the Amazon because of its commitment and respect to its employees (they offer a contract, social security, training), dedication to real ecotourism (the property itself, selected excursions), respect for culture (private project in the nearby Quechua community Chaupi Shungo), nature conservation and improvement (reforestation, etc).

They also offer a personal service, high-quality accommodation, superior meals, unique activities and excursions.

Tours Unlimited is a leading company offering personalized service to international tourists. For 15 years, it has contributed to the development and promotion of all Ecuador’s four regions. We invite you to come and enjoy the Ecuadorian Jungle, one of the best places to go for avid birdwatchers; 8 out of 10 of our clients and visitors has given an “excellent” rating to our tours dedicated to discover the Ecuadorian Jungle and its surroundings.

We will offer a punctual, courteous and professional service adjusted to your individual needs with the objective of showing the magic of Ecuador in a safe, fun and responsible way. All of our guides are bilingual fully prepared to give you the most complete information about the local culture, history and geography; 9 out of 10 of our clients and visitors has given an “excellent” rating to our guides. If you don’t believe us, check out some of our clients’ testimonials:

“Excellent tour guide and driver. Very knowledgeable and interesting”. Sol Cohen, USA

“Alex was fantastic. Tour was beyond my expectations!” John Foster, USA

“Impeccable service. Ecuadorians should be very proud of their country. Thanks Nicolas and Jose”. Lalanis Kurban, Canada

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Hakuna Matata at 1 pm or earlier by transportation from Archidona.
Lunch in our famous Restaurant Pangaea. After lunch you can choose between two options for your jungle excursion:

Option 1:
HORSEBACK RIDING WITH GUIDE(S)
This unforgettable excursion is suited for both beginners and experienced riders. Accompanied by our professional guide and on well trained horses you'll take a very varied ride of about three hours.
The trip goes through rivers and streams, along sloping hills and amongst rich flora.

Option 2:
HIKE WITH GUIDE(S)
An experience in itself is the guided (bilingual naturalist guide) walk. The medicinal properties of plants and trees, insects and age-old customs are explained by our professional guide. Walking through private jungle, secondary forest and fields, you’ll get closer step by step to that unique wisdom that distinguishes the indigenous people of the area from the non-natives.

Dinner in Restaurant Pangaea.
Overnight stay in cabaña for 2 persons with private bathroom and hot shower.

Day 2: Introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon Jungle Day Trip

Early in the morning after breakfast you’ll leave Hakuna Matata for a two hour drive. In a small native village on the banks of the Río Arajuno, you’ll board a ‘motor canoe’ and navigate the Arajuno, Napo and other rivers. Unlike the traditional tours that are organized in this area we’ve designed an extra value alternative! During this Amazon excursion a whole range of activities are offered. Depending on weather conditions, number of participants and specific interests of the group. Your guide will put together the program.
Rich flora, in both primary and secondary forest, and fauna, in the form of birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles, will be introduced by our professional guide(s) during walks and canoe trips. You’ll be given explanations of the use of medicinal plants, trees and herbs by the native people. Tubing on one of the quiet rivers through primary forest is a spectacular experience.

Lunch will be served on the trip.
Return to the hacienda at about 6 pm. Dinner in Restaurant Pangaea.
Overnight stay in cabaña for 2 persons with private bathroom and hot shower.

Day 3: Rafting Class III - III+

Early morning breakfast in Restaurant Pangaea. Afterwards, a 25 minute drive to Tena and then into the jungle takes us to the start of our rafting adventure on the Upper Napo river also known as the Jatuyacu river, which means “Big Water” in quechua. BIG is probably the best word to describe this river: big waves and tons of fun! This jungle river shows no signs of contamination as it flows from the Llanganates National Park – an extremely rugged and uninhabited mountain range believed by some to be the hiding place of Inca gold.

On arrival at the river we’ll receive a brief explanation about the trip and important safety measures. An amazing journey for beginner and expert rafters awaits; a perfect combination of exciting rapids and calm natural pools, not to mention the wonderful surrounding jungle scenery.

At noon, we’ll have a freshly prepared picnic lunch on the river bank, and then continue our tour.
Return to Hakuna Matata Lodge. Dinner in Restaurant Pangaea.
Overnight stay in cabaña for 2 persons with private bathroom and hot shower.

Day 4: Beach and River

After breakfast you can visit the Pre-Columbian rock carvings (petroglyphs) and natural pools that are located only a few steps away from your cabaña! There are also marked trails with different levels of difficulty where you can do a short hike or just relax on the white sandy beach which invites sun worshippers and enjoy the crystal clear water of the Rio Inchillaqui.
Lunch in Restaurant Pangaea. After lunch, transfer to Archidona for return journey to Quito.

• - Lodging in cabin with private bathroom and hot water
• - All visits and excursions as detailed
• - English speaking guide
• - All meals during program as specified
• - Full day rafting excursion with professional rafting guide(s), specialized rafting equipment, safety kayak, transport from/to the Lodge, picnic lunch by the river and all safety measures
• - Transportation Archidona/Hakuna Matata/Archidona
• - All local taxes

• - Drinks
• - Tips
• - Personal expenses. Any other service not specified in the program
• - Transportation Quito/Archidona/Quito

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Ecuador is a true paradise for ornithologists. In the whole of Western Europe, you can observe some 450 bird species, including summer birds, migratory birds and hibernators. Only in Ecuador may you observe more than 1,600 species! At and around Hakuna Matata some 210 species have already been identified. However, this list is ongoing and each time an ornithologist visits the property, some species are added.

The surroundings of Hakuna Matata, near Archidona, are situated in the transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon. The area is located at an altitude between 2000 and 3000 feet. The open plains, secondary and primary forest, rivers and small streams are ideal biotopes for dozens of bird species. The flora diversity and altitude variety offer food during the whole year for seed-eaters, fruit-eaters and berry-eaters. There are also lots of insects, which are eaten by other bird species.

From the cabañas, lodge, restaurant and bar, bird-lovers have a beautiful view on different biotopes and can enjoy birdwatching to their heart's content.

Tangara's, flycatchers, hummingbirds, toucans, oropendula's, caciques, woodpeckers, vultures, parakeets and kingfishers can been seen daily.