We offer a variety of exciting day tours and activities. These are led by knowledgable guides who greatly want to share their enthusiasm and respect for the rainforest. Some of these tours are included in program fees, while others can be arranged or added upon request. Students from programs (packages) that do not include tours/activities, are welcome to join planned activities (for an additional fee).

  • Walking tour of the ‘Island of Birds’ where you will observe various types of vegetation along the way. There will be a presentation on the various plants and their uses. You may also encounter birds like parakeets, orioles and partridges, depending on time of day/year (1 - 3 hours approx.)
  • Visit to ‘The Anaconda Island’ where many Kwichua families live. Here you will become familiar with their customs and traditions. You will have an opportunity to sample ’chicha’ (traditional beverage) and cassava, which is a basic feature of the Kwichwa diet. You will also learn about their tradition a hunting methods and use of the blowgun. Upon entering the island, you will pass through the margins of a small swamp inhabited by ‘hoatzines’ (prehistoric birds). (2-3 hours approx.)
  • This trip will introduce you to the natural environment surrounding Gaia, via motorized canoes along the rivers Napo and Arajuno. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery, bird watching, and with a little luck, monkeys on the river banks. Swimming in the river is an option, depending on the weather. ( 2-3 hours approx.)

  • Bird Island

  • Visit to indigenous family

  • Canoe trip along the rivers

  • This fun, yet leisurely activity is enhanced by the natural setting of the rain forest. The sound and sight of birds and monkeys while floating down the river, make for a truly unique experience. ( 2 hours approx.)
  • A Shaman or Witchdoctor is one of the most important figures within the indigenous communities. He is responsible for healing the sick, and protecting them from evil spirits and bad energy. This visit will consist of a spiritual cleansing to promote positive energies and ‘ward off evil spirits’. (1 hour approx.)
  • This is a mountain hike across the primary forests—You will explore and observe many natural wonders including medicinal plants, insects and animals. We will also visit ‘Ceibo’ the giant tree of the Amazon, ( 2-3 hours approx.)

  • Tubing on the river

  • Shaman’s cleansing ceremony

  • Trek across the primary Forest

  • This entails a 35 minute truck-ride to the community of Rio Blanco, and a 30 minute walk from there to the magnificent waterfalls. You will have ample time to explore and swim in beautiful surroundings where it is common to find fossils and petrified wood. ( 3-4 hours approx.)
  • The art of ceramics is traditional in the Kichwa culture and has been passed down through the generations. You will visit a Kichwan family in the Ahuano village whose source of income is decorative pottery. They will share with you the process of making these beautiful handicrafts. (30 min. approx.)
  • With the aid of flashlights, you will discover the nocturnal world of the forest. You will encounter the symphony of nocturnal birds, colored frogs, insects of all kinds, as well as shrimp in the river, snakes, and many more indigenous creatures. (2 hours approx.)

  • White River waterfalls

  • Artisan ceramic workshop

  • Guided night Walk

  • With the assistance of a guide, you will build rafts from logs and take them on the river. You will have the opportunity to relax, take in the scenery and even swim while navigating along the current. (3 hours approx.)
  • This entails a visit to the cocoa trees surrounding Gaia Lodge, from which some of the choicest fruit is picked for chocolate production. You will be treated to a presentation on the artisan process of making chocolate, and also to the chocolate itself. (1 hour approx.)
  • Visit to the butterfly garden, in the village of ‘Ahuano’. The garden is a controlled environment featuring an astounding array of plants and flowers, and boasts approximately 25 native species of butterflies. There will be a presentation on the entire cycle of the butterfly metamorphosis. (1-2 hours approx.)

  • Build your own raft

  • Artisanal chocolate production

  • Butterfly garden

  • This is a full-day walking excursion through forests in which you will encounter and visit indigenous communities. You will be presented with information on various topics including traditional uses of natural resources and medicinal plants. You will have the opportunity of closely observing many birds, insects and animals along the way, and will visit the Río Blanco Waterfall. Box lunch provided.( 5-6 hours approx.)
  • Balsa wood is an important raw material for the Indian culture. It is widely used for making crafts and decorative figures. You will visit and watch a presentation by a local craftsman who shapes these figures from a single piece of trunk wood, after which he treats and decorates them for sale. (30 min. approx.)
  • ‘Amazoonico’ is one of the most important and highly regarded conservation projects in the Amazon. The proceeds from visiting here support the maintenance and reintegration of the animals. Among the animals you will see here are, alligators, tapirs, ocelots, toucans, anacondas, macaws and monkeys of various species. ( 2-3 hours approx.)

  • Hike to Río Blanco

  • Artisanal Balsa woodworking

  • Animal rescue center

  • Fishing is an important source of food for the families of this region. You will visit one of the beaches of Rio Napo where you will become familiar with the traditional form of fishing/ casting nets, and learn how to launch the ‘Atarraya’. (1 hour approx.)
  • Gold panning in the rivers of the Amazon is way of generating income for many local families. You will visit one of the beaches of Rio Napo where you will have an opportunity to watch and learn how to wash gold in wooden rafts. ( 1 hour approx.)
  • This activity takes place between 5:00 and 6:00 in the morning or afternoon on the ‘Isla de los Pájaros’ Birds Island. Most of the native birds have their shelters and nesting places on this island, and it is at this time that the birds are waking up or returning for the night. (1-2 hours approx.)

  • Traditional fishing

  • Gold panning

  • Bird watching