Hello, fellow adventurers! I’m Leslie, Bamba Travel’s Operations Manager, and I recently had the incredible opportunity to represent our company at the first Adventure Elevate event in Latin America. This remarkable event was hosted in the vibrant city of Quito, Ecuador. The city welcomed us with open arms, paving the way for a series of exciting adventures ahead.
Buckle up, as I’d love to take you on a journey through the Amazon Rainforest and share my unforgettable experiences. From serene boat rides to thrilling canopy explorations, and from cultural exchanges with local communities to culinary delights, I promise there’s something for everyone in this tale of adventure!
Our journey began with a pre-adventure trip to the Amazon Rainforest. It all started with a short flight from Quito to Coca (San Francisco de Orellana), followed by an hour-long speedboat ride down the stunning Napo River. The Napo River, a major tributary of the Amazon, stretches over 670 miles, flowing through the lush landscapes of Ecuador and Peru.
Known for its rich biodiversity, the river is home to countless species of fish and is a crucial waterway for the indigenous communities living along its banks. Its waters, tinted with a natural brown hue due to sediment, teem with life and stories of exploration.
The serene boat ride immersed me in nature, surrounded by trees and the sounds of insects, punctuated by occasional exclamations of “wow” from our group. The creek led us to Pilchicocha Lake, which borders our home for the next four days—Sacha Lodge.
The lodge blends seamlessly into its surroundings—so much so that to the resident wildlife, it’s just another part of the forest. Large glass walls offer views of the trees and capuchin monkeys around you. It’s truly thrilling to watch a group of 150 squirrel monkeys leaping from tree to tree right above you.
We started our days at 5 am to soak in the sounds of the forest and the sight of monkeys along the many trails surrounding the lodge during our forest walks. A notable feature of the lodge is the Canopy Exploration Crane, the first of its kind in the Amazon. This crane, with a basket that takes you 150 feet up, offers a stunning 180-degree view of the sunset over the Amazon, with macaws soaring high above the giant kapok trees.
I also had the privilege to visit a local indigenous community, where we were greeted with a traditional “Alli puncha” (Good Morning). The women of the community led the visit, sharing insights into their daily activities, including cooking and farming.
This community program, like many others in the Napo River region, integrates tourism into their daily lives, directly benefiting the indigenous people by providing an additional source of income and promoting cultural exchange.
We were treated to a feast of traditional snacks, including roasted yucca root and pirarucu fish steamed in banana leaves (maito). However, the true highlight was the opportunity to try the most popular delicacy: Suri (aka Chontacuros). These Amazonian grubs, the larvae of the palm weevil, are abundant throughout the region and a vital food source for the communities.
This unique culinary experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the local culture and the resourcefulness of the indigenous people. Not many people know but eating one of those larvae raw is fantastic against a bad cold.
As night fell, the forest, vibrant and colorful during the day, transformed dramatically. It provided the perfect opportunity for a nighttime canoe ride down the creek in search of caimans. The nighttime is a reminder that not all in the forest is friendly. We were careful to keep our hands inside the canoe.
The faintest brush against my shoulder was a bit startling, but it only added to the excitement. Draped in darkness and nature on our canoe ride, we couldn’t have been more thrilled. We turned our headlamps on and explored our surroundings, realizing we were surrounded by hundreds of tree frogs, insects, and the occasional owl. Then, above the water, a ruby red reflection caught our attention—we had found caimans.
Our journey ended with a rainy adventure back through the Napo River and a flight from Coca to Quito.
Upon arriving in Quito, we were ready to begin the ATTA event, hosted in collaboration with the Ecuador Tourism Board. They warmly welcomed us to their beautiful country.
The opening night took place at the Middle of the World complex, where we were greeted with vibrant music and dancers performing exemplary traditional dances. The enormous monument lit up with images showcasing Ecuador’s breathtaking beauty.
We had the opportunity to sample a dazzling array of local cuisine prepared especially for the event, with a feast almost too abundant to try everything—almost. The evening also provided a chance to interact with local suppliers and agents. As Gabriella Stowell (Regional Vice President Business Development of ATTA) mentioned in her welcome speech, “We are friends first and create business second.” With these new relationships established, we were ready to move forward with business.
Final Word
Overall, the Adventure Elevate event and the pre-adventure trip to the Amazon Rainforest were nothing short of incredible. I left Ecuador with not only unforgettable memories but also a deeper appreciation for its rich culture and stunning landscapes.
With this unforgettable experience, Bamba Travel is now ready to offer many more activities in Ecuador. Be sure to check out those trips here!
Check out Bamba Travel’s free itinerary to the Amazon in Ecuador:
Guest post written by Leslie Panfilo
Leslie is the Operations Manager for Bamba Travel.