In the Amazon

At the edge of civilisation

It’s easy to forget how close you are to civilisation when surrounded by the perfect wilderness of the Napo River, the Amazon’s largest and most powerful tributary, and its lush, tropical forests. But La Casa del Suizo is accessible by car or bus (with a secure carpark to leave your vehicle) around three and a half hours from Quito, followed by an easy 20-minute ride on motorized canoe.

How to get here

Sleep

Our rooms

Leisurely awaken to the calls of tropical birds and the rush of the majestic Napo River in our 77 peaceful rooms, each with its own terrace and hammocks to take in exquisite river and jungle views in private. Full electricity (including numerous power outlets), ceiling fan and 24-hour hot water ensure the most comfortable of stays.

Relax

Unwind the Amazon way

The swimming pool

The word “tropical” doesn’t only apply to Caribbean beaches

Discover what it means here in the Amazon when you take a dip in the swimming pool after your day’s adventures, watching the setting sun turn the sky all shades of pink over the river and lush forests, swapping stories with friends and family.

The bar

Indulge you and your friends with our signature drinks

End the day with an ice-cold craft beer, crisp white wine or fluffy piña colada at our well-stocked bar manned by expert mixologists, sitting back in the homey lounge or river-view seating. Please note that drinks are not included in your package.

Savour

Dishing up

Indulge your holiday appetites or fuel up for an action-packed day with popular international and Ecuadorian dishes as well as soups, salads and desserts in our colourful and varied breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Vegetarian and allergy-free options are available in our open-fronted restaurants with views over the pool and river.

How to get here

Remote, yet accessible

La Casa del Suizo is accessible by car or bus (with a secure carpark to leave your vehicle) around three hours from Quito, followed by an easy 20-minute ride on motorized canoe.

There are several ways to reach La Casa del Suizo. You can drive your own vehicle or rent a car, take public transportation, or arrange a private transfer. Contact us for transport options.

Google Maps

There are two routes that will get you to La Casa del Suizo. If you are departing from Quito, the shortest way is the Northern Route. If you are heading up from the south or central Andes of Ecuador, you’ll need to take the Southern Route.

The Northern Route

This is shortest route available when heading from Quito to La Casa del Suizo. Located along a scenic stretch of road, this journey will lead you out of the majestic highlands of Quito down into the jungle region, passing through: Papallacta – Baeza – Tena – Ahuano. This route is 220 km long and takes around 3 hours. During the trip there are several opportunities to stop for photographs of the green valleys below along with sparkling waterfalls.

The Southern Route

Taking the “Southern Route” is the longest but goes past several interesting cities: Ambato – Baños – Puyo – Ahuano. It is a 360 km long drive, and it can take up to 7 hours. If coming from southern Ecuador this the best option. Either way, the final destination is Punta Ahuano – a tiny port town on the northern banks of the Napo River, where canoes await to take you on a 20-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo.

You can leave your car in the secure carpark in Punta Ahuano at no extra charge.

Various bus companies offer services to Tena from Quito’s Quitumbe Bus Terminal. Approx. 10 USD per person, one way. From Tena, take a bus to Puerto Ahuano: approx. 2 USD per person one way, or a taxi from Tena to Puerto Ahuano: 20 USD, one way.

Services

A civilized escape in the Amazon

Staff

Our friendly staff form the backbone of La Casa del Suizo experience, and are always available to cater to any special needs you may have.

Arrival

If you don’t have your own transport, we will be happy to arrange for transfers, either with a guide or with just a driver, or explain to you how to get here by public transport. Find out more about location and transport.

Communications

In case of emergency, both cellular telephone and radio communications are available from La Casa del Suizo. In addition, each of our guides maintains permanent radio contact with La Casa during all excursions and activities.

Bar

Drinks are not included in your package, and may be paid on the last night of your stay in cash (U.S. dollars) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).

Wi-Fi

Internet connections are available in the areas around the central lodge, but do not reach guest rooms.

Boots and ponchos

Rubber boots are available for all of our guests at La Casa del Suizo, free of charge. Boots are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses.

Water

Purified, safe drinking water is available at the bar and at other points before excursions begin – there’s no need to bring your own bottled water.

Electricity

Throughout La Casa del Suizo, 24-hour electricity is provided by a distant, nearly inaudible generator.

Laundry

La Casa del Suizo provides laundry service (washing and drying) for our guests. Please consult costs with our lodge administrator.

The story of La Casa del Suizo

It all began with Beni…

La Casa del Suizo literally means “the house of the Swiss man” in Spanish. But who is the Swiss man and why did he build his house in the middle of the Ecuadorian Amazon?

That would be Arnold Ammeter, or Beni as we call him, Casa del Suizo’s founder who first arrived in South America (Chile to be precise) in 1963. Dallying in gold around the region for a while, Beni then began to buy plots of land around the town of Ahuano along the Napo River. Accompanied by his teenage daughters (then 12 and 14 years old), the pioneer sought to build a new life, one where transport was by canoe, the light came from the stars, and birdsong provided the entertainment. He opened a convenience store and worked in the coffee, cacao and gold production business, always nurturing the dream of a hotel in that stunning, remote location. In 1986, Beni welcomed guests to three bedrooms on top of the convenience store – he’d cook and the girls helped out after school. The lodge became the go-to stop-off point for those travelling along the river, relieved to not have to tackle a tricky whirlpool by night. In 1994, he finished the construction of the hotel which by then included 75 rooms, one pool and a large restaurant. It’s now of the longest running – and most experienced – lodges in the region.