Las Tangaras Adventure Menu

Disclaimer* Do not attempt without first consulting your Guide

Fuente Falls

Hybrid Forest/Aquatic

The trail to the reserve’s dry season water source is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re willing to push yourself a few turns up the river further, the reward is always worth the work. There are two routes one can take to the famed waterfall we’ve dubbed fuente falls, after the river that it calls home. 

The first option is to take the tres tazas trail to the fuente river, and climb up for some time from there. The second involves a bit of a shortcut on the trail we use for the water line, which drops you off at the fuente a little higher up. From there, you take the well worn route of past managers climbing over rocks, up waterfalls, and rope-climbing up cliffs until you reach the beautiful waterfall that our water source sits atop. At this point, you are usually soaked to at least your chest if you didn’t bite the bullet and dunk under in your clothes and boots as soon as you got to the fuente. 

From there, its more of the same past two more really nice falls. Extra points if you shimmy up the fallen tree to get up the last one. The wind coming off the falls hits you first. It would be a disservice to try to describe it with words, so a low-quality gopro photo will have to do. 

Bubble Baths

Aquatic

Bubble baths is a river adventure into untouched areas of the Nambillo. Water shoes recommended. 

You start at the gorge, a breathtaking hallway of flowing water off the end of Momotos. From there you’ll swim/trudge your way up towards the confluence, a big waterfall at the end of Sanctuario. 

 
You push forward, fighting the current for a few more turns of beautiful river and cool geology. This is where you find bubble baths, a uniquely oriented set of falls that come together to churn the water into a wonderfully disorienting sea of white foamy bubbles. Who needs a jacuzzi. 

For the extremely brave, again, do not attempt sans-guide, you can climb your way up the gut of one of these falls to the calm, expansive pool directly above bubble baths. Squarely in the middle of this pool, in the deepest section, is a huge boulder perfect for practicing your cannonball. 

The real treat about bubble baths is that you can float most of the way back (at least when the river is low). Just make sure to keep those feet pointed downstream. 

Buena Vista

Forest

Buena Vista is a Forest adventure best undertaken before first light. Bring snacks, water, and binoculars. 

This excursion begins before sunrise with a trek up to the Andean Cock of the Rock lek. As the sun rises, you get to sit here and enjoy the welcome respite from the uphill hiking while watching some of the most interesting birds the Reserve has to offer. 

As the lekking dies down, you saddle back up for a trek into the deepest and highest parts of the reserve. Keep an eye out for the Ecuadorian Capuchin, which likes to hang out up here. You notice the subtle change of the flora and fauna as you feel the air getting more crisp on your neck. Not long after passing the “giant’s throne” tree, you’ll find yourself at the sign telling you “Ruta no matienen mas alla de aqui”. 

Do not despair, my friend, we’re just getting started. You’ll let your machete guide you up to the top of the ridge, which is always just one section of near-vertical woody shrubs further. When you decide to turn around, take 3 steps forward and you’ll find yourself looking at one of the best views in the Choco-Andean. 

Sanctuario XTreme

Hybrid Forest/Aquatic

If you’re looking for the waterpark, look no further. We’ve got the best slide in the rainforest. 

The Hike to Sanctuario is great any way you slice it on its own. You’ve got beautiful jungle trails culminating in an oasis so pretty you’d think it was cliché if you saw it in a movie. 

For the curious adventurer, however, it gets even better. Swim through the pool and climb the waterfall to find a world of smooth stone harboring luges of clear water. Keep going to find friendly cascades that are great for practicing your climbing skills without consequence. 

After a few twists and turns, you’ll catch a glimpse of the biggest cascade yet, with a well placed rope waiting for you to scale the side. After checking the depth and finding it to your liking, you will climb said rope, feeling like quite the adventurer, position yourself above this waterfall, and push yourself down the slide that ends in a 6 foot dropoff. Repeat as needed.