SWA Lodge - Cabanas Tres Rios - Now open year around for groups and individuals.
Hand in hand with our goal to create the best guided kayak trips anywhere around, is having the top riverside lodge in the tropics. Building our beautiful and secluded Cabanas Tres Rios has more than fulfilled that goal. Its central location in the Quijos valley provides unparalleled river access enabling us to put in or take out on four different runs directly in front of our lodge--now, you just can't beat that!
Our lodge was designed with kayakers' in mind, and we hope to provide for your every need on your kayaking vacation. Each spacious room has a private bathroom with unlimited hot water showers as well as a patio with hammocks and a gear drying area. The main lodge has our dining room, bar, living room and patio to enjoy happy hour on and to experience unbeatable morning and evening bird watching. We also have incorporated a storage area for our 60+ kayaks, an outfitting area, and a massage room into our central bodega. Larry's latest project--he just recently completed a beautiful choza (gazebo) overlooking the river. This bamboo deck with thatched roof is a great place to practice yoga, study Spanish, enjoy a cold drink, or read in a hammock. All of this is set into a beautiful garden setting with mountainous rainforests as a back drop.
The only trouble our guests have while staying at CTR is deciding which part of their experience they enjoy the most. Many people say the beautiful, relaxing atmosphere is the perfect place to unwind after a day of kayaking. Others put Lily’s outstanding cooking at the top of their lists. While still others choose either the onsite massages, the hot showers, the bird watching from the porch, or the convenience of the paddling. Whatever portion of your stay you like the best, we know you will enjoy all aspects of our lodge.
Be assured that, while designed as a kayaker's paradise, our lodge is also great for non-kayaking patrons. It is quality lodging and meals where SWA whitewater guests stay while on our trips as well where birders, schools, and other adventure travelers visit and stay year around. It is a great place to enjoy a small conference or family get together. Besides rafting and kayaking, Cabanas Tres Rios also boasts great hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching and relaxing in the gardens. We can arrange Spanish classes or specialty tours to the local scenic highlights in the three nearby nature preserves. We are only an hour away from the famous Cascada San Rafael, the largest waterfall in Ecuador. Our capacity is 18 people based on double occupancy. Please contact us if you have non-kayaking groups who wish to join us to explore the fascinating Oriente.
To see more great photos of our lodge, visit our slideshow page.
Meet the Cabanas Tres Rios staff
Lodge Manager: Eduardo
Eduardo is from the highland town of Ibarra, and has been with Cabanas Tres Rios from day one. He is in charge of up keeping all the rooms, making sure you have all the towels, hammocks, and pillows you need. He also has the daunting task of managing the gardens. Things grow fast in the rainforest so you can imagine that this is an ongoing project. But he manages to always keep it looking spectacular.
Head Chef: Lily
Lily is from Guaranda—a small town situated near one of Ecuador’s largest volcanoes, Chimborazo. Shortly after her husband, Memo, started driving for Small World Adventures, Lily told Larry that she knew how to cook. Well, it turns out she was right, she is an outstanding cook! You’ll love her international and Ecuadorian dishes such as Quinoa soup, slow cooked pork, empanadas, and Tiramisu. She also makes excellent vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free meals.
Driver: Memo
Memo is originally from Guayaquil on the coast of Ecuador, but now lives in Quito. He played pro futbol (soccer) for Ecuador's team Nacional. He has been driving for Small World Adventures for 10 years now. He is an invaluable asset, and aside from driving shuttle for us, he can also help with guests’ shopping needs, dry land touring needs, and their conversational Spanish.
Gardener: Guido
Guido has been with us for the past few years helping out Eduardo in the gardens during the day, and finishing up his education in the evenings. Besides being hard working, Guido is an excellent gardener and is the sole reason that Small World Adventures can grow their own Ahi peppers (a tricky endeavor at 5,000 feet in elevation).
Assistant Chef: Rosa
Rosa is also from Guaranda, and Lily brought her on board to help out last year. She does a little bit of everything around the lodge including helping Lily in the kitchen, helping out with laundry, and doing some sewing in her spare time.
Hand in hand with our goal to create the best guided kayak trips anywhere around, is having the top riverside lodge in the tropics. Building our beautiful and secluded Cabanas Tres Rios has more than fulfilled that goal. Its central location in the Quijos valley provides unparalleled river access enabling us to put in or take out on four different runs directly in front of our lodge--now, you just can't beat that! 
morning and evening bird watching. We also have incorporated a storage area for our 60+ kayaks, an outfitting area, and a massage room into our central bodega. Larry's latest project--he just recently completed a beautiful choza (gazebo) overlooking the river. This bamboo deck with thatched roof is a great place to practice yoga, study Spanish, enjoy a cold drink, or read in a hammock. All of this is set into a beautiful garden setting with mountainous rainforests as a back drop. 
The only trouble our guests have while staying at CTR is deciding which part of their experience they enjoy the most. Many people say the beautiful, relaxing atmosphere is the perfect place to unwind after a day of kayaking. Others put Lily’s outstanding cooking at the top of their lists. While still others choose either the onsite massages, the hot showers, the bird watching from the porch, or the convenience of the paddling. Whatever portion of your stay you like the best, we know you will enjoy all aspects of our lodge. 
Be assured that, while designed as a kayaker's paradise, our lodge is also great for non-kayaking patrons. It is quality lodging and meals where SWA whitewater guests stay while on our trips as well where birders, schools, and other adventure travelers visit and stay year around. It is a great place to enjoy a small conference or family get together. Besides rafting and kayaking, Cabanas Tres Rios also boasts great hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching and relaxing in the gardens. We can arrange Spanish classes or specialty tours to the local scenic highlights in the three nearby nature preserves. We are only an hour away from the famous Cascada San Rafael, the largest waterfall in Ecuador. Our capacity is 18 people based on double occupancy. Please 
