Location

We are located at Finca La Colina, which is about 20 km outside of Limón Indanza in the high amazon of Southern Ecuador.

Is it Safe?

It is extremely safe where we are, safer than any urban areas in most if not all “developed” countries.

Ecuador has been in the international news in recent months regarding the rising level of violent crime over the past few years and the current administration’s fight against drug cartels using Ecuador as a transport hub for illegal substances. Ecuador’s President declared 22 gangs and organizations as terrorist groups and has utilized the military to combat organized crime in an “internal armed conflict”.

This conflict is limited to targeted criminal groups in very targeted areas of the country, despite international news reports of a “country at war”, most of Ecuador is unaffected by this police action, and where Las Aguas Risas is located, we are completely unaffected. Please do not let exaggerated news articles prevent you from visiting this beautiful country. But as always, remain cautious while traveling.

Map


Directions

Directions for travel to Las Aguas Risas depend on where you are coming from and mode of travel. For questions about your specific circumstances, please contact us. Below are general suggestions for travel from major cities in Ecuador.

From Quito:

Typically, flights into Ecuador arrive in either the capital, Quito, or in Guayaquil. From Quito you have the option of flying on domestically to Cuenca then busing to Limón, busing from Quito to Limón, or taking a private driver. Flying is quicker but more expensive than busing. Private driver is likely the most expensive choice, but gives you more control over your travel.

There are few direct express buses from Quito directly to Limón, Cooperativa Turis San Francisco has 2 buses per day (Quito to Gualaquiza, via Limón), taking about 12 hours. There may be additional direct options, but most routes will require changing buses.

We recommend taking a direct bus from Quito to Cuenca, there are several per day, including night buses arriving in Cuenca early enough to continue on in the morning to Limón. You can also opt for the Amazon route, Quito to Tena, then south along Pan American Sur Amazon Troncal. Or Quito to Riobamba, Baños, or Puyo, then on to Limón.

From Guayaquil:

As with Quito, if your flight arrives in Guayaquil you can fly on to Cuenca, bus through Cuenca, or hire a private driver. The bus station is very close to the airport, about a 5 minute taxi ride. Daytime buses from Guayaquil to Cuenca travel the more direct and scenic route through Cajas National Park, about 4.5 hour ride. Night buses take a longer route, about 5.5 to 6 hours.

From Cuenca:

There are several buses per day from Cuenca to Limón. The schedules change periodically, but these are the options we are aware of at the moment.

  • 5:00 am – Turismo Oriental
  • 6:30 am – Coop Sucua
  • 7:30 am – Turismo Oriental
  • 8:45 am – Turismo Oriental
  • 10:00 am – Turismo Oriental
  • 12:30 pm – Turismo Oriental
  • 1:30 pm – Turismo Oriental
  • 2:30 pm – Coop Sucua
  • 5:30 pm – Turismo Oriental
  • 7:00 pm – Macas Ltda
  • 1:00 am – Turismo Oriental

The ride is approximately 3 hours. We recommend a morning bus to arrive in Limón in plenty of time to continue on to the finca before dark. From Limón it is approximately a 40 minute taxi ride, depending on conditions, to Las Aguas Risas.