Sani Lodge

Location:
Quito Office: Roca 736 y Amazonas (pasaje Chantilly)
Ecuador

Hotel

By Dawn Wohlfarth Arteaga

Sani is located on a secluded lagoon off of the Napo river on 37,000 hectares (92,500 acres). It is remote: visitors must first get to Coca and from there take a three-hour motor canoe ride to a point on the Napo. If the water is high, smaller canoes can take then guests right to the lodge, otherwise, you may have to hike from the drop-off point off the Napo.

In spite of its remoteness, Sani is quite comfortable. Guests are lodged in triple or double cabins, with a summer camp sort of feel to them. The cabins are comfortable: they are screened against insects and each bed is equipped with a mosquito net. Each room also has candles, as they only tend to run the generator until about ten o’clock at night. The communal dining room offers hearty, solid fare: meals are done family-style.

Sani has a prime location for wildlife viewing. In many places along the Napo, mammals like monkeys have been hunted or driven away from entire areas. But the lagoon is protected, and home to many animals including endangered black caiman. At night, guides will take tourists out in the canoes to try to see them. It is also possible to see 13 different species of monkeys, toucans, parrots, macaws and tanagers from the comfort of the lodge, which has an open wall to permit viewing.

There is a 90-foot canopy observation tower built around the trunk of a mighty kapok tree nearby for bird watching. Other activities include hikes, canoe rides, and even piranha fishing!

Sani lodge is 100% owned by the Quechua community, who work in the lodge and serve as guides. Much of the money raised by Sani lodge is returned to the local community in one way or another.

Sani does package tours: 4 days/3 nights is $370, and 8 days/7 nights is $863. It may be possible to arrange trips of other durations. This price includes meals, guides, boots, etc. but not transportation to and from Coca, alcohol consumed at the lodge, or tips for guides. If you have a large group or special needs, stop by their office in Quito where helpful staff will assist you in arranging your trip. Sani Lodge has a maximum occupancy of about 20 people: if you're interested in a visit, be sure to check ahead with plenty of time.

This Hotel is: Mid-Range

Room Prices:
Price Description:4 days/3 nights is $510 usd per person

8 days/ 7nights is $1,190.00 usd

Contact Information:
E-mail: info(at)remove-this.sanilodge.com
URL: www.sanilodge.com