Yachana Lodge, the only officially certified eco-lodge in Ecuador's Amazon by the Ministry of Tourism, means "a place for learning" in the local language of Quichua. It does a good job of making guests comfortable in its spacious and modern facilities while teaching them about local communities, and the challenges the communities face in the effort to balance rainforest protection, modernization and survival.

When you step off the canoe that brings you from the town of Coca up the Napo River, you may be surprised to step onto a cobblestone path, paved all the way up to the lodge entrance. Manicured flowering bushes and plants are scattered across the closely trimmed grass - adding to the feeling that there is nothing really wild about this jungle adventure. Unlike many other rainforest lodges, all rooms are fully enclosed with screened-in windows. The bathrooms have 24-hour hot water and potable water from the tap.

Activities are all optional and include hikes of varying difficulties through the secondary and primary rainforest as well as visits to communities where activities like basket weaving, pottery-making and traditional ceremonies are offered. The nearby cacao farm, where Yachana Gourmet harvests for their chocolate production, makes for an interesting trip as well. Don't expect to see as many large animals as other Ecuadorian reserves, the area has been highly populated for some time and much of the large wildlife has been hunted or chased deep into the forest.

As a place of learning, Yachana makes a strong effort to make guests aware of the community's needs. Based a ten-minute walk from the small town of Mondaña, FUNEDESIN, Yachana's umbrella organization, has played the role of fairy godmother to the town, helping with construction, funding for the medical clinic, which serves about 30 communities along the Napo River, and assistance to the elementary school. In September 2005, an experimental education high school run by FUNEDESIN opened, focusing on teaching conservation, sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism. Yachana is the only Ecuadorian rainforest lodge that hires all of its lodge staff and guides from the local community or other rainforest communities.

Location:
Quito Office: Vicente Solano E12-61 and Oriental Ave.
Ecuador

Hotel

This Hotel is: High End

Room Prices:
Price Description:Price per Adult:

3 nights: $480

4 nights: $640

Price per Child under 12:

3 nights: $240

4 nights: $320

Contact Information:
Phone: 593 2 256 6035, 593 2 252 3777, Cell: 593 9 709 9933
E-mail: info(at)remove-this.yachana.com
URL: www.yachana.com

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