Yachana Lodge

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

Hotel

V!VA User‘s Description

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. Paths connect all the buildings, so you never have to set foot even on the grass, if you wish.

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 in town, 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.

This Hotel is: Expensive

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

Traveler Reviews of Yachana Lodge

Our guide at Yachana was outstanding -- thoughtful, ...

Rating: 0%

Our guide at Yachana was outstanding -- thoughtful, prepared, on-time, and thoroughly knowledgeable. He knew the jungle from experience because he was born in the area. The food was very good and gave us a taste of the best of natural food of the jungle. I recommend Yachana Lodge highly. I hope to visit again soon. Ted Wohlfarth

By Crit, Mar 30, 2005

Once is not enough!

Rating: 100%

Yachana has an incredibly friendly staff and excellent guides who are well-versed in local flora & fauna. There is a good variety of hiking trails and activities available, including opportunities to meet people in local villages. Best of all, the Lodge and related projects directly benefit the local community and are having a positive impact on the well-being and health of the people. I have stayed at Yachana three times and hope to be able to visit again: the cost for a 3 or 4 day stay is a bargain!

By Karl Benson from Stanford, Kentucky, Oct 31, 2005

Yachana is a truly inspiring institution!

Rating: 100%

Yachana gives 100% of its profits to support rainforest conservation and improving the lives of its people. Local villagers are hired as staff, and did everything possible to make this one of the best travel adventures I've ever been on!

By V!VA User, Oct 27, 2005