Yachana Lodge

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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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Yachana Lodge

Outstanding experience

I have just returned from four days in Yachana and had the most fantastic time. The lodge is truly lovely, the the projects they are undertaking there are really admirable. Our guides, Hector and Juan, were incredibly knowledgeable and had realy interesting stories to tell about indigenous life in the jungle. I found the environment absolutely enchanting and didn't want to leave! Not really the place to go to see lots of animals, it is not deep enough into the jungle, but a great place to unwind and absorb the natural environment.

Traveler from London on Aug 30, 2006

Best jungle tour ever!

Really liked the feeling of yachana lodage, the guides and locals were really friendly. It was good value for money, and your money is going to a really worthy cause. Some other rainforest tours are aimed at disturbing the wildlife to please tourists. At Yachana you get to live with the wildlife and observe it, without disturbing its natural habitat.

Traveler from London, UK on Jul 31, 2006

an experience you do not want to miss!

THE ACCOMODATION WAS DELIGHTFUL, AND THE FOOD EXCELLENT... PLUS WE HAD A GUIDE WHO KNEW EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERY TREE, PLANT AND ANIMAL. IT WAS BOTH EDUCATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL. THE LODGE ALSO SUPPORTS A HIGH SCHOOL UNLIKE ANY OTHER IN ECUADOR....WITH HANDS ON EXPEPRIENTAL LEARNING ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT, ECOTOURISM AND AGRICULTURE.

Paula Newton from BOISE, IDAHO on Nov 02, 2005

Once is not enough!

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!

Karl Benson from Stanford, Kentucky on Oct 31, 2005

Yachana is a truly inspiring institution!

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!

Traveler on Oct 27, 2005

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

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

Crit on Mar 30, 2005