An award-winning geotourism destination, focused on working with the people of the region and protecting the Amazon rainforest. Come visit and
LIVE THE AMAZON!
SERVICES
Staff
Our friendly staff form the backbone of the yachanda Lodge experience, and are always available to cater to any special needs you may have.
Restaurant
3 meals a day (without alcohol)
Environment
The innovator of the program is Douglas McMeekin, who is 78 years old, has lived in Yachana since 1992 and can identify with the needs and limitations of his generation.
Electricity
if we have light
Boots & Ponchos
Rubber boots and lifejackets as needed
Water
Unlimited ozonized water (that's safe drinking water at the Yachana!)
Activities
Complimentary Wi-Fi at dining hall and reception.
Bedrooms
Yachana Lodge has ten spacious rooms, each with beds for 2-4 people and a private bathroom to provide a comfortable stay.
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
BOOK NOW
If you'd like we can help to arrange for a trusted private driver to transport you from either the Quito Airport ($200 and about 5.5 hours) or the Coca Airport ($50 and about 2 hours) to our lodge. Your adventure starts here as you pass through various landscapes and small towns. Be on the lookout for monkeys, birds and a beautiful display of wildlife as you venture further into the Amazon landscape. If you are coming from Quito you can also talk to your driver about stopping at a hummingbird reserve or a recommended restaurant. (These costs are not part of our excursions but make for a great place to stretch your legs on your way here).When you arrive at the Yachana, you will receive a warm welcome from our staff who will serve you a refreshing beverage and a snack while you are introduced to the lodge and the work of the foundation. That afternoon, you will explore our educational center and see the many working exhibits.Dinner will be served at 7:00pm.
Your day starts early with bird watching in our open safari excursion truck. Breakfast will be served afterwards. You will then enjoy a jungle hike under the rainforest canopy. Your guide will point out wild animal and plant life that are unique to this area which is 80% primary rainforest.Lunch will be served at 12:30pm.In the afternoon we'll head to the Napo River (a tributary river to the Amazon!) where we'll go for a canoe ride and enjoy the view, maybe even get your feet wet. Then we will gather to make chocolate from dry cocao beans and enjoy a delicious evening treat after dinner.Dinner will be served at 7:00pm.
After a traditional breakfast, you will go to visit a local farm to see and harvest a variety of local produce and medicinal plants. You will then return to the Lodge and actually be involved in cooking your lunch. This is a continuation of our National Geographic Conservation Trust project to involve our visitors in the Lost Foods of the Amazon.In the afternoon we'll take a short drive an then hike into a waterfall and swimming hole. Nothing quite like taking a swim and listening to the water fall to feel at one with the nature around you.Dinner will be served at 7:00pm. After dinner, you will take a night walk to discover a different side of the rainforest life.
After breakfast you will take private transport for your departure. If you'd like, on your way out ask your driver to stop by Witoca- an artisan coffee shop and coffee farm. *Please be aware that Lodge activities may vary in order due to weather conditions, but rest assured. Your guide will do everything possible to maintain the established itinerary whenever possible. *For more options, check out our 5 Days & 4 Nights package.
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
BOOK NOW
If you'd like we can help to arrange for a trusted private driver to transport you from either the Quito Airport (about 5.5 hours) or the Coca Airport (about 2 hours) to our lodge. Your adventure starts here as you pass through various landscapes and small towns. Be on the lookout for monkeys and a beautiful display of wildlife as you venture further into the Amazon landscape. The drive will take about two hours, but be on the lookout for monkeys and a beautiful display of wildlife as you venture further into the Amazon landscape. When you arrive to Yachana, you will receive a warm welcome from our staff who will serve you a refreshing beverage and a snack while you are introduced to the lodge and the work of the foundation. Dinner will be served at 7:00pm.
You second day will start early with bird watching in our open safari excursion truck.Breakfast will be served afterwards. We'll visit a local farm and harvest fresh and local food favorites. We'll then return to the kitchen to prepare a traditional Ecuadorian meal for lunch. After lunch, you will take a motorized canoe along the Napo River (it's one of the tributary waters for the Amazon River!). Enjoy the view and maybe get your feet wet!Following, you will return to the lodge to relax and enjoy dinner at 7:00pm. After dinner, you will help make chocolate from the cacao beans to experience pure chocolate over bananas.
After a traditional breakfast, you will go for a Jungle hike under the rainforest canopy. A knowledgeable guide will point out various wildlife and plant life. 80% of the our 1,000 hectares is primary rainforest.Return to the lodge for lunch at 12:30We'll spend the afternoon working on one of the current projects- perhaps building a bee hive, planting trees or harvesting crops, feeding livestock etc. After dinner, you will take a night walk to discover a different view of rainforest life.
Following breakfast we'll take a drive and then a short hike into a waterfall and swimming hole. Bring your swimsuit and camera- it's a refreshing and beautiful place to be.We'll be back for another tasty lunch. The afternoon is left open allowing for time to pull out a book, find a hammock or wade in the river. A second jungle walk on a different new trail can be arranged if you'd like to see more. The day will close with a final dinner and a relaxing last evening.
After breakfast we say goodbye and you will take private transport for your departure to Quito or Coca. You can ak your driver about stopping at Witoca if you want to see a coffe farm and artisan coffee shop.*Please be aware that Lodge activities may vary in order due to weather conditions, but rest assured. Your guide will do everything possible to maintain the established itinerary whenever possible..
FAQ
- Bilingual naturalist guide.
- Accommodation in bungalows. Each bedroom with bunk beds and private bathroom.
- 3 daily meals; drinks served with breakfast, lunch and dinner (non-alcoholic).
- Road and river transport for visits and activities, by motorized canoe, canoe and car.
- Rubber boots, rain ponchos and life jackets
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Donation of 10% to the Yachana Foundation to support its education and conservation programs in the Amazon
Complimentary - Wi-Fi in the dining room and reception
- Unlimited ozonated water
- Alcoholic / bottled beverages
- Laundry
- Travel Insurance
- Transfer Quito-Yachana-Quito
- Gratuities and other non expecificated above.
Lightweight pants and long sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks in the forest. However, if you are more comfortable wearing short sleeves, remember that exposed skin may need a light dousing with insect repellant.
During the rain, full waterproof clothing can be uncomfortable as it often gets you wet with sweat instead of water, but rain ponchos are recommendable for tropical cloudbursts. Plenty of ponchos are available at no charge if you do not have your own, and we also supply rubber boots up to men’s size 14 for walks in the forest interior.
Comfortable shoes (or sandals), shorts and t-shirts are fine for walking on boardwalks and around the Lodge during meals and free time. And don’t forget your bathing suit!
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Passport
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Binoculars
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Flashlight and batteries
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Camera, memory and flash
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Insect repellent
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Rain Poncho
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Sun protection (cream / sunglasses / hat or cap)
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Light long pants and long-sleeved shirts for walks
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Shorts, short sleeve shirts and swimsuit for the Lodge
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Comfortable shoes and extra socks
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Small day backpack
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Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, batteries, from rain.
- From 0 to 1 year: FREEFrom 2 to 5 years: 75% DISCOUNT
- From 6 to 12 years: 50% DISCOUNT
- NOTE: Children must share a room with their parents. Age is based on time of arrival.
- Does not apply to special packages.
The spacious rooms have two single beds and a private bathroom to provide a comfortable stay. Enjoy safe, filtered drinking water and a wrap-around porch with views of the lush jungle all around you.
