“Yachana” is an indigenous Quichua word that means “a place for learning”, which is the best description of what we do. As you embark on your journey deep into the Amazon, you can be proud that your visit is helping to address education, conservation and sustainable development in a unique way in this environmentally sensitive region. At Yachana, we believe the future of the rainforest is inextricably linked to the well-being of its inhabitants; only those who call the rainforest their home can ensure its survival.
Yachana Lodge's contributions to conservation and education are at once extraordinary and subtle. They range from preparing the next generation of environmental stewards to protecting enormous swaths of rainforest. They include serving our own organic, farm-raised meals to sustainable solar electricity. In other words, the environment is not something we 'consider' at Yachana, but rather living in harmony with nature pervades every aspect of our life.
Nevertheless, being green doesn't mean we've forsaken comfort! To the contrary, at Yachana we've found ways to deliver the luxury you deserve while protecting the environment that sustains us. Yachana Lodge offers first-rate accommodations and a wide range of amenities all in the midst of incredible natural beauty of the rainforest.
FEATURES
- YACHANA LODGE has 18 cabins: 01 single, 06 twins, 08 triples, 03 doubles. Total Capacity: 40 guests.
- CASA QUEST is a special Housing for students with shared and external bathrooms: 02 rooms with 04 bunks beds, 01 room with 02 bunks beds, and 01 room with 01 bunk bed. Total capacity 20 guests.
- RESTAURANT SERVICE
- CONFERENCE ROOM
- SERVICES, EQUIPMENT AND AMENITIES INCLUDED: Indigenous naturalist native guide, 03 meals per day, guided excursions into the rainforest, community visits, fluvial transportation along the Napo river, life jacket, rain poncho, rubber boots, walking stick, hot water showers, biodegradable soap and shampoo, triple-purified drinking water, LED lighting and ceiling fans, solar energy (12v) during the day and 110v energy from 6pm-10pm, first Aid and clinical attention, Safety deposit box, artisan and souvenir gift shop, wine bar, resources and reading library, washer and dryer, high-speed internet.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Your journey to the Amazon Basin starts in Quito the capital of Ecuador. You will have a 30 minute flight over the Andes from Quito to the city El Coca, and if weather conditions are optimum, you will have an amazing view of the Andes cordillera and the Amazon rainforest as you begin your descent into the jungle. Upon arrival to the city of El Coca, a box lunch will be served on the way (kindly advice us of any dietary restriction in advance) as we navigate upstream the Napo river in our 61 ft. motorized canoe. For your safety, life vests will be provided for every passenger so you can fully relax and enjoy your ride along one of the largest tributaries to the legendary Amazon river. Depending on river conditions, the trip might take up to three hours. Once you arrive at the lodge, you will have a warm welcome by our native staff accompanied by a refreshing beverage and a brief introduction to the lodge facilities.
During the afternoon you will have an opportunity to visit FUNEDESIN project sites.
After dinner, you can watch a video providing historical background on FUNEDESIN and its two companies Yachana Lodge and Yachana Gourmet.
Later you can take a unique night walk to look for nocturnal species (optional or complementary activity)
DAY 2
After breakfast, you will visit the local Agua Santa Market and be able to interact with the community (only Saturdays). Other days you can hike into primary forest and discover the immense biodiversity of the jungle. Although it takes time to tune into the jungle, many of the rainforest secrets are easy to discover with the aid of the guide’s keen eyes. Photo opportunities are endless.
A traditional Amazon lunch will be served at the lodge.
After dinner you will have time to relax and appreciate nature.
DAY 3
Wake up for an early bird watching (optional activity)
After breakfast, you will visit a traditional Amazon healer. This is a 10 minute trip boat upstream, and then approximately a 10-15 minute walk. You will be able to participate in a traditional cleansing ceremony, view on-site native fishing methods, and try your skills at using a blow gun and throwing a spear.
Return for lunch and free time for leisure activities.
In the afternoon and only 30 minute away from the lodge, you will visit a typical Indian house and learn directly from a native how to make a natural fiber basket, you can also let go of your imagination trying to sculpt ceramic pottery.
After lunch and having time to relax, in the afternoon you can enjoy a bird watching canoe ride and stop for a gold panning session with native experts. If river conditions are good you can try tubing down the Napo river and float along the river with the directions of our guides.
After dinner there is free time for leisure activities or an optional activity.
DAY 4
Last morning breakfast and take a moment to acquire a souvenir from Yachana Lodge.
Departure from Yachana to El Coca city, you will navigate downstream through the Napo river and have one last opportunity to appreciate the Amazon Rainforest vastness and intensity before the flight back to Quito.
DAY 1
Your journey to the Amazon Basin starts in Quito the capital of Ecuador. You will have a 30 minute flight over the Andes from Quito to the city El Coca, and if weather conditions are optimum, you will have an amazing view of the Andes cordillera and the Amazon rainforest as you begin your descent into the jungle.
Depart Quito by air for Coca. If it is a clear day the view as you cross the Andes and fly over the jungle is incredible. You will have to take a box lunch in the way from Coca to Yachana.
Travel up the Napo River in one of our 61ft. motorized canoes. Each person will be supplied with a life vest. The trip will take approximately two and a half hours, depending upon the condition of the river. While travelling to the lodge our guide will explain your surroundings in details.
Arrival at Yachana lodge. You will be shown to your rooms and your luggage will be delivied by our staff.
Welcome, registration and orientation.
A visit to some of FUNEDESIN`s project sites. This is our parent organization, and your visit helps support their developmental and environmental projects.
Time to relax, socialize and have a drink on the deck.
Dinner. Briefing for next days activities by our guides. A night walks to look for nocturnal species.
DAY 2
Breakfast.
Primary Forest Hike. Join our guide for your jungle adventure and discover the immense biodiversity of the jungle and the interrelations between the flora, fauna and man. Although it takes time to tune into the jungle, many of the rainforest secrets are easy to discover with the aid of the guides keen eyes. Photo opportunities are endless, as are opportunities to ask the many questions that are bound to arise.
Lunch, free time.
Traditional cultural activities. Canoe ride to observe birds along the river’s ecolodge. Dinner. Bonfire on the beach
DAY 3
Birding watching with our guide. This is an optional activity. Breakfast.
Visit to a secondary forest – a living and dynamic forest. Learn all about the personality of the secondary forest. Our guides will introduce you to a wide variety of native forest species including those that have been used for generations for medicinal purposes, as well as others which serve the people in many ways for their daily needs such as the construction of their homes as well as the making of their baskets, twine, weapons, clothing and food.
Lunch, free time.
Gold panning – visit local people who earn their living panning for gold. Try your hand at panning for gold the old fashioned way.
Time for a swim in the Napo river (with guide supervision).
Time to relax, socialize and briefing for the next days activities. Dinner. Bonfire on the beach.
DAY 4
Bird Watching (optional activity). Breakfast
A cultural experience – a visit to a traditional healer. This is a 10 minute trip by boat upstream, and then approximately a 10-15 minute walk (bring your cameras for this one). There will be a stream crossing by dugout canoe, as well. You will be able to participate in a traditional cleansing ceremony, view a small cultural museum, and try your skills at using a blowgun and throwing a spear.
Lunch
Visit a typical house and learn to weave a basket as the locals do. (The trip to the typical house involves a 30 minute hike). Time to relax, socialize and have a drink on the deck. Dinner. Briefing for tomorrow.
DAY 5
Early breakfast
Depart Yachana for Coca to Quito. Arrival in Quito (you will be met at the airport by our driver, and returned to your hotel).
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