Yachana Lodge sits amidst 3,000 acres of primary and secondary rainforest that provide a home to thousands of species of exotic plants and animals. Every room in the lodge provides a stunning view of the Napo river and comes with private bathroom complete with hot showers and safe drinking water. The water comes from natural springs and is purified for use in food preparation and in all other areas of the lodge.

In 1995, FUNEDESIN (Foundation for Integrated Education and Development) constructed Yachana Lodge on the banks of the Napo River deep in the rain forest of the Ecuadorian Amazon. "Yachana" is a Quichua word which means "place of learning", an important part of FUNEDESIN's philosophy. Yachana Lodge lives up to its name; it truly is a window on the world of the rainforest and the people who live there.

Yachana Lodge's approach to ecotourism fosters meaningful connections between travellers and the region, and by visiting Yachana you will help to preserve the rainforest. The Lodge also provides stable employment and training to its primarily local staff and serves as an important source of income for FUNEDESIN's community development and environmental protection projects. 

Your journey to the Amazon Basin starts in Quito at 2800 meters above sea level, with a 35 minute flight over the Andes to the town of Coca. You will need to be at the airport (TERMINAL NACIONAL ) by 10:00am. The flight departs at 11h00.

- Depart Quito by air for Coca. On a clear day the view as you cross the Andes and fly over the jungle will astound you. You will be met on arrival by a guide from the lodge. and will have a box lunch on the way from Coca to Yachana.

- We will travel up the Napo river in one of our 60 ft. 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 traveling to the lodge our guide will explain your surroundings in detail.

- Arrival at YACHANA LODGE. You will be shown to your rooms and your luggage will be delivered by our staff.

 Welcome, registration, and orientation.

- We will visit some of FUNEDESIN's project sites. This is our parent organization, and your visit will help to support its developmental and environmental projects. There will be time to relax, socialize, and have a drink.

- Dinner. Briefing for next day’s activities by our guides. There will be a night walk to look for nocturnal wildlife.

Breakfast

Primary Forest Hike. Our guide for your jungle adventure will help you discover the immense biodiversity of the jungle and the relationship between ourselves and the flora, fauna. Although it takes time to tune into the jungle, many of the rainforest’s secrets are easy to discover with the aid of the guides’ keen eyes. Photo opportunities are endless, and there will be many opportunities to ask the questions that are bound to arise.

Lunch, free time.

Traditional Cultural Activities. Canoe ride to observe birds along the river's edge. Dinner. Bonfire on the beach.                 

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 plant species including those that have been used for generations for medicinal purposes, as well as others which provide people with many of their daily needs: materials to build their homes, for making baskets, twine, weapons, clothing, and food.

Lunch. free time.

Panning for Gold – We will 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 and socialize. A briefing will be given on the next day’s activities.

Dinner. Bonfire on the beach.

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 also be a stream crossing by dugout canoe. 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.

Early breakfast, Depart Yachana for Coca and Quito.