If you’re looking to experience the Amazon and have 3-5 days to spare, this is the perfect retreat only half a day’s drive from Quito. The Yacuma Ecolodge is a sustainable, community-run lodge located on a tributary of the Amazon next to 275 hectares of protected rainforest.
## Highlights
* Immerse yourself in a captivating journey through a protected reserve, a pristine sanctuary of primary Amazon rainforest, where the air is thick with the scent of exotic flora and the symphony of unseen creatures fills the air.
* Delve into the rich tapestry of the local Kichwa culture, unraveling their ancient traditions and wisdom through captivating stories shared by knowledgeable local guides, each a storyteller weaving tales of their ancestors and the secrets of the jungle.
* Craft your own bespoke Amazonian adventure by choosing from a diverse array of day activities, thoughtfully catered to your individual interests and passions, ensuring an unforgettable and personalized experience.
* Embark on a thrilling birding expedition on the serene and picturesque jungle lagoons, a haven for avian life, where you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of dozens of vibrant and unique bird species, their songs echoing through the lush foliage.
* Contribute directly to the well-being of the local community, as every dollar you spend at Yacuma Ecolodge flows directly into their hands, empowering them to sustain their traditions, protect their environment, and build a brighter future.
* Be personally guided by the esteemed Bartolo Shiwango, the prior leader of the Chontayacu community, a figure of immense respect and wisdom, who once lived as a spiritual advisor to the community, offering invaluable insights and perspectives.
## Overview
A scenic six-hour drive from the vibrant city of Quito will transport you to the enchanting Yacuma Ecolodge, nestled deep within the heart of the awe-inspiring primary Amazon rainforest. The journey itself is an adventure, a gradual immersion into the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of Ecuador. Depending on the duration of your stay, a plethora of captivating activities awaits, each promising an unforgettable experience.
The lodge enjoys a privileged location on the tranquil bank of a small river, a vital waterway that gracefully connects to one of the Amazon’s largest and most significant tributaries, the mighty Rio Napo. This strategic positioning allows for easy access to the river’s wonders and the surrounding rainforest. The Yacuma Ecolodge boasts sixteen charming bungalows, each meticulously designed to provide comfort and tranquility. Each bungalow features a private bathroom, comfortable bedding ensuring a restful night’s sleep, and protective mosquito nets, safeguarding against unwanted encounters. In addition, a communal kitchen house allows for shared culinary experiences. The lodge also features a communal fireplace, perfect for gathering and sharing stories under the starlit Amazonian sky, an open hut inviting relaxation in hammocks gently swaying next to the soothing sounds of the river, and a bird-watching landing offering breathtaking panoramic views above the verdant canopy.
To truly appreciate the essence of the Amazon, we wholeheartedly recommend a minimum stay of three days. This allows ample time to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the surrounding rainforest, and participate in a variety of activities. However, if you aspire to venture deeper into the Amazon’s embrace, embarking on an unforgettable visit to the renowned Yasuni National Park, a stay of five days or more is essential. Below, you’ll discover a carefully curated list of exceptional day activities, providing you with the opportunity to craft a custom experience that resonates with your individual preferences and desires in the magnificent Amazon.
## Choose your activities
### *Jungle Walks (2-4 hours)*
From the welcoming embrace of the lodge, a diverse selection of exhilarating hikes awaits, each beckoning you into the depths of the primary jungle within the protected Yacuma Reserve. As you traverse the verdant trails, a knowledgeable local Kichwa guide will unveil the secrets of the rainforest, explaining and demonstrating the traditional methods of harvesting the main medicinal and consumable plants, sharing captivating stories about the rich history and captivating folklore of the region.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the longer hikes will lead you deeper into the jungle’s embrace, guiding you to a sacred and awe-inspiring place known as the **Tutapishco Cave**, or Bat Cave. This enchanting walk, spanning approximately 4 hours, will lead you across streams and through diverse types of terrain, showcasing the varied ecosystems of the Amazon. If fortune favors you, you may encounter the elusive wildlife that calls this rainforest home, including wild boars, Capybaras, playful monkeys, and perhaps even a glimpse of the majestic medium to large felines that prowl the jungle’s depths.
Another captivating hiking option will lead you through breathtaking Amazon landscapes, culminating in a visit to a magnificent waterfall that serves as the source of the Chontayacu River, the very river that gracefully flows next to the lodge. As you approach the waterfall, you will be captivated by the distinctive calls of the “Oropendola” bird, their intricately woven nests hanging gracefully from the trees, resembling delicate water drops.
### *Community tour (2 hours)*
The homes within the local village are typically spaced 300-400 meters apart, each surrounded by a small farm that provides the sustenance and livelihood for the families residing there, cultivating crops such as cacao, plantains, and corn.
During this immersive tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the home of one of the esteemed members of the local Kichwa community, where you can delve into the customs, history, and traditions that have shaped their way of life for generations. As you journey through the village, you’ll traverse plantations teeming with a variety of crops that flourish in the region’s fertile soil, including coffee, bananas, cacao, cassava, and an assortment of exotic fruits.
The local artisans also create beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs, such as vases, small pots, necklaces, and traditional jewelry, offering you the perfect gifts and mementos to cherish and bring back home, reminding you of your Amazonian adventure. Here, you’ll also have the chance to sample the famous Chicha drink, also known in North America as Kombucha, prepared using traditional methods that involve fermenting cassava and carrots, creating a unique and flavorful beverage.
### *Birdwatching (2 hours)*
For those with a passion for birdlife and a deep appreciation for the abundance of avian species that inhabit the jungle, an early morning rise is offered, allowing guests to witness the first flights of the day at approximately 5:30 am. This breathtaking spectacle takes place from a vantage point near the lodge, at one of the region’s few salt licks, where birds congregate to replenish essential minerals.
For an alternative birding experience, you can venture to the “Hidden Lagoon,” a secluded location renowned for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities. From the tranquil setting of small canoes, gently gliding across the lagoon’s surface, you’ll have the chance to observe a diverse array of jungle birds in their natural habitat. Among the feathered residents you might encounter are the Kingfisher, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and one of the Amazon’s most captivating birds, the Hoatzin, distinguished by its striking blue face and a distinctive Mohawk-style hairdo. You can also test your angling skills by fishing for Piranhas, a thrilling challenge that could result in a unique culinary experience, with your catch being served for dinner if you manage to reel one in!
### *Visit Yasuni National Park (Full-day)*
Yacuma Ecolodge enjoys a strategic proximity to the renowned Yasuni National Park, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot that boasts an unparalleled concentration of flora and fauna species per square mile. Yasuni National Park is also the ancestral home of the Huaorani community, an indigenous group that has thrived in this region for centuries, living in harmony with nature and maintaining limited contact with the outside world until recent times.
To embark on your Yasuni adventure, you’ll depart from Yacuma at 8 a.m., embarking on a 40-minute motorized canoe ride, followed by an hour-long journey by vehicle to the welcoming Konimpade community. At the edge of the Nushiño River, you’ll embark on a captivating walk through primary forest, marveling at the towering trees and diverse plant life, as well as observing various species of birdlife. With a touch of luck, you might even spot some of the larger mammals that call the jungle home. Finally, a 2-hour hike will lead you to the heart of the Huaorani Goya Nenquino family.
You’ll be greeted with a traditional dance performed by the community members, a vibrant expression of their culture and traditions, before indulging in a packed lunch. After a short break, embark on a brief 20-minute walk to a salt lick, where, if fortune favors you, you can witness the Guanta (Cuniculuc Paca) feeding. After immersing yourself in the company of the Huaorani family, you’ll return to Yacuma, where you’ll savor a delicious dinner and spend your last night in the captivating jungles of Ecuador.
### *Water activities (1 hour)*
As you navigate the currents of the Rio Napo, you may witness the timeless practice of locals panning for gold along the riverbanks. They often collect up to 3 grams per day, selling their precious findings for $30 per gram at the local market, providing a source of income for their families.
Also, directly from the lodge, a range of invigorating water-based activities awaits, including river kayaking, tubing, or simply indulging in a refreshing swim in the river’s cool waters. On particularly hot days, these activities offer an excellent way to relax, escape the heat, and connect with the natural beauty of the Amazon.
### *Evening bonfire*
As the day draws to a close, you’ll often find yourself gathering around a crackling bonfire after dinner, serenaded by local music, captivating legends, and enthralling stories, where everyone is invited to share their own experiences and perspectives, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
## About the lodge
Built in 1995, Yacuma Ecolodge is strategically situated on the banks of the Chontayacu River, a smaller tributary of the Rio Napo, which is one of the largest tributaries of the mighty Amazon River. The lodge was established as a collaborative initiative between the Kichwa Indigenous Community of Chontayacu and EcoAndes. The primary objective of the lodge is to contribute to the economic well-being of the community, preserve their invaluable natural environment, protect their unique culture, and safeguard their rich heritage through sustainable tourism practices.
The initial cabins were meticulously constructed using traditional methods of construction that have been employed for centuries by local jungle communities throughout the Amazon. These traditional designs prioritized optimal air flow, creating a comfortable and inviting space for rest and relaxation, especially considering the humid climate of the jungle.
Today, the design and functionality of the cabins remain remarkably similar to the original cabins that have stood here since the project’s inception. However, advancements in technology and materials have minimized the need for the use of old-growth trees. For instance, long-lasting metal beams are now utilized for cabin framing, reducing the impact of deforestation, while other fast-growing and low-impact materials are sourced locally, contributing to the local economy.
Furthermore, the lodge has implemented a range of other sustainable practices, including organic farming, the use of solar energy panels, the implementation of water treatment plants, and a variety of other small but effective projects. These initiatives have established Yacuma as one of the lodges with the least environmental impact and a socially conscious project that gives back more to the jungle and its communities than it takes.
## Getting there & away
From the bustling city of Tena, your dedicated guide will escort you to the community of San Pedro de Sumino, located on the picturesque banks of the Napo River. This scenic drive typically takes approximately 1.5 hours, utilizing a public bus service that operates regularly from the city center. Alternatively, you have the option to hire a private truck and driver for a more personalized experience. Gathering any necessary snacks and supplies at San Pedro, you’ll embark on your exhilarating adventure by river canoe into the pristine Yacuma Forest Reserve.
As you navigate upstream along the Chontayacu River, you’ll eventually arrive at the welcoming Yacuma EcoLodge, which sits on the edge of a sprawling 275-hectare reserve, which will be your home for the next few unforgettable days. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing glass of the traditional energy drink known as “Guayusa,” a beverage packed with caffeine and vitamins, providing a revitalizing energy boost to those who appreciate its distinctive taste. Next, you’ll settle into your comfortable bungalow, allowing yourself to relax and acclimate to the mesmerizing new sounds of the jungle.
## When to go
The peak season for Yacuma Ecolodge typically falls between May and September, coinciding with the summer holidays for most North Americans and Europeans. If you’re seeking a more secluded experience, with the possibility of having the entire lodge to yourself, consider visiting during the off-season, which spans from October to April. Keep in mind that the Amazon region typically experiences slightly more rainfall from October to April.
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