Sani Amazon Lodge

The journey commences with a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Coca airport, followed by a brief bus ride to the Napo River pier. Then, embark on a three-hour motor canoe expedition down Ecuador’s largest Amazonian tributary.

En route, you’ll be treated to glimpses of the rich Amazonian ecosystem, featuring ancestral communities, local crops, exotic fruits, Kaypok and giant fig trees, as well as islands at various stages of vegetative growth. Keep an eye out for diverse bird species like herons, egrets, and vultures while enjoying a packed lunch.

Next, a brief stroll leads to Challwacocha Creek, where paddle canoes await for a journey through a primary flooded forest, its dark waters alive with wildlife. Don’t be surprised to encounter black-mantled tamarin squirrel monkeys en route to the lodge. Upon arrival, savor a welcome cocktail and snacks, followed by an orientation about the lodge and its amenities before settling into your cabin.

Your guide will outline the day’s activities, which may include trail walks or canoe rides for primate, bird, and black caiman sightings, amid Amazonian flora such as giant Kapok trees, cedar, orchids, bromeliads, and palms. Dinner offers a variety of cuisine options, accommodating celiacs, vegetarians, and vegans.

The lake serves as a sanctuary for the endangered black caiman. Following dinner, naturalist guides lead a canoe expedition in pursuit of these formidable South American alligators, known to reach lengths of up to 6 meters (18 feet).

Ascend the 36-meter (118-foot) tower wrapped around a millennia-old Kapok tree for an elevated view of the upper canopy. At dawn, glide across the lake in a paddle canoe, witnessing the first stirrings of wildlife. Parrots and macaws soar overhead in search of breakfast, while the endemic Stinky turkey calmly perches on branches, seemingly posing for early morning photos. In the distance, the melodic call of the Donacobious echoes, reminiscent of a car alarm.

Upon reaching the lake’s end, a narrow channel leads into a distinctive forest of “elephant ear and freshwater mangrove,” home to howler, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys, along with various bird species like kingfishers, capped herons, woodcreepers, woodpeckers, and anis. After a brief 10-minute walk through terra firme forest, arrive at the tower.

The canopy teems with life, with colorful birds flitting about and monkeys and sloths traversing the treetops. The tower offers a unique vantage point, revealing the Amazon’s diverse ecosystem in a way that’s impossible from the forest floor.

After returning to the canoe, try your hand at piranha fishing, an iconic Amazonian activity, before heading back to the lodge for lunch.

During leisure time, make use of the lodge’s amenities, such as wildlife observation from the three-story dock, enjoying a drink at the bar with views of the lagoon, or simply relaxing in hammocks with a good book.

In the afternoon, embark on a nature walk through the primary forest, exploring the intricate relationships between its inhabitants. Encounter diverse flora, including orchids, lianas, fig trees, and valuable species like cedar and mahogany, alongside medicinal and utilitarian plants used by locals. Marvel at ancient trees draped with lianas and bromeliads.

As night falls, a new world awakens. Join a guided night walk to experience the symphony of bats, frogs, and crickets, while observing various insect species, tarantulas, tree frogs, and with some luck, snakes, armadillos, and night monkeys.

In the morning, return to the Napo River to embark on a motor canoe journey to the Parrot Clay Lick in Yasuní National Park. This site, visible from the river, is a exposed clay bank where parrots and parakeets gather to ingest clay as part of their nutritional and detoxification process. Keep an eye out for five species: Mealy-Amazon, Blue-headed, Yellow-crowned parrots, Dusky-headed, and White-eyed parakeets.

The adventure continues with a trek through the foothills of Yasuní, renowned by scientists as one of the most biodiverse regions globally. The flora is striking, featuring ancient trees and traditional medicinal plants, some exclusive to the southern Napo region. Look out for wildlife such as Golden-mantled tamarins, spider monkeys, and Scarlet Macaws. This hike in such a unique ecosystem promises many discoveries, from jaguar and puma tracks to encounters with deer, white-lipped peccaries, or white-collared peccaries.

Depart from Yasuní Park and head to the Sani Isla Community Center, where the women of the Sani Warmi Organization will share their customs and knowledge of medicinal plants from the Amazonian Kichwa culture. This immersive experience offers insight into the environmentally sustainable lifestyle of the region. At midday, engage in an Amazonian cooking class, following their guidance to prepare your own lunch with local ingredients. Additionally, guests can support the local economy by purchasing handicrafts crafted by local women using natural fibers and forest resources. This revenue contributes to education and further stimulates the local economy. After a day filled with adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion, return to the lodge to relish the Amazonian sunset from the bar or the dock.

Following an early breakfast, embark on a concluding canoe journey along Chawllacocha Creek, embracing the presence of Amazonian wildlife against the backdrop of the sunrise. Then, board the motor canoe on the Napo River to bid farewell to this enchanting land and ensure timely arrival for the flight back to Quito.

End of services! Please note that the operator retains the right to modify the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, regulations, or unforeseen circumstances.

The adventure commences with a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Coca airport, followed by a brief bus ride to the Napo River pier. From there, embark on a three-hour motor canoe journey down Ecuador’s largest Amazonian tributary.

En route, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the Amazonian ecosystem, witnessing ancestral communities, crops, indigenous fruits, towering Kaypok and fig trees, as well as islands at various stages of growth. Keep an eye out for diverse bird species like herons, egrets, and vultures while enjoying a packed lunch.

Continue the journey with a brief stroll to Challwacocha Creek, where paddle canoes await for an excursion through a primary flooded forest, its dark waters teeming with wildlife. Don’t be surprised to encounter black-mantled tamarin squirrel monkeys on the way to the lodge. Upon arrival, indulge in a welcome cocktail and snacks, followed by an orientation about the lodge’s amenities before settling into your cabin.

The guide will outline the day’s activities, which may include trail walks or canoe rides, offering opportunities to observe primates, endemic birds, black caimans, and the diverse Amazonian flora, such as giant Kapok trees, cedar, orchids, bromeliads, and palms. Come dinner time, the chef presents a variety of national and international cuisine options, accommodating dietary preferences including celiac, vegetarian, and vegan diets.

The lake serves as a sanctuary for the endangered black caiman. Following dinner, naturalist guides lead a canoe excursion in search of these formidable South American alligators, known to reach lengths of up to 6 meters (18 feet).

Ascend to the upper canopy from the 36-meter (118-foot) tower encircling a millennia-old Kapok tree. At dawn, glide across the lake in a paddle canoe, witnessing the awakening of wildlife. Hundreds of parrots and macaws soar nearby, seeking their morning meal, while the endemic Stinky turkey rests peacefully on tree branches, seemingly posing for the guests’ early photos. In the background, the Donacobious serenades with a call resembling a car alarm.

Upon reaching the lake’s end, a narrow channel leads into a distinctive forest of ‘elephant ear and freshwater mangrove,’ home to howler, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys, along with various bird species such as kingfishers, capped herons, woodcreepers, woodpeckers, and anis. Finally, arrive at the mainland and embark on a 10-minute walk through a terra firme forest trail to reach the tower.

The canopy offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife observation. Vibrant birds like macaws, toucans, parrots, honeycreepers, tanagers, and cotingas flit about, while monkeys and sloths forage in the treetops. The tower provides a unique perspective, granting a glimpse into the diverse realm of the Amazon that remains hidden from the forest floor.

After returning to the canoe, engage in piranha fishing, a quintessential Amazonian activity. Following this, return to the lodge for lunch.

During breaks from guided activities, indulge in the lodge’s amenities, whether it’s wildlife observation from the three-story dock overlooking the forest, enjoying a cold beverage at the bar with views of the lagoon, or simply unwinding in the hammocks with a book.

Embark on an afternoon nature walk through the primary forest, delving into the intricate relationships between its inhabitants and their roles in the complex tropical ecosystem. Encounter a wealth of flora, including orchids, lianas, fig trees, as well as valuable species like cedar and mahogany, alongside medicinal and utilitarian plants used by locals. Marvel at ancient trees adorned with lianas and bromeliads.

As night descends, a new world awakens. Join a guided night walk to immerse yourself in the chorus of bats, frogs, and crickets, while observing myriad insect species, tarantulas, tree frogs, and, with luck, snakes, armadillos, and night monkeys.

In the morning, return to the Napo River for a motor canoe excursion to visit the Parrot Clay Lick in Yasuní National Park. This geological feature, visible from the river, exposes clay for parrots and parakeets to ingest as part of their nutritional detoxification process. Here, you may spot five species: Mealy-Amazon, Blue-headed, Yellow-crowned parrots, Dusky-headed, and White-eyed parakeets.

Continue the adventure with a hike in the foothills of Yasuní, renowned as one of the world’s most biodiverse areas by scientists. The flora here is breathtaking, boasting ancient trees and traditional medicinal plants, including species unique to the southern Napo region like the Golden-mantled tamarin, spider monkeys, and Scarlet Macaws. Exploring this distinctive ecosystem promises many discoveries, from jaguar and puma footprints to encounters with deer, white-lipped peccaries, or white-collared peccaries.

Depart from Yasuní Park and visit the Sani Isla Community Center. Here, the women of the Sani Warmi Organization will share their customs and teach about the use of medicinal plants in the Amazonian Kichwa culture. This enriching experience sheds light on the environmentally sustainable lifestyle of the region. At midday, participate in an Amazonian cooking class, following their guidance to prepare lunch using local ingredients. Additionally, guests can support the local economy by purchasing handicrafts made by local women using natural fibers and forest products. This revenue contributes to education and uplifts the local economy. After a day filled with adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion, return to the lodge to savor the Amazonian sunset from the bar or the dock.

This day offers an ideal opportunity for nature enthusiasts seeking a complete immersion in the Amazonian environment. Embark on a full-day adventure at Sani Lodge, beginning with a two-hour canoe excursion through the lake and flooded forests, followed by a 6-hour hike along the Chorongo Largo trail. This trail is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including Jaguars, Pumas, Ocelots, Capuchin monkeys, Woolly Monkeys, Tapirs, and even Peccaries.

As the canoe glides through the habitat of giant river otters, anacondas, and large caimans, you’ll be enveloped by the enchanting landscape of the Amazon, creating a truly unique experience. Lunch is served amidst the towering centenarian trees, lush ferns, climbing vines, and exquisite flora of the forest. The return journey to the lodge by paddle canoe offers another chance to encounter wildlife, completing an unforgettable day for nature lovers.

After enjoying an early breakfast, embark on a concluding canoe journey along Chawllacocha Creek, accompanied by the sights and sounds of Amazonian wildlife against the backdrop of the sunrise. Then, board the motor canoe on the Napo River to bid farewell to this enchanting land and ensure an on-time arrival for the flight back to Quito.

End of services! Please note that the operator retains the right to modify the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, regulations, or unforeseen circumstances.

Embark on a three-hour motor canoe expedition down the Napo River, Ecuador’s largest Amazonian tributary. As you cruise, keep an eye out for diverse bird species like herons, egrets, and vultures while enjoying a packed lunch. Following this, a brief stroll leads to Challwacocha Creek, where paddle canoes await for a journey through the primary flooded forest, home to various specialties including Cocha antshrike, Dot-backed antbird, Silver antbird, Plumbeous antbird, American pygmy kingfisher, Rufescent tiger heron, and Capped heron.

Upon arrival, indulge in a welcome cocktail and snacks, followed by an orientation about the lodge and its amenities before settling into your cabin. The guide will outline the day’s activities, which may include trail walks or canoe rides, offering opportunities to observe Wattled jacana, Least bittern, Agami heron, Green and rufous kingfisher, White-chinned jacamar, Hoatzin, Red-bellied, Chesnut-fronted, Blue & yellow macaw, Cobalt-wing parakeet, Mealy Amazon, Capped heron, Neotropic cormorant, Anhinga, Ringed kingfisher, Orange-winged parrot, Pale-vented pigeon, Lesser kiskadee, Least bittern, Cream-colored woodpecker, Spot-breasted woodpecker, and Red-capped cardinal.

For dinner, the chef offers a diverse array of national and international cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options. Conclude the busy day with a canoe ride to observe Common pauraque, Common potoo, Black-crowned night heron, and Boat-billed heron.

After enjoying breakfast, ascend the 36-meter (118 ft.) observation tower to observe the bird life amidst the treetops. Your guides will paddle on Challwacocha Lake for 30 minutes, followed by a brief 10-minute walk to reach the tower. So far, over 590 bird species have been recorded, including vibrant macaws, toucans, honeycreepers, tanagers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, and the elusive Harpy Eagle.

Among the mixed groups of birds spotted are Turquoise, Flame-crested, Opal-rumped, and Opal-crowned tanagers, Golden & Orange-bellied euphonias, Green & Purple honeycreepers, Lemon-throated barbet, Spangled & Plum-throated Cotinga, Great potoo, Great jacamar, and Crested eagle. After the treetop activity, descend to spend the remainder of the day in the understory, seeking out antbirds and manakins such as the Lunulated antbird, Fulvous antshrike, Long-tailed potoo, and Wire-tailed manakin.

Lunch will be served back at the lodge. Additional birding opportunities can be found at the bar and the three-story dock. Keep your binoculars ready to spot Silver-beaked tanagers, Long-billed woodcreepers, Masked – crimson tanagers, Hoatzins, Yellow-rumped caciques, White-throated Toucans, and Many-banded aracarís.

In the afternoon, venture along the Chorongo trail, where you may have the chance to observe Brownish twistings, Chestnut-belted gnateaters, Black-tailed leaftosers, Thrush-like antpittas, Wire-tailed manakins, Blue-crowned manakins, Screaming Pihás, and Rusty-belted tapaculos.

Following breakfast, head to the Napo River to embark on a boat excursion to visit the parrot-clay lick in Yasuní National Park, offering a stunning spectacle of hundreds of parrots seeking out exposed clay to ingest. Witness Mealy Amazon, Yellow-crowned, Orange-winged, and Blue-headed parrots, along with Dusky-headed parakeets.

Alternatively, explore another clay-lick, a cave where hundreds of Cobalt-winged parakeets gather to consume dissolved minerals in accumulated water, accompanied by Scarlet Macaws and Orange-cheeked parrots.

For those inclined towards hiking, an option is to venture south of the Napo within Yasuní National Park, celebrated by scientists as the most biodiverse area globally. Here, you may encounter species not typically found in the northern region, such as White-plumed antbirds, Lunulated antbirds, Blue-backed Manakins, Ochre-striped antpittas, Chestnut-headed crakes, Yellow-billed jacamars, Purplish jacamars, Ash-throated gnateaters, Rio Suno Antwrens, Rufous-tailed Antwrens, and Brown-backed Antwrens.

Another possibility is birdwatching in the islands, where you can seek out notable species like Orange-backed troupials, Olive-spotted hummingbirds, Fuscous flycatchers, Black and White antbirds, White-bellied and dark-breasted spinetails, and Orange-headed tanagers.

Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner, concluding the day’s adventures.

The adventure commences with a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Coca airport. Upon arrival, your guide escorts you on a brief bus journey to the Napo River pier. From there, embark on a thrilling three-hour motor canoe voyage down Ecuador’s largest Amazonian tributary.

As you traverse, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the diverse Amazonian ecosystem, encompassing ancestral communities, cultivated lands, local fruits, Kaypok trees, and towering fig trees, amidst islands displaying varying ages and vegetation. While indulging in a packed lunch, keep an eye out for an array of bird species, including herons, egrets, and vultures.

Continuing your journey, a brief stroll leads to Challwacocha Creek, where you’ll transition to paddle canoes for an excursion through a primary flooded forest, characterized by its dark tea-colored waters teeming with wildlife. Be prepared to encounter black-mantled tamarin and squirrel monkeys en route to the lodge. Upon arrival, indulge in a welcoming cocktail and snacks, followed by an informative orientation about the lodge and its amenities before settling into your cabin.

Your guide will outline the day’s activities, which may include trail walks or canoe rides, providing ample opportunities to observe primates, endemic birds, black caimans, and the rich Amazonian flora, featuring majestic Kapok trees, cedar, orchids, bromeliads, and palms. For dinner, the chef offers a diverse selection of national and international dishes, accommodating dietary preferences such as celiac, vegetarian, and vegan options.

The lake serves as a sanctuary for the endangered black caiman. Following dinner, join the naturalist and local guides on a thrilling canoe excursion in search of these formidable South American alligators, known to reach lengths of up to 6 meters (18 feet).

Explore the upper canopy from our 36-meter (118-foot) tower encircling a centuries-old Kapok tree. At dawn, glide in a paddle canoe across the lake, witnessing the stirring of wildlife. Parrots and macaws flock nearby in search of breakfast, while the endemic Stinky turkey calmly perches, seemingly posing for guests’ early morning snapshots. In the background, the melodious song of the Donacobious resembles a distant car alarm.

Upon reaching the lake’s end, a narrow channel grants passage through a unique forest of ‘elephant ear and freshwater mangrove,’ teeming with howler, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys, alongside various avian species including kingfishers, capped herons, woodcreepers, woodpeckers, and anis. Following a 10-minute walk through terra firme forest, arrive at the tower.

The canopy teems with vibrant wildlife, including macaws, toucans, parrots, honeycreepers, tanagers, and cotingas, while monkeys and sloths navigate the treetops. From the tower’s vantage point, witness the Amazon’s diverse ecosystem in a way impossible from the forest floor.

After canoeing back, engage in piranha fishing, an iconic Amazonian activity, before returning to the lodge for lunch. During downtime, take advantage of lodge amenities such as wildlife observation from the three-story dock, enjoying a cold beverage at the bar with a view of the lagoon, or simply unwinding in hammocks with a book.

Embark on an afternoon nature walk through the primary forest to uncover the intricate relationships between its inhabitants and their roles in this intricate ecosystem. The flora is abundant, boasting orchids, lianas, fig trees, as well as valuable species like cedar and mahogany, alongside medicinal plants utilized by locals. Ancient trees adorned with lianas and bromeliads add to the forest’s allure.

As night falls, a new world awakens. Embark on a nocturnal walk to immerse yourself in the symphony of bats, frogs, and crickets, while encountering myriad insect species, tarantulas, tree frogs, and with luck, snakes, armadillos, and night monkeys.

In the morning, journey back to the Napo River and hop aboard a motor canoe to venture to the Parrot Clay Lick within Yasuní National Park. This natural formation, visible from the river, exposes clay used by parrots and parakeets for nutritional detoxification. Keep an eye out for five species: Mealy-Amazon, Blue-headed, Yellow-crowned parrots, Dusky-headed, and White-eyed parakeets.

Continue your adventure with a trek through the foothills of Yasuní, hailed by scientists as the planet’s most biodiverse region. Marvel at the stunning flora, boasting ancient trees and traditional medicinal plants, including species exclusive to the southern Napo area like the Golden-mantled tamarin, spider monkeys, and Scarlet Macaws. Exploring this ecosystem presents opportunities to discover jaguar and puma footprints, encounter deer, white-lipped peccaries, and white-collared peccaries.

Depart Yasuní Park and make your way to the Sani Isla Community Center. Here, the women of the Sani Warmi Organization will share their customs and impart knowledge on the use of medicinal plants in Amazonian Kichwa culture. This immersive experience offers insight into the environmentally sustainable lifestyle practiced in the region. At midday, engage in an Amazonian cooking class, preparing lunch with locally sourced ingredients under their guidance. Additionally, support the local economy by purchasing handicrafts made by women using natural fibers and forest resources. This contributes to educational initiatives and bolsters the local economy.

After a day filled with adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion, return to the lodge to savor the Amazonian sunset from the bar or the dock.

The eagerly awaited day has finally arrived, marking the culmination of your immersive experience at Sani Lodge, where you’ve savored the richness of flora, fauna, culture, and amenities. Now, it’s time to embrace the profound spiritual journey offered at Kallary Kawsay, also known as the Ancestral-Life Ceremonial Center.

Upon arrival at the center, the shaman provides intricate insights into the significance of spiritual cleansing within the Kichwa culture’s worldview. Kallary Kawsay unfolds amidst picturesque gardens adorned with staple crops like banana, manioc, and tobacco plants, alongside vibrant flowers and fruit-bearing shrubs that attract hummingbirds, honeycreepers, and tanagers.

The ceremony commences as the shaman initiates a profound ritual, inviting guests to partake in a locally-crafted cigar, passing it around to infuse it with collective energy. Once ignited, the smoke serves as a conduit for the shaman to perceive and diagnose energetic imbalances, enveloping each participant in its purifying essence. Guests can then luxuriate in a handcrafted cedar bathtub, infused with herbal elixirs and healing plants meticulously chosen for their spiritual cleansing properties. Through the utilization of these sacred plants, negative energies are dispelled, leaving behind a profound sense of tranquility and holistic well-being.

Following the ceremony, a delectable lunch awaits, served amidst the tranquil surroundings of Kallary Kawsay. Subsequently, guests are treated to a captivating demonstration on crafting fishing lines, hammocks, and baskets from palm fibers and lianas, providing insight into age-old artisanal practices of the Amazonian people. As the afternoon draws to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to Kallary Kawsay and return to the lodge, reflecting on the transformative journey experienced within the sacred embrace of shamanism.