General Information
Sani Lodge - Yasuni National Park
Sani Lodge is truly a one of a kind Ecuador ecolodge dedicated to ecotourism, environmental conservation, and community projects in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. Sani Lodge is owned and operated by members of the Sani community, meaning that with their extensive knowledge of Amazon wildlife and biodiversity, Sani Lodge guests receive a real experience of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. In addition to providing excellent service to its guests, Sani Lodge participates in community ecotourism - profits from the jungle lodge are reinvested into the community, improving the lives of all who live there.
Located on a 40,000 hectare reserve of untouched primary rainforest at the edge of the Yasuni National Park, south of the Cuyabeno Reserve, the area around Sani Lodge offers an amazing level of biodiversity. A pristine rainforest gallery that is home to 1,500 species of trees, hundreds of climbing vines and exotic flowers, as well as 550 species of tropical birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1,000 species of beautiful butterflies.
Sani Lodge accommodates a maximum of 38 guests, emphasizing quality rather than quantity for a more intimate experience within the rainforest. The lodge itself consists of ten private, thatch-roofed cabanas and 4 family cabins, each with a modern bathroom. The spacious cabanas are designed for double or triple occupancy, and have screened windows to guard against insects while you sleep.
A remote camping area, about an hour away from the main lodge, offers a spectacular experience for budget or more adventurous travelers. After your welcome at the lodge, you depart for the campsite in a paddle canoe with a native guide, naturalist guide and a chef who will remain with you durnig your stay at the campground. Tents are on platfoms with thatched roofs to protect against the elements, and all bedding and necessary equipment is provided (except a flashlight, please bring your own). The site has a shower and dry toilet as well. Food and service is the same quality as found at the lodge.
The bar and dining areas overlook the lake, and offer first class service and a variety of international cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients.
- Classification: First Class
- Ownership and Operation: Community owned and operated
- Departure days: Any day (except Sundays)
- Departure City: Coca
- Accommodations: 10 private cabins designed for double, triple or quadruple occupancy, 4 family cabins, plus camping area
- Electricity: Solar and generator
- Features: Hot water, Bar, lounge, dining area, observation tower, laundry service
- Activities offered: Birdwatching including a parrot clay lick, hiking, canoeing, fishing, night hikes and caiman watching, community visit
Itinerary
Itineraries listed below are subject to changes, but are presented to give an overview of the activities you can expect during your stay at the lodge. Activities at Sani Lodge can be adjusted and are planned according to the desires, preferences and suggestions of guests.
- Example 4 Day Itinerary
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DAY ONE
Departure from Coca at 11:00. Snack on the boat, followed by a canoe trip following a small stream that connects the Napo River to the Chaullayacu Lagoon (walking about 10 minutes plus about 20 minutes in canoe). Arrival at the lodge at approximately 13:15, with a welcome drink and snack. After settling into our rooms, lunch followed by a canoe trip or hike through the forest for the rest of the afternoon. We have dinner at about 19:00, followed by an optional night hike through the forest to observe the nighttime wildlife.
DAY TWO
After an early breakfast, we depart for the Chorongo Trail by canoe, crossing the lagoon and observing the morning activity in the forest. We hike the Chorongo Trail for about 3 or 4 hours, then have lunch at the Coto trail. Piranha fishing in the afternoon. Return to the lodge for dinner, optional night hike.
DAY THREE
Early breakfast, followed by a departure to the 37 meter birdwatching tower including a canoe trip and a short hike. We spend a couple of hours at the tower, observing an amazing variety of bird life and listening to the sounds of the howler monkey. At about 9:00, we start a hike of about 2 and a half hours along the Daniel trail back to the lodge, exploring the flora and fauna of the jungle. Lunch, then we depart for a visit to the Sani Isla community center where we spend the afternoon with the community. Return to the lodge by canoe, enjoying the sunset in the Challuacocha lagoon. Dinner, night hike.
DAY FOUR
Early breakfast, then we depart the lodge at about 6:30 to begin our return to Coca (about a 30 minute morning canoe trip on the lagoon and 3 hours upriver along the Rio Napo). Arrival to Coca around 10:30 AM.
- Example 5 Day Itinerary
-
DAY ONE
Departure from Coca at 11:00. Snack on the boat, followed by a canoe trip following a small stream that connects the Napo River to the Chaullayacu Lagoon. Arrival at the lodge at approximately 13:15, with a welcome drink and snack. After settling into our rooms, lunch followed by a canoe trip or hike through the forest for the rest of the afternoon. We have dinner at about 19:00, followed by an optional night hike through the forest to observe the nighttime wildlife.
DAY TWO
After an early breakfast, we depart for the Chorongo Trail by canoe, crossing the lagoon and observing the morning activity in the forest. We hike the Chorongo Trail for about 3 or 4 hours, then return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, we hike the Swamp Trail for about 2 hours, returning to the lodge for dinner. Night hike or caiman watching after dinner.
DAY THREE
Early breakfast, followed by a departure to the birdwatching tower including a canoe trip and a short hike. We spend a couple of hours at the tower, observing an amazing variety of bird life and listening to the sounds of the howler monkey. At about 9:00, we start a hike of about 2 and a half hours back to the lodge, exploring the flora and fauna of the jungle. Lunch, then we go out on the lagoon to fish for piranha and watch the sunset from the lagoon. Dinner.
DAY FOUR
Early breakfast, then we depart for the Coto trail by dugout canoe, traveling through the forest for about an hour and twenty minutes. We hike the Coto trail for about an hour, then return to the lodge by canoe. Lunch, followed by a departure for the birdwatching tower for evening observation. We return to the lodge, then after dinner we have the option for a night hike or caiman watching.
DAY FIVE
Early breakfast, then we depart the lodge at about 6:30 to begin our return to Coca (about a 30 minute morning canoe trip on the lagoon and 3 hours upriver along the Rio Napo). Arrival to Coca around 10:30 AM.
Prices
Cabins:
- 5 days: $1324 USD per adult, double occupancy or willing to share. Single cabin additional.
- 4 days: $1058 USD per adult, double occupancy or willing to share. Single cabin additional.
- 5 days: $600 USD per adult
- 4 days: $500 USD per adult
Notes: Children under 5 stay free, under 12 receive a 30% discount. 6, 7 and 8 day tours available; please contact us for pricing.
Tour Includes:
- Accommodations and 3 meals per day
- Native guide and bilingual guide
- Rubber boots for the hikes and walks
- Excursions
- Transportation between Coca and the lodge
Tour Excludes:
- Airfare or bus transportation Quito - Coca - Quito (ask us for current pricing)
- Optional extra activities: Parrot Clay Lick, entrance fee applies
- Bar tab, extra snacks or drinks
- Expenses in Coca before or after the tour
- Tips