"Yachana" is a Quichua word which means "a place for learning," which is an important part of YACHANA FOUNDATION'S philosophy. Yachana Lodge lives up to its name; it truly is a window into the world of the rainforest and its inhabitants.
In 1995, the YACHANA FOUNDATION constructed Yachana Lodge on the banks of the Napo River deep in the rainforest of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Yachana Lodge, a for-profit company, has welcomed over 14,000 visitors since it opened. Its income has been reinvested in the region during its 13 years of operation in the Foundation’s efforts in education, conservation, poverty reduction, healthcare, and other community development projects in the Amazon.
The author of the Lonely Planet Travel Guide to Ecuador distinguished Yachana Lodge as "the best true example of eco-tourism I've found in 17 years of travel in Ecuador". Yachana Lodge has received many outstanding awards:
- Yachana Lodge is a Smart Voyage internationally certified lodge in best practices in tourism.
- Yachana was Winner of the National Geographic and Ashoka Changemakers competition in Geotourism in June 2008.
- Education Learning Conference, best example of Responsible Tourism in the world, February 2008.
- Skål International Tourism organization recognized Yachana as the best example of Ecotourism working in Education in the world, 2007.
- Finalists in the World Travel and Tourism Award in Investing in People, 2006.
- UN World Tourism Organization as one of the best examples in the world of STEP, Sustainable Travel to Eliminate Poverty, 2005.
- Condé Nast Best Eco-tourism Lodge 2004.
As a visitor to Yachana Lodge, what you are paying directly supports the Yachana Technical High School.
The Lodge's unique itineraries provide visitors with an in-depth view of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Our guests:
- Explore our 4,300 acres of protected tropical rain forest.
- Learn about the rainforest's animals, medicinal plants and other flora from indigenous English-speaking guides.
- Visit the Yachana Technical High School and see the organic farming operation, micro enterprises, and have a chance to interact with the students. Learn about their lives and how the school is making dreams come true;
- Participate in a spiritual cleansing with a traditional Quichua healer.
- Enjoy bird watching, guided night walks through the forest, and many other cultural and natural science activities while at Yachana.
We have limited the Lodge's capacity to 40 to minimize environmental and cultural impacts. The Lodge uses alternative solar energy for much of its electricity.
By highlighting and placing an economic value on the environment and local culture, Yachana Lodge provides an incentive for communities to preserve the rainforest and their heritage.
Learn more, visit Yachana Lodge's web site or contact Yachana at info@yachana.com.
