Yachana Lodge is to be found deep in the Amazon rain forest, on the banks of the Napo River between Puerto Misahuallí and Coca - near the tiny community of Mondaña - two hours by motorized canoe from Coca. Built in 1995, the lodge is a branch of the Foundation for Education and Integral Development (FUNEDESIN), a nonprofit organization that works to educate and support the indigenous Montaña community. Yachana means "a place for learning" in the Quichua language, and indeed this environmentally friendly hotel positively plunges visitors into the indigenous lifestyle.
There are 17 rooms with a combination of either two or three single beds in each room. All are screened with mosquito netting and have private bathrooms with warm showers. Each room also has a balcony overlooking the Napo River with chairs and hammocks. Solar powered lighting is provided in the rooms and communal areas, with kerosene lanterns along the walkways. Meals are largely vegetarian with a mixture of local and international dishes, but sometimes chicken or fish is occasionally served. The bread is homemade, and the juices freshly squeezed. There is a separate room for relaxing with a small library and a balcony overlooking the Napo River. The lodge bar serves beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water and a small gift shop sells local handicrafts as well as basic supplies such as insect repellent and toothpaste.
During your stay you may take river trips in dugout canoes, watch shamans perform healing ceremonies, learn about local flora and fauna, plus eat local food, including Yachana Gourmet fair-trade chocolate.
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