Jitka S.
Google
The Yachana Lodge, operated by the Yachana Foundation, is an absolutely incredible place to stay. Although it is called an ecolodge, it offers a luxurious experience, providing all the necessities one could desire, including a hot shower and a flush toilet. Our lodges were spacious with perfect mattresses, and the windows offered beautiful views; they were covered with nets (not glass) to enhance the incredible sounds of the wild Amazon nature.
However, the most exciting aspects of this stay are the activities and the caring staff, who treat you like family. The guides, cooks, drivers, and all other staff members seem deeply involved and passionate about the Amazon and the worthy ideals of the Yachana Foundation, as if it were not just a job. They treat you like royalty, are very attentive to your needs, and their cooking is among the best I have ever tasted (they always include a delicious soup before the main meal, followed by an even more appealing dessert).
The activities are deep, meaningful, and educational, focused on protecting the biodiversity of the rainforest, conservation projects, and sharing their incredible knowledge and passion. We learned and practiced how to make our own chocolate from scratch, how to catch and identify butterflies, went on night hikes to see incredible creatures, and woke up early for morning birdwatching. We also visited a local farmer who shared his incredible efforts to protect the stingless bees and shared with us all the different types of fruits the Amazon rainforest can offer—it was so delicious.
This is a must-visit for anyone who will appreciate a personalized, educational experience of the amazing Amazon rainforest. Here, you are treated not like a visiting tourist, but like a member of their family. Please, make sure to also meet Mr. Douglas, the founder of this place, and hear his incredible story and life journey.