Ecuador’s best rainforest lodges
Ecuador’s best rainforest lodges are known for their great location in the country’s Amazon basin, their standard of comfort and the wildlife that surrounds them.
When we say “best” at Andean Trails, we try to look beyond comfort and like to focus also on the community projects each eco-lodge supports, the wildlife we find at each destination and the “welcome factor” – which is so important especially when you are staying for a few days.
So here goes…
Napo Wildlife Centre
The Napo Wildlife Centre is known throughout Ecuador for its great standard of accommodation, and its beautiful location on the Añangu Lake, in the Yasuni National Park. The last leg of your journey is by dug out paddle canoe, gliding quietly past fantastic wildlife.
Highlights at this jungle lodge include a resident family of otters, fabulous food and a great attention-to-detail service. Rooms are of high standard and suites even have a glass floor in parts to allow you to see right into the lagoon from your living area.
The lodge is community run and provides the main source of income for the Kichwa Añangu people. Profits are invested in renewable energy, education, and health care within their community.
Sani Lodge
Similar in standard to Napo Wildlife Centre, Sani Lodge also sits in a fabulous location within the Yasuni National Park. Cabins are well presented, the food is lovely and staff will go the extra mile to make your rainforest stay special. More importantly, you will find a great amount of wildlife and enthusiastic local guides at the eco-lodge. This is a great place to see the elusive Harpy Eagle!
This lodge is entirely community-run by the local Kichwa people who put a big emphasis on ensuring the protection of local flora and fauna and enforcing sustainable tourism. Special mention should go to their fantastic Sani Warmi project, empowering local women and providing them with work and income.
Sacha
Sacha Lodge provides quite possibly the best standard of accommodation and food within the Yasuni!
Its air-conditioned cabins are nicely spaced out, and there is a caged swimming pool allowing you to cool off – while protecting you from any local beasties.
The great plus of this eco-lodge is its fabulous canopy walkway which gives great views and unrivalled opportunities to see the canopy wildlife, such as toucans, birds of prey and more than 600 species of birds to spot, as well as your usual rainforest suspects.
Eden
At Eden Lodge accommodation is more basic but while we might not class it “best” in terms of accommodation (yet!), Kathy fell in love with this new lodge on her recent visit for many other reasons. Still in its infancy, this rainforest lodge offers amazing wildlife thanks to its brilliant location.
Watch Kingfishers in great abundance, Ospreys fishing and monkeys galore. Just some of the wildlife you can expect here!
Plus, it’s a fantastic new 100% community owned project that is well worth supporting. If you don’t mind that it’s still a little rough around the edges and are looking to experience as much wildlife and nature as possible, then you should definitely consider this lodge.
Changes to accommodation standards and menu choices are planned, so watch this space!
Liana Lodge
We’re including Liana Lodge in the list of best lodges in Ecuador because we think it is a great option to experience a little bit of rainforest for those short on time, on a tight budget, or families. You reach the lodge without having to fly, overland in about 4 hours from Quito. It is more rustic in standard, but boast a lovely setting right on the banks of the Arajuno River.
The lodge contributes profits to its animal rescue centre, and thanks to this project it is possible to see monkeys and other wildlife around the lodge and in its large protected forest area. A lagoon nearby is home to caimans, and families in particular will appreciate the range of soft activities to do with kids as well as seeing a range of jungle animals at the rescue centre and learning about conservation.
