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Enjoy your Amazon tour in Sani Lodge, located in Yasuni National Park
Sani Lodge, a unique Ecuador ecolodge. Here, the biodiversity will amaze you! On your adventure, you will walk through a pristine rainforest gallery that is home of 550 species of tropical birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1,000 species of beautiful butterflies.
With our extensive knowledge of the Amazon wildlife and biodiversity, we can give Sani Lodge guests the true experience of an Ecuadorian Amazon jungle tour. We have incredible wildlife at Sani – a nearby biostation has recorded world records in the amount of tree, frog and insect species found in the area.You can also see ground mammals and certain species of monkeys.
Sani Lodge is attended by its owners all the time, so the profits stay in the community and it helps to improve in healthcare and education of the community! With this fact, we guarantee that all the visitors have a Real Cultural Experience with wildlife and enjoying wonderful times with the community.
The perfect opportunity to be in a Truly Primary Rainforest full of incredible and varied wildlife. You will see birds, mammals and reptiles in our well-maintained trails with a low impact in our area that keeps animals and nature in its place. A whole natural world surrounding you while you stay in our comfortable cabins, and trying delicious typical food. The global population size of the Harpy Eagle has not been quantified, usually this specie is described as ‘uncommon’, however in Sani Lodge is the ONLY place in the world where you can reliable see it. In Sani Lodge, 85% OF BIRDWATCHERS FIND THE HARPY EAGLE.
ACCOMMODATION
The lodge itself consists of ten, private, thatch-roofed cabanas and 4 family size cabins, each with a private bathroom.
The cabanas are spaciously designed for double or triple occupancy.
SERVICES
Sani Lodge is attended by It´s owners all the time, so profits stays in the community and it helps to improve in healthcare and education!
ACTIVITIES
Observation Tower:
At our 37m (100ft) tree tower, built next to a giant, emergent Kapok tree, one can look out across the rainforest canopy, this gives you a
unique perspective, opening up a whole new world of Amazon biodiversity that is often dicult, if not impossible to see. White-throated Toucan, and Bare-necked Fruitcrow, to name just a few, and if you have a little luck, you might even see Red Howler Monkeys asleep in the treetops.
Caiman Watching:
Our black-water Oxbow Lake is one of the increasingly rare havens for the endangered black caiman, supporting a healthy population of these large, up to 4-meter long crocodilians. After the sun sets, these non-aggressive and shy reptiles become active along the water’s edge. At night, they can be seen swimming lazily across the lake.
Blowgun Practice:
Learn how to use this legendary weapon. The blowgun is used by the Kichwa people as a method of hunting monkeys, birds, tapirs and other animals. A liquid that comes from the mixing of plants and animal venom, what the locals call “curare”, works as a paralyzing agent on the animals they want to hunt.
Night Walks:
Many animals stay hidden away for most of the day, but at night the forest comes alive with myriad insects and other animals, beyond your wildest imagination, including tree frogs ranging in size from that of your fingernail to the size of your whole hand. A hike through the rainforest at night is an opportunity to discover the mysteries of what happens in the dark, hidden recesses of the forest where few dare to venture.
Yasuni National Park:
See parrots and parakeets from special viewing blinds within camera range! They come here most mornings to eat clay that aids their digestion of unripe seeds and fruits. The nearest blind is just 50-meters from the river. Here you will see mealy Amazon, yellow-crowned, orange-winged and blue-headed parrots among others.
Hiking:
Guided hikes will start after a relaxing canoe ride across the Challuacocha lagoon. Sani oers various trails depending on your desired level of diculty. Guided hikes will lead you across muddy swamps on log bridges, through the dense jungle of natural treefall gaps, and beneath the understory shade of pristine, primary rainforest. Along the way you will learn about medicinal plants, taste edible fruits and insects and discover how to weave traditional palm-fiber bags.
Community Visit:
A visit to Sani community and the Kichwa people provides a unique opportunity to come face to face with the local culture. The women´s organization invites you to experience the overlap of traditional Kichwa culture with current everyday life in the community. This is a fascinating insight into the world of the indigenous people and a chance to see, hear, touch and taste some of the aspects of life in the Amazon.
Itineraries
Amazonian birds, black caimans and a close encounter with the amazing flora represented by cedar trees, orchids, and bromeliads
Day 1: Arrival Francisco de Orellana – Coca - Sani Lodge
The experience starts with a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Coca airport. Upon arrival, the guide takes you all on a short bus ride to the Napo River pier. From there, a three-hour motor canoe trip down the largest Ecuadorian tributary of the Amazon.
During the journey, you will first glimpse the Amazonian ecosystem, including ancestral communities, crops, local fruits, Kaypok trees, giant fig trees, and islands of different ages and vegetative succession. Various bird species, such as herons, egrets, and vultures, can be spotted while enjoying a packed lunch.
The journey continues with a short walk to Challwacocha Creek, where you will board paddle canoes for a trip through a primary flooded forest of black tea-colored waters teeming with wildlife. Don´t be surprised to see black-mantled tamarin squirrel monkeys on the way to the lodge. Upon arrival, you will be served a welcome cocktail and snacks, followed by an introductory talk about the lodge and its facilities before settling into your cabin.
The guide will explain the activities for the rest of the day. One option is to walk along the nearby trails or take a canoe ride. During these activities, you will have the opportunity to observe primates, endemic birds, black caimans, and the Amazonian flora, which includes giant Kapok trees, cedar, orchids, bromeliads, and palms. At dinner time, our chef offers various national and international cuisine options that cater to celiacs, vegetarians, and vegans.
The lake is a refuge for the endangered black caiman. After dinner, the naturalist and local guides lead a canoe excursion in search of these large South American alligators, which can measure up to 6 meters (18 feet).
Day 2: Discover wildlife in its natural state
Experience the upper canopy from our 36-meter (118-foot) tower built around a millennial Kapok tree. In the early morning, take a paddle canoe to cross the lake and observe the first signs of wildlife. Hundreds of parrots and macaws fly nearby, searching for their first meal. Meanwhile, the endemic Stinky turkey perches placidly on tree branches as if waiting for the guests’ first-morning photo. In the background, a Donacobious can be heard singing something resembling a car alarm.
Upon reaching the lake’s end, a small channel opens up, allowing navigation through a unique forest of ‘elephant ear and freshwater mangrove.’ This area is the habitat of howler, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys, as well as some species of kingfishers, capped herons, woodcreepers, woodpeckers, and anis. Finally, reach the mainland and continue a 10-minute walk through a terra firme forest trail leading to the tower.
The canopy is a haven for wildlife viewing. Colorful birds such as macaws, toucans, parrots, honeycreepers, tanagers, and cotingas fly by while monkeys and sloths forage in the treetops. The tower provides a unique perspective, offering a glimpse into the diverse world of the Amazon that is impossible to appreciate from the forest floor.
After returning to the canoe, we will go piranha fishing, one of the symbolic creatures of the Amazon. Following the fishing, we will head back to the lodge for lunch.
During a break from guided activities, you can enjoy the lodge’s facilities, such as wildlife watching from the three-story dock overlooking the forest, having a cold beverage at the bar while enjoying the lagoon view, or simply relaxing in the hammocks with a book.
Take an afternoon nature walk through the primary forest to discover the intrinsic relationships between living creatures and their roles in this complex tropical ecosystem. The rich flora includes orchids, lianas, fig trees, valuable species such as cedar and mahogany, and medicinal and useful plants used by local people. You will also see ancient trees adorned with lianas and bromeliads.
After dinner, a different world awakens. It’s time for a night walk to listen to and enjoy the chorus of bats, frogs, and crickets while observing dozens of insect species, tarantulas, tree frogs, and, with a bit of luck, snakes, armadillos, and night monkeys.
Day 3: Yasuní Wonders and Cultural Experience
In the morning, return to the Napo River to board a motor canoe and visit the Parrot Clay Lick in Yasuní National Park. This is a visible landslide from the river where clay is exposed for parrots and parakeets to digest as part of their nutrition-detoxification process. You can spot five species: Mealy-Amazon, Blue-headed, Yellow-crowned parrots, Dusky-headed, and White-eyed parakeets.
The adventure continues with a walk in the foothills of Yasuní, which scientists consider the most biodiverse area in the world. The flora is spectacular, with centenary trees and traditional medicine, including species that can only be found in the south of Napo, such as the Golden-mantled tamarin, spider monkeys, and Scarlet Macaws. The hike in this unique ecosystem offers much to be discovered: footprints of jaguars, pumas and encounters with deer, white-lipped peccaries, or white-collared peccaries.
Leave Yasuní Park and head to the Sani Isla Community Center. Here, the women of the Sani Warmi Organization will share the customs and teach the use of medicinal plants of the Amazonian Kichwa culture. This unique experience will help you understand why this way of life is environmentally sustainable. Experience an Amazonian cooking class at midday; just follow their instructions to prepare your own lunch using local ingredients. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to support the local economy by shopping for handicrafts made by local women using natural fibers and forest products. This income allows them to invest in education and further boost the local economy. After a full day of adventure, wildlife, and culture, return to the lodge to enjoy the Amazonian sunset from the bar or the dock.
Day 4: Return to the Napo River - Coca
After an early breakfast, take a final canoe ride through Chawllacocha Creek, accompanied by the Amazonian wildlife and the sunrise. Board the motor canoe on the Napo River to depart this magical land and arrive on time for the flight to Quito.
End of services! The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, regulations or unforeseeable circumstances.
Black Caiman watching!, hiking, night trails... and more activities at Sani. The first day you'll enjoy the afternoon on the lagoon and still have time to enjoy an evening's activity
Day 1: Arrival Francisco de Orellana – Coca - Sani Lodge
El lago Challuacocha, naturalmente de aguas negras, por la concentración de materia orgánica, es uno de los atractivos de Sani Lodge. Foto: Ana Cristina Alvarado.[/caption]
The experience starts with a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Coca airport. Upon arrival, the guide takes you all on a short bus ride to the Napo River pier. From there, a three-hour motor canoe trip down the largest Ecuadorian tributary of the Amazon.
During the journey, you will first glimpse the Amazonian ecosystem, including ancestral communities, crops, local fruits, Kaypok trees, giant fig trees, and islands of different ages and vegetative succession. Various bird species, such as herons, egrets, and vultures, can be spotted while enjoying a packed lunch.
The journey continues with a short walk to Challwacocha Creek, where you will board paddle canoes for a trip through a primary flooded forest of black tea-colored waters teeming with wildlife. Don´t be surprised to see black-mantled tamarin squirrel monkeys on the way to the lodge. Upon arrival, you will be served a welcome cocktail and snacks, followed by an introductory talk about the lodge and its facilities before settling into your cabin.
The guide will explain the activities for the rest of the day. One option is to walk along the nearby trails or take a canoe ride. During these activities, you will be able to observe primates, endemic birds, black caimans, and the Amazonian flora, including giant Kapok trees, cedar, orchids, bromeliads, and palms. At dinner time, our chef offers various national and international cuisine options that cater to celiacs, vegetarians, and vegans.
The lake is a refuge for the endangered black caiman. After dinner, the naturalist and local guides lead a canoe excursion in search of these large South American alligators, which can measure up to 6 meters (18 feet).
Day 2: Discover wildlife in its natural state
Experience the upper canopy from our 36-meter (118-foot) tower built around a millennial Kapok tree. In the early morning, take a paddle canoe to cross the lake and observe the first signs of wildlife. Hundreds of parrots and macaws fly nearby, searching for their first meal. Meanwhile, the endemic Stinky turkey perches placidly on tree branches as if waiting for the guests’ first-morning photo. In the background, a Donacobious can be heard singing something resembling a car alarm.
Upon reaching the lake’s end, a small channel opens up, allowing navigation through a unique forest of ‘elephant ear and freshwater mangrove.’ This area is the habitat of howler, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys, as well as some species of kingfishers, capped herons, woodcreepers, woodpeckers, and anis. Finally, reach the mainland and continue with a 10-minute walk through a terra firme forest trail leading to the tower.
The canopy is a haven for wildlife viewing. Colorful birds such as macaws, toucans, parrots, honeycreepers, tanagers, and cotingas fly by while monkeys and sloths forage in the treetops. The tower provides a unique perspective, offering a glimpse into the diverse world of the Amazon that is impossible to appreciate from the forest floor.
After returning to the canoe, we will go piranha fishing, one of the symbolic creatures of the Amazon. Following the fishing, we will head back to the lodge for lunch.
During a break from guided activities, you can enjoy the lodge’s facilities, such as wildlife watching from the three-story dock overlooking the forest, having a cold beverage at the bar while enjoying the lagoon view, or simply relaxing in the hammocks with a book.
Take an afternoon nature walk through the primary forest to discover the intrinsic relationships between living creatures and their roles in this complex tropical ecosystem. The rich flora includes orchids, lianas, fig trees, valuable species such as cedar and mahogany, and medicinal and useful plants used by locals. You will also see ancient trees adorned with lianas and bromeliads.
After dinner, a different world awakens. It’s time for a night walk to listen to and enjoy the chorus of bats, frogs, and crickets while observing dozens of insect species, tarantulas, tree frogs, and, with a bit of luck, snakes, armadillos, and night monkeys.
Day 3: Visit Kichwa Commune
In the morning, return to the Napo River to board a motor canoe and visit the Parrot Clay Lick in Yasuní National Park. This is a visible landslide from the river where clay is exposed for parrots and parakeets to digest as part of their nutrition-detoxification process. You can spot five species: Mealy-Amazon, Blue-headed, Yellow-crowned parrots, Dusky-headed, and White-eyed parakeets.
The adventure continues with a walk in the foothills of Yasuní, which scientists consider the most biodiverse area in the world. The flora is spectacular, with centenary trees and traditional medicine, including species that can only be found south of Napo, such as the Golden-mantled tamarin, spider monkeys, and Scarlet Macaws. The hike in this unique ecosystem offers much to be discovered: footprints of jaguars and pumas, encounters with deer, white-lipped peccaries, or white-collared peccaries.
Leave Yasuní Park and head to the Sani Isla Community Center. Here, the women of the Sani Warmi Organization will share the customs and teach the use of medicinal plants of the Amazonian Kichwa culture. This unique experience will help you understand why this way of life is environmentally sustainable. Experience an Amazonian cooking class at midday; follow their instructions to prepare your lunch using local ingredients. Additionally, guests can support the local economy by shopping for handicrafts local women make using natural fibers and forest products. This income allows them to invest in education and boost the local economy. After a full day of adventure, wildlife, and culture, return to the lodge to enjoy the Amazonian sunset from the bar or the dock.
Day 4: Yasuní National Park
This day is ideal for nature enthusiasts who wish to experience the Amazonian environment fully. Experience the hidden areas of Sani Lodge with a full-day adventure that includes a two-hour canoe ride through the lake and flooded forests, followed by a 6-hour hike on the Chorongo Largo trail. This trail is home to wildlife, including Jaguars, Pumas, Ocelots, Capuchin monkeys, Woolly Monkeys, Tapirs, and even Peccaries.
The canoe glides through the habitat of giant river otters, anacondas, and large caimans, surrounded by the magical landscape of the Amazon. It is a truly unique experience.
Lunch is served amidst the forest’s towering centenarian trees, lush ferns, climbing vines, and exquisite flora. The return trip to the lodge by paddle canoe provides another opportunity to spot wildlife.
Day 5: Return to the Napo River - Coca
After an early breakfast, take a final canoe ride through Chawllacocha Creek, accompanied by the Amazonian wildlife and the sunrise. Board the motor canoe on the Napo River to depart this magical land and arrive on time for the flight to Quito.
End of services! The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, regulations, or unforeseeable circumstances.
Around 180 species can be seen on a 4-day trip, one of the most extensive lists in the world. Whether you travel by vehicle or plane, the guide will meet you in the town of Coca. This is just a sample itinerary; if you have a specific interest, we suggest you hire a private local Spanish-speaking or bilingual ornithological guide.
Day 1
A three-hour motor canoe trip down the largest Ecuadorian tributary of the Amazon, the Napo River. During the journey, various bird species, such as herons, egrets, and vultures, can be spotted while enjoying a packed lunch. The journey continues with a short walk to Challwacocha Creek, where you will board paddle canoes for a trip through the primary flooded forest home of these specialties:
• Cocha antshrike
• Dot- backed antbird
• Silver antbird
• Plumbeous antbird
• American pygmy kingfisher
• Rufescent tiger heron
• Capped heron
Upon arrival, you will be served a welcome cocktail and snacks, followed by an introductory talk about the lodge and its facilities before settling into your cabin.
The guide will explain the activities for the rest of the day. One option is to walk along the nearby trails or take a canoe ride. During these activities, you will be able to watch:
• Wattled jacana
• Least bittern
• Agami heron
• Green and rufous kingfisher
• White-chinned jacamar
• Hoatzin
• Red-bellied, Chesnut-fronted, Blue & yellow macaw
• Cobalt-wing parakeet
• Mealy Amazon
• Capped heron
• Neotropic cormorant
• Anhinga
• Ringed kingfisher
• Orange-winged parrot
• Pale-vented pigeon
• Lesser kiskadee
• Least bittern
• Cream-colored woodpecker
• Spot-breasted woodpecker
• Red-capped cardinal
Our chef offers a wide variety of national and international cuisine for dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
The last activity of this busy day is a canoe ride to watch
• Common pauraque
• Common potoo
• Black-crowned night heron
• Boat-billed heron
Day 2
After breakfast, experience the bird life on the tree tops from the 36-meter (118 ft.) observation tower. Your leaders will paddle on the Challwacocha Lake for 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to get there. Over 590 species of birds have been registered so far, including colorful birds such as macaws, toucans, honeycreepers, tanagers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, and the rare Harpy Eagle.
Mixed groups include
• Turquoise, Flame-crested, Opal-rumped and Opal-crowned tanagers
• Golden & Orange-bellied euphonias
• Green & Purple honeycreepers
• Lemon-throated barbet
• Spangled & Plum throated Cotinga
• Great potoo
• Great jacamar
• Crested eagle
Once the treetop activity is over, we head down to spend the rest of the day in the understory, searching for antbirds and manakins.
• Lunulated antbird
• Fulvous antshrike
• Long-tailed potoo
• Wire-tailed manakin.
Lunch will be served at the lodge
More birding spots: The bar & three-storey dock
Have your binoculars handy to spot Silver-beaked tanager, Long-billed woodcreeper, Masked – crimson tanager, the infallible Hoatzin besides Yellow-rumped cacique, White-throated Toucan, Many- banded aracarí
We will walk on the Chorongo trail in the afternoon with the possibility to watch
• Brownish twisting
• Chestnut- belted gnateater
• Black-tailed leaftoser
• Thrush- like antpitta
• Wire-tailed manakin
• Blue-crowned manakin
• Screaming Piha
• Rusty- belted tapaculo
Day 3
After breakfast, depart to the Napo River to board the boat and visit the parrot-clay lick at Yasuní National Park for a beautiful view of hundreds of parrots searching for a gap to land to eat the earth. You will see Mealy Amazon, Yellow-crowned, Orange-winged, and Blue-headed parrots, besides Dusky-headed parakeets.
The other clay-lick is a cave where hundreds of Cobalt-winged parakeets ingest dissolved minerals in the water accumulated on the ground with the companion of Scarlet Macaw and Orange-cheeked parrot.
Another alternative is a hike south of the Napo inside Yasuní National Park, considered by scientists the most biodiverse area in the world; here, some species that cannot be found in the north might be spotted.
• White-plumed antbird
• Lunulated antbird
• Blue-backed Manakin
• Ochre-striped antpitta
• Chestnut-headed crake
• Yellow-billed jacamar
• Purplish jacamar
• Ash-throated gnateater
• Rio Suno Antwren
• Rufous-tailed Antwren
• Brown-backed Antwren
Another option is birding in the islands, searching for the outstanding
• Orange-backed troupial
• Olive- spotted hummingbird,
• Fuscous flycatcher,
• Black and White antbird,
• White-bellied & dark-breasted spinetails
• Orange-headed tanager
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner.
Day 4
After an early breakfast, take a final canoe ride through Chawllacocha Creek, accompanied by the Amazonian wildlife and the sunrise. Board the motor canoe on the Napo River to depart this magical land and arrive on time for the flight to Quito.
End of services!
The operator reserves the right to change the program without prior notice due to weather conditions, regulations beyond our control, or unforeseen circumstances.
- All meals begin with packed lunch on the first day, ending with breakfast on the last day.
- Assistance Coca airport
- Transfer Coca–Lodge – Coca
- Accommodation
- English-speaking naturalist guide shared
- All excursions and activities like program detail
- Rain Poncho
- Rubber boots up to 12 US Men’s size
- Snacks for morning excursions
- Purified water, coffee, and tea free of charge
- Air ticket Quito – Coca – Quito USD 260 (Subject to change / Includes assistance at the airports)
- Personal expenses, drinks, tips
- Other non-specified requirements (laundry)
RATES 2025
| Rates per person 2025 |
| in US$ DOLLARS |
| NATURALIST TOUR |
| STANDARD - |
| SUPERIOR CABINS |
| Program | Single | Double / Triple |
| 4d / 3n | $1469 | $979 |
| 5d / 4n | $1781 | $1187 |
Extra night
Single $446
Double / Triple $297
1 QUEEN SIZE BED + 1
TWIN (1 FULL BATHROOM)
FAMILY CABIN:
| Program | Family |
| 4d / 3n | $1085 |
| 5d / 4n | $1367 |
| Extra night | $342 |
Lower story: 3 twin beds + 1 Queen bed plus living room, 2 full bathrooms, and large balcony
Upper story: 1 KING size bed, 1 full bathroom, and balcony
PRIVATE GUIDES ON A DAILY BASIS (MUST BE BOOKED FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE STAY)
Private birding English guide $150.00 per day
Private local birding guide (Spanish) $ 100.00 per day
Private English guide $120.00 per day
Private German and French guide $150.00 per day
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- 50% discount for Children under 11 years at the tour time
- 2 years old is the minimum age for traveling
- Prices are subject to change without previous notice
- We recommend that families with children take a private guide
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