Yacuma lodge packages english

¡Welcome!

Yacuma EcoLodge and the Protected Rainforest Reserve

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www.yacuma-lodge.com www.ecuadoramazonjunglelodge.com Welcome to Yacuma Lodge, a beautiful place created for those who love the Amazon Rainforest. Through these pages we want to share with you the wonders offered by the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest and invite you to enjoy an unforgettable journey. ¿How was it born? Yacuma Ecolodge is a joint ecotourism initiative of the rainforest Indigenous Community of Chontayacu and Pamir Travels Group in Ecuador. It was founded in 1995 and since that the Ecolodge provides employment opportunities through nature-based tourism, a much-needed economic alternative to lodging. The goal at the outset of the Yacuma project was to create a viable ecotourism lodge that was wholly owned and operated by local Ecuadorian managers and staff. To accomplish this, Pamir trained villagers in a broad range of activities, including house keeping, food preparation and tours guiding. Today, 15 families receive regular direct economic benefits from employment and management of the ecolodge. They also receive indirect benefits from the sale of crafts that are made in a sustainable manner.

In March 2004 this extraordinary area was declared a Protected Rainforest Reserve by the Environment Ministry of Ecuador (Registro Forestal No. 15-008).

Yacuma Ecolodge allows villagers to benefit economically from living in harmony with the forest in many ways. In addition to lodge management, for instance, villagers work in sustainable agriculture, handicraft activities and sell non-timber forest products.

During their visit to Yacuma Ecolodge, ecotourists will have the opportunity to discover the Great Napo River and The Yacuma Protected Forest Reserve through the eyes of the Chontayacu Indian community. An experience worthwhile! Yacuma Lodge and the Community! Yacuma Ecolodge and the Community of Chontayacu is a real example of how the Ecotourism can benefit both the private enterprises and the local communities. Yacuma Ecolodge built and maintains the local School which provides basic education for the kids of the Chontayacu Community and even for other kids coming from faraway communities. Yacuma pays for the teacher, the uniforms, and the maintenance of the school and even the year excursion of the kids to some parts of the country. Yacuma Medical Assistance: Each 2 months Yacuma provides for the kids and adults of the community the assistance of a couple of experienced doctors who with a lot of love and passion for their profession give to the people free medical assistance including free medicines which are provided by Yacuma Ecolodge. Where is located? Yacuma Reserve and Ecolodge are located in the Napo River area in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. The Yacuma Ecolodge spans 300 hectares (3,000,000 square meters). With it richness in species and diverse ecosystems, Yacuma Forest Reserve is an extraordinary place for Ecotourists. How to get to Yacuma Lodge? By road: Yacuma is accessible by road with a 4 hours drive from Quito, following the route that goes through Papallacta and Baeza towns, until arriving to the city of Tena. From here the journey continues for about 11/2 hours more until San Pedro Village from where our dug-out canoes will take you to Yacuma Lodge (canoe travel time 25 - 30 minutes). Under request we can provide transportation with public or private cars (at extra cost). By plane: Also there are flights (not always) available every week Monday and Friday from Quito to the city of Tena. If you arrive to Tena by plain we will pick up you at the airport and take you to Santa Rosa (or San Pedro) village and then to Yacuma Lodge. From Santa Rosa a 25 - 30 minutes canoe boat trip down the river and the crossing the Yacuma Lagoon takes you to Yacuma Ecolodge. Weather: Yacuma is located in the tropical rainforest, which is characterized for heavy rainfalls through the year with precipitations among 3,000 and 4,000 mm3

and humidity between 85 to 95%. From December to March, it has a marked dry season, the rainy weather goes from April to July; and from August to November precipitations are moderated. The average annual temperature ranges over 25o Celsius degrees.

Activities

Guided nature hikes Local guides give expert interpretation as ecotourists traverse the varied forest habitats of the Yacuma Forest Reserve. There are over 10 Km of trails to choose from, where visitors will learn about medicinal, fruit and exotic plants. Hikes can be done during the day. Bird Watching

Over 340 bird species live in the vicinity of Yacuma Reserve. Expert local guides easily identify their songs and calls. Wildlife viewing

Ecotourists with luck may have a glimpse of some of the wildlife that inhabits the area, such as monkeys, capybaras, wild pigs, to name a few. But in fact and this is very important to know, that it is a quite difficult task to observe this extraordinary wildlife due to the simple fact that in the jungle there is a struggle for life so everybody is hiding to survive. Canoe trips and fishing

Ecotourists can enjoy canoe trips and fishing opportunities on the natural lagoons or the Napo River. Swimming and relaxing

After a day of hiking we can have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Chontayacu River, Sumino River or Napo River. Or simply relax in a hammock while listening to the sounds of the forest. Facilities: The tourist development of Yacuma comprises three areas:

• The first one consists in a group of 10 “cabañas” (bungalows) built in the traditional Amazon-style, made from rainforest materials harvested in a sustainable manner and combined with modern materials which can be easily taken away from the jungle if necessary. All these cabins can accommodate 4 passengers in comfortable 2 rooms with beds, mosquito nets and private showers and toilets.

• In the second area we find two bungalows, each with 2 rooms for 10 people in total and each room with private facilities (shower and toilet) and ideal for families with children.

• A third area comprises the spacious dinning room and kitchen. Water is supplied by a nearby spring from where water is pumped into 2 tanks where it is treated.

Why is Yacuma a real Ecolodge? Lighting is based in Solar Energy. All rooms, toilets and gardens are illuminated with special bulbs energized with high efficiency Solar Panels built in Ecuador (Ecuadorean Engineering Company). The bungalows main frames (rows and columns) are built with iron elements which can be easily taken away if necessary. This way we avoid the constant cutting of the big trees needed for the bungalows frames. If we could built the complex with wood frames, then normally each 12 months was the need to replace so leading to a constant tree depredation. Yacuma Ecolodge is a charming, comfortable Jungle Lodge located in a beautiful spot, an ideal destination that will let you discover the mysteries of the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest in a relaxed atmosphere.

Other facilities: • Gift Shop: T-shirts, caps, handcraft items from the area. • Dinning room (capacity for 40 pax). • Bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available. • 10 kilometers of trails within Yacuma Reserve traverse the different forest habitats

that surround the ecolodge. • Canoes are available for the guests, and two motorized dug-out canoes with

capacity for 12 passengers each are used for transportation from San Pedro to the Ecolodge and for the river excursions.

What do you have to bring? • Cotton shirts, 3 or more • Long trousers, 3 or more (no jeans) • Shorts, 3 or more • T-shirts, 3 or more • Cotton socks, a pair per day • Comfortable walking shoes and

sandals • Sweater • Notebook and book • Toiletries • Small backpack (waterproof) • Insect repellent

• High speed film (ASA 100 o +) • Binoculars • Flashlight (torch) • Sun block • Bathing suit • Cotton underwear • Money • Original Passport • Water • Canteen

• Sunglasses • Cap or hat • Small first aid kit and prescription medicines

PROGRAMS OFFERED BY YACUMA LODGE: 3 Days / 2 Nights Program* Day 1: Starting from Quito you can take a public (or private transport) to the city of Tena where our guide will be waiting you for your transportation to the small Indigenous village of Santa Rosa. From here, we navigate for about 30 minutes downstream along the Napo River by canoe, arriving at Yacuma Lodge in the early afternoon where you will be welcomed by a typical cold drink and will be time to settle in the lodge’s typical Quechua bungalows for two people. After lunch and a short rest and in the company of one of our expert’s Indian guides, by canoe we go to the Birds Island where we make a hike in the forest around the Laguna Escondida (Hidden Lagoon), an special place where we can observe different species of jungle birds: river Garzas (great egret), Great Blue Heron, King fisher, Garrapatero, Oropendolas, etc. One of the most interesting bird is The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoatzin), the Amazon's weirdest birds and rather shy except in breeding season. It has a punk hair-do, and a bright blue face. Added to that it smells horrible, so it's also called the "Stink-bird." It eats only leaves, so is rather heavy, and hence a clumsy flyer. Later on we canoe back to the lodge for a well deserved dinner. After dinner and weather permitting we will go for a night canoe ride with a silent navigation on the nearby lagoon and looking for wildlife. Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, accommodations in bungalows for 2 people, canoes, and excursions. Day 2: After breakfast in the lodge, we’ll begin a 3-4 hour trek through the deep primary rainforest. Along the way an indigenous guide will show us the many species of plants and describe their medicinal purposes to us. With luck we perhaps will see monkeys and birds such as oropendolas and parrots. Return to the lodge for lunch and after a short rest we will make a walk in the forest to observe the different kind of trees cultivated by the locals: bananas, papaya tree, pineapple, orange trees, sugar cane, etc. Then we continue to the small settlement where we can observe (and buy) pottery made by the locals. Later on we continue our walk for a visit to the Quechua indigenous community of Chontayacu, where you will have the opportunity to learn about local customs and the way of life of the native people of the jungle. Later in the afternoon return to the lodge for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge in bungalows for 2 people, canoes and excursions.

Day 3: After breakfast we say good bye to our Indian friends and we’ll begin our return journey along the Napo River to Santa Rosa Village. From here transport (on your own) back to Tena and from there back to Quito (public or private transport is not included). Breakfast. Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, canoes.

4 Days / 3 Nights Program*

Day 1: Starting from Quito you can take a public (or private transport) to the city of Tena where our guide will be waiting you for your transportation to the small Indigenous village of Santa Rosa. From here, we navigate for about 30 minutes downstream along the Napo River by canoe, arriving at Yacuma Lodge in the early afternoon where you will be welcomed by a typical cold drink and will be time to settle in the lodge’s typical Quechua bungalows for two people. After lunch and a short rest and in the company of one of our expert’s Indian guides, by canoe we go to the Birds Island where we make a hike in the forest around the Laguna Escondida (Hidden Lagoon), an special place where we can observe different species of jungle birds: river Garzas (great egret), Great Blue Heron, King fisher, Garrapatero, Oropendolas, etc. One of the most interesting bird is The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoatzin), the Amazon's weirdest birds and rather shy except in breeding season. It has a punk hair-do, and a bright blue face. Added to that it smells horrible, so it's also called the "Stink-bird." It eats only leaves, so is rather heavy, and hence a clumsy flyer. Later on we canoe back to the lodge for a well deserved dinner. Afterwards and weather permitting we will go for a night canoe ride with a silent navigation on the nearby lagoon and looking for wildlife. Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, accommodations in bungalows for 2 people, canoes and excursions. Day 2: After breakfast in the lodge, we’ll begin a 3-4 hour trek through the deep primary rainforest. Along the way an indigenous guide will show us the many species of plants and trees and describe their medicinal purposes and uses. With luck we perhaps will see monkeys and birds such as oropendolas and parrots. Return to the lodge for lunch and after a short rest we will make a walk in the forest to observe the different kind of trees cultivated by the locals: bananas, papaya tree, pineapple, orange trees, sugar cane, etc. Then we continue to the small settlement where we can observe (and buy) pottery made by the locals. Later on we continue our walk for a visit to the Quechua indigenous community of Chontayacu, where you will have the opportunity to learn about local customs and the way of life of the native people of the jungle. Later in the afternoon return to the lodge for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge in bungalows for 2 people, canoes and excursions.

Day 3: In the morning, we’ll start a 3 hours walk into the primary rainforest. Crossing small streams and different kind of terrains with several species of trees and plants we will arrive to the main objective of this day: la Cueva de los Tutapishco (Amazon Bats (Saccopteryx bilineata) Cave). This is a special place and considered by the locals as a sacred place where the shamans (medicine man) come to enter in contact with the spirits. We then continue our walk for about 2 hours until we meet our canoes on the shores of the Napo River. We will canoe back to the lodge for lunch followed by a short rest. In the afternoon we go for a navigation in the Napo River where we will you will have the rare opportunity to try panning for gold on the shores of the river. Later on we’ll also take you to a perfect spot for bathing beside one of the sandy shores of the Napo or Chontayacu Rivers. Then we return to the lodge late in the afternoon and after dinner we invite you to

ve a drink at our informal social farewell evening. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ha Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, indigenous guides, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge in bungalows for 2 people, canoes and excursions. Day 4: After breakfast we say goodbye to our Indian friends and then we’ll begin our return journey along the Napo River to Santa Rosa Village from where you can take your transport (on your own) back to Tena and from there back to Quito. Breakfast. Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, canoes. 5 Days / 4 Nights Program *

Day 1: Starting from Quito you can take a public (or private transport) to the city of Tena where our guide will be waiting you for your transportation to the small Indigenous village of Santa Rosa. From here, we navigate for about 30 minutes downstream along the Napo River by canoe, arriving at Yacuma Lodge in the early afternoon where you will be welcomed by a typical cold drink and will be time to settle in the lodge’s typical Quechua bungalows for two people. After lunch and a short rest and in the company of one of our expert’s Indian guides, by canoe we go to the Birds Island where we make a hike in the forest around the Laguna Escondida (Hidden Lagoon), an special place where we can observe different species of jungle birds: river Garzas (great egret), Great Blue Heron, King fisher, Garrapatero, Oropendolas, etc. One of the most interesting bird is The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoatzin), the Amazon's weirdest birds and rather shy except in breeding season. It has a punk hair-do, and a bright blue face. Added to that it smells horrible, so it's also called the "Stink-bird." It eats only leaves, so is rather heavy, and hence a clumsy flyer. Later on we canoe back to the lodge for a well deserved dinner. After dinner and weather permitting we will go for a night canoe ride with a silent navigation on the nearby lagoon and looking for wildlife.

Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge in bungalows for 2 people, canoes and excursions. Day 2: After breakfast we will start a 4-5 hour hike which will take us to our camp on the shores of Bueno Yacu River. In this camp visitors will be accommodated in tents. Along the way an indigenous guide will show us the many species of plants and describe their medicinal purposes to us. With a little luck we will see monkeys and birds such as oropendolas and parrots. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to rest, explore the magical surroundings, enjoy a refreshing swim or go fishing in the clear pristine waters of Bueno Yacu River. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge in bungalows for 2 people, canoes and excursions, camping equipment. Day 3: After a leisurely morning we will trek back to Yacuma lodge. After lunch followed by a short rest we will make a walk in the nearby forest to observe the different kind of trees cultivated by the locals: bananas, papaya tree, pineapple, orange trees, sugar cane, etc. Then we continue to a small settlement where we can observe (and buy) pottery made by the locals. Later on we continue our walk for a visit to the Quechua indigenous community of Chontayacu, where you will have the opportunity to learn about local customs and the way of life of the native people of the jungle. Later in the afternoon return to the lodge for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge in bungalows for 2 people, canoes and excursions. Day 4: In the morning, we’ll start a 3 hours walk into the primary rainforest. Crossing small streams and different kind of terrains with several species of trees and plants we will arrive to the main objective of this day: la Cueva de los Tutapishco (Amazon Bats (Saccopteryx bilineata) Cave). This is a special place and considered by the locals as a sacred place where the shamans (medicine man) come to enter in contact with the spirits. We then continue our walk for about 2 hours until we meet our canoes on the shores of the Napo River. We will canoe back to the lodge for lunch followed by a short rest. In the afternoon we go for a navigation in the Napo River where we will you will have the rare opportunity to try panning for gold on the shores of the river. Later on we’ll also take you to a perfect spot for bathing beside one of the sandy shores of the Napo or Chontayacu Rivers. Then we return to the lodge late in the afternoon and after dinner we invite you to

ve a drink at our informal social farewell evening. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ha Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, accommodation in the lodge in bungalows for 2 people, canoes and excursions.

Day 5: After breakfast we say goodbye to our Indian friends and then we’ll begin our return journey along the Napo River to Santa Rosa Village from where you can take your transport (on your own) back to Tena and from there back to Quito. Breakfast. Included: Spanish/English speaking companion, Indigenous guides, noted meals, canoes. All  tours  Include: Native guides, Spanish/English speaking companion, all entrance fees, noted meals (B=breakfast, L=lunch, LB= Lunch box, D=Dinner), accommodation in the lodge, canoes, public transportation from Quito – San Pedro – Quito. Not  included: Other not specified services, private transport (can be provided at extra cost), personal expenses, extras, tips. *These itineraries are for your reference only and they could be flexible due to weather, route conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Under request we can arrange programs with different itineraries or length of days. Please contact us, it will be a pleasure to assist you.

• Private transportation from/to Quito (or Baños) is not included in these programs.

• Public transportation Quito - Tena has an early departure. Once you have confirmed the tour, we will book you in the best available bus itinerary.

• Under request flights (not always available) to/from Tena could be arranged too.

YACUMA LODGE GROSS RATES (PRIVATE TOURS) 2010 2011 Passengers Number Tour

Length 2 3 4 5 6/10 11/15 16+ SS 3 days 370 330 310 300 290 285 280 60

4 days 440 390 360 340 330 320 310 90

5 days 495 435 400 375 360 350 340 120 Above noted prices are per person for individuals or groups. Departures can be arranged any time. (Minimum a day prior to departure is requested to prepare the tour). These prices are for private services. Tour Operator Commission: 20% Note: for private groups bigger than 6 passengers, we include the private transport at not extra cost.

Fix Departure Tours (in pool shared services): We offer guaranteed departures with minimum 2 passengers every week and at the following special gross rates and dates.

• 3 Day Tour: Every Friday us$ 185. - Per person. • 4 Day Tour: Every Friday us$ 240. - Per person. • 5 Day Tour: Every Monday us$ 300. - Per person.

Tour operator commission: 20%

• Rates include: Taxes. Full Board in the lodge (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner); in - out canoe transfers (San Pedro – Yacuma Lodge – San Pedro). Native guides, English/Spanish speaking companion.

• Rates not include: Public or Private Transportation Quito – Tena – San Pedro and return. Alcoholic or soft drinks. Chontayacu Community entrance fee ($3, 00 p.p.), tips, extras, personal expenses.

• Children under 12 years: 50% discount. (Children under 4 years free – in the same accommodation with their parents).

• Single Accommodation Supplement: 30% of tour cost. Note: if tours are purchased locally in Ecuador then a 22% government tax will apply. PRIVATE CAR TRANSPORTATION NET PRICES (RETURN FROM QUITO)

• Public Transportation Quito – San Pedro (return): us$40.- pp

• Car Private Transportation: From 1 to 6 passengers: us$ 120. - 1 way From 7 to 10 passengers: us$ 140. - 1 way From 11 to 15 passengers: us$ 160. - 1 way From 16 to 25 passengers: us$ 180. - 1 way

• Return flight Quito – Tena (not always available!): us$ 130.- per person

RESERVATIONS, PAYMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS POLICIES DEPOSITS FOR RESERVATIONS

• 50% of the full payment has to be made 30 days prior to departure. FULL PAYMENT

• The full payment has to be made at least 15 days prior to departure along with the passport numbers, rooming list, and nationality of clients as well as food requirements.

CANCELLATION FEES: We will charge cancellation penalties if the tour cancellation is made: From 21 & more days: No cancellation fee will apply. From 20 to 15 days: 20% of the total amount From 14 to 09 days: 50% of the total amount From 08 to 03 days: 100% of the total amount RESPONSABILITIES AND REFUNDS:

The tour will be full refunded only when YACUMA LODGE has cancelled the tour and due to unforeseen problems or external reasons.

Not refundable if passenger does not arrive on specified dates. YACUMA LODGE acts only in the capacity of agent regarding all matters of

transportation and tour operation. YACUMA LODGE or its agents are not liable for any delays, inconveniences, accident expenses or mishap of any kind whatsoever resulting entirely, or in part, from the negligence of others or from causes beyond its control. Yacuma lodge can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or change in air or others services, sickness, weather, strike, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulation, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the passenger.

The right is reserved to substitute accommodations or modes of transportation and to make any changes in the itinerary when deemed necessary or caused by changes in the schedule of transportation (public or private). On some expeditions it is not possible to accommodate people with severe health problems or physical disabilities which involve walking and other activities.

Yacuma Lodge takes no responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by passengers physically unable to participate in the planned activities. No refund can be made for absence from the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking.

Yacuma Lodge will not discriminate against any individuals because of race, sex, or nationality.

This is an Adventure Trip which involves certain risks. By embarking upon his/her travel, the passenger voluntary assumes all risks, involved with such Adventure Travel, whether expected or unexpected. The passenger is hereby warned of such risk, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. The retention of tickets, reservation or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above and the agreement on the part of the passenger to convey the contents herein to Travel companions or group members.

It will be a pleasure to serve you! www.yacuma-lodge.com www.ecuadoramazonjunglelodge.com

You can also contact us to the following telephone numbers:

2220 892 / 2557 650 or by e-mail: [email protected]

Quito representative: Ecoandes Travel

Baquedano E5-27 y Juan Leon Mera Quito – Ecuador

Yacuma Lodge

Dining area

Yacuma reception and lounge area

Yacuma bungalow

Yacuma Bathroom

Butterfly

Yacuma medical assistance to the community

Yacuma School

Yacuma young tourists

Yacuma Sunrise

Yacuma Solar Energy tower

Chontayacu kiwchua community girl

Yacuma Flora

Yacuma natural swimming pool

Birthday at Yacuma

Dinning at Yacuma

Yacuma Lagoon

[email protected]

www.yacuma-lodge.com www.ecuadoramazonjunglelodge.com