What with the Galapagos Islands, the colonial capital of Quito, and the bustling handicraft markets of Cuenca, Ecuador has much to offer the intrepid traveller, and if you really want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, for a short while at least, you will find the peace and solitude you are looking for at Sani Lodge.

Image source: sanilodge.com

Located on 42,000 hectares of pristine rainforest in the Yasuní region of Ecuador, Sani Lodge is a leader in sustainable practices and proud to give back to the local community. During your visit, you will have the unique opportunity interact with local people on a one-to-one basis and learn about their culture in a relaxed and informal setting.

The perfect holiday destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors, Sani Lodge is one of the most biologically diverse areas in South America, and indeed the world, with over 2,200 species of trees, 550 bird species, 80 bat species, 105 amphibian species, and over 100,000 species of insects per hectare. With the latter figure in mind, Sani Lodge may not be for those who are terrified of creepy crawlies, but if you are looking for an exclusive trip into nature, there is perhaps no better place on earth for your next adventure.

Sani Lodge offers a variety of packages including flights from Quito. Here’s a sample of their popular 3-day itinerary:

Day 1: Your day starts with a 35-minute flight from Quito to Coca. Upon arrival, a driver from Sani Lodge will be waiting to transfer you to a local hotel on the banks of the Napo River where your meet your bilingual guide and enjoy a short briefing. Afterwards, your adventure will start with a 2.5 hour boat trip, a 15-minute walk, and a 20-minute canoe ride that will take you deep into the amazon and your base for the next 2 nights.  After drinks and snacks, you’ll head off on a short guided walk to view the local primates, before returning to the lodge for cocktails and dinner.

Day 2: After breakfast today, you will head down to the Challuachoca Lake for a 30 minute canoe ride to the Tree Top Observation Tower, where you will enjoy the most spectacular views across the Amazon canopy. Birds, monkeys and even sloths can be found in abundance here, and so a camera is essential! Afterwards, you’ll explore some nearby trails before heading back to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, you can sit back and relax in one of the many hammocks available, or head out on an afternoon hike along the Chorongo or Coto Trails to view the magnificent fauna and flora.

After dinner, your guide will take you out on the black waters of Oxbow Lake, where you may be lucky enough to spot an endangered black caiman or two before retiring for a night under the stars.

Day 3: After your final Amazonian breakfast, you will board the boat that will take you back along the Napo River to Coca, stopping at the vibrant and colourful Parrot Wall at Yasuní National Park, where hundreds of parrots gather. At Coca airport, you will catch your return flight to Quito for the next part of your Ecuadorian adventure.

Sound like your perfect trip? Find our more about your stay at Sani Lodge.