About Us
We are the Kichwas of the Amazon, the Naporunas who, over 25 years ago, made the strategic decision to focus on eco-sustainable tourism. This has enabled us to share our commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and the preservation of our cultural heritage with a global audience.
The highest biodiversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest!
The most biodiverse spot in the planet per unit hectare. We are the only ecolodge in Ecuador 100% owned and run by an indigenous community
Our Community
We are the Kichwas of the Amazon, the Naporunas who, over 25 years ago, made the strategic decision to focus on eco-sustainable tourism. This has enabled us to share our commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and the preservation of our cultural heritage with a global audience.
Our lodge, comprising just 12 cabins, offers guests the opportunity to tailor their experience to suit their preferences in an environment where close contact with nature is a priority. Our activity is designed to have the least possible impact on the environment. We use ecological systems, including recycled plastic wood in the reconstruction of paths and new cabins. We are the only ecolodge with solar panels that produce 70% of the energy needed to run the hotel, as well as providing hot water through solar water tanks.
We believe in equal opportunities! We are proud to have among our associates the incredible women of the Community who show our guests the very best of our culture. This allows them to generate extra income that really gives their families a boost!
The Little Kichwas
While elementary school is free in the country, Sani Lodge is committed to supporting the education of hundreds of children by providing essential supplies and direct employment opportunities for their parents.
What we've described above is not just a marketing strategy to attract clients. It's a concept of life! It's about taking care of our environment and making sustainable tourism a tool that allows us to protect the resources that ultimately don't belong to us, but to the entire world.
Artisan Women
Sani Lodge is pleased to announce its partnership with the SANI WARMI project, which aims to empower the women of the community.
Historically, in many local communities, employment and economic independence for women have been limited. While many other lodges in the Amazon do not hire women, our Kichwa community and Sani Lodge have an inclusive employment policy.
The Sani Warmi project was initiated in 2008 in collaboration with the nonprofit Rainforest Partnership, headquartered in the United States, and the local Conservación y Desarrollo. The project was launched to address the mounting challenges faced by the community from extractive industries seeking to use our lands for oil prospecting and extraction. Sani Warmi integrates small business development and environmental education to ensure the project's success.
The women of Sani Isla run their own business, manufacturing and selling artisan crafts made from local seeds, vines, and fibres. This business provides a sustainable source of income for the women and their families.
Turtle reinsertion project
The Sani Warmi Centre oversees a freshwater turtle reinsertion project, whereby guests can adopt a small "charapa" turtle from the rescue centre for a fee. This project contributes to the repopulation of this endangered species.
Why choose Sani?
About Us
Yasuní biosphere reserve
The highest biodiversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest!
Sani Lodge is situated within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, owns 42,000 hectares, 25,000 of which are part of the Yasuní National Park. The nearest town is Francisco de Orellana (Coca), accessible by motor canoe in three hours. The secluded location, free from external influences, offers an ideal setting to experience the unique biodiversity of the region's primary forest, regarded by scientists as the most diverse per unit area on the planet.
Mission
Our aim is to provide a livelihood for the Sani Isla Kichwa community by offering guests the opportunity to experience our culture and unique beautiful environment while promoting sustainable ecotourism in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest.
The following values guide our actions and decisions:
• Respect for the Environment
• Respect for Human Dignity
• Team work
• Professionalism
Our Vision
To give the world a deeper understanding of what it means to live in harmony with the forest and allow others to experience our way of life.
By promoting sustainable practices here in Ecuador, we can show the world how effective sustainable ecotourism can be.
Becoming an internationally recognised tourist destination of excellence will empower us to grow and protect our community, our Rainforest home, culture and traditions for generations to come.
Air transport
A short 30 minute flight from Quito to Francisco de Orellana (Coca) is the quickest way to get to the starting point of the trip.
Ground transportation
The journey from Quito to the Amazon Basin takes approximately five and a half hours. The route ascends to an altitude of 4,000 metres on the eastern slopes of the Andes, before descending through spectacular valleys and stunning landscapes to reach the Amazon Basin at 500 metres. The final destination is Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca), situated at an altitude of 255 metres above sea level. Vans with a driver can be hired upon request.
Bus Option
There are two terminals in Quito: Quitumbe in the south and Carcelen in the north. We advise that you take the last bus at 11:30 PM, which takes seven hours. There are numerous bus companies operating such as Baños, Esmeraldas and Putumayo
Travelling from the south of Ecuador
Baños hot springs is an ideal location to continue your journey into the jungle. This is an excellent option for those who have already explored the south of the country, including Cuenca city, Cotopaxi National Park and the surrounding area.
Outsanding Wildlife
A visit to Sani Lodge is an opportunity to explore our forest, which is home to 2274 species, including a wide variety of climbers, epiphytes, millennial trees and shrubs. This vast sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals including jaguars, pumas, giant otters, squirrel monkeys, as well as 580 species of birds, 80 species of bats, 105 species of amphibians, 83 species of reptiles, 64 species of stingless bees and 100,000 insects per hectare. Our extensive knowledge of Amazonian wildlife allows us to provide our clients with an authentic and unique experience of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.We are home to twelve species of monkeys, including squirrel, howler, tamarin, wolly and spider monkeys.
Let’s Get In Touch!
It would be great to hear from you! If you got any questions, please do not hesitate to send us a message. We are looking forward to hearing from you! We reply within 24 hours!
