Yacuma Safety Protocol: Answers to FAQ’s
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The Best Time of Year to Visit the Amazon Rainforest at Yacuma Ecolodge
15/08/2024Routes and Excursions from Yacuma Ecolodge: Discovering the magic of the Ecuadorian Amazon
Great experiences and unforgettable landscapes
Great experiences and unforgettable landscapes, that is our best description of the Ecuadorian Amazon and at Yacuma Ecolodge we do our best to give you that same perception. We have unforgettable activities where you can connect with nature, landscapes and local culture.
The Amazonian adventure begins from the moment you arrive at our lodge, our team will welcome you with warmth and a welcome drink based on Guayusa, you will leave your luggage and you will be ready to explore the Amazon jungle and all its diversity, our activities and excursions are completely safe and you will always have the company of our local guides.
So if you are interested in a trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle, we present some of the best routes and excursions that you can enjoy at Yacuma Ecolodge.
Visit to the hidden lagoon of Yacuma Ecolodge
One of the hidden gems we have at Yacuma Ecolodge is the Hidden Lagoon, a truly beautiful shallow swamp, the water creates bright green swirls in the water and the water lilies make way for the canoes when we navigate there; the place is truly peaceful and you can enjoy the symphony of nature as the paddles take you through the water.
The lagoon is also a sanctuary of the mysterious hoatzin, large flocks of them perch on the treetops and if you carry a high-powered lens you can take pictures of that prehistoric bird.
The path to the lagoon is not dangerous or difficult, from the lodge we will navigate the Chontayacu River until we reach the beach and from there we will walk along a path that was formed in the middle of the dense Amazonian vegetation and passes through a couple of cocoa crops to the serene body of water. Our hidden lagoon is one of the best places for lovers of the peace that nature provides.
Night Tours
Although our night excursions are optional, we highly recommend taking them; the Amazon rainforest is completely different at night, it’s like visiting a new world, the sounds change, the landscapes take on a different atmosphere, and of course, the wildlife is different, very different.
Therefore, if you have an adventurous spirit and want to experience the jungle from a different perspective, you can’t miss this hike. You’ll find nocturnal and luminous insects like Amazonian fireflies, some shy spiders, and large and small amphibians that gather in puddles of water to feed on the small insects.
You don’t have to worry, our guides know the rainforest perfectly and you’ll always be safe discovering nocturnal creatures and learning more about the species that thrive in nocturnal environments.
Walking along a path of medicinal plants
One of the walks we like the most is the one that takes us to see the forest’s abundant flora. The medicinal plant trail will allow you to learn a lot about the ancestral knowledge of the local communities. With each step you will learn about the natural medicine that the native groups have maintained and the path is truly beautiful, as well as smelling very good, as the plants aromatize the landscape and each step is an unforgettable sensory experience.
Along the way you can always rely on our local guide who will explain all the healing properties of plants and trees such as dragon’s blood, guayusa, Cat’s Claw and many others. This excursion is not only educational, it is also an excellent opportunity to understand the value of Amazonian biodiversity.
Getting to know the Kichwa Community of Chontayacu
Yacuma Ecolodge has always maintained a strong connection with local communities, the closest being the Kichwa community of Chontayacu, and you will be able to get to know it on a short visit to learn and interact with the members of the community, hear about their traditions and customs, and share ideas about their worldviews.
This visit will allow you to expand your mind and have an authentic view of other cultures that live around the world. You will be able to taste their local cuisine and admire the crafts, their representations, their symbols, and learn about the creation process of each piece of art.
Tubing on the Napo River
Tubing is one of our flagships and is available to anyone who wants to try it; you don’t need any experience, but it is important that you know how to swim so you feel safer. Our guides will take you to the softest and calmest part of the Napo River so you can lie down on the buoy and let yourself be carried by the current. It is a relaxing and very beautiful ride, as the sky usually shows its best colors when the sun sets and the reflection of the water creates an unforgettable landscape.
This activity is an excellent way to admire the peace of environments far from civilization and meditate on the beauty of nature.
Kayaking for fun
Now, for those adventurous spirits looking for a more exciting water adventure, kayaking is definitely the best option. Together with your travel companions you will paddle down the river in areas with a slightly stronger current and have fun trying to keep up. From your kayak you will be able to see the wildlife that gathers on the river banks such as herons, hoatzins and orioles.
Gold Washing
This is an especially popular activity among children who have come to Yacuma Ecolodge. Using a shallow wooden bowl, you will take sand from the river and begin to rock the bowl in small circles until you find tiny nuggets of gold. This is an ancient practice that combines history, culture and tradition as it was an ancient form of livelihood for local communities.
In conclusion, Yacuma Ecolodge offers a variety of routes and excursions that allow visitors to explore the Ecuadorian Amazon in a deep and meaningful way. From educational walks and cultural visits to exciting water activities, each excursion is designed to provide a unique and unforgettable experience. Come and discover the magic of the Amazon rainforest, immerse yourself in its biodiversity and connect with the local culture at Yacuma Ecolodge.
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