Welcome to Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge, a small hidden paradise in the Ecuador Amazon basin, a special place where nothing is mandatory and everything is possible.

In the heart of Ecuador at just 3 ½ hours from Quito, our lodge is close yet off the beaten path, far away from mainstream tourist routes at a special place that invites you to dream.

If you look for exciting adventures or just want to relax on a hammock in our extended tropical garden, Hakuna Matata is the perfect backdrop for an Amazon jungle experience. You will find an idyllic atmosphere in harmony with nature and best of all mosquito free!. Our comfortable eco cabins offer a friendly and homely environment for you to enjoy the tropical rainforest.

  • Comfortable Lodging: The lodge offers spacious eco-cabins designed to provide maximum comfort, featuring hot showers and high-quality mattresses for a restful stay.
  • Delightful Dining: Guests can savor delicious dishes at the lodge’s restaurant, which blends international cuisine with Amazonian flavors, prepared using premium ingredients.
  • Distinctive Swimming Pool: The property boasts a unique palm-shaped pool, a perfect spot to unwind while enjoying breathtaking views of the Llanganates mountains.
  • Wide Range of Activities: Visitors can engage in activities such as horseback riding, hiking, rafting, and nature walks. The lodge also offers a chocolate-making workshop in collaboration with the renowned Pacari chocolatier, delivering a rich cultural experience.
  • Private Rainforest Reserve: Located within a 120-hectare private reserve, the lodge allows guests to immerse themselves in the Amazon’s diverse biodiversity through well-maintained trails.
  • Close to Natural Attractions: The lodge’s strategic location provides convenient access to nearby highlights, such as the Inchillaqui River, where guests can relax on a white sandy beach or enjoy water-based activities.

HAKUNA CLASSIC
4 Days / 3 Nights

HAKUNA EXPLORER
4 Days / 3 Nights
HAKUNA ADVENTURE
4 Days / 3 Nights
HAKUNA FAMILY
4 days / 3 nights
Day 1: Arrival – Optional activitiesDay 1 – Arrival – Optional activitiesDay 1 – Arrival & Journey to the Lodge.Day 1: Arrival – Journey to the Amazon Rainforest
Day 2 –Jungle walk – Visit animal rescue centre – Visit native communityDay 2 – Parrot clay lek – Indigenous community – Jungle walkDay 2 – Jondachi canyon hike – Explore underground caves.Day 2: Jungle Hike – Horseback Riding
Day 3 – Jungle Rafting tripDay 3 – Jungle Rafting tripDay 3 – Jungle Rafting tripDay 3: Canoeing in a Lagoon – Visit of an Indigenous Community
Day 4 – Optional activities at the Lodge – DepartureDay 4 – Optional activities at the Lodge – DepartureDay 4 – Optional activities at the Lodge – DepartureDay 4: Chocolate Workshop – Departure

Note: All options offer 4-day/3-night and 3-day/2-night tours.

*The Jungle Rafting trip  is NOT included in 3 day program

Gallery Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge

Prices are Per Person – 2026

Tours

Included in all rates

  • Lodging in the chosen room category (Cabins, Lodge, Supreme).
  • Local native Spanish-speaking guide for the day 2 tours (if you wish to hire an English-speaking
    guide, there is a $50 USD surcharge per group).
  • Roundtrip transfer from the lodge to the Napo river port for day 2 excursions.
  • All activities listed in the program.
  • All entrances to visitor sites listed in the program.
  • All meals listed (from Dinner on your arrival day to Breakfast on your departure day).
  • Use of Lodge facilities, including swimming pool, private river beach, walking trails.
  • Rubber Boots (available up to size 47 European, 13 USA, 31 Asia).
  • Taxes
 
 
Room Types
The lodge provides 16 rooms across four categories—Hakuna Cabañas, Hakuna Lodge, Hakuna Supreme, and Hakuna Suite. Each room features rustic design, private bathrooms with hot water, and high-quality bedding.

Upper Napo River Tours

Hakuna Explorer
Tour 4 days / 3 nights

This 3 days or 4 days tour of exploration and discovery offers a unique opportunity to experience Ecuador’s Amazon region in a truly immersive way. Stepping off the beaten path and away from common tourist routes, you’ll dive deep into the local culture, learn about the diverse plant life, and

know more about this tour »
Hakuna Matata Lodge

Hakuna Classic
Tour 4 days / 3 nights

Our 3- or 4-day program is perfect for a family getaway, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It’s also an excellent introduction to the Amazon rainforest for first-time visitors. This package provides a comprehensive glimpse into Ecuador’s jungle region. During the program, you’ll have the chance to visit a local

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Rainforest Activities

Hakuna Matata LodgeIn addition to our spring water pool we have another exclusive gem, our private sandy beach by the Inchillaqui river. Crystal clear water with the lush jungle as a backdrop create an ideal setting to dip in the natural pools formed by the river. Wadding and bathing in the river is fun, safe and special for both adults and children (should always be supervised by an adult).

Hakuna Matata LodgeCascades and waterfalls are full of legends and have a magical draw. For many indigenous communities these have a ceremonial value. We are in an amazing area where several waterfalls are easily accessilbe like “Las Latas” which is one of the most accessible and well known in the area. After a beautiful walk you will arrive at this natural paradise and will be able to dip in the swimming hole in its natural wat

Hakuna Matata LodgeClose by to Hakuna Matata Amazon lodge you find a complex cave system that are worthwile to be visited. For families we recommend the nearby Jumandi cave, a beautiful option, most important of all, it is easily accesible. For our more adventurous guests we recommend the “ceremony cave” and the “elephant cave”.

Hakuna Matata LodgeThe surrounding area and the grounds of Hakuna Matata are a true paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists. Just in the area nearby Hakuna Matata a massive 210 species have been registered, sightings include: Tangaras, Robins, Hummingbirds, Toucans, Oropendulas, Woodpeckers, Vultures, Papagayos and falcons amongst other species. If you are keen on birding, we can organize a private tour with a specialized guide.

Hakuna Matata LodgeWe are the only Amazon lodge in Ecuador that keeps a stable with horses. We offer different horse excursions suitable for both beginners and experts, also suited for families with children. Even if you have not ridden before you can take this opportunity to enjoy a beautiful ride in the jungle , crossing rivers and exploring different trails. We have a well kept group of creole horses.

Hakuna Matata LodgeAn entertaining activity for the entire family. Learn the process of preparing chocolate from the being to the bar. You will learn the details of growing cocoa beans, the traditional drying and grinding process and will be able to participate hands on. The reward at the end of the workshop is enjoying the chocolate you have made.

Hakuna Matata LodgeFor kayaking fans we offer bespoke trips on a private basis. The Ecuador Amazon offers a variety of kayakable rivers amongst a beautiful scenery with rapids for all levels of skill.

Hakuna Matata LodgeEnjoy a fantastic whitewater adventure on the rivers of the Amazon basin. Enjoy the exotic lush greenery as you paddle the headwaters of the mighty Amazon. Our journey starts on the upper part of the Napo river (level 3/3+), the adventure lasts around 5 hours enjoying rapids, naturally formed pools and the amazing scenery. Mid journey we will stop on the riverbanks for a picnic lunch

Rooms at Hakuna Matata

Hakuna Cabins

Hakuna Cabins

Our most rustic design makes our small wooden bungalows the most authentic part of the lodge. These simple yet cozy rooms cater to our more adventurous guests who search for a more pure Amazonian design. We have 5 twin or double cabins and a spacious family cabin (4 person capacity).

PRICES 2025:
ACCOMMODATION WITH BREAKFAST AND DINNER
Prices are per room, include 10% and 15% taxes
Single $108 per night
Double $161 per night
Triple $241 per night
Cuádruple $321 per night

Hakuna Lodge

Hakuna Lodge

The main house, built with from wood, it shares the feeling of local indigenous homes. It is made up of 3 double / twin rooms and a family room (4 person capacity). The location at the hilltop makes it a great place to enjoy views of the surrounding forest. A favourite area is the common hammock terrace and outdoor lounge.

PRICES 2025:
ACCOMMODATION WITH BREAKFAST AND DINNER
Prices are per room, include 10% and 15% taxes
Single $118 per night
Double $174 per night
Triple $262 per night
Cuádruple $349 per night

Hakuna Supreme

Hakuna Supreme

Located between the restaurant and the pool, this area caters to guests who search for that extra level of comfort found in our modern stone built cabins. We have 5 supreme rooms, one of them for families.

PRICES 2025:
ACCOMMODATION WITH BREAKFAST AND DINNER
Prices are per room, include 10% and 15% taxes
Single $137 per night
Double $197 per night
Triple $296 per night
Cuádruple $395 per night

Hakuna Suite

Hakuna Suite

Our largest and newest room, specially designed for our VIP guests, it is separate from other areas for some extra privacy and an almost direct access to the pool. It has panoramic windows with amazing views of our garden and the rainforest in the background, it has a private outdoors terrace lounge.

PRICES 2025:
ACCOMMODATION WITH BREAKFAST AND DINNER
Prices are per room, include 10% and 15% taxes
Single $174 per night
Double $250 per night

Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge

Upper Napo River Lodge

If you have questions about Hakuna Matata, please, contact us directly or fill the following contact form

Hakuna Matata Lodge Map

Entry Requirements

 

The following information is provided by the Ministries of the Interior and Human Relations for citizens who wish to visit and get to know Ecuador.

Therefore, Responsible travel as a tour operator considers the following guidelines in order to generate a satisfactory experience on your trip through Ecuador. Nevertheless, please note that any requirement can change without prior notice, and it is the responsibility of each traveler to make sure to comply with the current requirements when entering the country.

Visa

The duration to visit the country is 90 days a year; if you are going to extend your visit, it is recommended to pay an extension.

List of countries that need a visa to enter Ecuador:

AfghanistanGuinea BissauRepublic of the Congo
AlbaniaHaitiDemocratic People’s Republic of Korea
Angola KenyaSenegal
BangladeshKyrgyzstanSierra Leone
CameroonIndiaSyria
ChadIraqSri Lanka
Ivory CoastIranSomalia
CubaLibyaSudan
EgyptMaliSouth Sudan
EritreaMauritaniaTajikistan
EthiopiaMyanmarUzbekistan
PhilippinesNigeriaVenezuela
GambiaPakistanVietnam
GhanaNepalYemen
GuineaDemocratic Republic of the Congo 

Applying for a visa

In case of applying for a visa and being able to enter the country. Please contact the following emails: consejeria@cancilleria.gob.ec and citasvisas@cancilleriga.gob.ec.

For more information, there are links to Ecuadorian embassies as well as foreign embassies within the country.

In the case of entering the country by land or river

The Government, through its Ministries, provides that foreign citizens who enter the country through the land or river borders of Colombia and Peru may present their apostilled certificate indicating that they do not have a criminal record; this certificate must have been issued in their country of origin or residence in the last five years.  or in turn request the review of the corresponding information through the Ecuadorian Migration System (SIMIEC).

The following individuals are exempt from filing

  • Holders of a valid Ecuadorean visa
  • Holders of diplomatic passports
  • Children and adolescents under 18
  • Victims of human trafficking.

COVID-19 rules

There is not a COVID certificate needed at the moment, but if you experience symptoms prior to your trip, you can complete a health application and bring it to the airport.

Conditions for passport validity

The passport must be valid for at least half a year. Access is restricted without a valid or reported lost document

 Galapagos Islands

People could visit until 60 days. For enter, you need to present:

Foreign Exchange

When you leave the country, you must declare the foreign exchange if you exceed the aggregate of $1,380.

Personal ID

As a regular law, you must carry your identification. Always keep a copy of your passport, with the pages containing your photo and Ecuadorian entrance stamp.


 

Output Requirements

 

Departure of Foreign Citizens

  1. Valid passport
  2. Ticket Flight

Departure of national and foreign minors

Ecuadorian children and adolescents and resident foreigners may leave the national territory under the following conditions:

  • Accompanied by their parents, legal guardians, or whoever exercises parental authority, or with one of their parents with prior notarial or judicial authorization from those who are not traveling with them.
  • Alone or with third parties with the prior authorization of the parents, guardians, or those who exercise parental authority.
 
 
 
 

lenguage

The native language is Spanish. Some indigenous people speak Spanish, Quechua, and English. The indigenous communities living in the jungle speak their languages and dialects.

At Responsible Travel, we are trained to provide the best experience to the tourist. For this reason, our team of guides is bilingual, as are most of our suppliers (hotels and restaurants).