Exploring Amazonia

Welcome to Exploring Amazonia , a transformative journey into one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich regions on Earth — the Ecuadorian Amazon. This carefully crafted 5-day, 4-night adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, one of UNESCO’s designated biosphere reserves and a sanctuary for countless species of flora and fauna.

Your exploration begins at Yachana Lodge , an eco-friendly retreat dedicated to sustainable tourism and community development. From there, you’ll continue your journey to Yasuni Rainforest Lodge , nestled within pristine rainforest, offering unparalleled access to untouched wilderness and authentic cultural encounters with the local Indigenous communities.

This itinerary is designed to immerse you in the wonders of the Amazon — from guided wildlife excursions and night forest walks to canoe rides along meandering rivers and visits to traditional Kichwa villages. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first jungle expedition, this experience promises unforgettable moments, profound connections with nature, and a deeper understanding of one of our planet’s most vital ecosystems.

Let the rhythm of the rainforest guide you as you explore, learn, and connect in the magical world of Amazonia.

Itinerary

 

12:00 – 18:00 | CHECK IN (Arrival by airplane – lunch at Yachana Lodge / Arrival by road – lunch on the way.)

Our team will welcome you with a delicious snack and a refreshing welcome drink made with the exotic “guayusa” plant. During check-in, we will offer you a detailed introduction to the services and facilities that we offer.

18:00 – 19:00 | MAGICAL VIEW

Enjoy the magical view of the sunset over the Napo River, the majestic Amazon jungle and the Andes Mountains on the horizon.

19:00 – 20:00 | GASTRONOMICAL MAGIC DINNER

Enjoy a culinary experience in the hands of our talented local chef. Enjoy our meals of the day, savoring the authentic and distinctive flavors of Ecuadorian gastronomy. Each dish is carefully prepared to highlight local ingredients.

 

6:00 – 7:30 | BIRD WATCHING (OPTIONAL)

Discover the diversity of birds in our 1000 hectares (2,500 acres) reserve. Explore and identify birds by their sounds and colors and connect with nature in its purest state. You will see more birds from our open safari-truck than you would in virtually any other way.

7:30 – 8:30 | TRADITIONAL BREAKFAST

Enjoy a unique, filling, local receipt breakfast of “majado with peanut sauce” in our beautiful dining hall.

8:00 – 10:30 | VISIT TO A SUSTAINABLY INTEGRATED AMAZON FARM

Explore a typical Amazonian farm with a local farmer. Learn about his sustainable farming techniques and get to try fresh harvested seasonal fruits. Discover the world of beekeeping with honey from melipona stingless bees, native to the Amazon.

10:30 – 12:30 | VISIT TO THE YACHANA FOUNDATION PROJECTS

Discover the conservation, agricultural and development projects of the Yachana Foundation. Learn about research, education and sustainability programs and how Yachana has become the Bio-Campus for a university.

12:30 – 14:00 | COOKING CLASS & LUNCH

Participate in preparing your Amazonian lunch with our local chef. This will consist of a traditional dish, “Maito de Pescado”, with fresh ingredients from the farm like yucca, heart of palm salad and stinging nettles.

14:30 – 17:30 | HIKE TO THE WATERFALL

Explore the walk to the “Spiritual Sanctuary” waterfall. The waters of this waterfall come from natural springs that originate within our forest reserve. Enjoy its beauty and refresh your skin with a facial clay therapy.

19:00 – 20:00 | DINNER WITH A VIEW

Weather permitting, dine overlooking the Napo River, the forest with the Andes in the background. Enjoy dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors of the  region  while  sharing  stories  with  your  travel companions and possible visitors.

20:00 – 21:00 | NIGHT WALK (OPTIONAL)

Embark on a night walk through the Amazon jungle accompanied  by  an  expert  guide.  Equipped  with flashlights, experience the nightlife of the jungle where 70% of the fauna are active, and be amazed by the magic of nature in its purest state.

 

7:30 – 8:30 | BREAKFAST

8:30 – 11:30 | HIKE IN THE JUNGLE

Join a beautiful walk through the Amazon rainforest with our bilingual guide. Discover the diversity of flora and fauna as you explore hidden trails. Learn about medicinal plants, survival techniques and the effects of climate change on the forest. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience of connection with nature in the unique Amazon Rainforest.

13:00 – 14:00 | LUNCH

The chef will surprise you with the main dishes and delicious dessert.

14:30 – 18:00 | ACTIVITY ON THE NAPO RIVER (TUBING)

Explore the majestic Napo River in a motorized canoe. Float on the water with life jackets and inner-tubes, observing life along the river bank.

19:00 – 20:00 | DINNER

If weather permits, dine on our deck over looking the Napo River.

 

7:30 – 8:30 | BREAKFAST

Enjoy pancakes with sugar cane syrup, scrambled eggs and seasonal fruit, accompanied by coffee or tea.

9:00 – 12:30 | VISIT TO A KICHWA FAMILY

Immerse yourself in the ancestral culture of a Kichwa family, guided by an indigenous healer who will offer you an energy cleansing ceremony. Learn how to prepare and try chicha de yucca, a traditional drink and a staple in the diet with the local indigenous people, with a unique method of preparation. Have fun in a competition with a blow gun and spear.

13:00 – 14:00 | LUNCH

Enjoy a delicious lunch that highlights the freshness of the ingredients, prepared by our world-class chef.

15:00 – 16:30 | CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE

Learn about the craftsmanship involved in making chocolate and participate in all aspects of its production. And afterwards – Enjoy a fresh banana covered in your chocolate!

19:00 – 20:00 | DINNER UNDER THE STARS

Weather permitting, enjoy dinner in our open deck, creating a unique and unforgettable experience as you reflect on your stay at Yachana Lodge.

 

7:00 – 8:00 | BREAKFAST & DEPARTURE (time depending on mode of transport; air, road, river)

Enjoy breakfast with the birds singing from our viewpoint, an experience that will stay with you forever.

8:00 – 9:00 | CHECK OUT

  • Private Room. Each room has beds for up to 4 people and private bath.
  • 3 daily meals, locally sourced and freshly prepared (excludes alcohol).
  • Transportation for visits and activities.
  • Guided excursions with bilingual guides.
  • Rubber boots and lifejackets as needed.
  • Donation to the Yachana Foundation to support its education and conservation programs in the Amazon.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi at dining hall and reception.
  • Unlimited ozonized water (that’s safe drinking water at the Yachana!).
  • Admissions and Entrance Fees
  • Alcoholic / bottled beverages

  • Tips

  • Laundry

  • Travel Insurance

  • Airport Transfer in and out. (This can be arranged with a trusted driver and private car, if you desire to/from either Quito or Coca)

Yachana Lodge - Yasuni Rainforest Tours

Prices are Per Person – 2026

Tours

Included in all rates

  • Private Room. Each room has beds for up to 4 people and private bath.
  • 3 daily meals, locally sourced and freshly prepared (excludes alcohol).
  • Transportation for visits and activities.
  • Guided excursions with bilingual guides.
  • Rubber boots and lifejackets as needed.
  • Donation to the Yachana Foundation to support its education and conservation programs in the Amazon.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi at dining hall and reception.
  • Unlimited ozonized water (that’s safe drinking water at the Yachana!).
  • Admissions and Entrance Fees

All rooms equipped:

Yachana Lodge has ten spacious rooms, each with beds for up to 4 people and a private bathroom to provide a comfortable stay. Enjoy safe filtered drinking water, a warm shower, electricity and Wifi. Your wrap around porch offers views of the lush jungle all around you.

 
Board Basis
  • Full board 
 
Room Types
  • Individual, double, triple, quadruple, , and family rooms

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).