Yachana Rainforest Exploration

Meet your guide at the Coca Airport and transfer private car to Yachana. Once at the lodge receive a warm welcome from the native staff that will serve you a refreshing beverage and snack while you are introduced to the facilities.

After you’ve had a chance to rest in your room, your guide will take you on a short hike; this hike will take you into the jungle where you will see a giant and beautiful Kapok tree (Ceibo).

You have the option to start your day early by participating in a bird watching excursion or sleep a little longer before enjoying a splendid breakfast. After breakfast, you will board a ranchera (typical local bus) and accompany your guide as he leads you on a journey into the rainforest stopping to observe birds, and possibly monkeys, along the way. During your rainforest trek your guide will explain the uses of various medicinal plants and amaze you with his knowledge of the several species of birds and animals that inhabit the rainforest, which he calls home.

In the afternoon, learn about how the Yachana Training Center works and the strong support of the Yachana Foundation with his educational program. After this you will take a ranchera to Agua Santa community in order to board a raft downriver to observe a local family doing panning for gold. From there, using either inner-tubes, a small rubber raft or just life jackets, you can float/swim as you continue down river enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds you. At some point you will get on board a motorize canoe to head back to Yachana.

After dinner your guide will offer to take you on a night walk to discover a totally different side of the forest that only comes alive after dark. On this walk, you have the chance to see many small insects, amphibians, reptiles and other animals.

After breakfast, board a ranchera to go to a farm where you can see and harvest many products you have probably never seen or prepared before. You will be part of a culinary activity fixing your own typical lunch from the amazon under the supervision of our chef.

In the afternoon, travel by canoe to the home of shaman and his family to learn about local Kichwa culture and traditions, and to participate in a cleansing ceremony. Afterwards, try your skills on the art of hunting using a typical blowgun and spear. This is a wonderful cultural activity to know a local family and learn more about the kichwa tradition and way of living.

After dinner learn how to make chocolate using organic cacao harvested from the local families. Turn the cacao beans into delicious jungle chocolate, one of the main ingredients for several of the delectable desserts served at Yachana.
 

After a hearty breakfast, travel by a private car from Yachana back to the city of Coca for your flight back to Quito. When traveling by land, you’ll have the chance to observe Amazon life and other communities.