Ecuador is home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, from the stunning Amazon to the incredible Andes. Here, entrepreneurs have developed several business ideas, including eco-lodges that blend luxury tourism with a strong commitment to environmental conservation. Here is a list of the best eco-lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon; if you plan to visit the Amazon, learn about your best options to stay and enjoy nature without losing the comforts of an upscale hotel.
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Mashpi Lodge (Mashpi Reserve, Cloud Forest)
This lodge is located in the center of the Mashpi Cloud Forest at 950 meters above sea level. It is a luxury refuge in the middle of a unique and biodiverse ecosystem. The Mashpi Lodge, located northwest of the city of Quito, thought to offer a unique experience to its guests, was designed with a modern architecture that integrates into the forest without causing any environmental impact, with panoramic views of the cloud forest.
Outstanding features:
- Wildlife watching: This location offers an excellent opportunity to observe over 400 species, including birds, frogs, monkeys, and a remarkable variety of insects. Furthermore, it is home to endemic animals of the forest, such as the mashpi frog and the magnolia.
- Research center: Biological research was always an important part of the vision when creating the Mashpi reserve, so they worked with biologists to study and protect the surrounding species.
- Sustainable activities: The lodge organizes several activities, including hikes to explore unique natural attractions, aerial biking for a bird’s-eye view of the forest, an observation tower for birdwatching, and access to the extensive Mashpi reserve.
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Sacha Lodge (Private Biological Reserve, Ecuadorian Amazon)
The Sacha Lodge, located in the Napo River basin in the Ecuadorian Amazon, opened in 1992 with only 6 guest rooms and now has 26 rooms divided between suites and family cabins. With an extension of 2000 hectares, this lodge combines comfort with the harmony of the rainforest.
Outstanding features:
- Bird-watching tower: This structure is perfect for bird watchers. Sacha has a 135-foot-high tower, from which you can observe the more than 500 species of birds that inhabit the area.
- Canoe excursions: Paddling a canoe through the Amazonian canals is, without a doubt, a fabulous adventure. Moreover, the experience is truly unforgettable. One benefit is that it demands minimal effort; furthermore, you will have the chance to observe both aquatic and terrestrial fauna during your journey.
- Commitment to sustainability: This lodge actively conserves the Amazon, serving as a safe haven for diverse native plants and animals while providing travelers the chance to experience the Amazon up close.
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Napo Wildlife Center (Yasuní National Park, Amazonia)
This well-known lodge is located in one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, Yasuní National Park. The Napo Wildlife Center is a jewel of sustainable tourism; The indigenous Kichwa Añangu community manages this lodge, showcasing a clear example of community and sustainable tourism.
Outstanding characteristics:
- Managed by the Kichwa community: The center’s administration is entirely staffed by community members, and the economic benefits allow financing of several community projects.
- Wildlife tour: During your visit, you can go on excursions to observe wildlife in the surrounding area, such as monkeys, jaguars, various bird species, and the popular pink dolphins.
- Total sustainability: The entire center is a clear example of sustainable tourism, from generating its own energy using solar panels to having its own ecological water treatment system.
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La Selva Lodge (Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuadorian Amazon)
La Selva Lodge is a renowned eco-lodge located on the outskirts of Yasuní National Park, a perfect place for tourists looking to get to know the Ecuadorian Amazon in depth. A luxury resort in the middle of the rainforest where you can explore incredible spaces and observe a wide biodiversity.
Outstanding features:
- Wildlife observation: This lodge has a wildlife observation tower at about 124 feet high. Here you can enjoy fascinating views of the Amazon while observing wildlife such as monkeys, insects, and a variety of birds.
- Wellness Center: Beyond offering you comfort and security, La Selva Lodge’s facilities allow you to enjoy a moment of relaxation with its spa and yoga services.
- Environmental responsibility: La Selva Lodge is committed to protecting the environment, so it has a strict waste management system and solar energy to reduce its environmental impact in the area where it is located.
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Sani Lodge (Sani Isla Biological Reserve, Ecuadorian Amazon)
Located within the Yasuní National Park with a land area of approximately 24,000 hectares, the Sani Lodge is a jewel of ecotourism. The closest town to the lodge is Francisco de Orellana; in fact, it is approximately 3 hours away. As a result, it stands out as a perfect spot to break away from the clamor and routine of city living, all the while allowing one to engage with one of the most varied environments on Earth.
Outstanding features:
- Community-based tourism: The lodge employs numerous staff members from the Sani community. Furthermore, a project empowers women in the community by enabling them to manufacture and sell fiber and seed handicrafts.
- Wildlife observation excursions: In the vast terrain surrounding the lodge, you will be able to take part in hikes and canoe trips, which will allow you to observe incredible animals such as pumas, jaguars, giant otters, the well-known squirrel monkeys, and more than 500 different species of birds.
- Commitment to conservation: Sani Lodge generates clean energy through solar panels and commits to sustainable tourism by directly contributing to the Kichwa communities.
Conclusion
The Eco-Lodges of the Ecuadorian Amazon focus on sustainability and the protection of nature. Furthermore, they offer lodging and experiences that transform your perspective of the Amazon, allowing you to explore some of the most varied and biodiverse habitats on the planet. These lodge options clearly demonstrate that it is indeed possible to enjoy luxury tourism while being responsible. Furthermore, they set a standard for others to follow. If you are looking for an adventure, these eco-lodges are ideal for exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon with multi-day tours and activities for all tastes.
