Sani Lodge Activities

 

Pay Online PayPal

Activities at Sani Lodge

Here at Sani Lodge, there is always something new to explore or learn.  The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of our favorites:

 

Canopy Observation Tower

A short ten minute walk through the forest will bring you to our 30meter (100foot) canopy observation tower built around a giant Kapok tree (ceiba pentandra).  From atop the rainforest canopy, you enter a new habitat system and can see birds and animals that you won`t find on the forest ground.  The White-throated toucan and Bare-necked fruitcrow are two examples of birds that you can only see at this level.  If you have a little luck, you might even see the Red Howler Monkey asleep in a treetop. 

 

 

Parrot Clay Lick (Yasuni National Park

See wild parrots and parakeets from special viewing blinds so as not to disturb the birds!  Hundreds of parrots can be seen in the mornings eating from this natural clay deposit that aids in the digestion of some of the unripe seeds and fruits that compose the parrot`s diet.  You will see the Mealy Amazon Parrot, the Yellow-crowned Parrot, the Orange-winged Parrot, and the Blue-headed Parrot.  The Dusky-headed Parrot and Cobalt-winged Parakeet are also occasionally sighted.  You can reach a second viewing spot by hiking a 20-minute trail through the forest, and here you will more likely see the Cobalt-winged Parakeet and the Orange-cheeked Parrot.  (This is an optional activity with an extra cost of $25 to cover the entrance fee to the National Park.)

 

Chorongo Trail (and others...)

After a relaxing canoe ride to the end of the lake you will arrive at Chorongo Trail, whose Kichwa name means “Woolly Monkey”. This is our longest hike, leading you across muddy swamps on log bridges, through the dense-jungle of natural tree-fall gaps, and the under story shade of pristine, primary rainfores. Along the way you will learn about medicinal plants, taste native, edible fruits and insects and discover how to weave traditional palm-fiber bags. As for wildlife, if you walk quietly and are alert, it may be possible to see Giant Anteaters (with great luck), Black-Mantled Tamarin Monkeys, poison-dart frogs, and countless other surprises that the forest may hold in store for you. More trails are available ranging from easy to difficult.

Fishing

If fishing is your hobby, or if you`d like to give it a try, there are various spots where you can fish.  (Legal, doesn`t disturb wildlife?)  We can take you to Pañacocha Lagoon, Challuacocha Lagoon, Napo River Islands, and the small local streams. 

 

 

Canoe the Challuayacu

“Yacu” means “stream” in Quichua, so Challuayacu is the stream that stems from our lake.  Canoe down the stream and experience the rainforest from a different perspective.  Glide silently through the water with an expert native guide to see birds, amphibians, and other Amazonian wildlife.  Notice the variation in rainforest vegetation which grows alongside the river.  You will be able to see Black Caiman in our lake and river as well. 

 

 

Night Caiman Watching

The Black Caiman is a rare and endangered Amazonian species related to the alligator that can reach up to 5 meters in length.  Our black-water oxbow lake is one of the increasingly rare havens for the Black Caiman.  After the sun sets, these shy, docile reptiles become active along the water`s edge, hunting fish, mammals, birds, and even anacondas, and can sometimes be sighted swimming across the lake.  Go out into the lake at night in a dug-out canoe, listen to the frogs and the nightjars (medium-sized nocturnal birds), and search for the glowing orange eyes of the Black Caiman

 

Night Hiking

Many animals in the Amazon sleep or stay hidden during the day in the canopy, under rocks, under logs, or among the leaf-litter on the forest floor to avoid predators.  At night, the forest comes alive with myriad animals and insects that you won`t see during day hikes:  Tree frogs ranging from the size of a fingernail to the size of a hand, night monkeys, various bat species, and Kinkajous (Potos flavus), a nocturnal arboreal mammal.   

 

 

 

 

 

Wildlife Observation from the Bar

Challuacocha Lake is a superb site for bird and wildlife observation.  It is possible to see Magpie Tanagers (Cissopis leveriana), Cocoi Herons (Ardea cocoi), Amazon Umbrella birds (Cephalopterus), freshwater turtles, and maybe even an anaconda or Black Caiman while enjoying a cocktail and relaxing at our lakeside bar. 

 

 

 

Visit a Native Home

Sani Lodge is the only eco-lodge owned and operated by a local indigenous community.  Take advantage by visiting a local`s home to gain a better idea of how the Sani Isla people live (you will visit the family of your native guide).  You can see what food the family eats, how they make local drinks, learn about native customs, and see what traditional dress looks like.  Look around and see how the family lives in a self-sustainable way.   

Camping Information

Our camping site is located three minutes by canoe from our cabins on the same shore of the dark water lagoon. Our camping site offers an exhilarating experience for our more adventurous travelers. The location is perfect for watching beautiful sunsets, birdwatching, and sighting Black Caimans at night in the lagoon. At this site you will be able to feel the energy and the vivacity of the Amazon Rainforest.

We always offer the option of having a native or naturalist guide camp near you to assure safety. If you wish to have a guide camp with you, notify administration once you arrive at the lodge, and they will make the necessary arrangements.

At the site, there is a bathroom with showers. We have constructed wooden platforms with thatched roofs where we place the tents to provide extra shelter. We provide tents, mattresses, sheets, pillows, and drinking water. Please bring your own flashlight.

All meals and activities are included in the price and are exactly the same as those offered to guests staying in our cabins.