Deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon you will find a mysterious lake called Challuacocha, where floating water hyacinths and grasses obscure the shores. And if you venture out on this lagoon in a dugout canoe early in the morning when it is quiet and the light is still low, you just might see, somewhere out there, lying hidden in the vegetation a rare and wild Manatee or Anaconda. Float here for a while, scanning the horizon and you would probably notice the yellow banded chest of an Aracari or hear the hoarse whisper of the Hoatzin.

Eventually, the day would pass and you could peer out across the shimmering black water towards the setting sun, and almost certainly see the gleaming orange eyes of the Black Caiman. Come to Challuacocha and feel the mystery. Come to Challuacocha and experience the world of Sani Lodge. To the north of Challuacocha lies the massive Cuyabeno Reserve and along the southern border stretches the vast Yasuni National Park. In the corridor between, located on 40,000 hectares (100,000 acres) of untouched rainforest lies Sani Lodge, a unique Ecuador ecolodge. Here, the biodiversity will amaze you! On your adventure, you will walk through a pristine rainforest gallery that is home to 1,500 species of trees, hundreds of climbing vines, and exotic flowers, as well as 550 species of tropical birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1,000 species of beautiful butterflies. Sani Lodge is truly a one of a kind Ecuador ecolodge dedicated to ecotourism, environmental conservation, and community projects in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador.

Sani Lodge is owned and operated by members of the Sani community, meaning that with their extensive knowledge of the Amazon wildlife and biodiversity they can give Sani Lodge guests the true experience of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. In addition to providing excellent service to its guests, Sani Lodge participates in community ecotourism - profits from the jungle lodge are reinvested into the community, improving the lifes of all who live there. Sani Lodge accommodates only 40 guests, between the cabins and the camping, emphasizing quality rather than quantity, and thereby offering you a more intimate experience with the rainforest.

The lodge itself consists of ten, private, thatch-roofed cabanas, each with a modern bathroom. The cabanas are spaciously designed for double or triple occupancy, and have screened in windows to guard against insects while you sleep. Electric lights at the lodge run from ecological friendly solar energy instead of a noisy generator so the night sounds will be pure and natural. Oil lamps are also provided for those who appreciate that rustic feel. The bar, lounge, and dining room at Sani Lodge overlook the lagoon and offer both first class service, as well as, premier views of wild life and of the setting sun. The cuisine during your adventure will be innovative, combining examples of fresh, local ingredients with an international style. Vegetarian, chicken, meat, and fish dishes will be served. Fresh bread, baked daily and scrumptious exotic fruits will greet you in the morning. At lunch, sip on refreshing exotic juices, like guanabana, guava, passion fruit, cactus fruit, citrus, and coconut. And in the evening after a beautiful meal, original deserts and fine Ecuadorian coffee will send you happily satisfied to a comfy chair or hammock in the lounge to reflect on the day's adventures in the Amazon.

PRICES PER PERSON IN $USA

Children under 4 goes for free, from 5 to 10 years: 50% discount. 12 and olders pays as adults. INCLUDED: accommodation, 3 foods, native guide and multilingual, excursions and transportationfrom-to El Coca. NOT included: Air ticket $ USA 126, drinks, personal expenses nor tips.

EXAMPLE OF ITINERARY

THIS IS WHAT 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS COULD BE LIKE:

All our activities are adjusted and planned in accordance with the wishes, preferences, and suggestions of our guests.

Day 1: 11:00 Departure from Quito with ICARO Airlines 11:35 Arrival in Coca 12:00 Boarding of passenger to transport boat at the Río Napo Harbor in Coca 13:00 Lunch on the boat 14:45 Entering of the Chaullayacu, the small stream connecting the lagoon at Sani Lodge with the Río Napo, following the stream for about 30 - 45 minutes before arriving at the lodge 15:30 Arrival at the lodge, welcome snacks and drinks, settling down in the rooms 17:00 Introductory canoe ride or forest hike 19:00 Dinner 20:30 Night hike.

Day 2: 06:00 Breakfast 06:45 Departure to the Chorongo Trail. 45-minute canoe ride across the lagoon enjoying the morning activity (birds, caimans, monkeys, manatees, etc.) on the lagoon. 3 - 4-hour hike on the Chorongo Trail including a small snack break in between. 45-minute return canoe ride 13:00 Lunch 16:30 2-hour hike on the Swamp Trail 18:30 Return to lodge 19:00 Dinner 20:00 Caiman watching or night hike (both optional)

Day 3: 06:00 Breakfast 06:45 Departure to the 30-m birdwatch tower. 5-minute canoe ride to the Aguila trail head. 10-minute walk to the birdwatch tower. birdwatching, listening to the sounds of the Howler Monkey 09:00 Departure from birdwatch tower to the Aguila Trail. 2 ½ hours hike back to the lodge exploring the jungle; flora and fauna 13:00 Lunch 16:30 Pirabha-fishing in the lagoon and float for sunset 19:00 dinner

Day 4 : 06:00 Breakfast 07:00 Departure to Coto trail by dugout canoe. 1 hour 20 min canoe ride to Coto trail head. Hike to Coto trail for 2 hours exploring for flora and fauna. 1 hour canoe ride back to the lodge 13:00 Lunch 16:30 Departure to watchtower. 5-minute canoe ride to Aguila trail. 10-minute walk to the watchtower. birdwatching, listening to the sounds of the Howler Monkey 18:30 Return to Sani Lodge 19:00 Dinner 20:45 Caiman-watching or night hike (both optional)

Day 5: 06:00 Breakfast 06:45 Departure from Sani Lodge. 30 minute dawn-boat-ride on the Challuayacu. 3 hours and 30 minutes boat-ride on the Napo River 10:15 Arrival at Rio Napo Harbour in Coca. Transfer by taxi to Coca Airport 11:15 Departure of return flight to Quito 11:50 Arrival in Quito