Huaorani Ecolodge

Huaorani Ecolodge opened in August 2007 and provides accommodation for 10 people in a style which is in harmony with the surrounding environment and the Huaorani culture.

Huaorani Ecolodge is situated in the terra firma rainforest (one which is never flooded) an hour walk from the community of Quehueri'ono, in the northwestern part of the territory.

You are in a comfortable and secure setting consisting of five Huaorani-style, palm-thatched cabins named after the Huao communities along the Shiripuno River, constructed of local materials.

Within these are luxury modern tents. All cabins have a pair of twin beds, a private bathroom equipped with a shower, a flush toilet and a porch with comfortable chairs. As an added bonus you are provided with environmentally-friendly soap and shampoo.

Features

The Lodge is committed to minimizing any negative impact on the area and involves local community members with the effort. The timber used is from areas chosen by a forest engineer in consultation with the Huaorani. The Lodge location was determined based on its distance from Quehueri'ono. The Huaorani were involved in the construction of the Lodge and are still the prevalent force in the staff, equally all produce is sourced locally. There are plans to create a laundry service in Quehueri'ono to again increase local employment. Biodegradable products are used in housekeeping services as well as in the bathrooms and buildings are lit via solar panels, which also power the shortwave radio, refrigerator and water pump. A bio-filter renders all waste products either recyclable or harmless before anything is discharged into the river.

How to get there

Transportation from Quito to Shell/ Puyo and back is by car, taking approximately 4-5 hours each way. The 40-minute chartered flights from Shell/Puyo to Quehueri'ono and back are via either a 3- or 5-seater Cessna.

Transportation around the Lodge is by foot and by poled, dugout canoe.

** Return to Quito on Extraordinary Programs is by dugout canoe, car and regular flights from Francisco de Orellana (Coca).

2013 Prices:

* Prices per person based on double occupancy.

Net Transportation charges

The basic transport package costs US$250 and includes: journey by mini bus from Quito through the valley of the volcanoes to Shell, flight in small plane from Shell to the Huaorani Ecolodge; bus from the Shiripuno River Bridge to Coca and commercial flight from Coca to Quito. The option to return by the same inbound route will still be available, and is recommended only for our operations that are scheduled for departures on Mondays and Thursdays. Any departure from the lodge other than on scheduled days is subject to a supplement. There are no available departures on Sundays due to flight availability.

Transport charges are net and subject to change without prior notice.

Included:

• Accommodations
• All meals
• English speaking naturalist guide
• Guided activities including kayaks
• Last night accommodation in the camping site: Nenkepare

Not Included:

• Flight Coca - Quito USD$87 per person
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Airfare tax USD$5.10 per person
• Community fee USD$20 per person
• Rubber/Wellington boots greater than sizes: European 44; American M 10.5/F 12; British M 10/F 9.5

Notes:

• Tropic charge per day rather than per night.
• Transport rates are net
• A 5 day / 4 night program to the lodge costs US$860 + US$250 = US$1110 pp