Yachana Lodge: Paradise of Natural and Native Indigenous Life
by Ana María Carrera

The work of FUNEDESIN - Foundation for Integrated Education and Development focuses on sustainable solutions in the struggle between the ideals of rainforest preservation and the realities of life in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

This foundation, consisting of volunteers working together to make the dream of eco-action a reality, is at the forefront or preserving and protecting Ecuador 's Amazon region. They strive to teach the world the value that the Amazon forest holds for all of humanity. Their vision is of a thriving natural environment where foreigners and Ecuadorianpeople alike can come to learn about and enjoy nature and experience the fascinating daily lives of the native people.

Various Amazonian local communities are working together to develop community-based medical care (Mondaña Health Clinic) and ecotourism programs. These initiatives are part of the dedicated daily efforts of FUNEDESIN and of the people who live in these ecologically sensitive areas.

FUNEDESIN employs an innovative development model, based on a non-profit / for-profit organizational structure. So far, the non-profit foundation has created two for-profit companies, Yachana Lodge and Yachana Gourmet, the goal of which is to generate revenue for their rainforest protection initiatives.

Yachana is Quichua for "a place of learning"-a concept which is at the heart of FUNEDESIN'S philosophy. Yachana Lodge provides a rare and wonderful window into the world of the teeming rainforest and its inhabitants.

Where is Yachana Lodge?

Located on the banks of the Napo River , near the tiny community of Mondaña, the lodge lies deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, a two-hour motorized canoe ride from Coca in Napo Province . The lodge property spreads over 3000 acres of primary and secondary rainforest. Yachana Lodge area falls within the buffer zone around Gran Sumaco National Park .

The buffer zone exists to protect the park and its natural resources and to raise the awareness of visitors and locals as to the need for environmental conservation. UNESCO designated Gran Sumaco National Park as a "Man and Biosphere Reserve" In 2001. These Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems that conserve biodiversity through sustainable management and use. They are internationally recognized, nominated by national governments, and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the countries in which they are located. As such, they are
truly the crown jewels of humanity.

Testimonials from those who have visited Yachana Lodge:

A Place for Discovery

"At Yachana Lodge you experience the jungle!" a FUNEDESIN volunteer said. "You really learn about the biodiversity of the rainforest with their bilingual naturalist and native guides."

A FUNEDESIN'S technical volunteer said:
"You can participate in a cleansing ceremony with a traditional healer. Practice using blowguns, spears, and fishing nets as you learn about indigenous culture. Make your own woven basket with the lodge staff. Go tropical fruit picking. Enjoy a refreshing swim or pan for gold in the Río
Napo. Birdwatch ... Bugwatch ... Frog watch Take a sunset cruise. Visit FUNEDESIN's various community develop projects including: a community health clinic, and the food-processing plant. Take a night walk in search of nocturnal life forms in the rainforest. Relax while enjoying the fresh air, the tropical sun and the natural beauty around you ."

A place of Tranquility

Yachana Lodger offers first-class, relaxing accommodations. Choose between spacious lodge rooms or private cabins. Whichever you choose, your room will have a view of the spectacular Napo River .

In the lodge dining room, guests gather for meals which are always served in an inviting family-style setting. Our chefs take exquisite care to prepare traditional specialties of Ecuador , each with a local "Yachana" twist.

"We guarantee that you will be delighted with the freshness and quality the jungle provides!" the chef promises.

Yachana Lodge, located deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest, offers you a unique opportunity to explore and discover jungle life and lore.

Discovering Native Life

Discover how the local indigenous peoples have co-existed with the jungle for centuries and how they exist within it today. Visit a traditional healer or shaman. Learn how medicinal plants are used. Learn about local culture. You are guaranteed to leave Yachana Lodge having glimpsed the magic that is the Ecuadorian rainforest.

A Place for Learning

Come learn and experience the amazing biodiversity of the rainforest. Walk through the awe-inspiring jungle, while learning about the culture of its peoples with the lodge's bilingual naturalist guides. Relax in the rustic comfort of the lodge and enjoy the tranquility of the jungle.

While at Yachana Lodge, visit FUNEDESIN's community development projects which are dedicated to the protection of the rainforest and its peoples. Your stay helps fund its important work.

Web link to article -

http://www.goecuador.com/ezine/enghtml/features/yachana.htm