EcoTour
The Sani lodge is a hidden gem in the Amazon basin. It is completely run by the local Quichua tribe and the facilities are amazing, the food fantastic and the hikes and wildlife, particularly birding off the charts. I've never met a nicer group of people. A must go to location for anyone who wants to hike and bird in the region. 5 stars in all regards.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 nrudman 
 
2023-10-15
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
A thousand stars recommendation for the amazing Sani community
I would like to offer my most glowing recommendation for Sani Lodge. Simply put, everything was beyond great! We stayed at Sani Lodge for 5 days in the family cabin. We were two adults and a 10-year old. The location is stunning, within primary rainforest, verdant, unspoiled. We could see multiple tropical birds and turtles right from our balcony. What we most appreciated about staying with the Sani community was everyone’s intimate connection with the rainforest and their utmost commitment to protecting it. The trip down the Napo offered many opportunities to see the close presence of the oil industry, which is posing a great danger for the jungle, although they are barred from exploiting Sani lands and the areas of the Yasuni national park that we visited. We had many conversations about environmental sustainability during our stay with the Sani community. Their palpable connection to the forest, and daily dependence on it and love for it, came across in every conversation and many aspects of the lodge’s operations. The activities were both exciting, fun, perfectly pitched for us as a family. We went on hikes that were just long enough, thrilling boat rides to fish piranhas and see caimans, jaw-dropping climb up a watch tower to the forest canopy. We especially loved our visit to the Sani community where the women’s cooperative, led by Mary-Sol, showed us how to cook a traditional dish. It was a huge privilege to see the community centre and watch a soccer match while the dish we made was roasting on an open fire. Those who wish to support the community can purchase hand-made jewellery from the cooperative (cash only). The guides offered absolutely five stars service – this was a major factor in what made the experience so absolutely fantastic. Victor, a graduate of tourism studies who grew up in the community, was extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna as well as the human environment. He and assistant guide Marco had eagle eyes – together, they made it possible for us to see a variety of wildlife that we would have never otherwise seen – monkeys, birds, insects. They were supremely attentive and took great care of us. For example, their sure hand was always there to help us daughter on slippery surfaces – and hold our phone to their telescope so that we could take a picture of the amazing birds they’ve found to show us. Victor spoke perfect English. The food was fantastic and there’s a well-stocked bar. We are vegetarian and were accommodated easily with varied, tasty, nutritious meals. Even the little one, who can be fussy, gobbled it up happily. Our hut was spacious and well kitted out, just far enough from the lodge to make it feel super private but not lonely. We loved listening to the sounds of the jungle through the windows, on super comfy beds, inside our mosquito net which the staff carefully tucked in every evening (bring deet-based mosquito repellent). It was not too hot or humid; it rained some, but the ponchos and wellies we received were perfect protection. Service was always extremely friendly and professional through and through; we would like to thank the friendly arrival and departure service staff. The final moonlit boat ride through the stream back to the Napo where the sun was rising was unforgettable. We really cannot imagine a better experience in the rainforest or one better suited for a family. Our daughter was so enthralled with the nature around us and the pervasive tranquillity, that she cried when we had to leave. We specifically inquired with the central office what gift a tourist may bring to the community which would be useful – if that’s of interest to anyone, the answer was primary school supplies We were overjoyed to hear that locals won the referendum to stop extraction from a large part of the the Yasuni national park.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 JayTee115 
 
2023-10-08
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Great Lodge but too much building and machine noise
We enjoyed our stay here and saw numerous pretty birds but apart from a few monkeys, no mammals. Guide was good, food very good, considering the location. Our dwelling was not far from the staff quarters, where a loud whining machine (I assume a wood cutter, since it emitted a high pitched down the scale whine every five seconds) spoilt our down time and made a siesta impossible. Don’t forget that there is no glass in the windows! On the other side of our hut they were building a new cabin, with all the hammer banging and construction noise that that entails. A number of trees had just been cut down and were a sad, unattractive site in front of the lagoon. There was a large gap at floor level between the main beam and the floor, through which insects of various sizes entered the room at night, including a huge cock roach style creature that had to be quickly exterminated. On our boat trip back to Coca other guests showed us photos of the Milky Way, taken on the previous evening’s activity. Why were we not informed of this, or of other nighttime activities? This said, we loved paddling off in the early morning on a new adventure. Unfortunately we criss crossed with other groups during our jungle walks, some of whom were smoking cigarettes, so not the experience we were expecting. To be positive, the staff all worked hard to help us see as many birds as possible and the waiting staff in the restaurant were all also friendly and efficient. I do not at all regret going to Sani, it was very nice, but it could have been so much better.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 cliffordchambers 
 
2023-09-30
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Magical experience! We hope to return some day!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Indigenous owned and operated. Wonderful community-centered experience and ecological tours. Our group ranged in age from 8 to 80, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. We saw caimans, monkeys, bats, amazing birds, went fishing for piranhas (and ate them!) and other creatures. Our tour guide was with us from the airport, during our time at Sani Lodge, and back to the airport. Danny felt like family and we felt safe the whole time. What an absolutely wonderful experience. I would be so lucky to return some day.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Sarah P 
 
2023-09-25
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Magnifique lodge au cœur de l'Amazonie
Le Sani Lodge est accessible en pirogue depuis Coca. Rien que le trajet sur le fleuve Napo puis sur un petit cours d'eau vous plonge en Amazonie. Les lodges sont très bien équipés dans un parc fleuri où nichent des centaines d'oiseaux et le personnel est aux petits soins. Les activités proposées sont très intéressantes et dépaysantes. Une très belle expérience
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 martin S 
 
2023-09-14
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Magical lodge offering authentic experiences in the Amazon
My adult daughter and I did the extended/deep jungle experience (5 days/4 nights) and we had an amazing time! We wanted an authentic experience deep in the jungle and that’s what we got at Sani. The lodge is ideally situated at the edge of a tranquil lagoon and offers wonderful views of the jungle. The lodge is charming, clean and well-run, and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. Although the rooms have all the essentials and are quite comfortable, there is no luxury here so look elsewhere if that’s important to you. As others have mentioned, the food is very good and healthy. In addition to meals at the restaurant, we were given snacks on our extended hikes, which was appreciated. One thing that was missing for me was a lack of nighttime social activities. I don't know if it's because there weren't many people at the lodge during our stay or because they assume everyone is exhausted after the daytime outings, but there wasn't anything to do after dinner but go back to your cabin. There is a small bar guests visited before dinner, but it wasn't really a gathering place to unwind afterward. This shouldn't' be a deal breaker because everything else about Sani is wonderful. The excursions were great! One highlight was a 5 hour trek through the jungle in the rain with our expert guides Eric and Don Nelson where we saw all manner of flora and fauna, as was piranha fishing and night hikes. We appreciated the knowledge, kindness and professionalism of our guides Eric and Don Nelson who shared so much information about the jungle and spotted animals we wouldn't have noticed otherwise. We also visited the Sani Women’s Center and were grateful to spend time with the community and tour their compound. I've told family and friends how amazing Sani is and would recommend it to anyone. I can't wait to go back!
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Cynthia C 
 
2023-09-01
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
A magical & beautiful lodge!
This is my second time visiting Sani Lodge, and I cannot wait to return. This lodge is pure magic: from fantastic and attentive service, to delightful and well-prepared food, to excellent and friendly tour guides, to the amount fauna and flora I see with every visit -- I am always in awe, starstruck by such natural beauty. Every trip is arranged so we not only visit the most biodiverse place on Earth--Yasuni National Park--but also get to know the community and learn from their culture. This is such a precious piece of land and so well managed. Please, do yourself a favor and visit Sani Lodge. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. A dream.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ana H 
 
2023-08-28
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
One of the best experiences of my life
A wonderful experience that I can't recommend highly enough. An incredibly special place. We had the privilege to be guided by Victor whose knowledge of the wildlife is unparalleled and who made us feel completely safe even when we were within arm's reach of a cayman. I would come back in a heartbeat.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Tracey E 
 
2023-07-24
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Außergewöhnlich!
Außergewöhnlich! Die Lodge liegt traumhaft an einer Lagune im tiefsten Regenwald. Diese ist nicht privat, sondern wird von der Sani-Comunity bewirtschaftet. Service, Unterkunft, Essen - alles ist sehr gut. Die Guides mit ihren Adleraugen sind großartig und bringen einem den Regenwald in kürzester Zeit näher. Ein Ort an dem ich gerne noch länger geblieben wäre.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Alex 
 
2023-07-24
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Wonderful Visit
Amazing stay at the Sani lodge. A stunning location on the lake. The guides were incredible and held a deep knowledge of the wildlife and the area. The visit to the Sani Isla Women’s Center was a highlight. We would recommend that anyone who is going to the Amazon stay at Sani.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Heather K 
 
2023-07-20