Accommodation
Sacha LodgeAmazon Rainforest, Ecuador
Sacha Lodge is beautifully set alongside the black-water Pilchicoca Lake inside a 2,000 hectare (4,900 acre) private ecological reserve just across the Napo River from the Yasuni National Park. Despite being home to a couple of species of piranhas the lake is great for swimming…. (the piranha species are – apparently – vegetarian)!
The lodge comprises some 28 thatched ‘cabinas’ and electricity is available from a pair of generators 24-hours a day. There is no air conditioning, but the ‘cabinas’ are comfortable and screened against insects. All have modern ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold showers as well as verandahs with a hammock. We liked the idea of having a ‘dry warm cupboard’ in the room – convenient for storing cameras, lenses and other electrical equipment items to prevent humidity.
Like many jungle lodges, Sacha Lodge operates on an ‘all inclusive’ basis with full board and morning, afternoon and evening activities included. Meals are offered as a buffet and are generally good. Activity highlights include the butterfly house, where some 40 species of butterfly are bred for release into the wild. The 42-metre high canopy walkway suspension bridge offers a perfect viewpoint from which to spot birds, monkeys and other wildlife in the surrounding forest.