The Huaorani Ecolodge is situated in terra firma rainforest an hour walk from the community of Quehueri’ono in the northwestern part of the Huaorani’s territory in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Ecolodge is a joint venture between the Ecuadorian tour operator Tropic –Journeys in Nature, and the Huaorani. Tropic facilitates the sales, marketing and management of the joint venture until the Huaorani choose to take over all aspects of the Ecolodge and tourism program.
The Ecolodge opened in August 2007 and accommodates up to 10 people in 5 palm-thatched walk in tents equipped with twin beds, en suite flush toilet and a porch with comfortable chairs. There is a separate dining area, bar and kiosk, and a Casa de Hamacas (Hammock House) on the edge of the Shiripuno River.
The lodge is committed to minimising negative impacts on the area as well as involving local community members. The Huaorani were involved in the construction of the lodge and are the predominant employees. Biodegradable products are used in the bathrooms, buildings are lit via solar panels, and a biofilter renders all waste products either recyclable or harmless before being discharged into the river.
There are many activities to be enjoyed at the lodge accompanied by a Huao and naturalist guide. These activities include rainforest hikes through a variety of habitats, night walks and a visit to a salt lick where birds, small and mid-size mammals and occasionally a tapir come to eat the sodium rich soil. There is also an opportunity to learn about the secrets of survival in the rainforest with an experienced Huaorani hunter, and to visit and interact with the community, perhaps even sharing a bowl of chucula (a sweet drink made of ripe bananas) with one of the families.
