CABAÑAS ALIÑAHUI IN THE AMAZON JUNGLE, ECUADOR

Cabañas Aliñahui (pronounced Ah-lin-ya-wee) is located on a bluff 150 feet above the Napo River, a major tributary of the Amazon that flows out from the eastern base of the Ecuadorian Andes. Aliñahui means 'beautiful view' in the indigenous Quichua language; in keeping with its name, the lodge has panoramic views of the river, the Andes and three snow-capped volcanoes. The surrounding forest is renown for its exceedingly rich diversity of plant and animal species, perhaps the richest on earth.

Bird watchers will delight in the possibility of seeing and hearing many of the 500 plus species which inhabit our forest. Nature lovers and scientists return to study and marvel at the vast inventory of Alinahui's tropical life.

Guests can visit the Jatun Sacha Biological Station, walk its self-guided trails, and see the botanical gardens and tree nursery. Of special interest is on-going research on medicinal plants; over 250 species have been identified and some are being tested for commercial production.

Purpose

Because Cabañas Aliñahui is a program of tax-exempt charitable organizations, proceeds are devoted to conservation and other charitable purposes including education, research, protection, and purchase of rainforest and other natural resources. Aliñahui, with its 350 acres, was purchased in March, 1994 by Ecuador's Jatun Sacha Foundation and California based Health & Habitat. The purchase was made possible by contributions from individuals matched by the Schlinger Foundation, grants from the Children's Rainforest Organization (Barnen's Regnskog) of Sweden, the Weeden Foundation, the World Parks Endowment, and a loan from the Nature Conservancy.


Accommodation

Eight comfortable wooden cabins inspired by local indigenous designs and with a total capacity of up to 45 guests, are attractively spaced in a lush 4-acre tropical garden. Each cabin has a second floor deck, a lower patio with hammocks, and a bathroom with flush toilet and showers. Thatch-covered lookouts are conveniently spaced along the high bluff above the river, affording spectacular views from dawn until sunset.

Dining

An open-sided dining room offers three hearty and healthy buffet style meals. Homemade soups, breads and seasonal tropical fruits are our specialties. The cuisine is a combination of Ecuadorian, European, and American dishes. Cold beverages are available at reasonable prices.

Amenities

. There are no telephones or televisions. Communication with Quito is by two-way short wave radio.
. Guests have use of our small library and game collection.
. Life vests for river trips and rubber boots for forest walks are provided.
. The 75 - 90 degree temperature is balmy and comfortable due to the 1400 foot altitude and down-drafts from the Andes.
. Independent travelers, families, tours, expeditions, school and university groups are welcome.
. Group and student discounts are available.

Location

The cabins are attractively spaced in a four acre tropical garden adjacent to primary rainforest. In the nearby forest, the towering canopy is home to flocks of chattering parrots and electric blue morpho butterflies flit across the open glades.

The scene is colored by more than 750 species of butterflies, hundreds of plant species, including 14 species of Heliconia, over one hundred species of orchid and a drapery of bromeliads.

Activities

This comfortable, small resort offers guests easy access to the adjacent 150 acres of primary tropical rainforest owned by Aliñahui as well as 2,500 acres at nearby Jatun Sacha Biological Station. Jatun Sacha trains local tourist guides, gives environmental education programs in nearby schools, offers field training for Ecuadorian biology students and also manages the National Herbarium in Quito.


To find out more about this or any other jungle tour, please write to us at: info@bikeclimbecuador.com

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