After arriving to Sani Lodge and spending two full days filled with interesting experiences and activities in the Yasuní area, today is about the departure and I also share some personal tips and advices for staying in the Ecuadorian rainforest region.
Day 4 – Departure from the Lodge and Return Flight to Quito
Having breakfast at 5 a.m. was definitely a challenge, but it made sense to have something in the stomach before the three-hour motor canoe ride back to Coca. On board with us again was the Frenchman, who disembarked halfway to spend a few more days birdwatching.
At the beginning of the return journey, we were able to watch the sun slowly breaking through the dense clouds – a beautiful natural spectacle. We passed by the parrot clay lick again, but this time there wasn’t a single bird to be seen – probably because it was too cloudy.
Halfway along the route, we were given a small box lunch with fruit, snacks and drinks.
Once we arrived in Coca, I said goodbye to the Sani Lodge staff who were present at the dock, and my guide took me by taxi to the airport. There, I also said goodbye to him and entered the small departure hall after a quick check-in. After three days of pure air and unspoiled nature, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the (actually not very large) crowd of people and the accompanying sounds and smells. It got even more extreme on the plane – the sudden switch from warm, humid air to cool, dry, air-conditioned cabin air caused me to have one coughing fit after another. And during the drive from Quito’s airport into the city, I noticed the exhaust fumes more intensely than ever before.
Despite these less pleasant final moments, I look back on four wonderful days in the rainforest, which will remain a thoroughly positive memory for a long time. And I know for sure that I want to come back one day.
Based on my very personal experiences, I’d like to give a few additional tips and pieces of advice to complement the general recommendations for a rainforest stay.
Personal tips and advices
Clothing
During the day, I usually wore leggings and a thin long-sleeved shirt. In my opinion, there’s no need for special outdoor clothing, though of course, that’s up to each person. On the motor canoe rides on the Napo River, I was glad to have a fleece jacket and a somewhat windproof jacket on top, as the wind from the ride made it quite chilly. I also highly recommend a scarf or a thin cloth – it can serve as sun protection for your head and shoulders, a light blanket, or even a towel.
At dinner and breakfast in the open restaurant area, I usually wore a fleece or fabric jacket over my shirt, as I found the nights and early mornings to be mild to cool.
A hat or head covering is helpful during the day – not just for sun protection, but also as a way to apply insect repellent. This keeps the mosquitos from buzzing around your head too much.
Arrival and Departure
The Sani Lodge program includes return flights between Quito and Coca. Personally, I found the change in altitude, temperature, and humidity within just 30 minutes very extreme (see description of the return trip above).
If you’re flying and have some flexibility, it’s definitely more comfortable for the body to spend a night in or near Coca before and after the lodge stay.
If you’re traveling by bus or rental car, you could spend a night at an accommodation near Coca and then head into the city relaxed and early the next morning.
Breakfast and Snacks
Because the excursions start very early in the morning, breakfast is served accordingly early – sometimes before 6 a.m. Personally, I wasn’t hungry at that time, but I always ate something anyway, since it would be several hours before the next snack or lunch. If you absolutely can’t or don’t want to eat that early, you should pack some snacks ahead of time. When arriving at the lodge, guests are offered the option to store brought food items in the kitchen or refrigerator. Open food should not be taken into the rooms to avoid attracting insects or other critters.
Wildlife – Keep Your Expectations Realistic
Nature documentaries and professional photos may give the impression that you’ll see mammals, snakes, and crocodiles up close and in abundance. In reality, such footage requires a lot of patience and time – which is naturally limited during a three- or four-day stay.
The guides do their absolute best to bring nature closer to the visitors. They are constantly on the lookout, listening, observing, and know the exact times, places, and conditions that increase the chances of wildlife sightings. Still, it has nothing to do with “good energy” or skill whether and how many animals you actually see – it’s mostly down to luck, and sometimes also the weather conditions.
So don’t be disappointed if you don’t spot the hoped-for howler monkey or long-awaited anaconda! Instead, enjoy the birdsong, the countless shades of green in the forest, the interplay of colors between sky and water, and the fact that you are moving through an almost untouched and incredibly fragile ecosystem.
I hope this very personal travel report has sparked your interest in the Ecuadorian rainforest. If you’d like to discover this unique region, we’d be happy to help you plan your trip.
