Kumanii community eco lodge
Kumanii lodge is located in the Choco tropical rainforest. We offer lodging within sustainable tourism practices, the project is community run by local Chachi and afro Ecuadorian people.
Most of Ecuador is covered by tropical forest, such as the Chocó on the Pacific Coast and the Amazon in the east. You will find tantalizing destinations, exotic panoramas and native communities that have lived for centuries in harmony with their surroundings.
Located on the banks of the Rio Cayapas near the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological reserve, Kumanii Lodge offers a cultural and ecological experience like none else. “Kumanii” is a Chachi word meaning, “a welcome person, friend or family.” We work together with nearly a dozen Chachi and Afro-Ecuadorian communities to provide tourists with a complete experience of the rainforest, from participating in traditional dance to visiting the fields and virgin forest. Those who love nature, adventure and culture will find an interactive experience that teaches them to see, hear, taste and feel the world in a new way.
The lodge is built in the style of traditional Chachi dwellings, in continuity with its environment and the surrounding villages, using native forest materials such as bamboo, palm and fine woods like Chanul.
The staff who work at the lodge are members of the local Chachi and Afro-Ecuadorian communities who have been trained in hotel management, tourism and customer service.
Activities
There are several activities one can enjoy at Kumanii, to list a few:
Nature hikes in search of wildlife - these can be anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, moderate to strenuos hiking. The Kumanii trail is starts from the very lodge. On the Kumanii trail it is possible to see primary forest, banana and cocoa plantations, river fish and river shrimp farms.
Visit to the Loma Linda or another Chachi community. Here we will be greeted at the event house and will be able to presence and participate in a local wedding ceremony.
Chachi dugout canoe lessons, we can learn to use the main river transport, just get ready to get wet and have some fun.
Visit the Trinidad, Corriente Grande or another community maintained forest trail, we will observe primary and secondary forest and search for local flora and fauna - we will reach a lookout at the end of the trail where we will have a panoramic view of the Choco. We will also visit the farmlands where locals grow their consumption goods: coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, mandioc, etc.
Visit local artisans, the Chachi are famous for their basketry, they weave local straw into bags, books, baskets and other utensils.
Dance "La Marimba" with an Ecuadorian afro community. Feel this lively African influenced beat take possesion of you and dance to the beat.
Dugout canoe rides in search of birds and local wildlife.
Take part in a Shamanic healing ritual.
Facilities
Rooms:
There are three beautiful cabins each has 4 rooms. There is a 4th cabin where the matrimonial suite is located. All rooms provide all the necessary services: picture windows with a panoramic view, private bathrooms with hot running water. The lodge can accommodate up to 28 guests.
All rooms have capacity for 2 people in each, the bed configuration can be matrimonial or twin. All rooms at Kumanii lodge are well ventilated without the need of air conditioning and have mosquito nets.
The matrimonial suite is a little larger that standard cabins and offers additional privacy for its ocupants.
Services:
Restaurant: The main social area is the dining room, here is where meals prepared by local cuisine artists are shared with your group of fellow explorers. The design allows for views of the river as you enjoy your candlelight dinners. We serve local and international specialties
Terraces with hammocks for resting. Just next to the dining room there is a hammock area, for those who want to relax and see the birds fly by in the trees below it is the perfect spot.
Bar and
Common room. Below the main building there is a common room where shamanic rituals and lectures take place.
The lodge has 2 water towers that also serve as viewing platforms for birdwatchers.
The docks: Part of the lodge is the river dock from where dugout canoe expeditions depart, it is also a great spot to swim or practice navigation on a small Chachi canoe.
We have direct radio communications with Quito and a station equipped with first aid supplies for any emergency.
Kumanii lodge offers well appointed social areas. It fits in perfectly with the surrounding tropical forest as it extends part of it into its beautifully maintained gardens that connect all areas of the lodge through small paths.
