Calanoa Lodge
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The Calanoa Project is an initiative that aims to contribute to the conservation of biological and cultural diversity in the Amazon region by providing a setting that integrates art, design, architecture, scientific research, communication, community education and sustainable tourism. It is aiming to work with the indigenous villages that are around the Amacayacu Natural park, supporting educational processes, conservation of biological resources, sustainable economic practices and the preservation of ancestral knowledge and cultural practices. This way they think they can offer the best Leticia amazon tours.
They are working on a beautiful project with the Mocagua village, as they are going to have a collective mural painting project of all the facades of the village's houses, with their traditional motives. They will include a visit to the village on the tours. Mocagua is going to be the most colorful village in the whole region!
Calanoa provides an ideal setting for the development and implementation of innovative design for the humid tropics. The buiding of the settlement has been a laboratory for natural and sustainable architecture, research into traditional techniques, local materials, wood and natural fibers, raw earth and ceramic, landscape architecture, alternative energies and water treatment. They are very conscious of the fragility of the place, so their place is (and is always going to be) small and sustainable, to minimize impact The hub of this conservation project is 125 acres of land - the starting point for a natural reserve and a collection of tropical fruits, medicinal and useful Amazonian plants for a self-sufficient settlement. Hundreds of hardwood trees, fruits and palms have been planted in order to supply food, fibres and building materials.
A grid of trails is in place and next year a wildlife observation tower will facilitate the study and contemplation of the forest for researchers and visitors. 
Most of the food supplies are local, or grown on the reserve, they harvest rain water, it has been built with local materials, and every tree harvested for building has been replaced by at least 20 new ones. They have a close relationship with the neighbouring communities, so they benefit the most from the tourist operation, and they are contributing through their foundation to the conservation of the aboriginal cultures and the forest that supports us all.
This is a boutique hotel with only seven cabins designed by artist Diego Samper, each one is a piece of art, and decorated to not only be very comfortable but also very beautiful. You will have the feeling of sleeping in the jungle surrounded by trees whilst being completely protected from the environment.( The cabins are fully covered with mosquito screen, and each bed has its own mosquito net for extra protection from bugs).
They are proud to serve only local foods most of which have been grown in their own garden. The dishes blend traditional cooking methods of the area with a playful curiosity to introduce new styles and techniques to enhance your palate's experience. The diet is based on corn, rice, plantain, exotic fruits, unique spices, local wild-fish, chicken, handmade breads baked in their own wood-burning oven, and grains. They can accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and guests with food intolerance to wheat or other specific preferences and needs. All the guests seat together around a large wooden table and each meal becomes a stimulating dinner party. 
"Just to let you know we had an outstanding experience. It was far beyond what we expected. We will return for sure. All staff is amazing and our tour in Leticia with Gabriel was enjoyable." Oscar "The Amazon was absolutely amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed the Calanoa Lodge. Elvis our guide was fabulous as were all the support staff at this exquisite place in paradise. We would not hesitate to recommend both your services as well as Calanoa to anybody wanting to visit such a beautiful place on earth - many thanks for your help in choosing this lodge!" Kind regards, PAUL "Our guide Elvis was spectacular, and the folks at the lodge were incredibly thoughtful. The food was awesome,,,," Gary "The trip was amazing, we all liked it very much. The travel arrangements, "hotel", activities etc. were very well organised and structured.. Our guide Hernan, did a very good job and his English level was excellent. The personnel at Calanoa lodge were very helpful, and they really wanted us to enjoy our time there - high service level! Furthermore it was very quiet at the lodge, very private, and we could relax. Many thanks for all your help!!!" Johanna "It was great; we didn't see caiman unfortunately but loved it all the same. Really enjoyed it. Thanks. " Paul "Everything went as smooth as clockwork – thanks. The lodge is wonderful and our guests were brilliant and so helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. The location, accommodation, food, daily activities and people were all first class." Tony "Our time in the Lodge was amazing. Eliseo was a wonderful guide. We had a great time with him. His explanations and his knowledge were awesome. Furthermore it was really cool to spent time with him. I would highly recommend and actively seek him for any further trip." Max |
Below is a sample 4 day / 3 night itinerary.
We can also offer 3, 5 or more days Day 1: Travel day Bogota-Leticia Arrival at Leticia to start your Colombia Amazon tour. Here an English-speaking guide will meet you. Transfer to the port and then by boat up the Amazon River to Calanoa (1:30 hour), a natural reserve located on the banks of the Amazon River, 60 km west of Leticia, beside the Amacayacu Natural Park and several indigenous communities of the Tikuna people.The Calanoa Natural Reserve is at the very heart of the Amazon rainforest, yet easy to access, and its surroundings are an endless source of marvel. It is a low-impact, small-scale settlement. Welcome refreshments and guided visit to the Reserve's fruit garden and buildings, with an explanation of the Calanoa project concepts of sustainable design. Dinner. Night walk into the forest of the reserve, with local guides, to spot frogs and insects. 
Day 2: Calanoa
Morning: breakfast. Visit to the village of Mocagua. Back to the lodge, lunch will be served, with local produce and traditional food, Calanoa style. The kitchen is open for guests to visit it and participate in the preparation of food. This is an opportunity to know local produce and cooking techniques. Afternoon: Exploration of the Reserve, with indigenous guides, crossing to the Matamata creek, at the edge of the Amacayacu National Park, observing the extraordinary diversity of plants and animals. If the water level allows, return at dusk to the lodge by boat, drifting down the creek and listening to the sounds of the forest. Dinner. Day 3: Calanoa-Canopying-Dolphins
Trekking in Mocagua Island (or, if the water level is high -November to June- it can be done with canoe in a lagoon inside the island, or paddling into the forest) Return for lunch in Calanoa. Afternoon: crossing the Amazon to the Peruvian shore, to spot pink dolphins. Dinner. Day 4: Return to Leticia we can plan at 6 am a Bird observation. Early breakfast and return to Leticia, (7:45 am by public boat). Depending on your flight schedule, you can visit to the Ethnographic Museum in Leticia, or our guide can take you straight to the airport. The standard rate includes two daily activities per night. Optional activities may have an extra cost. Other options:
CUSTOM TRIPS can be arranged:
2023 Prices in US$ (subject to currency exchange fluctuations): a 3-night program with the public boat transfer option the price of this 4 day program is $835 per person in a regular cabin, $150 more (for both passengers) for a river view cabin and $75 a day for both passengers for an English speaking guide. Included in the regular rate: lodging, meals, two activities per day and Spanish speaking guides around the lodge. Not included: additional activities, alcoholic beverages, health or accident insurance. The guides are fantastic and very knowledgeable indigenous guides. Due to travel time, the guides can only do a minimum of 2 days per group, they cannot be hired for 1 day only. Getting to the lodge and back to Leticia Calanoa is 60 km upriver from Leticia. A private transportation at extra cost can also be arranged for you if you need a private boat due to your flight schedule or personal preferences. Important: shuttles and private boats can only operate until 3:30pm. If your flight is delayed and you cannot make it to Calanoa that same day they are not responsible for any additional transportation costs or other accommodation. 10% surcharge at lodge for Easter Week and December
Public boats leave Leticia at 7AM, 9 AM, 12pm AND 2 PM
they leave Calanoa to come back at 7.30 am, 11 am and 3.30 pm. They take about 1.5 hours to come back to Leticia. So don't get a departure flight before 10:30am It is mandatory to have the yellow fever vaccine and bring the certificate of vaccination with you. If over 60 years old you must consult with your doctor prior to getting the vaccine. Cancellation policy:
A 10% admin fee will not be reimbursed. If you have to cancel your stay we will refund 90% if notified a month prior to your arrival. If you cancel 10 days prior 30% will be refunded. No refund will be made if cancellation is done within less than 1 week prior to arrival, however the reservation can be transferred to another person or to another date; high season rates may apply. In case of early departure no refund can be made. In a force majeure event such as natural disasters, pandemics, or governmental travel restrictions no refunds can be made but the reservation can be transferred to another date without penalties. |
