FAQ
Questions and answers
Everything guests ask us before they book a trip to the Yasuní rainforest. If yours is missing, write to us and we will answer personally.
Money and booking
Do I have to tip my guide and the staff?+
Tipping is a completely voluntary gesture toward your guide and the hospitality team. If you enjoyed your tour with us, you are welcome to tip your guide directly — preferably in cash or, alternatively, via credit card using a secure payment link. A tip jar is available in the dining area for tips for the hospitality team. All of our staff greatly appreciate it.
What payment methods do you offer?+
During the booking process we will ask you for your credit card payment (Visa or Mastercard), processed through Stripe as payment provider.
If you prefer wire transfer, reach out to us to find a solution.
What is the cancellation policy for bookings?+
Refunds for booking cancellations will be made as follows:
- 95% refund for cancellations 90 days before the start of the tour
- 50% refund for cancellations 60 days before the start of the tour
- 25% refund for cancellations 30 days before the start of the tour
- 0% refund for cancellations less than 30 days before the start of the tour
The cancellation policy is effective regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Trip and practical
Which tour would you recommend if I can't decide?+
In this case, our standard 5-day/4-night tour is the best option for you, as it includes a variety of activities that give you a comprehensive experience of the Amazon. The tour features wildlife and bird watching from a boat, rainforest hikes, and an introduction to our local Kichwa culture.
Do the rooms have electricity?+
Yes they do and it is available from at least 6 AM to 22 PM. Each room has multiple standard US outlets.
Do you provide WiFi at the lodge?+
Yes we do have Wi-Fi available at the lodge, powered by Starlink (100+ Mbit/s Download / 30+ Mbit/s Upload). It is available at the main building and at the most rooms.
How can we get to Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana)?+
You can get to Coca (OCC) either by bus or by a 35 minute flight from Quito, where we will start our 2.5 hour transfer to the Sinchi Wayra lodge by motorized canoes.
LATAM and the Ecuadorian airline Aeroregional are both flying from Quito (UIO) to Coca (OCC) once per day in the morning.
If you prefer bus, we recommend Cooperativa de Transportes Baños (WhatsApp or cooperativabanos.com.ec). Transportation to Coca is not included in the tour.
How do we get from Coca to the lodge on tour start?+
We will pick you up around 10:00 in the morning at the airport or directly at the pier in Coca. We will get in touch with you a few days before your arrival to coordinate the pickup with your flight/bus schedule.
How do we return to Coca after tour end?+
We will depart at the lodge at sunrise with our motorized canoes and will arrive in Coca around 10:00 in the morning and bring you to the airport if needed. If your flight schedule requires you to be at the airport earlier, we can align our departure from the lodge accordingly.
Are the rooms equipped with air conditioning or a fan?+
No, our power supply does not allow this, unfortunately. There is no electricity after 10 PM, but the temperatures are not so stifling and absolutely okay for a restful sleep for most of our guests. Unless you are particularly sensitive, we recommend you take a battery-powered fan with you.
Do your showers have hot water?+
Unfortunately, our power supply does not currently allow us to prepare hot water and the clear shower water is at ambient temperature. With the warm temperatures in the rainforest, a refreshing shower is very welcome for most of our guests and therefore you won't freeze when showering.
Still have a question?
We reply personally, usually within a day.