Minga Lodge
Napo River, Amazon, Ecuador
At a Glance
Part of the Me to We charity, which aims to empower the local communities through sustainable development projects
Discover a different way of life through immersion in the cultural and social life of the Kichwa people
Light and airy cabins take inspiration from the tropical jungle surrounds and blend sympathetically into the landscape
The experiences are the main highlight, providing an opportunity to meet a local shaman, discover traditional hunting techniques, and make a lasting contribution to the community
Ideal for both couples, groups of friends and families with older children
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
All year round destination. There is no defined dry season, and rain can be expected at any time of year being a tropical rainforest.
Insider's View
Combine a 3 night stay at Minga Lodge with a visit to Quito, Ecuador's capital and the enchanting Galapagos Islands.
Call us on to start planning your vacation to Minga Lodge or take a look at our itineraries to Ecuador
Description
Straddling the banks of the Napo River is Minga Lodge, part of the ME to We charity program. Taking inspiration from the word ‘Minga’, meaning ‘the coming together of people for the greater good’, it provides an immersive, engaging travel experience.
Set deep in the lush verdant jungle of the Amazon, Minga Lodge is a simple yet comfortable property, part of the Me to We movement that aims to empower local communities and engage visitors in the lives of the people. As part of a wider itinerary through Ecuador or the Galapagos, a 3-night stay here is ideal for families or couples looking to make a lasting contribution to the community.
Reached by boat, your Amazonian experience begins immediately, setting the scene for a stay at Minga Lodge. Cottages dot the tropical grounds, taking their inspiration from the surrounding area and blending seamlessly into the breathtaking landscape. The rustic exteriors of the cottages contain simple but tasteful interiors, with white linens, dark wood and canopied beds. Cabins are complete with air conditioning, and floor to ceiling windows provide jungle views from the comfort of your room after a busy day of activities.
Meals are taken in the open-air restaurant, with freshly prepared Ecuadorian and Western meals accompanied by the sounds of the jungle and stunning views over the Napo river. This is a chance to share experiences with your family and fellow guests, and discuss the day’s discoveries.
While the accommodation is a highlight in itself, it is the excursions taken from Minga Lodge that make a stay here so memorable. From taking part in a traditional cleansing ceremony with a local Shaman and discovering traditional hunting techniques, to a night walk through the Amazon and working on a community project, it is the experiences that will stay with you long after your return home.
Accommodation
There is a range of accommodation at Minga Lodge. Scott Dunn guests would stay in one of 10 new, air conditioned cabins. The cabins have elegant interiors, with white linens, dark woods and canopied beds. Due to the range of volunteers at the Lodge, including youth volunteers, it is useful for guests to be aware that there are a variety of different stand of accommodations at Minga Lodge.
Childcare
Due to the nature of the activities and the relatively remote location of the Lodge, we would suggest that this trip is best suited to older children. There are no specific facilities for children at Minga Lodge.
Activities
Me to We offer both 8-night and 3-night stays, and we feel the shorter of the two offers a chance to experience the region in combination with a wider trip through Ecuador or the Galapagos. While the specifics may change according to community projects or local celebrations, on a 3-night trip you could work with fellow guests on a sustainable development project, meet a local Shaman for a traditional blessing, learn to throw a spear, and help a farmer with his daily tasks.
Experiences
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Day 1 - Your Ecuadorian Me to We Experience Begins
Your Ecuadorian Me to We experience begins today, with a boat trip down the Napo River to Minga Lodge offering an opportunity to learn about the local Amazonian life.
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Day 2 - Starting Me to We Project
Today sees you start work on a Me to We project, before discovering more about life in this rural area with an afternoon spent working with a local farmer.
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Day 3 - Wildlife and Shamanic Ceremony
A second day of working on your project is likely to see it taking shape, and can be followed by a visit to a Shaman for a traditional cleansing ceremony before learning about traditional hunting methods.
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Day 4 - Explore the Rainforest & Goodbyes
A final chance to explore the rainforest, before saying goodbye to new friends and carrying on with your journey.
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Otavalo Traditional Market & Handicraft Tour
A tour around Otavalo market, famous for its handicrafts and for being one of the finest markets in Latin America. The region’s craft heritage is displayed in all it’s finery here, so expect woollen scarves, handbags and ponchos.
Location & directions
Napo River, Amazon, Ecuador
Minga Lodge is set on the banks of the Napo River in northern Ecuador.
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