Hamadryade Lodge

A modern lodge in a wild jungle

The Hamadryade Lodge is located in the middle of the Amazon forest, on a hill at the border of Valle Hermoso, part of the Quechua community, and the Sumaco Wales Biosphere Reserve. The property is 64 hectares large, is surrounded by lush tropical jungle, and was built on the site of an old gold mine near Tena, along the Rio Napo.

Those eager to discover the Amazon forest will appreciate this very unique, very chic eco-loge, built with tropical woods and stylishly decorated respecting local cultures and traditions. Each of the 4 bungalow suites offers incredible comfort and a modern design that contrasts sharply with the wilderness of the surrounding.

The adventure of the Ecuadorian Amazon in luxury and with respect of ecology

Hamadryade is a nymph of in the Greek mythology. She lived in the woods and was born with a tree in her custody. She could not leave the tree even until her death. Analogously, Hamadryad Lodge is vitally tied to the jungle for which it nurtures a deep feeling of responsibility and care.

A harmonious marriage between local cultures and modern design takes place at the Hamadryade lodge. Each bungalow is a tribute to one of the local ethnic groups: Quechua, Shuar, Cofan, and Huaorani. The decoration is inspired from these local cultures with statues, paintings, symbols, and hand-made wooden furniture crafted by these communities.

Architects Olivier Donnet and Caroline Tresse used straight lines, purity, and simplicity to seamlessly integrate the lodge in the surrounding rainforest. The spaces and volumes, for example, are designed to capture the daylight and enable natural ventilation. The colors of the bungalows are inspired by the themes of the Amazon: red earth, butterfly wings, trees leaves, wild flowers...

The bungalows are large suites that open up onto nature: large windows overlook the jungle and the cool Napo River. The amenities are luxurious including Egyptian cotton linens from Italy, real feather duvets, soft pillows, and spacious showers with natural stones... a harmonious combination that enables guests to experience the Amazon adventure in full comfort.

This charming hotel has been built to the highest standards of cultural and ecological compliance. The lodge is 100% environmentally friendly: the rainwater is collected from the lodge's roofs, is treated with biological tanks, and fills the pool and other water stations; the lodge is 100% powered by hydro-electricity; the bathroom products are 100% organic, biodegradable, locally produced, and packaged by local craftsmen with no plastic bottles!

Tempting Experience: An eco-lodge ethno-lodge

The Hamadryade is not only an eco-lodge but it is also an ethno-lodge that immerses guests in the local community.

The decoration, for as start, is fully inspired by the local communities. Furthermore, the local communities not only contributed to the construction of the lodge but now also at the lodge... But the owners, Sebastien and Melanie Cazaudehore, take it one step further: they are pioneers of development programs that use tourism as a means to promote and revitalize local cultures: making guests discover Quechuas' medicinal plants, organizing rainforest excursions with a native guide ... They will make you discover the bond that links local communities to their environment, their lifestyle, and the harmony of nature.

A real Tempting encounter!

Services and activities: sports and jungle discoveries

Those who wish to rest can, of course, choose to relax at the pool (100% ecological) or enjoy a massage in a traditional Amazon hut in the forest.

There are plenty of activities to discover the rainforest and they can be arranged before or during your stay. For example: hiking in the jungle with an experienced guide, visiting local communities to taste and discover their cultures, rafting and canoeing on the Napo River, visiting caves, seeing giant trees and the huge waterfalls in the heart of the jungle...

Ethno botany also play an important role in the region: discover the well-known medicinal plants of Quechuas.

Hamadryade guests receive free access to the butterfly garden: a 500m² world with amazing colors where you will be able to get a close look at the numerous local butterfly species, frogs, and spiders. The famous guide Taria Pepe Gonzalez will reveal their secrets to you.

The upper Amazon, mosquito free!

Unlike the lower Amazon, the upper Amazon has a rugged landscape with many rivers, allowing for a great diversity of activities, a very pleasant climate, and no mosquitoes!

Awards and comments from the press

• BG Magazine
• Paris Match International, December / January 2009
• "The most beautiful hotels in the world" Luxury Travel (Special Edition)
• "Caviar in the clouds", Paris Match
• "Good plans for two," Tentations
• "Selection of Hotels & lodges in Latin America", Hotels & Lodges