Central & Southern Oriente - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 372

vation efforts, as well as incredible treks of up to 10 days from the
Andes to the Amazon. Rooms are comfortable, with private and
shared baths. As for birdwatching, SierrAzul is a highly valued desti-
nation lodge bymanywell-known international conservation, birding
and educational groups. Their bird list is available online at www.
sierrazul.com. There's radio communication only, as there are no
phones here. Make arrangements in Quito at Joaquin Pinto 439 and
Av. Amazonas, PO Box 17-1106398, 2-2564-915 or 2-2909-482, fax

2- 2907-870, [e-mail].

Immediately adjacent to San Isidro is Yanayacu Biological Sta-
tion and Center for Creative Studies . Yanayacu, meaning “black
river” in Quichua and named for the local river, offers rustic and
down-to-earth facilities that cater mostly to self-sufficient groups.
The station, which has kitchen access, running water, kerosene and
candle lighting, is geared more toward tropical biology studies and
personal growth activities, with volunteer opportunities offered at
$210 per month. I haven't visited the station, but you can learn more
about it at www.yanayacu.org/index.html, [e-mail].

Tena
Most accommodations in Tena are relatively inexpensive and cater to
budget travelers.

6-584-964), offers
simple yet agreeable accommodations. It seems to be quite popular
with incoming jungle-bound gringos. Rooms are clean and comfort-
able and the restaurant is worth looking into even if you're not stay-
ing here. The hotel is associated with Cruceros y Expediciones
Dayuma, a local tour operator (see Tours & Tour Operators , page
368). $

The Dayuma Hotel (in Tena, call for directions,

Well-recommended is the locally owned Los Yutzos , along Río Pano
on César Rueda near Av. 15 de Noviembre. There is an Internet café
across the street. $$

Hostal Traveler's Lodge , 15 de Noviembre 432, 6-886-372, is a

popular budget choice operated by Amorangachi Tours (see Tours &
Tour Operators , page 368). Simple but sufficient rooms include pri-
vate or shared baths, and there's a good restaurant next door. The
rooms downstairs near the office, however, are loud, as the television
is always on. This is a place to meet young travelers, organize a tour,
and gather helpful information. $