The Yacutinga Lodge aims to have a low impact on the environment while providing excellent facilities and services to guests. Their sustainability policy for managing one of the last untouched private rainforest reserves in Argentina includes using local guides, recycling, using alternative energy systems, and developing native plant seeding programs, among other ecologically sound practices. The lodge buildings were designed to maintain harmony with the surrounding jungle and have been built to follow the natural terrain. While the Yacutinga Reserve covers 570 hectares, a nominal 4 hectares of forest were disturbed to accommodate the lodge facilities. Special care has been taken to use local materials, such as stone and large wood pieces gathered from naturally fallen trees. This lodge is "Rainforest Alliance Verified", recognizing that Yacutinga meets criteria of the Rainforest Alliance and is commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Highlights of the lodge include an indoor restaurant and an open-air terrace bar, surrounded by Palmetto palm forest. A nearby observation tower and raised catwalk allow you to wander at your leisure while observing the area's birdlife. The central botanical area boasts a barbeque, pool, and herb garden.
The Lodge
Native materials, such as stones and large logs from fallen trees have been successfully incorporated into the architectural concept of the place, which integrates completely with the natural environment.
The main building, which includes the reception, the main restaurant, the BBQ Area and the Lobby, provides a special atmosphere because it is surrounded by a Palmetto (Euterpe edulis) forest, which is an endangered species endemic to this area. From the main building descend to the garden down a huge log stair, where the eccentrically shaped swimming pool mimics the environment perfectly. Nearby is the bar with a large fireplace. Here Yacutinga's environmental guides will meet to start organized walks or simply exchange information on fauna observations performed during the walks.
Accommodations
All accommodations at Yacutinga consist of independent lodging modules. The rooms are dispersed throughout the forest and surround the main building from a certain distance. Each lodging module has four comfortable, rustic-style rooms with private bathrooms and 24-hour hot water service. Rooms are available in matrimonial, double and triple arrangements.
All the rooms have an exclusive view to the forest. Enjoy the expansive views from the room porches and see hummingbirds, several bird species and even Agouties (Dasyprocta azarae paraguayensis).
Yacuntinga offers the special Suite Yatei. Located 150 meters from the main building, this spacious suite is surrounded by jungle. Ample and comfortable, this specially designed suite is perfect for couples with sophisticated and adventurous spirit.
Dining Options at Yacutinga Lodge
Yacutinga bases their services on respecting local culture while incorporating traditional food at international standards. Ingredients for the food prepared at the Lodge come mainly from neighboring farmers who do not use chemicals. Depending on the season, the lodge receives supplies from producers of local town Andresito.
The Lodge's food has the unique and distinguished taste of homemade food, prepared with fresh and balanced ingredients. They offer vegetarian menus and gladly will accommodate special requests when possible.
Ecotourism through Yacutinga Lodge
Yacutinga Lodge's ecotourism concept is devoted to produce a wonderful relationship between the visitor and surrounding nature.
This means that everyone visiting and living at Yacutinga Lodge takes part in different environmental activities, such as environmental education-based walks, Native trees planting, Wildlife observation and classification, and interpretation of Natural processes to understand and discover this Forest.
The aim is to give the most complete information on Misiones Forest, and native traditions and habits. Also, to have the opportunity to communicate how and why the lodge is protecting this Natural Sanctuary, probably one of the last relics of the richest and most varied Eco-region in Argentina.
Activities
A guest at Yacutinga Lodge does not need to be an expert bird watcher or a naturalist, not even a Rambo-like adventurer to enjoy this place. Guests only need to be willing to open up his/her senses and spirit to get and understand the secrets and knowledge underlying in the natural balance of Misiones Forest.
During tours local english speaking guides put an emphasis on the forest dynamics, its ecology and importance to man. Yacutinga shares the concept that Nature around us is a living entity functioning as a whole. Each plant or animal species has a specific role in this environmental balance.
Experienced guides will help the visitor discover this complex and striking relationship.
A variety of activities are offered at Yacuntinga Lodge for guests to explore and experience the surroundings. These include interpretive walks, Night forest observations, boating along the Iguazu River, the Observation Tower and more.
The Concept
Keeping their commitment to live in harmony with Nature, Yacutinga considers each detail and tries to provide the best ecotourism service possible in the Forest. E-mail services through a leading edge satellite system to comfortable beds with natural cotton bedroom linen.
The main building is the starting point of the lodge's tours to Yacutinga wildlife Refuge. Early in the morning or in the afternoon, even in night hours, expert guides organize floating services or walks along the different interpretation trails.
No more than 12 people ever participate in each tour at a time. All trips are based on respect for the natural environment, its silence and interpretation. Local guides who specialize in Misiones wildlife are proficient at English.
For those who are interested in specific environmental topics, the lodge has organized stays focused on bird watching and classification, entomology, medicinal plants, orchids and bromeliads.
The Nature Reserve
The astonishing presence of several plant strata overlaying from the ground to the high tree tops; profuse vines of all types and sizes, creating an intricate and entwined frame for numerous epiphytes that hang from all that can serve as support. Life in one of its richest expressions within a frame full of species, shades, dimensions and colors, makes it almost impossible to describe this Forest with words.
At the same time this site is part of a global network of places recognized for their outstanding value to bird conservation. The free space between the different vegetation layers is the home to colorful birds like toucans, black fronted piping guans, trogons and woodpeckers.
Guests at Yacutinga Lodge will be ready to discover their senses and to feel amazed at all types of life expressions. All of the biodiversity generates a natural interconnection that makes Misiones Forest alive.
