National Geographic Ashoka Changemakers Geotourism Challenge - Winner, best example of Geotourism in the world, 2008

Yachana was identified as a “geotourism hero” for our travel innovations that are leading the geotourism field.

Condé Nast Traveler Magazine - Best Ecotourism Lodge in the World, 2004

Every year, Condé Nast Magazine selects the best example of Ecotourism in the world. In 2004, Yachana Lodge was selected. The selection is based on a lodge's work in protecting the environment and its social mission. In both of these areas Yachana is a leader.

National Geographic Society National Geographic Society - Grant recipient for the Yachana Amazon Culinary Center

The Yachana Foundation submitted a proposal to the National Geographic Society Conservation Trust to support our efforts in preserving the knowledge of the lost foods of the Amazon. These are the traditional foods that the indigenous peoples have used for centuries but that today, with the influence from the outside, the knowledge where to find them and how to prepare them is rapidly being lost. In addition, we are working to establish how these plants and animals can be cultivated or raised for commercial use. This will give an economic benefit and make the continued use and cultivation more appealing. We will shortly be incorporating a Yachana Amazon Gastronomy Tour where visitors can spend two extra days to go, collect and prepare the different foods.

Smart Voyager Smart Voyager Certification of Yachana Lodge 2007

In 2007, Yachana Lodge received certification as one of the best operators in Ecuador in protection of the environment, social mission, treatment of its employees and working with established procedures in management, safety and service. This award was difficult to achieve and we welcome the challenge and recognition. Rainforest Alliance from New York helped to support the certification process and recognition we are receiving.

World Travel and Tourism Council - 2006, one of the three best examples of Ecotourism Investing in People in the world

This organization is a world body of the leaders in travel and tourism. Each year they award leaders in different categories. In 2006, Yachana Lodge was honored as one of the three best examples of Ecotourism Investing in People in the world.

Conde Naste Skål Ecotourism Award 2007 in Education

The Skål organization is world wide and consists of 22,000 members in the travel and tourism industries. Each year they recognize the best examples in different categories and in 2007, Yachana Lodge was selected as the best example in the world of tourism working in education. This is because of our work with the Yachana Technical High School. It is also what makes us Yachana Lodge and School of Geotourism.

Conde Naste ALCAN Prize for Sustainability 2004

In 2004, the Yachana Foundation was selected as one of the seven best examples of organizations working in sustainable development in the world. This award was based on our work with cacao farmers from the Amazon, our work in tourism at Yachana Lodge and our support of health through the Mondaña Clinic.