Calanoa Lodge: deep in the Colombian Amazon

​During Johan’s journey through the Colombian Amazon, he visited the Calanoa Jungle Lodge. “The hustle and bustle of boats coming and going, as you find in Leticia and the nearby villages, is nowhere to be seen here. When we moored at the small jetty, we were warmly welcomed by Marlene and Diego Samper. This couple are originally from Bogotá, but have been living in the Amazon for over 30 years.”

Marlene and Diego from the Calanoa Lodge

Marlene describes herself as a social communicator, publisher and environmental educator. Marlene has promoted the development of indigenous communities by raising awareness of traditional art. She has guided various international groups in Latin American countries as they explored the cultures and natural environment.

Her husband Diego is an artist, photographer, filmmaker and designer. His photo essays on Makuna culture have been published by the Smithsonian Institution Press. He was invited by National Geographic to produce reports in the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin. Together, they have published a number of books on the Amazon, and his photography has been exhibited all over the world.

Calanoa Amazonas Foundation

Armed with this knowledge, Marlene and Diego set up the Calanoa Lodge with the aim of raising funds for their foundation. The Calanoa Amazonas Foundation aims to contribute to the conservation of the biological and cultural diversity of the Amazon region, with a view to supporting improved quality of life and sustainable development for the communities surrounding the Calanoa Nature Reserve. Guests at the lodge can explore the fascinating natural environment and indigenous cultures under the guidance of local guides.

The Calanoa Lodge

The Calanoa Lodge is an oasis of tranquillity, and the wooden guest cabins are both tastefully and comfortably furnished. The lodge comprises four wooden cabins, each with two bedrooms. Each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom. In the centre of the lodge is the communal area with a large dining table offering stunning views of the river. All around are hammocks, swings and chairs where you can relax. Calanoa’s cuisine is a blend of local Amazonian traditions with Brazilian, Colombian and Peruvian dishes, created with the owners’ creative flair. The dishes are prepared using fresh, locally sourced produce.
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During your stay, you can get to know the local communities and the rich flora and fauna in a responsible way. For example, you can go for walks through the lodge’s own nature reserve and the Amacayacu National Park. Take a river trip by canoe or visit the Mocagua indigenous community, also known as the ‘painted village’.