Calanoa Amazonas

In the Colombian Rainforest, A Conde Nast Gold Hotel Integrating Great Design and Respectful Tourism

If you’re looking for a unique, off-grid experience, consider passing deep into the Amazon. Within its lush canopies and vast biological diversity is something to be beheld, something breathtaking, and something worthy of protecting.

Canaloa is a jewel of a hotel, offering luxury where other options in the area remain rugged. The unique compound of cabins was designed by one of the owners who is an artist, and construction was done in partnership with the local indigenous communities, using traditional techniques and alternative energies.

The result makes one feel deeply exposed and ensconced in nature, and protected at the same time. A social pavilion creates opportunities for convivial encounters, while hammocks are sprinkled about for restful encounters with the self. The social pavilion connects to the kitchen pavilion via a deck, where cuisine is prepared with organic ingredients only found in the Amazon, fusing Peruvian, Colombian and Brazilian histories. Guests are invited to join in.

With seven low-impact and luxe dwellings to choose from, this is an unparalleled experience and a massive check for the bucket list. Read an interview with the owners here.

Cabin options:

Mirití, Caraná and Iraka are all two-story river-front cabins, and include a private bathroom and a private deck overlooking the Amazon River.

Toè is the master cabin with three levels, an internal garden, a private bathroom and a large deck overlooking the jungle.

Arazu is a lovely two-person cabin (perfect for honeymooners) with stunning river views. It was designed with nautical details arazáso you will feel as if you were sleeping in the middle of the jungle on a gorgeous boat-like structure.

Yai is a treetop cabin, with two separate one-level suites and a private bathroom and a queen bed. It is unique experience of feeling suspended on a tree in the middle of the forest and waking up surrounded by birds, but-terflies, and monkeys.

Acapú is a spacious cabin with a balcony and forest views. It is also easily accessible and perfect for elderly visitors or those with limitations.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The owners can design itineraries for you, including hiking the Calanoa Natural Reserve and the Amacayacu National Park with experienced Indigenous guides. They can also help you organize river trips and canoeing, exploration of diverse kind of forests, and camping in the forest, along with visits to Indigenous communities. The property also offers honeymoon services, and arts and crafts workshops.

For an additional cost, they can also arrange a shaman, herbs and mud baths, a performance by El Vergel children’s choir (traditional music and dances), guided tours of Puerto Nariño and the Tarapoto lagoon, creativity and photography workshops, and cooking experiences. Guided bird-watching or sport fishing, and even help with Spanish immersion can also be arranged. Private airport transfer.

The property also hosts a 15-day birding and natural history trip to Colombia and the Amazon every February.

LIFE ALONG THE AMAZON

Canaloa is located on the banks of the Amazon River, beside the Amacayacu Natural Park. The opportunities to connect with nature here are tremendous: this verdant wonderland comprises 4,220 sq km of jungle, filled with monkeys, jaguars, tapirs and even the pink dolphin.

The charming and colorful indigenous Tikuna village Mocagua, famed for its art and mural works, is just a 20-minute walk from Canaloa. The photo opportunities here are endless.

LOCATION

Amazon, Colombia. Closest airport: Leticia. Calanoa is 60km upriver from the airport. To get to Calanoa, you can either take their shuttle ($65.00 USD per passenger) round trip, which leaves at 3pm or arrange for private transport. Please note: the shuttle only operates with four or more guests, so you may check with the owners to see if other guests are arriving the same day.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: In May-early June (part of the wet season), the river levels are still high enough for boat rides along the Amazon. For the best wildlife spotting, come in the drier months of July-February.