The lodge is a new exciting project that is embracing the protection of the Amazon and preservation of indigenous culture. Twelve luxury sustainable bungalows  are being built in the heart of the Colombian Amazon near the Amacayacu National Park, bordering Brazil and Peru, on a private 96 hectares natural reserve.

It is the brainchild of Pierre Kruger, a specialist in luxury travel to South America with over 20 years experience.

 

His vision is that the project will be a model of environmental preservation and be replicable anywhere on the planet, and that its cost-efficiency will become a solution for income generation here and elsewhere, to overcome the lure of  other negative impact activities like mining. He also hopes that it will prevent the rural exodus of indigenous communities by motivating younger generations to remain in their native lands, protecting them with knowledge handed down from older generations.

 

The lodge neighbours the Ticuna, Cocama and Yagua communities who alongside the national park, are partners in developing this ecotourism model.

 

“We believe that ecotourism is the solution to the conservation of the Amazon, providing the communities that live here the necessary impetus to preserve both their culture and environment,” says Kruger.

 

The lodge is part  of a network of 10 Nomad lodges in South America, offering a unique product based on luxury and sustainability.

“Nomad Lodge was created in the spirit of the nomadic people in South America. We invite travellers to discover places our “heart picks”, through a network of lodges in harmony with the environment, offering a standard of quality and services made to meet the guests’ expectations,” says Kruger.

 

The bungalows, built on stilts, will overlook the forest and river. Guest access to the lodge will be by boat and a landing platform, with a footbridge and walkways guiding guests around the property.

 

To reduce its footprint, Nomad sourced recyclable materials for construction within a small radius. The project is using renewable energy and has a water treatment facility. 70 percent of its food will be sourced locally, with guided tours and handicrafts sales offering additional income to communities. The lodge will also employ at least 60 locals.

 

Activities will include guided tours in the forest, bird watching, visits with the communities, cooking lessons, visits to a monkey rescue centre, excursions to Tarapoto lake, craftsmanship lessons, initiation into Ticuna culture, traditional massages and herbal therapies, and yoga sessions.

 

The project will also contribute to the social-cultural, environmental and economic development of the community through activities such as improved energy, water management, education improvement and food production autonomy.

 

The lodge is expected to open at the end of 2016.