Cabanas Alinahui (pronounced Ah-lin-ya-wee) is located on a bluff 150 feet above the Napo River, a major tributary of the Amazon, flowing out from the eastern base of the Ecuadorian Andes. Alinahui means "beautiful view" in the indigenous Quichua language; in keeping with its name, the Lodge has panoramic views of the river, the Andes and three snow-capped volcanoes. The surrounding forest is renown for its exceedingly rich diversity of plant and animal species -- perhaps the richest on earth. Bird watchers will delight in the possibility of seeing and hearing many of the more than 500 species which inhabit our forest. Nature lovers and scientists return to study and marvel at the vast inventory of Alinahui's tropical life. Guests can visit the Jatun Sacha Biological Station, walk its self-guided trails, and see the botanical gardens and tree nursery. Of special interest is on-going research on medicinal plants; over 250 species have been identified and some are being tested for commercial production.