Our jungle Story:
From Schoolmates to Jungle Visionaries
Founded by the Forest.
Led by the Heart.
The journey
Wild Mandari is not just an eco-lodge — it’s the living dream of Fredy and Katy, a Kichwa couple whose journey began in childhood and grew into a shared mission to protect the Amazon and empower their communities.
Fredy was born and raised in Sani Isla, and Katy in Mandari Panga, two remote Kichwa villages in Ecuador’s Amazon. Like many children from the rainforest, they began their education in small community-run schools, often with few resources. As teenagers, both their families made great efforts to send them to high school in Coca, the nearest city. It was there, decades ago, that they first met and bonded over stories from their communities and dreams for the future.
Katy’s Journey: Community, Roots, and Empowerment
Though Katy made her life in Coca, her heart always remained in Mandari Panga. She visited regularly to spend time with her beloved grandmother — one of the original founders of their community. In fact, the very spot where Wild Mandari Lodge now stands was once her grandmother’s home. With love and vision, her grandmother gifted the land to Katy to pursue her dream.
Katy works in a local credit union in Coca. She’s also a deeply active member of her community — attending regular assemblies and leading a women’s empowerment group focused on building leadership and opportunity for Kichwa women.
Fredy’s Path: Guide, Leader, Protector of the Forest
Fredy returned to the forest and began working as a local guide. Driven by curiosity and a deep respect for the environment, he taught himself English and eventually became a skilled bilingual naturalist. Over the years, he worked with several lodges in the lower Napo region and served as the manager of Sani Lodge — gaining deep experience in eco-tourism and conservation leadership.
A Lodge With Purpose
Reunited years later, Fredy and Katy combined their knowledge and passion to create a new kind of lodge — one rooted in community, culture, and conservation.
They contacted friends, fellow guides, and conservation allies to shape the vision. Together, they created Wild Mandari: a place where guests connect to nature, culture, and a deeper purpose.
Redefining experiences
To create honest, immersive, non-staged experiences for travelers.
Fredy envisioned something beyond the typical jungle tour he wanted to create a deeper, more meaningful connection with the rainforest. At Wild Mandari, we focus on authentic Amazon experiences, encouraging longer stays that allow guests to truly live the jungle life and engage with its people, culture, and rhythms.
We welcome curious travelers, nature lovers, and adventurers looking for more than a quick visit. Whether you're here to explore hidden trails, photograph rare wildlife, paddle remote rivers, or connect with Indigenous culture — Wild Mandari offers a gateway to the real Amazon, not just a tour.
Today
Wild Mandari is a living example of what happens when love, tradition, and environmental purpose come together. Every guest supports their mission simply by being here.
Fredy and Katy continue to guide, host, and lead — showing the world what community-based Amazon tourism can truly be.
