When you approach the short landing strip to Canaima lagoon, you catch a glimpse of a few waterfalls surrounded by dense jungle - and you can't help but feel a little bit excited. As soon as you're off the plane, members of the staff from Waku Lodge come out and greet you, they give you a tribal necklace (a bit tacky, but a nice souvenir), and you are taken by a flatbed truck to the lodge, which is unnecessary since it's literally a 5 minute walk from the landing strip - but is welcome if you arrive in the baking heat.
Once at the lodge, we were give a delicious fruit cocktail and had a staff member explain all the amenities and features of the lodge, as well as telling you where you room is, and all the practical info, such as meal times, etc. We arrived about mid-day and so got tucked straight into the buffet - all you can eat. You have tropical fruit, delicious cuts of meat and finally desserts - all accompanied by juices. A lot of it is sourced locally so it's quite fresh, which is great since you are in Venezuela and temperatures in the jungle are quite high. The highlight of the restaurant placement is that you sit and eat while overlooking the waterfalls which tumble into the fresh water lagoon.
A tour of the lagoon is usually included in the package so you should take it on the first day - it's about 20 minutes long and well worth it. The lodge also organises other tours in the surrounding areas, anything from a trip to Angel falls to an exploration of local waterways with an indian guide - these are all at supplementary cost, but well worth it.
As for the rest of the lodge, they have kept it small on purpose so it will never feel "overpopulated". There are hammocks dotted strategically around the lodge and every room has it's own hammock. It has a great natural feel and the decor isn't obtrusive - you feel like you are really on holiday and the sound of the waterfall is all that permeates the area. You are warned not to leave anything outside your room as it can be appropriated by the local wildlife.
The room we had was great, with ice cold air conditioning and curtains that blocked out the light. If you leave the air conditioner off at night though you will find it noisy - you are in the jungle after all the screeches and sounds of local wildlife might keep you awake.
Lastly, the cost - it is extremely affordable. You will actually spend more on taking the day tours than you would staying at the lodge, but sitting around the lodge all day might get boring for you if you are the active type. You can walk around the tracks that surround the lodge, go to the other beaches and swim in the lagoon (watch out for the currents though). Amazingly, there is even internet and wifi in the lodge, but it's so slow (understandably) you will only use it to check e-mail.
The staff are generally very helpful, and if you book tours they will come and get you in your room. It does help to know some Spanish, because not all the staff speak perfect English. For the day tours being with someone who knows or speaks Spanish is a must, because often you with native Indians, who are extremely friendly but only speak a few words of English.
For me, there was no downside for the stay - if you are going to Venezuela exclusively for this lodge, or are finishing up a trip in Venezuela by staying here, it is definitely worth the detour and trouble of making your way down to Waku Lodge. I for one, will definitely be back when I get the urge to lay in a hammock staring at a lagoon with waterfalls roaring in the background while sipping on glass of passion-fruit juice!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
