Napo Wildlife Center
Located deep in Yasuní National Park, the Napo Wildlife Center is the most luxurious lodge in Ecuador's Amazon. It is 100% owned and managed by the native Añangu community, a pioneer in sustainable, culturally friendly tourism in Ecuador. The lodge consists of 12 luxury bungalows and a large dining hall with a library and a well-stocked bar. Attached to the bar is a 50-foot viewing tower from which you can see the Andes on a clear day! The surrounding rainforest is teeming with wildlife, including over 562 species of birds, troops of monkeys, giant river otters, and many other animals. Enjoy small-group excursions with a native guide and bilingual naturalist guide, both experts in spotting and identifying the wildlife of the Amazon.
Nearby a viewing station built at Parrot Clay Licks bring the action to you. A 120-foot canopy tower deep in the forest allows you to experience the life above the forest floor. In your down time, relax in a hammock, go for a swim in the lodge's private lagoon, and listen to the sounds of the jungle.
Sample itinerary - 4 days/ 3 nights
Early wake up and transfer to Quito’s national airport in time for your 30-minute flight over the Eastern Andes to Coca, a bustling town in the upper Amazon basin. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guides from the Napo Wildlife Center and transferred to the Napo River, where your canoe equipped with outboard motor awaits. Enjoy a comfortable breeze and box lunch during the 2-hour boat ride downstream. Many birds can be spotted along the way such as herons, kingfishers, and ospreys. After entering into the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, you will switch to smaller dugout paddle canoes to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful birds, monkeys, and giant otters as you approach the lodge.
All meals included. Overnight at Napo Wildlife Center.
Day 2
Early morning wake up and optional swim in the lagoon. You will be divided into small groups and led by a native Añangu guide, an expert on the forest’s secret medicinal plants, and a trained bilingual naturalist guide with vast knowledge in tropical forest biology. Your daily activities include excursions to various areas within the Biosphere Reserve for wildlife observation and to visit a native Añangu community.
All meals included. Overnight at Napo Wildlife Center.
Day 3
Early rise and travel by dugout canoe to visit parrot clay licks located in the Napo region. This is an incredible opportunity to view several species of parrots as well as vibrant macaws and parakeets up-close. Afternoon outing to the 125-foot tall professional canopy tower for unrivalled birding opportunities and magnificent views stretching as far as the Andes Mountains. This evening relax in your hammock or opt for an excursion to observe nocturnal creatures such as the black caiman, which can grow up to 15 feet in length!
All meals included. Overnight at Napo Wildlife Center.
Day 4
Pre-dawn wake up and transfer upstream by canoe to Coca with wildlife viewing en route. Arrive in Coca in time for your mid-day flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met by Andean Discovery staff and transferred to your inn.
All meals included. Overnight at Quito Inn.