Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Discover the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon in the Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This immersive adventure includes canoe rides along the Napo River, rainforest hikes, birdwatching from a 36-meter canopy tower, and visits to vibrant parrot clay licks. Experience the unique culture of the Kichwa Añangu community, explore pristine jungle trails, and spot diverse wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, and giant otters. Enjoy full accommodations, guided excursions, and authentic Amazonian hospitality at one of Ecuador’s most exclusive ecolodges.

Upon arrival in Coca, we will transfer to “La Misión” port and board a comfortable covered motorboat. We’ll begin a canoe journey along the Napo River, lasting approximately two hours, enjoying a box lunch and coffee or tea on the way. Along the route, we may spot herons, kingfishers, and other bird species.

Upon arrival at the lodge’s dock, we’ll disembark for a brief rest. Then, we’ll take a majestic and peaceful two-hour paddle canoe ride, surrounded by trees and wildlife, crossing a narrow creek that connects to the tranquil lake located in the middle of a vast tropical rainforest, where the lodge is nestled.

We’ll likely see several monkey species and large birds such as toucans, parrots, and even macaws. Upon arrival at the lodge in the late afternoon, we’ll enjoy a stunning view of Lake Añangu, a welcome drink, and an informative briefing by the local manager.

After a buffet breakfast, we’ll experience life high up in the forest canopy by visiting a 36-meter observation tower, located about 30 minutes from the lodge. From there, we’ll admire a magnificent display of the more than 600 bird species recorded in the area, including tanagers, macaws, toucans, flycatchers, and possibly howler or spider monkeys.

We’ll return to the lodge for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. In the afternoon, we can choose to climb the central tower for birdwatching, go kayaking, or simply relax in a hammock.

Later, we’ll walk through the wonderful Terra Firme forest, discovering the ecology of the tropical rainforest. Vines, century-old trees, bromeliads, and orchids stand out in this natural garden. We’ll explore the lake and surrounding streams, and with some luck, we may spot a family of giant otters. A delicious dinner awaits us at the lodge.

Early in the morning, we’ll visit Ecuador’s best parrot clay licks. As we paddle down the Añangu Creek, we’ll observe various species along the way. Then, we’ll take a 10-minute motorboat ride to admire thousands of parrots — such as Mealy Amazon, Blue-headed, and Orange-cheeked parrots — landing on the riverbank’s natural clay formations to feed on the minerals.

Afterward, we’ll take a short walk to the parakeet clay lick, where hundreds of cobalt-winged parakeets gather in the trees, waiting for the boldest ones to begin feeding. They take turns landing in an explosion of color and sound.

We’ll have lunch at the Napo Cultural Center. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the interpretation area to learn about the traditions of the ancestral Kichwa Añangu community through music, dance, and storytelling. We’ll return to the lodge in the late afternoon, where a refreshing fruit drink and dinner will be waiting.

We’ll walk along the Tiputini Trail, enjoying a mix of Terra Firme and swamp forests, while observing golden-mantled tamarins, white-faced capuchin monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, pygmy squirrels, and perhaps tracks of a forest carnivore.

We’ll return to the lodge for lunch, then head out again by paddle canoe to explore deeper streams, increasing our chances of seeing unique wildlife such as the hoatzin. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.

We’ll depart early, taking a final two-hour canoe ride back to the Napo River, possibly spotting giant otters, monk saki monkeys, and rare birds along the way. Upon arrival at the river, we’ll board the motorized canoe for the return trip to Coca, arriving after about two hours, just in time to catch our flight.