Immerse yourself in Ecuador's natural splendor through community-driven tourism projects that forge connections and create opportunities for life-changing experiences.  Our host and naturalist guide, biologist Norby Lopez, will greet us upon arrival in Quito and accompany us on every leg of our journey.

Our adventure begins with a short flight from Quito to Coca and a boat ride into the lush Amazon at the renowned Sani Lodge, where we will spend four nights immersed in the vibrant Yasuni National Park. From guided walks through the rainforest to peaceful canoe rides on serene waters, Sani Lodge offers a profound connection to nature. We will engage with the local Kichwa community who have successfully blended conservation with sustainable tourism, providing us with insights and inspiration.

After a few days with Sani Lodge, our journey continues to Amarun Pakcha. Here, we delve deeper into the principles of community tourism while embracing opportunities to immerse in a different kind of Amazonian forest. The Kichwa of Amarun Pakcha are eager to share their vision for working with international visitors, fostering a cultural exchange that benefits both the host community and travelers. While birdwatching is a primary reason to visit, especially the raucous Cock-of-the-Rock Lek, other activities include hiking to see ancient petroglyphs, visiting local farmers working to protect native forests, and learning to prepare local dishes alongside our Kichwa hosts. Our nights will spent at the nearby Wildsumaco Lodge. This segment of our trip promises rich learning opportunities and meaningful interactions that will leave a lasting impact. 

Following our stay at Amarun Pakcha, we retreat to the tranquility of Cabañas San Isidro for two nights. Nestled in the picturesque Quijos Valley, San Isidro offers a sanctuary for avid birdwatchers. Known for its training program in culinary arts, we will indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared with local ingredients and learn how the lodge works with nearby communities to source the items on its menu. We will also explore the birdwatching gardens, hike the vast network of trails, photograph the orchid collection, or simply unwind by the bathing pool. San Isidro promises serenity and rejuvenation.

Our journey culminates with three nights at the incredible Mashpi-Amagusa Reserve. Each day, we will awaken to the dawn chorus and the whisper of yet a different type of forest, enriching our appreciation for Ecuador’s natural beauty. This family-run lodge offers home-cooked meals, an interactive hummingbird garden, several birdwatching stations with colorful tanagers, and a waterfall at the end of a hiking trail lush with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids.

This overall journey is designed to engage all your senses and foster a deep connection to nature and culture. Whether you are a seasoned birder, a passionate nature lover, or a curious first-timer, you will find your niche in this extraordinary adventure. Join us and experience the sights, sounds, and sensations that make Ecuador a truly remarkable destination.

Angie Drake of Not Your Average American, LLC designed this tour with Biotropica Expeditions for Ellen Jacobson, founder of Friends of Amarun Pakcha, as a way to encourage more meaningful travel in Ecuador.

Day 1: Most flights from the United States to Quito arrive late in the day or evening. Norby will be waiting to take us from the airport to our nearby lodging at Rincón de Puembo where we can rest up before heading to the Amazon.

Days 2-6:  After a restful night and a homemade breakfast at Rincón del Puembo, we'll take a scenic, 30-minute flight to Coca, hoping for clear skies and stunning views of the glorious Andes as we pass overhead. 

We'll be welcomed by the Sani Lodge team and taken to their motorized canoe to begin our journey into the Yasuni National Park on the Napo River. As we motor along this bustling river highway, you'll witness the dynamic life of the Amazon unfold before your eyes. The journey offers an exciting introduction to the vibrant ecosystem surrounding Sani Lodge, where an unforgettable experience of nature and community awaits.

Spend the next few days fully immersed in the wonders of Sani Lodge with Norby as our expert guide and biologist. He will work with local guides to provide an immersive and nature-filled experience. Each day will be different, but activities can include guided walks on forested trails, serene canoeing on black water streams, and night excursions to find endangered black caiman and other nocturnal creatures.

Each moment at Sani Lodge deepens your connection to the Amazon and the Kichwa stewards of this land, revealing the intricate beauty and complexity of this vital ecosystem.

Days 6-9: We will depart from Sani Lodge in the morning, returning along the Napo River back to Coca where Norby will make sure we are all set for the next leg of our trip. We will drive through changing landscapes of villages, farms, and forests. 

We will arrive at Amarun Pakcha in the late afternoon, where our Kichwa hosts will warmly welcome us. Depending on the hour and energy levels, we may participate in a hike to stretch our car-weary legs. Norby will coordinate our activities with our hosts, offering us choices based on the latest bird sightings.

Our lodging for this part of our stay will be with Amarun Pakcha's neighbors, Wildsumaco Lodge.

We will rise early to observe Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at their lek, enjoy hummingbirds and tanagers at the feeders, and birdwatch in local gardens and small farms. We will hike forested trails keeping our eyes open for tamarin monkeys, wonder at ancient petroglyphs, and relax by a stunning waterfall, all while learning about Kichwa culture from our hosts.

Day 9-11: As we leave the enriching community of Amarun Pakcha, our journey continues to the serene haven of Cabañas San Isidro. Nestled in Andean cloud forests, this peaceful retreat offers an ideal setting to unwind and connect with nature over the next few days.

Each day, we will enjoy delicious meals prepared with local ingredients, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the region. 

This part of the tour is designed to be less structured, allowing for rest and relaxation, though Norby will offer suggested excursions for each day. As birdwatchers, we will delight in the wide variety of endemic species, while appreciating the flora, including orchids, bromeliads, and towering trees. Many guests also enjoy the heated pool, open from morning until bedtime.

Days 11-14: Leaving behind the tranquility of Cabañas San Isidro, we will cross the Andes to compare East and West Slopes, arriving at the renowned Mashpi Amagusa Reserve. 

With Norby by our side to help us identify the birds, we will likely see over 100 species in a single day. From dawn chorus at the light trap to late afternoon at the feeders, birds abound at this magical reserve that straddles the Chocó and Tropical Andes.

Learn how co-founders Sergio Basantes and Doris Villalba created this oasis from recovered pastureland, planting hundreds of native trees and plants. Doris prepares delicious homecooked meals and Sergio knows where to spot the best birds, consistently hiking his land to document new species.

Birdwatching happens everywhere, along the forested trail to the gushing waterfall, on the dirt road leading to Mashpi Amagusa's more famous neighbor, Mashpi Lodge, in the gardens, on the back patio, from the outdoor dining room. This place is a bird lover's paradise and the best way to end our trip. 

On our final day, Norby will make sure we are safely delivered to the airport for our flights home. Unless you want to stay a little longer.