- Ecuador -

Premium Tour

4 days / 3 nights

Sample Itinerary

OVERVIEW

Napo Wildlife Center is recognized as the most successful community tourism project in Ecuador. Since its inception, it has demonstrated that sustainable tourism can be a powerful tool for conservation and social development.

Our approach combines biodiversity protection with the empowerment of the Kichwa Añangu community, who lead all lodge operations.

Each visit to Napo Wildlife Center directly supports initiatives that strengthen the local community.

Our education, health, and economic development programs have significantly improved the quality of life for its members, proving that it is possible to create real positive impact while preserving one of the world’s most important ecosystems.

Day 1 – Into Yasuní: Napo River Arrival

After a rewarding 30-minute flight over the eastern Andean mountain range to reach the city of Puerto Francisco Orellana “El Coca,” followed by a 10-minute transfer in private transportation, we will welcome you at our private dock. Here, you will have the opportunity to take a break, use the restrooms, enjoy a refreshing drink, and receive a boxed lunch for the journey.

From this point, an exciting two-hour journey begins along the imposing Napo River on our covered motorized boats to the welcome area of the Napo Wildlife Center. At this location, we will switch to one of our rowing canoes, with our staff taking care of paddling while you enjoy a magical and tranquil ride through a narrow creek that leads us to the lodge located at the foot of a beautiful lagoon.

During this approximately two-hour journey, there is the possibility of observing some monkey and bird species such as toucans, parrots, and even macaws. Upon arriving in the afternoon at the Napo Wildlife Center, we will be greeted with an impressive view of the Añangucocha lagoon.

Upon our arrival, you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink and snacks, followed by a brief informative session about your stay with us by the administrator. Then, he will guide you to your comfortable room overlooking the jungle.

In the evening, one of our guides will provide a comprehensive explanation of the activities to be carried out over the following days while you enjoy exclusive access to Yasuní National Park offered by community-managed projects.

Meals: -/Box Lunch/Dinner.

Day 2 – Parrot Salt Licks & Kichwa Culture

The day begins early as we head towards the most accessible parrot salt licks in Ecuador, located approximately an hour and a half from the lodge. Guests arrive just before the start of the morning parrot activity. Here, up to five species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be spotted, including the blue-headed parrot, orange-cheeked parrot, yellow-crowned parrot, dusky-headed parakeet, and white-eyed parakeet.

Subsequently, we venture along a forest trail to visit the Kichwa Interpretation Center “Kuri Muyu,” managed by the women of the local community. Here, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Kichwa culture, learning about their music, traditions, and traditional use of natural resources. Additionally, you can explore the craft shop, where local residents display and sell their unique creations, thereby supporting their creativity and work.

We continue our excursion through a lush terra firme forest for about 30 minutes until we reach the second parrot, parakeet, and macaw salt lick. If weather conditions are favorable, we will also have the opportunity to observe different species of birds and mammals.

After enjoying a revitalizing lunch, we begin our return to the lodge via the main creek, where there is the possibility of observing various species of birds and mammals.

A delicious dinner awaits you in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 3 – Canopy Tower & Night Wildlife Walk

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the lodge, we will embark on an exciting dawn walk to the observation tower in the forest canopy, located in the influence area of the Napo River. The observation tower, standing at 36 meters tall, is just 30 minutes away from the lodge and was built to the highest standards of quality and safety.

During the ascent of the tower’s 12 floors, visitors will have the wonderful opportunity to contemplate the tropical forest canopy and its diverse levels teeming with fantastic biodiversity. Upon reaching the top, they will reach a platform in the crown of an imposing Ceibo tree, from where they can enjoy an exceptional landscape.

From this elevated position, visitors can observe flocks of colorful tanagers, macaws, toucans, monkeys, and other species active in the early hours of the morning. This unique experience allows one to delight in wildlife from the treetops, providing a privileged view of the Amazon rainforest.

Our tower offers the best experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon: flocks of colorful tanagers crisscross the canopy, blue and yellow macaws fly close by, while spider monkeys forage for fruits. Two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and evenings, and life in the forest canopy unfolds before your eyes. Birds, practically invisible from the forest floor, suddenly are within your reach.

After enjoying lunch at the lodge, we will explore a terra firme forest in the afternoon. We will walk through lush primary vegetation in search of varied fauna, with the thrilling possibility of encountering the unique and endemic Golden-mantled Tamarin monkeys. After the hike, we will explore the nearby lake and streams in a canoe, with high hopes of spotting a family of giant otters on our journey.

At the lodge, you will also find a second observation tower above the restaurant, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the lagoon and its surroundings. After dinner, prepare with your flashlight for a night hike.

During this walk, you will have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and even a species of nocturnal monkey.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4 – Sunrise Creek Journey & Return to Quito

We will depart early to return to the welcome area and change transportation to the motorboat. During our journey along the Añangu stream, we will enjoy the morning sounds of nature as the sunrise illuminates the landscape. 

Afterwards, we will transfer to the motorized boat to return to Coca. Upon arrival, we will proceed with the check-in for our return flight to Quito. The schedule for this flight will be announced according to arrangements and itineraries provided by the airline.

NOTICE: For safety reasons, swimming in the Añangucocha Lagoon is strictly prohibited.

NOTE: This itinerary serves as a sample and is subject to changes due to weather conditions, logistical reasons, the safety of our guests and staff, regulations of the Yasuní National Park, as well as the particular interests of the guests. Changes and additions may be made to optimize wildlife observation, cultural interactions with the local population, and overall.

Inclusions & Exclusions

ℹ️ Quick Facts

⏱️ Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
🎯 Focus: Amazon Wildlife, Culture & Premium Eco-Lodge Experience
💪 Physical Level: Easy to Moderate
⛰️ Max Altitude: Lowland Amazon rainforest — no high-altitude exposure

🌱 Ecosystems Covered

🌴 Amazon Rainforest
🛶 Napo River Ecosystem
🌊 Añangucocha Lagoon
🌿 Terra Firme Forest
🌳 Tropical Forest Canopy
🦜 Parrot Clay Lick Habitat
🌙 Nocturnal Rainforest Ecosystem

🛎️ Highlights

🛶 Navigate the Napo River by covered motorized boat
🚣 Glide by rowing canoe through a narrow Amazon creek
🏡 Stay at Napo Wildlife Center overlooking the jungle
🦜 Visit parrot, parakeet and macaw salt licks
🌿 Explore the Kuri Muyu Kichwa Interpretation Center
🌳 Climb a 36-meter canopy observation tower
🐒 Look for monkeys, toucans, macaws, tanagers and other wildlife
🦦 Search for giant otters around the lake and streams
🌙 Enjoy a guided night hike for insects, reptiles, amphibians and nocturnal wildlife
🤝 Support community-managed conservation in Yasuní National Park

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