Expedition Overview
Napo Wildlife Center is an exceptional example of a grassroots eco-tourism project. As a responsible and sustainable enterprise, we continuously invest in environmentally conscious infrastructure. Our efforts are among the best and most advanced in all of Amazonia.
Itinerary
DAY 1: DOMESTIC FLIGHT QUITO - EL COCA
Domestic flight Quito – El Coca
Departing from Quito, a 30-minute flight to Coca will bring you over the eastern Andes Mountain range. After landing during the mid-morning, a 5 min transfer will take you to “La Mision” Port, where you will embark on a comfortable covered motor-boat. Here we will ride along the Napo River for about 2 hours while enjoying a box lunch and coffee, which is provided in route.
Along the way, you will have opportunities to spot birds like herons, kingfishers, and others. After arriving at Napo Wildlife Center’s entry dock, we disembark for a short break and to visit the restroom. Next, we take you on a majestic and peaceful 2-hour paddle canoe ride surrounded by trees and wildlife, paddling along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located.
There will be chances to see some species of monkeys as well as large birds like toucans, parrots, or even macaws. A late afternoon arrival to Napo Wildlife Center with an overwhelming view of the Añangu Lake will be accompanied by a welcome drink followed by a briefing from the local manager.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleLunch.
Dinner
DAY 2: VISIT TO KICHWA COMMUNITY
Visit to the Kichwa Community
Wake up for an early breakfast and an early start to reach the most accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about 1 hour away from the lodge. Guests reach this destination just before parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick between 7:30 to 8:30am to ensure the best viewing experience. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be seen on a daily basis. Many other animals also visit on a less frequent basis.
Later, hike along a forest trail to visit the Kichwa Community of Añangu and share time with a family on one of their many activities. Enjoy lunch at Napo Cultural Center, where you share with people of the Kichwa community.
Then return to the creek and hike through a Terra Firme Forest for about 30 minutes until we arrive at the second parrot clay lick. If the weather conditions permit, we will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets, and even macaws.
When you arrive back at the lodge during the late afternoon or early evening, a delicious dinner will be awaiting you.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
Lunch.
Dinner
DAY 3: CANOPY TOWER TO VIEW WILDLIFE
Canopy tower to view wildlife
After another early breakfast, we leave the lodge to experience an amazing view of the rainforest from a 36-meter-tall canopy tower, a great way to see the hustle and bustle of life above ground-level. This is the second tower at the Napo Wildlife Center, located about 30 minutes from the lodge deep within the Terra Firme forest. As you ascend the 12-floor tower, you pass through different levels of the forest and emerge at the top of a huge Ceiba tree.
Flocks of colorful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree. Blue-and-yellow macaws fly past while, in nearby trees, adorable spider monkeys search for fruit. Two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy is laid out before you. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, usually oblivious to your presence. The canopy tower opens a whole new world to guests of the Napo Wildlife Center!
Lunch is served at the lodge. Your afternoon can include discovering another Terra Firme trail, where we hike along primary forest to see the forest interior, possibilities of finding lizards, colorful mannequins, or the unique and endemic Golden-mantled tamarin monkey. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks in a dugout canoe and enjoy a likely chance meeting with our local Giant otter family on the way.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
Lunch.
Dinner
DAY 4: RETURN TO QUITO
Return to Quito
Your last day will entail an early departure and final 2-hour excursion canoeing back to the Napo River. The creek may reveal new sights of giant otters, monk saki monkeys, and rare birds along the way. Once we have reached the river, you will transfer to the motorized canoe to return the way you came. You will arrive in Coca after an approximately 2-hour boat ride in order to check-in for your Coca – Quito flight. Precise schedule to be announced according to departure details and arrangements.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast.
What to Expect
The food service is based on a combination of local and international cuisine, with a complete variety of exotic fruits and organic products.
Breakfast:
Daily buffet
Lunch:
Menu served (starter, main course, dessert and soft drink)
Dinner:
Daily buffet with local specialties
A coffee station is available, where you can drink unlimited tea, water or coffee.
Amazon Ecolodge
Built on the banks of the lake which allows for spectacular views of the landscape.
4 Individual Brand-New Suites
With a romantic jacuzzi in your ensuite bathroom and a panoramic glass floor in the living room, our boutique suites are ideal for couples and honeymooners.
4 connecting suites are ideal for families
Adjoining suites allow access from the rear balcony.
Suite 1
Jacuzzi with capacity for four people.
Suite 2
Additional bedroom equipped with a twin bed.
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
General Specifications
10:00 midday on day 1
12:00 noon on day 4
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at The Coca airport in El Coca city. On the final day your trip will end at The Coca airport. Quito city is around 7 hours from El Coca city (Amazon) and 45 minutes by flight.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn't overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an 'Aeroservicio' - a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
What´s Included
Private and comfortable land transportation & motorized canoe El Coca – Napo Wildlife Center – El Coca.
Based on double occupancy: 4+* Amazon Ecolodge
Bird watching and hiking exploration in the jungle, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, night walks to see wildlife.
3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner.
Life jackets and rubber boots
English speaking naturalist guide
Rubber boots, rain ponchos, life jackets.
Single Supplement
International & National flights
National & international flights
Public or private bus to/ from Quito – El Coca city
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Not described in the itinerary
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service
Expedition Overview
Napo Wildlife Center is an exceptional example of a grassroots eco-tourism project. As a responsible and sustainable enterprise, we continuously invest in environmentally conscious infrastructure. Our efforts are among the best and most advanced in all of Amazonia.
Itinerary
DAY 1: DOMESTIC FLIGHT QUITO - EL COCA
Domestic flight Quito – El Coca
Departing from Quito, a 30-minute flight to Coca will bring you over the eastern Andes Mountain range. After landing during the mid-morning, a 5 min transfer will take you to “La Mision” Port, where you will embark on a comfortable covered motor-boat. Here we will ride along the Napo River for about 2 hours while enjoying a box lunch and coffee, which is provided in route.
Along the way, you will have opportunities to spot birds like herons, kingfishers, and others. After arriving at Napo Wildlife Center’s entry dock, we disembark for a short break and to visit the restroom. Next, we take you on a majestic and peaceful 2-hour paddle canoe ride surrounded by trees and wildlife, paddling along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located.
There will be chances to see some species of monkeys as well as large birds like toucans, parrots, or even macaws. A late afternoon arrival to Napo Wildlife Center with an overwhelming view of the Añangu Lake will be accompanied by a welcome drink followed by a briefing from the local manager.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleLunch.
Dinner
DAY 2: VISIT TO KICHWA COMMUNITY
Visit to the Kichwa Community
Wake up for an early breakfast and an early start to reach the most accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about 1 hour away from the lodge. Guests reach this destination just before parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick between 7:30 to 8:30am to ensure the best viewing experience. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be seen on a daily basis. Many other animals also visit on a less frequent basis.
Later, hike along a forest trail to visit the Kichwa Community of Añangu and share time with a family on one of their many activities. Enjoy lunch at Napo Cultural Center, where you share with people of the Kichwa community.
Then return to the creek and hike through a Terra Firme Forest for about 30 minutes until we arrive at the second parrot clay lick. If the weather conditions permit, we will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets, and even macaws.
When you arrive back at the lodge during the late afternoon or early evening, a delicious dinner will be awaiting you.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
Lunch.
Dinner
DAY 3: CANOPY TOWER TO VIEW WILDLIFE
Canopy tower to view wildlife
After another early breakfast, we leave the lodge to experience an amazing view of the rainforest from a 36-meter-tall canopy tower, a great way to see the hustle and bustle of life above ground-level. This is the second tower at the Napo Wildlife Center, located about 30 minutes from the lodge deep within the Terra Firme forest. As you ascend the 12-floor tower, you pass through different levels of the forest and emerge at the top of a huge Ceiba tree.
Flocks of colorful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree. Blue-and-yellow macaws fly past while, in nearby trees, adorable spider monkeys search for fruit. Two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy is laid out before you. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, usually oblivious to your presence. The canopy tower opens a whole new world to guests of the Napo Wildlife Center!
Lunch is served at the lodge. Your afternoon can include discovering another Terra Firme trail, where we hike along primary forest to see the forest interior, possibilities of finding lizards, colorful mannequins, or the unique and endemic Golden-mantled tamarin monkey. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks in a dugout canoe and enjoy a likely chance meeting with our local Giant otter family on the way.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleBreakfast.
Lunch.
Dinner
DAY 4: RETURN TO QUITO
Return to Quito
Your last day will entail an early departure and final 2-hour excursion canoeing back to the Napo River. The creek may reveal new sights of giant otters, monk saki monkeys, and rare birds along the way. Once we have reached the river, you will transfer to the motorized canoe to return the way you came. You will arrive in Coca after an approximately 2-hour boat ride in order to check-in for your Coca – Quito flight. Precise schedule to be announced according to departure details and arrangements.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast.
What to Expect
The food service is based on a combination of local and international cuisine, with a complete variety of exotic fruits and organic products.
Breakfast:
Daily buffet
Lunch:
Menu served (starter, main course, dessert and soft drink)
Dinner:
Daily buffet with local specialties
A coffee station is available, where you can drink unlimited tea, water or coffee.
Amazon Ecolodge
Built on the banks of the lake which allows for spectacular views of the landscape.
4 Individual Brand-New Suites
With a romantic jacuzzi in your ensuite bathroom and a panoramic glass floor in the living room, our boutique suites are ideal for couples and honeymooners.
4 connecting suites are ideal for families
Adjoining suites allow access from the rear balcony.
Suite 1
Jacuzzi with capacity for four people.
Suite 2
Additional bedroom equipped with a twin bed.
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
Ships & Deck Plans
Specifications
General Specifications
10:00 midday on day 1
12:00 noon on day 4
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at The Coca airport in El Coca city. On the final day your trip will end at The Coca airport. Quito city is around 7 hours from El Coca city (Amazon) and 45 minutes by flight.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn't overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an 'Aeroservicio' - a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
What´s Included
Private and comfortable land transportation & motorized canoe El Coca – Napo Wildlife Center – El Coca.
Based on double occupancy: 4+* Amazon Ecolodge
Bird watching and hiking exploration in the jungle, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, night walks to see wildlife.
3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner.
Life jackets and rubber boots
English speaking naturalist guide
Rubber boots, rain ponchos, life jackets.
Single Supplement
International & National flights
National & international flights
Public or private bus to/ from Quito – El Coca city
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Not described in the itinerary
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service