Into the Emerald Forest
Amazon Rainforest Extension: Napo Wildlife Center
Overview
Enjoy an unforgettable adventure at Napo Wildlife Center for the best experience of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Explore by dugout canoe on blackwater lakes, hike trails through the emerald forest, visit the nearby clay lick where hundreds of parrots and macaws gather, get a bird's-eye view from the canopy tower (207 steps!), with its unobstructed 360-degree view of undisturbed forest. NWC is owned by the native Yasuní people, who have lived in this area for centuries. They have a profound respect for maintaining the natural integrity of the ecosystem and are knowledgeable and passionate guides who enhance your experience. Guest cabins are very comfortable and the buffet-style meals in the dining room provide tasty, fresh, and plentiful meals with a good variety to choose from. Our extension has three nights at Napo Wildlife Center and two in Quito, but you have the option to add additional nights.
Arrive: Quito, Ecuador
Depart: Quito, Ecuador
Highlights
- Explore by dugout on black-water lakes, climb the canopy tower
- Visit a macaw and parrot clay-lick, visit the Otavalo Market
Itinerary
(5-day pre-trip itinerary)
Arrive in Quito in the late afternoon and transfer to the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel...Meals on your own
*Note: If you are interested in a post-trip extension to Napo, please call for details.
Transfer to the airport for a 30-minute morning flight over the eastern Andes to Coca, where you'll embark on a 2-hour comfortable covered motor-boat ride along the Napo River, with opportunities to spot herons, kingfishers, and other wildlife. Next, head out on a peaceful 2-hour paddle canoe ride along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the Napo lodge is located. On this leg, there will be chances to see some species of monkeys as well as toucans, parrots, or even macaws. On late afternoon arrival to Napo Wildlife Center, enjoy views of the Añangu Lake and a welcome orientation. Overnight at Napo Wildlife Center...BLD
An early start gives you access to the most accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about an hour away from the lodge. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be seen on a daily basis (weather permitting). Later, hike along a forest trail to visit the Kichwa Community of Añangu and share time with a family in daily activities. Return to the creek and hike through Terra Firme forest for about 30 minutes to arrive at the second parrot clay lick. Back at the lodge, enjoy a delicious dinner and the chance to share the experiences of the day. Overnight at Napo Wildlife Center...BLD
You'll leave the lodge in the early morning to experience the rainforest from the canopy tower (207 steps!), with its unobstructed 360-degree view of undisturbed forest, 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 typically pass right through the canopy while blue-and-yellow macaws fly past and, in nearby trees, spider monkeys search for fruit. Two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons—the forest canopy teems with life!
After lunch at the lodge, hike along another Terra Firme primary forest trail to see the forest interior, with possibilities of finding lizards, colorful manakins, or the endemic golden-mantled tamarin monkey. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks in a dugout canoe with a chance of spotting a giant otter family on the way. Overnight at Napo Wildlife Center...BLD
With an early departure from Napo Wildlife Center, head out for the 2-hour creek journey aboard dugout canoe, with the chance to spot giant otters, monk saki monkeys, and rare birds along the way. Reaching the Napo River, transfer to the motorized canoe for a 2-hour boat ride to Coca to check-in for your Coca to Quito flight. Upon arrival, transfer to the group hotel in Quito. This is Day 1 of your Galápagos itinerary...B
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
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