Napo Wildlife Center - Amazon Jungle

Departing Quito a 30 minute flight takes you to Coca, over the eastern Andes mountain range. After landing, about mid morning, you will be transferred to the port to take a comfortable covered motor boat along the Napo River for approximately two hours. Lunch box en route. Along the way herons, kingfishers and other birds can be spotted. After arriving at NWC’s entry dock we disembark and take a majestic and peaceful 1 to 2 hours dugout canoe ride, surrounded by trees overhead, paddling along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located. There is a good possibility of seeing monkeys of various species as well as large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws. You will arrive at NWC lodge late in the afternoon and will be taken back by the overwhelming view of the Añangu Lake. After dinner optional Cayman (alligator) observation around the lake enjoying the natural sounds of night.

Early wake up to reach the best and easily accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about 1 hour away from the lodge. Guests arrive just before parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick, which is generally between 7:30 to 8:30am. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen. This visit depends on weather conditions, but is usually successful. Later, hike along forest trail to visit to the Kichwa community of Añangu and share some time with a family while they go about their daily activities. Return to the creek and hike through a terra firme forest for about 30 minutes until we arrive to the second parrot clay lick where, weather permitting, we will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets and even macaws. Lunch box served at the parrot clay lick observatory. Late afternoon arrival to the lodge.

After early breakfast, depart from the lodge to the finest experience at a canopy tower on the Napo. A 36m high canopy tower opened to guests in November 2004, a great way to experience the life above the forest floor. This is the second tower at the Napo Wildlife Center (the first is attached to the dining hall and allows great views of the lake). The canopy tower is located about 20 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 on top of a huge Ceiba tree. Here you cross onto a wooden platform that is actually built into the tree and experience the view formerly reserved only for the birds. From top to bottom, there is no finer canopy experience in Eastern Ecuador. Flocks of colourful Tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree, Blue-and yellow Macaws fly past, in nearby trees Spider Monkeys search for fruit, two species of large Toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy opens before you. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, oblivious to your presence. The canopy tower opens a whole new world to guests of the Napo Wildlife Center!! Lunch served at the lodge. Afternoon visit to a terra firme trail, hike along primary forest to discover the forest interior with possibilities of finding Lizards, colourful Manakins or the unique and endemic Golden Mantle Tamarin Monkeys. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe with great possibilities of running into a Giant Otter family on the way.

Early departure and last excursion. Canoeing back to the Napo River, the creek may reveal new sights of Giant Otters, Monk Saki Monkeys or many other rare birds. Return back to Coca by motorized canoe and arrive at the airport in time for your Coca – Quito flight.