Napo Wildlife Center - Birding Tour 5D 4N, day by day

NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER 5D 4N

BIRDING TOUR Day by Day

Day by Day

Itineraries

This is a sample itinerary, subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and particular interests of guests and groups. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize wildlife viewing and wilderness enjoyment, cultural interaction with local people, and all possible time at the richest rain forest in Ecuador: the Yasuní National Park. Please check with us for tailor-made itineraries for a unique life experience at the finest Amazon lodge: Napo Wildlife Center.

Day 1

This morning we’ll take a short (about 30- minute) flight from Quito to the town of Coca, gateway to the Amazon, whence in 1541 Francisco de Orellana set sail on a locally constructed brigantine and made the first navigation to the Atlantic.

Our ride will be far morecomfortable-a canoe powered by twin outboard motors that will take us downstream about 2.5 hours to the Napo Wildlife Center (NWC) welcome station, where we’ll transfer to smaller canoes and paddle up Añangu Creek to the NWC lodge, set on the bank of a tranquil lake amid a huge tract of primary rainforest (where hunting is prohibited).

Along the way we’ll see our first Hoatzins and get a taste for the diversity of the region, with birds perhaps including Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Sungrebe, Red- bellied Macaw, and Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. Night at NWC lodge.

Day 2 - 4

(The days could be extended as required by passenger). Three full days or more, to scratch the surface of the avifauna in western Amazonia and get a feel for the complexity of rich habitats and microhabitats within easy reach of the lodge. One or two mornings we’ll visit the very sturdy canopy tower, which offers privileged access to a world apart from the rest of the rainforest.

Flocks of oropendolas, aracaris, tanagers, and euphonias roam the canopy in search of fruit, Spangled and Plum-throated Cotingas glow from the treetops, raptors perch on vantage points to dry off in the morning sun, White-browed Purpletufts and Crowned Slaty Flycatchers sally for insects, numerous parrots and macaws fly by or drop in if there is a fruiting tree nearby, and many other species wander past (and through!) the tower tree.

Good forest trails offer access to another component of the avifauna, with woodcreepers, antbirds, and tinamous particularly well represented, and we should encounter the vocally striking Screaming Piha and the visually striking Blacknecked Red Cotinga.

A number of clay licks (or “saladeros”) exist on the NWC lands, and here we should see (and hear!) the spectacle of hundreds of parrots and parakeets coming in to eat clay. We’ll also enjoy merous canoe rides around the lake by the lodge and along adjacent creeks, where the songs of Silvered and Plumbeous Antbirds reverberate through the flooded forest.

Birds we’ll be seeking here include the poorly known Zigzag Heron, the habitat specialist Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Orange-crested Manakin, and the striking Long-billed Woodcreeper, plus several species of monkeys and the impressive Giant River Otter.

The river-edge forest, where we’ll visit the local community that built and so ably runs the lodge, is home to numerous other species such as Turquoise and Magpie Tanagers, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, and Swallow- winged Puffbird.

And then there are islands in the Río Napo, which, depending on their age, support a varied avifauna distinct from that found on the “mainland” only a few hundred yards’ distant! Island specialties we hope to see include Black-and-white Antbird, Olive- spotted Hummingbird, and at least three species of spinetails, plus more “expected” river birds such as Capped Heron, Collared Plover, and Yellow-billed Tern. Nights at NWC lodge.

Day 5

Today we’ll head back to Coca for our return flight to Quito.

Experiences

Facilities, flora, fauna, activities

Frequently asked questions

What is Yasuni?

The origins of the word “Yasuní” is uncertain, although we are not certain, however, local communities use the term to refer to “sacred land”.

Yasuní is a metaphor of the infinite nature; it symbolizes the abundance of life on Earth, it speaks of a world that shall never be discovered in its entirety, a miracle that will never be completely understood.

In practical terms, it is the most bio-diverse ecosystem on earth.

In technical terms it is a “quadruple taxonomic richness center”; a place that in only one hectare contains more living organisms than the entire European continent; a protected tract of land, in which more than a third of all Amazonian mammals are found, including a staggering 60% of all new world wild cats; a tropical garden where only a handful of trees holds as many insect species as the entire United States of America.

A sacred land

Yasuní also represents our need to protect the environment; of thinking beyond our human world and understanding that we are an integral part of a greater whole. By visiting Napo Wildlife Center our guests have the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and at the same time to enjoy a unique adventure.

Facilities

With 12 ample and comfortable standard cabins and 8 suites, the lodge accommodates up to 50 people, distributed in suites, doubles and triple rooms. Our fully equipped cabins feature electricity, security box, ventilation, hot water, private bathroom, a balcony surrounded by beautifully groomed natural gardens, and more.

The restaurant, offering national and international dishes, At Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge, we place all our efforts at granting you an unforgettable jungle experience, far from the troubles of modern-day life, where for sure you will find adventure and relaxation amidst singing birds, while experiencing the ageless customs, traditions and legends of the Kichwa culture.

Aboriginal tourism

Añangu Kichwa Community

A sustainable aboriginal group, who believe that tourism is the best way to preserve the amazon, you will not only enjoy an incredible trip, but also help more than 180 members to improve their way of life, through renewable energy, education and health projects.

Visit “Kuri Muyu” Center

Learn about the Ancestral Kichwa Culture and their old practices.

Hikes

Our programs include easy and medium intensity walks and hikes in order to spot wildlife and nature of the area; more difficult hikes and longer programs can be arranged.

Gourmet Cuisine

Food Service

The food service is based in a combination of local and international cuisine, with a complete variety of exotic fruits and organic products.
Breakfast: daily buffet
Lunch: served menu (entrance, main course, dessert and soft drink)

Dinner: daily buffet including local specialties
A coffee station is available, where you can drink unlimited tea, water or coffee.

Drinking water

We have a water purification system, this treated water is used for showers and toilets for the cabins, we strongly recommend to our guests not to drink the water of the lagoon or tap water. You can find drinking water in the dispenser located in the restaurant of the Ecolodge, and also in the jars provided in each cabin, plus a variety of drinks available at the bar of the restaurant.

Inside Facilities

Electricity

The energy in the Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge is generated by silent power plants of high efficiency, these engines provide electricity 24/7. In addition our Ecolodge has electric plugs of 110 v. in each cabin and in the social areas (restaurant- bar).

Garbage treatment

The garbage is classified and separated into organic and inorganic.
This allows the treatment process to be efficient and avoids contamination.

Communication

Satellite WiFi is available for a small fee, for the whole stay.

Indications

Always ask any question that you might and follow your guide instructions.
Please walk just in the marked paths, don’t try to wander by yourself, because you could get lost in the forest.
Don’t throw any kind of garbage in the path; always use the garbage cans.
Please don’t feed or touch any animal, don’t cut or step in the plants.
Use headphones, when listening to music in your personal devices
Don’t use your camera flash.
Hunting fishing is not allowed.
Taking videos and photos of the community homes is not allowed. (Ask for permission in advance to coordinate with our staff)

Suites Information

In order to satisfy current demand from our passengers for accommodation with all major comforts and luxury, especially for couples including honeymooners, NWC took the decision to build eight exclusive suites. Our aim is to keep our exclusivity and this growth is only to satisfy current demand.

The suites have the following specification:

Built on the shores of the lagoon, which gives a unique view of the Añangucocha.
Keeps the same external architectural design as our existing cabins.
Porch with a direct lagoon side view; equipped with comfortable seats and hammock.
Living room.
Master bedroom with a King size bed or Twin size bed (according request).
Private bathroom with dual system for saving water.
Mini Bar: includes local snacks and drinks.
Amenities: Soaps, crèmes and bath salts. All biodegradable products.
Slippers and bathrobe.
Rear balcony with spectacular view of the forest.
The materials used for decoration are natural and come from different regions of Ecuador.
Size of each suite is approximately 50 – 60 square meters (546-646 ft2).

What to bring

Good binoculars for wildlife viewing 8×35 mm*
Camera/video gear (if using film, lower ASA for open areas (50 or 100), higher ASA for forest (400 and up). [24 hour electricity (110v) is available for charging batteries and digital equipment.
Two or three pairs of lightweight long pants.
Two or three long-sleeved lightweight shirts.
Two or three T-shirts.
One or two pairs of shorts (mostly for around the lodge).
Lightweight sweater or jacket.
Raingear (if you prefer not to use the ponchos provided).
Three or four pairs of long cotton socks (long)*.
One pair of sneakers and/or hiking boots.
Sandals (Teva type or similar for around the lodge).
A hat for sun protection (and that will stay on during windy boat rides).
Take in consideration that bright colors might scare the animals.
Sunglasses.
Small day pack for excursions. Zip lock-type plastic bags to cover optics or other gear.
Insect repellent. No inflammable sprays as they are not allowed by the airline. Sunscreen lotion with a high protection factor.Flashlight or headlamp bright enough for use.
Personal toiletries and medications (carry medications with you when arriving and leaving the lodge).
Extra batteries/film/video tapes as appropriate.
Original passport (always good to have while traveling).
Credit card Visa, MasterCard and Diners for bar bills and cash (US$) for handicraftpurchases.

NOTE: There is a limit of 23 kg (1 piece) to check in per person in the aircraft plus cabin baggage (8 kg). If you are checking in more weight then the excess baggage will be charged to you directly by airline. Rain poncho and rubber boots (from size 3 to 13) provided when needed for excursions.

Reservations

Make your reservation and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can to confirm it

Write us +593 99 972 5394