Amazon Jungle – Napo Wildlife Center

Length: 4 or 5 days from Quito
Season: Year-round

Built and administered by the native Añangu Kichwa Community on ancestral land, Napo Wildlife Center (NWC) is an exclusive lodge on the south bank of the Napo River offering access to one of the best wildlife experiences in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

This luxury eco-lodge stands out due to its isolated and privileged location inside Yasuni National Park, an important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rainforest in Ecuador. Scientist have discovered Yasuni to be one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet, housing millions of species of flora and fauna.

The approach to NWC itself is an exciting highlight – after a 2 hour comfortable motorized canoe ride down the Napo River, transfer into a smaller dugout canoe for a 1.5 hour journey up a pristine blackwater creek that in turn opens to a surreal rainforest lake. Guests have spotted several of the 11 local monkey species, river otters, both Green and Black anaconda, parrots, macaws, hoatzin, blue Morpho butterflies and more just along the creek itself. From your lunch table you might spot the Golden Mantled tamarin monkey which is endemic to the Park.

NWC is comprised of 12 luxury thatch roof bungalows with electricity, private baths, hot showers and a hammock. Eight spacious suites include 4 connecting suites that are ideal for families. The lounge and large dining hall are perfect for relaxing during sunset with a tropical cocktail. Jungle excursions are led by experienced naturalist guides together with an indigenous guide who joins some of your meals as well to provide an authentic and historical perspective on the area.

An emphasis is on sustainable ecotourism. The lodge is 100% owned and managed by the local community which oversees approximately 82 square miles (53,500 acres) of the most pristine rainforest within the Yasunì National Park, including two parrot clay licks. Birders will enjoy access to a clay lick observation blind as well as 2 observation towers.

• Daily arrivals and departures except Sundays.
• Includes: round-trip local flights Quito-Coca-Quito, extra hotel night in Quito, airport transfers, tours led by English-speaking naturalist and native guides at the lodge, park entrance fees, all meals at the lodge.
• Prices from: $2,750 p.p.d. for 3 nights at lodge/1 night Quito and from $3,250 p.p.d. for 4 nights at lodge/1 night Quito based on 2 participants.
p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy

Contact your Southwind Travel Consultant to design a personal extension to complement your South American adventure.