Ecuador
5 Days

Irresistibe Awakening in the Wild of Ecuador

Basecamp Retreat
Active Adventure
5 days; 4 nights
1 to 10 travelers
Begins & ends in Coca

This 5 day adventure will bring you deep into the jungle as you explore the lakes and rivers of Yasuní National Park by foot and canoe. With a massive 9820-sq-km section of wetlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers and tropical rainforest, Yasuní National Park's staggering biodiversity led Unesco to declare it an international biosphere reserve, and it was established as a national park shortly after in 1979. Because this pocket of life was untouched by the last ice age, a diverse pool of species has thrived here throughout the centuries, including more than 600 bird species, some of which were previously unknown elsewhere. Resident animals include some hard-to-see jungle wildlife such as jaguars, harpy eagles, pumas and tapirs. Twenty years ago, the aboriginal Añangu kichwa community collectively relinquished their right to hunt and fish in order to recover wildlife populations. Now, this wildlife refuge is still known as one of the most diverse areas on the planet. Many consider it sacred. Immerse yourself in this inspiring environment and learn about the people and animals that inhabit it.read more

At a Glance

Creature comforts

luxurious

Physical activity

moderate

Ground support

fully guided

Terrain

Forest
Wetlands
Jungle

Practicalities

For all ages
Fluent english spoken

Activities

Trekking
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Foraging
Wildlife
Women’s only
Indigenous culture
Safari

Your Local Expert

The Kichwa Añangu people welcome you to take a glance at the ways of life within the Community. Engaging encounters at our Cultural Center will introduce you to our community, ancestral customs, traditional practices, and so much more.

The Journey

Day 1

To the Añangu Land

This amazing experience begins with a rewarding 30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes mountain range. After landing, a short 5 minute drive to the port in the Napo River will take you onto a comfortable covered motor boat. Here we will boat along the Napo for approximately 2 hours. Some birds can be spotted on the way. After arriving at Napo Wildlife Center’s welcoming area, we take a magical and peaceful 2 hour dugout-canoe along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located. This is a great chance to spot wildlife, various species of monkeys, and large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws. You will arrive at the lodge by late afternoon.read more

Day 2

The Canopy Tower & Forest Lecture

After a buffet breakfast, experience the life above the forest floor by visiting the 36-meter canopy tower. This tower is located about 30 minutes from the lodge deep within the forest. Get a good sample of the 567 species recorded so far, with a close look at colorful tanagers, macaws, toucans, flycatchers and even Spider or Howler Monkeys feeding themselves on the nearby trees. The canopy tower opens a whole new world to the guests of the Napo Wildlife Center. Return to the lodge for a typical Ecuadorian lunch. After lunch there are many options to choose from before you start the afternoon activity: climb the central tower for birdwatching, or just relax in your hammock. In the afternoon, hike through a marvelous terra- firme forest to discover the ecology and the role of plants in the complex world of the Tropical Rain-Forest: vines, ancient trees, bromeliads, and orchids stand out in this impressive natural garden. After the hike, explore the surrounding creeks with the possibility of running into a Giant otter family. A delicious dinner awaits you.read more

Day 3

The Parrot clay licks

This morning we will visit the best parrot clay licks in Ecuador! We will start and paddle downstream on the Añangu creek as far as the welcome area. Then, take the motor boat for a 10 minute ride for a wonderful view of thousands of parrots such as the amazon-mealy, blue-headed, orange –cheek, among others landing on the earth to eat some clay. Later, back to the welcome area and a short hike to the parakeets’ clay lick, where hundreds of cobalt-winged parakeets remain on the top of the trees searching for the best time to get minerals form the clay. We will eat lunch at Napo Cultural Center. In the afternoon, we will visit the interpretation area to learn about traditions of the ancestral Kichwa community of Añangu. We'll head back to the lodge late in the afternoon where you’ll be welcomed back with a refreshing fruit drink.read more

Day 4

Safari to the Terra Firma

This morning we will hike along the Tiputini trail and its terra-firma forests and swamp forests, searching for more wildlife such as Golden-Mantled Tamarins, White-Faced capuchin monkey, two and three toed sloths, pigmy squirrels, carnivores and their tracks on the forest floor. We'll head back to the lodge for lunch and a well deserved rest. In the afternoon, paddle canoes will take you to explore deeper areas in the surrounding creeks with more possibilities of seeing unique wildlife. After dinner you will listen to talk from the Napo Wildlife Center about community.read more

Day 5

Down the Creek

This morning, we will eat an early breakfast, and partake in our last excursion. We'll canoe back to the Napo river, where the creek may reveal new sights of Giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys, hoatzins, blackcapped donacobius, or other birds. The motorized canoe will take you back to Coca, for the flight back to Quito.

Included

Lodging
Standard Cabins and Suites
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation
Canoe ride only
Equipment
Rubber Boots, Rain Coat
Excursions
Daily Excursions

Not Included

Air Tickets
We can provide airtickets from Quito to El Coca, with all dispatch assistance.

Private Departures

Private departures, for just you and your friends or family

1 travelers$2562 per person
2 travelers$1632 per person
3 travelers$1632 per person

Pricing depends on group size and host availability

Not quite what you seek?

We'll match you with the right local expert for a free online consult

$2562 / person