Departing from Quito, 30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes mountain range. After landing, about mid morning, and airport procedures a five minute transfer in local chiva (hired bus) or local taxi from airport to Port Francisco de Orellana will drive us to embark onto a comfortable covered motor boat. Here we start a canoe ride along the Napo river for approximately 2 1/2 hours, box lunch in route. Along the way birds like herons, kingfishers and other can be spotted. After arriving at NWC's entry dock we disembark for a restroom break then take a majestic and peaceful 1 1/2 hour 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 a monkey sighting of various species as well as large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws. Late afternoon arrival to the NWC lodge offers an overwhelming view of the Anangu Lake. After dinner you may take an optional caiman (alligator) observation around the lake and take part in the natural sounds of the night.

Wake up early to reach the best and most accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about one hour away from the lodge. Guests will reach there just before parrot activity begins at the clay licks between 7:30 and 8:30. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen. This is a visit the depends on weather conditions, but usually is successful. Later, hike along a forest trail and visit the Quichua community of Anangu and share time with a family helping with their 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, if weather conditions help, we will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets and macaws. Box lunch at the clay lick observatory. Late afternoon arrival to the lodge.

After an 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-story 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.

The metal tower itself was constructed to the highest standards, galvanized, and carefully inspected by engineers. Safety is the priority. The platform in the top of the tree was constructed by tree platform specialists brought from Eco-Ecuador's Peruvian partner organization Peru Verde. From top to bottom, there is no finer canopy experience in Eastern Ecuador.

Flock of colorful 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 morning 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! Return to the lodge for lunch and then take an afternoon visit to a terra firme trail, hike along primary forest to discover the forest interior, possibilities of finding lizards, colorful 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 the last excursion canoeing back to the Napo river, where the creek may reveal new sights of Giant Otters, Monk Saki Monkeys or many other rare birds. Entry dock arrival, with the use of restroom facilities, to embark on a motorized canoe in order to return back to Coca. Approximate arrival around 11:00 am in order to check in for Quito flight scheduled at 11:55 am.

Optional excursions such as hikes through different trails and forest types. Canoe rides exploring deeper areas of surrounding creeks with more wildlife possibilities, additional mammal clay lick excursion, handicraft workshop with the local community among other options.

5-Days/4-Nights

• Transportation in the Amazon
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Excursions with native and bilingual guides

• Drinks
• Personal Expenses
• Tips

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 Yasuni National Park.

Please check with us to tailor-make your itinerary and cater to your particular interest for a unique life experience at the finest Amazon lodge: the Napo Wildlife Center.