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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Ecuador Tours and Travel

NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER AMAZON LODGE

The Napo Wildlife Center, NWC Amazon Lodge, is the greatest and ultimate alternative luxury ecohotel in Amazonian Ecuador. This ecotourism project includes the conservation of approximately over 53,000 acres (over 21,400 hectares )of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasunì National Park, an important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador.

The Napo Wildlife Center, NWC Lodge is located by the Anangucocha lake, in the unique ancestral territory of the Anangu Quichua Community. Thanks to their own initiative and supported by the Tropical Nature Conservation System, we have built in partnership the most carefully designed first class Amazon lodge in Ecuador.

The Latin America Travel Association awarded Napo Wildlife Center as the “Best Jungle Lodge”, during the last World Travel Market in London. November 9-12, 2009.

GETTING THERE

The journey to NWC starts in Quito, Ecuador's capital city. From it's national airport an approximately 35 minute flight will take guests over the Eastern Andes Mountain Range, crossing the equator and looking into snow capped volcanoes over 5,790 meters above sea level (18,991 feet) to reach the headwaters of the Amazon Basin near the Napo River at only 250 m.a.s.l (820 feet). After landing on the Puerto Francisco de Orellana town airport, locally known as Coca, NWC staff will greet passengers and take them for a short 5-7 minute transfer to embark on our covered motorized canoe. Here a comfortable breeze will company guests on an approximate 2 hours boat ride, 50 miles ( 80 kilometers ) downstream the largest Ecuadorian tributary of the Amazon: the Napo river. During this trip a good number of birds could be spotted along the way and they include: herons, kingfishers, ospreys, and many others as one travels away into a more pristine and remote area.

Boat will arrive to the northwest boundary of the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve where NWC is located by the Anangucocha lake. To access the lodge guests may either start a guided 2 ½ km (1,5 miles ) hike on rich forest wildlife or embark on a quiet and enjoyable paddle dugout canoe ride with our staff for about 1 1/2 hours along a creek with dense flooded palm forest. Following any route, as people get deeper into this preserved area, they will be surprised by the oftenly seen monkeys of several species, colourful birds and other amazing potential wildlife encounters. At the end of the walk and near the end of the paddle people will reach the Anangu Lake and have a superb view of the lodge waiting for them on the other side.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Lodging at NWC has been designed to offer maximum privacy and comfort to the world traveler, providing lake and forest views from their private porches, as well as preserving one of the most pristine spots of Amazon forest in Ecuador. Each of our 10 individual large luxury cabanas are prepared for receiving guests in double occupancy or arranged in advance for a 3 members family visit. Rooms include a king size and twin size beds, private bathrooms with on demand hot water, a multi-speed ceiling fan, electricity provided by silent generators supplemented by solar panel power system, plenty of lights and 120 v outlets, screened windows and mosquito nets.

Buildings keep the traditional native architecture with harmonious modern mixture inside providing cool shaded terraces with inviting hammocks and ample space from where visitors may observe the surroundings. While resting from activities people may get to see a group of giant otters investigating near the lodge dock or a large 4 meter (13 feet) black caiman crossing the lake or a capybara looking for rest near our lake edge, or experience the graceful often flights of blue and yellow macaws over the lodge area. The hall has a library with books on local birds and tropical ecology, next door the bar provides ice-cold beer, wine, soft drinks and other liquor selections. The calls of red howler monkeys will company the resting times before gearing up for the next excursion.

Guests are welcome to use our observation tower next to the dinning hall during free time other than the guided visit and simply relax with the great view of the Anangu lake. The not so distant canopy of the rain forest will be a good opportunity for birding or discovering more wildlife right next to the lodge. The dock area is a nice spot to receive that equatorial tropical sun or the base for a nice dip into the lake. Without fear you can swim around the dock and have a refreshing time, guides of course will jump in first and eliminate any doubts you may have in spite of the black caimans and piranha inhabitants!, believe me it is a very safe and rewarding cool water. Meals are carefully prepared to delight the variety of tastes and desires of the international visitor, including traditional Ecuadorian dishes, forest gifts or the preparation of vegetarian or special meal requirements. Reverse osmosis water filtration system is used in the kitchen (very safe).

Also we have invested in an environmentally sustainable sewage system, best and unique on the Napo region and probably best in the Amazon. All waste water is treated to the highest standars in order to keep the swamps clean of human activity. Quality of effluent water is higher than the lake environment!!. Power is generated by a top of the line hybrid system featuring solar panels, industrial batteries and noisless generators. An efficient system that generates energy with almost no impacts.

ACTIVITIES

Visitors will be divided up into small groups, and lead by a native Anangu guide, who is also an official Yasuni Park Ranger, expert on the forest's secrets about medicinal plants and other useful items of the rain forest, and an excellent bilingual naturalist guide with great deal of knowledge in tropical forest biology. Both guides using their unmatchable enthusiasm will create informative enjoyable excursions every day providing an educative fun experience. Groups and guides will tailor their excursions while taking advantage of the highest peaks of activity and weather conditions in the forest. They will schedule their outings before dawn or at sunrise. This will maximize wildlife observation and of course each group will decide with their guides how extreme and intense they take their Amazon excursion, this applies for afternoon excursions and night outings, when an overwhelming concert of natural sounds will flood the atmosphere. Welcome and gear up to enjoy the best fauna attractions on the Napo!!!

"One word for Napo: Over the top! (That's three words, but they deserve it.) The room was large, comfortable, clean. The bath had hot water and was spacious. The meals were ample, hearty, and tasty. Potable water was accessible 24/7 from a dispenser in the dining room; we drank it with absolutely no ill effect. The dining room--a beautiful, open-air area--had a bar stocked with beer and wine for sale. The service--by everyone from the tour guides to canoe paddlers--was friendly and went as far as necessary to meet your needs. The organization and administration were efficient and impressive. Everything that anyone said he or she was going to do got done. The descriptions of the place, what to bring, how to dress--all on the money. The heat was nowhere near as bad as we'd expected; nor were the insects. In fact, we'd dealt with worse heat and bugs on some trails in the Northeast United States and out West. The best part is that Napo is owned and operated by the native peoples in the preserve. They benefit financially, culturally, and individually. The turistas have a wonderful place to visit, part of the Amazon is being preserved, and the native peoples are better off. Win-win-win. Jim, this is the place to recommend. If I have the time in the next couple of months, I'm going to approach The New York Times Travel section or some other national travel periodical to see if they want an article on the place. Those hardworking people deserve the recognition and reward. Thanks for getting us there!" Fred Dahl

OUR UNIQUE PARROT CLAY LICKS

One of the highlights at NWC is going out on a very early excursion to reach two of Ecuador's most accessible parrot clay licks along the Napo region. These parrot clay licks are exclusive part of our reserve and lodge territory.

They have a history of being visited by naturalists and are mentioned in The Birds of Ecuador (Ridgely and Greenfield, 2001). These are 2 of the over a dozen clay licks found on the Anangu Community territory. Our parrot clay licks can be reached by following the Giant Otter creek downstream on dugout canoe near the Napo river. The Napo Wildlife Center has exclusively constructed well established and comfortable blinds in each parrot lick in order to provide visitors best viewing and high quality photo/video opportunities.

Activity kicks off at main lick between 7 to 8 in the morning and at second blind after midday. Species include: Mealy, blue headed, yellow crowned, orange winged and orange cheeked parrots, cobalt winged, dusky headed and white eyed parakeets, with the occasional rarities like scarlet shoulder parrotlet and scarlet macaws. This could be a full day excursion visiting both blinds equipped with a nice freshly made box lunch, or a half day visiting the main lick and returning for a served lunch at the lodge. Don't miss a superb natural event full of unique sounds and brightly colored plumages!!.

The blind in the forest (Saladero de Pericos) is typically visited by a thousand or more Cobalt-winged Parakeets. The noise is incredible! From late October through early April, hundreds of Orange-cheeked Parrots are also found in the mix, as are rarities such as the Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet and occasional Scarlet and Red-and-Green macaws. It is almost certain that other small parakeets visit this clay lick, and new species for the region and Ecuador are just waiting to be discovered. [This is the site incorrectly listed as "La Selva" and "interior salado at La Selva" in The Birds of Ecuador (Ridgely and Greenfield, 2001)]. Access to this clay lick involves a 700m hike on an improved path with stairs and boardwalks where necessary. The blind itself will hold upwards of 20 guests and affords fantastic views. Birdwatchers will note that this is where one can find the famous "Manakin Trail" with 6 species of manakins.

DINING ROOM TOWER

There is a 19 m (60 feet) tall observation tower on top of our 13 m (42 feet) hill. High enough to get great views of the lake and lodge. Nearby the active resident birds can be seen nesting and feeding within the lodge grounds. Did you want to see rare monkeys?, the curious Golden Mantle Tamarins are oftenly here for a visit. Tower turns out to be just next to the main house at NWC. One can look into the forest canopy and let inspiration flow, sorry if this gets interrupted by two large macaws flying by.

PROFESSIONAL CANOPY TOWER

Only 35 minutes away from the lodge there is the best and most professional canopy tower ever built in Amazonian Ecuador. Designed to last and provide maximum safety to users, this stainless steel structure complies with international certification ISO 9001:2000 that covers design, manufacturing and erection of steel structures and buildings, and other industrial applications.

This magnificent building, over 125 feet tall, is standing right next to a giant 155 feet Kapok tree where and ample platform provides great space for over 15 guests and their cameras, spotting scopes, tripods and binoculars gear, or other equipment ready to enjoy the canopy of the rain forest!! No one should miss this amazing highlight that provides great views of possible troops of howler, capuchins, monk sakis or spider monkeys in the nearest forest. In a clear day, the immense tropical scenery can reach views of the Andes where Gran Sumaco and the snow capped Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes are located, truly a one of a kind experience.

Active feeding bird flocks reach the vicinity and our tree, offering beyond 80 species list in one single morning…not to mention the mammal sights. Get into the eye view of large toucans, macaws, colourful tangers and discover the gently moving Three Toed Sloth. Certainly paradaise - heaven for avid professional or amateur birdwatchers and those who love close contact with nature. Armed with all possible optic gear, guides will find and show you the best. Tower provides an ample and comfortable platform and as one goes up there are 2 resting levels. This unique tower is the perfect site for dawn course or sunset experience.

LAKE & CREEKS

NWC has a large lake with two creeks that can be easily explored quietly while sitting on a dugout canoe paddled by our expert guides and staff eager to spot and show you wildlife. The possibilities are great in finding more troops of other species of monkeys like squirrel, saddle-backed and white fronted capuchin monkeys or those that by natural distribution or best habitat occur only on our South side of the Napo and include: monk saki, spider, woolly and golden mantle tamarin monkeys. NWC is home to a total of 11 species of monkeys.

All four species of cayman (alligator related) are found at NWC. Our lake offers black cayman species, which can easily be seen best at night canoe rides or even at sunny days by the edge of floating vegetation.

Following the creeks a group of giant otters in a hurry to catch their fish for supper are a good chance. A well deserved prize for NWC guests. Creeks have a dense vegetation on sides, with large trees overhead and calm flowing waters, no one knows exactly what awaits in the next meander, a flooded forest with anaconda or a gentle easy moving three toed sloth.

FOREST TRAILS & HIKES

Hikes along a variety of forest types are possible by visiting different trails. One can appreciate the tropical forest richness, discover new plants and colourful or well camouflaged insects. On forest trails, guests can see monkeys, lizards, tortoises, frogs and army ants in addition to an array of birds, including toucans, macaws, parrots, manakins and hummingbirds.

Our staff is constantly aware of wildlife movements and they report each other when and where it will be best to try looking for....."hey guys, we had a glimpse of a large spotted body last week on the main trail, when we approached discovered deep heavy steps of a cat.." This is the territory of the rich terra firme, the land of anything is possible, expect the unexpected. The largest mammals like jaguar, puma, tapir, giant anteater and giant armadillo have been spotted on our area. Night hikes are possible at NWC providing unexpected wildlife!!

BIRDWATCHING

Over 562 species of birds have been recorded at the Napo Wildlife Center, more than 1/3 of all of Ecuador`s birds. A vast and rich bird-life that can reward the most avid birdwatcher with the unrivalled South Napo specialties. NWC and Anangu are a classic visiting location for someone travelling Ecuador seeking for the overwhelming bird diversity.

Agami and ZigZag herons are found near the lake and creeks, including all 5 kingfishers. The large raptors like Harpy and Crested Eagles find healthy mammal food around our area. The active calls of forest floor mixed species flocks with the largest numbers of the surprising antbirds can be found. Canopy flocks are normal to run into, chances are birds provide an hour or so of a multitude of wow`s. Gear up with the best binoculars for the most superb views and active excursions helped with the expertise of the top native birdguide along the entire Napo: Jiovanny Rivadeneira. He is the head of a number of native guides that will eagle eye sight and successfully find for you that great plumaged world. Our canopy tower provides unrivalled opportunites for birding at the best rain forest in the country.

THE AÑANGU COMMUNITY

Anangu is not only home to the great NWC lodge, it has been the ancestral territory of a Quichua indigenous community that has the same name. Anangu people are active participants of the conservation and management of a large territory within the park as well as our partners in tourism. We would like to invite you see the community that had a dream and initiative long time ago to handle this vast rain forest territory by establishing their own lodge. Helped by EcoEcuador Foundation part of the Tropical Nature Conservation System, a world leading group of ongoing ecotourism projects, we all now work together on a nature tourism company. You can join some families on their daily activities when harvesting bananas, coco, manioc, a starchy jungle root, staple food for Amazonian people, or maybe helping preparing chicha, a traditional drink based on cooked and fermenting manioc. You like fish?, try catch your own in Amazon rivers helped by the local natives and their particular techniques.

TRIP ARRANGEMENTS

Napo Wildlife Center, NWC, will operate with fixed departures every Monday and Friday, thus making itineraries Mon-Fri 5day / 4night trips and Fri-Mon 4 days / 3 nights trips. However, NWC will operate and provide departures and programs on ANY OTHER DAY of the week (except Sunday, when there are no reliable flights in routes Quito-Coca). With an inexpensive extra fee for non Monday and Friday canoe trips, so you can tailor the trip to fit the group schedule needs. A longer NWC stay is possible for particular interest groups with an 8 day/ 7 night trip. We count with specialized naturalists that can delight those really focused guests. No problem leading hard core birding groups, botanical or insect workshops. Please contact us to tailor a unique Amazon experience.

FLIGHTS

Aircrafts taking care of our flights between Quito and Coca are modern planes: JetProp Beechcraft 1900-D Air-liner with 19 seats and Fokker MK-4000 Fellowship with capacity for 69 pax. Crafts and pilots are FAA-certified in the US.

SAFETY

The lodge counts with fire extinguishers of various sizes at cabañas, public areas, staff and power room. Also HF radio and mobile phones are in contact with our operations office in case of emergency. In case of serious emergency we can call helicopter assistance to evacuate from the lodge. For minor emergencies and if ever needed a medical center, around 30 minutes away from the lodge is also ready to provide attention. Motorized canoes count with life vests and comply with all river safety standard regulations and all operation systems checked at scheduled maintenance plan.

The government is now requiring proof of yellow fever vaccination for people visiting this area. No cases of yellow fever have been reported in this area, but cases on the Brazilian side of the border have been reported and they want to make sure that people from there don't cross over into Ecuador and cause a problem

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Passengers in flights Quito - Coca are allowed to check in a maximum of 20kg per person plus a carry on - hand luggage with reading material, camera, binoculars and personal documents. Additional or excess baggage is charged directly by the airline by pound.

2010 PRICES PER PERSON:
4 days 3 nights : $ 760 each for double or triple + $ 125 for airfare. single supplement $ 380
5 days 4 nights : $ 950 each for double or triple + $ 125 for airfare. single supplement $ 475
6 days 5 nights : $ 1140 each for double or triple + $ 125 for airfare. single supplement $ 570
7 days 6 nights : $ 1330 each for double or triple + $ 125 for airfare. single supplement $ 665
8 days 7 nights : $ 1520 each for double or triple + $ 125 for airfare. single supplement $ 760

Please note that airfare is subject to change without previous notice. There are no flights on Sundays, so pacakges can't start or
end on a Sunday.

All prices are per person, and are quoted in US dollars for adults. Children under 12 get 30% discount on hotel prices in same parents room and 50% on airfare, children under 5 hotel free in same parents room and 50% on airfare. Air rates and national park fee subject to change without previous notice.

INCLUDES:
Accommodation, all meals, pure water, river transportation and local Coca airport - boat in - out transfers, all excursions, including visits to our exclusive NWC`s parrot-macaw clay licks at $ 25 per person for all other lodges and visitors and subject to change. Native guide and naturalist bilingual guides, Yasuni National Park entrance fee, currently at $ 10 per person and subject to change without previous notice, purified water during meals, rain poncho and rubber boots provided when needed for excursions.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:
drinks, gratuities, any other item not specified

"I dont know really were to begin but everything was fantastic.The lodge was great clean & comfortable staff was attentive & the food was top notch.The place itself was wonderful & we saw plenty of things. Before when I came across your site you were not mis-quoting about not gouging you customer & we look forward in the future to being able to do more business with you.Could you please let me know where I can veiw other trips or areas you cover." Dean O'Dea

Private Guide Costs:
Bilingual Naturalist Guide = US$70 per day
Bilingual Birding Guide = US$100 per day

REVIEWS
- The trip was fantastic. I would highly recommend the NWC trip to anyone who is a little adventurous and wants to experience the birds and wildlife of the Amazon. The people and accommodations were excellent - James Bailey
- British Birdwatching Fair, BBWF, 2004 " One of the top 10 birding sites of the world, Victor Emanuel "
- Paul Coopmans, International Bird Guide and Tour Leader for Bird Quest UK: "The most luxurious lodge I've ever been to in the Amazon basin, plentiful and superb food, wonderful rooms and great service "
- John V. Moore, Author of Bird Vocalizations from Eastern Ecuador, CDs and tapes: "it is the BEST there is!! even outside Ecuador!
- Forthcoming book: Exotic Retreats by Roto Vision, UK
- ECUADOR, Pete Oxford & René Bish, ISBN: 9978-43-593-X, " favorite place along the way"
- Linda Cogdill - The guides, both Native and English speaking, were quite wonderful and the setting was amazing. They put us in the newest cabana to prevent my allergies from stirring up. We thoroughly enjoyed the side trips and saw over 100 different species of birds, mammals, and other creatures. It was quite astounding that we could swim by day and by night, the lake was filled with caiman. Thanks for everything you did. We would be happy to work with you again if you have other great adventures.
- Teresa Pickney - We are just back from Ecuador and I wanted to write briefly and tell you both that we had a wonderful experience in both the rain forest and the Galapagos Islands. Napo did a wonderful job in helping us experience what the rain forest is about...the guides were so knowledgeable about the surrounding culture, economy, animals, plant life, people - it was fantastic and beautiful and most educational and interesting!