The Beauty of the Amazon Basin

Day 1: Arrival to Quito

AM OR PM

Transfer in to Sheraton Hotel or Similar Hotel

Day 2: Departure to Coca

AM

Departing from Quito, 30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes mountain range.

(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 about 2 hours approx, lunch box in route.

Along the way birds like herons, kingfishers and others can be spotted. After arriving at NWC's entry dock we disembark for restroom then take a majestic and peaceful 1 . hours dugout canoe ride surrounded by trees overhead, paddling along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located.

PM

Good possibilities of monkeys sights of various species as well as large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws. Late afternoon arrival to the NWC lodge by the overwhelming view of the Añangu lake, welcome drink and facilities.

After dinner optional cayman (alligator) observation around the lake and natural sounds at night.

TOP

Day 3: Quichua Community

AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Departure to reach the best and easy access parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about 1 hour away from the lodge, guests reach there just before parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick between 7:30 to 8:30.

A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen.

A visit that depends on weather conditions but usually successful.

Later, hike along forest trail to visit to the Quichua community of Añangu and sharing time with a family on their activities.

PM

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 the weather conditions help will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets and even macaws.

Box lunch at the parrot clay lick observatory.

Late afternoon arrival to the lodge.

TOP

Day 4: The Canopy Adventure

AM

Early breakfast at the lodge.

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 firm 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 at the top of the tree was constructed by tree platform specialists as well. From top to bottom, there is no finer canopy experience in Eastern Ecuador.

Flocks of colorful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree, Blue-andyellow Macaws fly past, in nearby trees Spider Monkeys search for fruit, two species of large toucans call in the early mornings 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!! Served lunch at the lodge.

PM

Afternoon visit to a terra firm 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.

TOP

Day 5: Back to Quito

AM

Early departure and last excursion canoeing back to the Napo river, the creek may reveal new sights of Giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys or many other rare birds.

Entry docking area, use of restrooms and embarking on motorized canoe in order to return back to Coca, arrival approximately after 2 hours boat ride up river, in order to check for Coca - Quito flight, schedule to be announced according to departure details and arrangements

PM

Arrival to Quito and transfer to Hotel Sheraton or similar.

TOP