The Research for the Napo-reserve is an environmental tourism project that has the aim to conserve and protect approximately 82 square miles (more than 21,400 square acres) of the tropical jungle within the National Park Yasuní, an important biosphere reserve by UNESCO and the largest forest part of Ecuador. Starting point for "NWC" is the town of Coca. By car we will quickly reach the pier where a motorized canoe will be waiting for us. We drive down the Napo River for two hours and enjoy the scenery. One of the greatest excursions in the "NWC" is getting up early to watch the Amazon birds and macaws at the clay lick. This is a unique natural spectacle in this reserve.

Departing from Quito, 30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes mountain range.
After landing, about mid morning, and airport procedures a 5 min 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 about 2 hours approx, lunch box en route. Along the way birds like herons, kingfishers and others can be spotted. After arriving at NWC’s entry dock we disembark to go to the restroom and then take a majestic and peaceful 1 to 2 hours dugout canoe ride surrounded by trees overhead, paddling along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located. Good possibilities of monkey 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.

Overnight at Napo Hotel

Early wake up to reach one the best and most easily accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador.
About 1 hour away from the lodge, guests arrive 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 the Kichwa community of Añangu and sharing time with a family on 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 we – if the weather conditions help – will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets and even macaws. Lunch box served at the parrot clay lick observatory. Late afternoon arrival to the lodge.

Overnight at Napo Hotel

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 tower is located about 30 minutes from the lodge deep within the terra firme forest. As you ascend the 12-floor 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 and is carefully inspected by engineers. Safety is the priority. 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 and yellow Macaws fly pass, in nearby trees Spider Monkeys search for fruits, 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. The canopy tower opens a whole new world to guests of the Napo Wildlife Center!!
Lunch served at the lodge. 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.

Overnight at Napo Hotel

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 to the docking area, use of restrooms and embarking on motorized canoe in order to return back to Coca. Arrival approximately after 2 hours of boat ride upstream, in order to check for Coca – Quito flight, schedule to be announced according to departure details and arrangements.