Parrots

See parrots and parakeets from special viewing blinds within camera range of the brilliant green, squawking birds! They arrive by the hundreds to eat the clay that aids in digestion of some of the unripe seeds and fruits they eat.

The first blind, nearest the river and accessible by a 50-meter boardwalk, hosts Mealy, Yellow-crowned, Orange-winged and Blue-headed Parrots, as well as Dusky-headed and, occasionally, Cobalt-winged Parakeets. A second blind, reached by a 20-minute trail-hike through the forest, is typically visited by Cobalt-winged Parakeets, with Orange-cheeked Parrots joining them October through April. Visitors to this blind also have the opportunity to see the rare Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet, and sometimes even Scarlet Macaws stop in for a visit. Since the birds come to eat the clay at different times, both viewing blinds can be visited in a single day.

Otters

At up to seven feet long and up to 150 pounds, giant otters are quite a sight. Due to a long history of hunting and environmental pressures, they are extremely rare and difficult to see. Fortunately, Napo Wildlife Center has several families living in the lake and surrounding streams. These fearless creatures swim and call just feet from the canoe, making for wonderful viewing and photo opportunities.

More Wildlife

Over 565 species of birds have been recorded here, and the area is also home to 11 species of monkeys (including Monk Saki and Spider, Howler and Woolly monkeys, and Saddle-backed and Golden-mantled tamarins) as well as Jaguars, Pumas and Tapirs. Exploring the lake and surrounding creeks in a dugout canoe, guests may be treated to views of Black Caiman, Paichi (huge Amazonian fish that can grow up to ten feet long!), colonies of pre-historic-looking Hoatzins, nesting Blue-and-yellow Macaws, turtles and butterflies.

On the forest trails, guests can see monkeys, tamarins, lizards, tortoises, frogs and army ants in addition to an array of birds, including toucans, parrots, manakins and hummingbirds.

Canopy Platform

From a canopy platform located near the lodge, guests can experience the parallel world of the tree-tops. The 120 foot platform is built within the canopy of a huge, emergent tree and offers spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Wildlife includes Spider Monkeys, Aracaris, Toucans, Blue and Gold Macaws, numerous species of Tanagers, and the Red-rumped Cacique.

Accommodations

Ten large, private cabanas each include:

Meals, including local fruit and fresh-baked bread, are served in the large, thatch-roof dining hall. The hall also contains a library of books on local birds and animals and a bar, perfect for relaxing with an ice-cold beer after a day of exploring on the lake and trails.

360-degrees panoramic views:

• Cabana Interior Panorama
• Canopy Tower Panorama

How to get there

To get to the Napo Wildlife Center, fly by jet from Quito, Ecuador to the town of Francisco de Orellana (known locally as Coca) on the Napo River. After a short drive to the dock, we board a large, motorized, covered canoe for a two-hour trip downriver. Upon arriving at the entrance to the Napo Wildlife Center, we switch to smaller, dugout canoes to be paddled up the blackwater creek to the lake and lodge (no motorized transport is allowed on the creek so wildlife isn't disturbed).

The trip can take anywhere from one to three hours, since guests might see river otters, potoos, kingfishers, hoatzins, jacamars, hawks, or monkeys along the way. We eat lunch en route and arrive at the lodge by late afternoon.

Special Note on Yellow Fever Vaccine

As of March 1, 2008 the Ministry of Public Health in Ecuador is now requiring all visitors to the Ecuadorian Amazon have a Yellow Fever vaccine certificate. This step is taken to prevent spreading of the disease from neighboring countries in the Amazon Basin which have reported cases of Yellow Fever in their territories. Vaccination can be taken for free at the Quito airport. If a client is unable to take the vaccination because of medical reasons, an original, signed letter from your doctor stating the reason is needed.

Booking

Prices are per person and based on double accommodation and fixed departures. Custom departures can be arranged any day except Sunday but additional charges may apply. Rates include:

• round trip airfare Quito-Coca
• canoe transportation to the Center
• private cabana with private bath
• all meals and snacks
• purified drinking water
• bilingual and native naturalist guide
• trips to parrot-viewing blinds
• Yasuni national park entry fee ($10)

Soda, beer and wine are available but not included.

Napo Wildlife Center
Trip length	5 day/4 night itinerary	4 day/3 night itinerary
Departs	Daily, except Sunday	Daily, except Sunday
Per person cost	$920.00	$775.00
Single supplement	$250.00	$180.00
Prices based on two people sharing. Maximum eight people per guide. Private departures available on request for any day except Sunday. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed. International airfares are not included. Price does NOT include other domestic flights within Ecuador or international flights.

Staying on in Ecuador? Whether your interest is wildlife or culture, in a short extension tour you can experience more of the living heritage of this vibrant country. Day trips are also a great way to see Quito and the nearby sites. We can even arrange hotels and transportation.