The Ecuadorian Amazon, El Oriente, is home to more species of plants and animals than in the rest of the world’s ecosystems combined: brilliant hummingbirds, toucans, macaws, parrots – over 400 species of birds alone!
Beneath the green canopies wander tapirs, capybaras, peccaries and even jaguar. Scores of howler monkeys swing from vine to vine and streams, rivers and lakes support an exciting number of species from the vicious caimans and piranhas to freshwater dolphins and gentle manatees.
Here along the Napo River in the heart of the rainforest, jungle lodges offer comfortable accommodations and excellent access to the awesome wildlife. Escorted by a naturalist and native guide, you can hike or venture in dugout canoes to the backwaters of this vibrant ecosystem, discovering the remarkable diversity wildlife and enjoying cultural encounters in tribal villages tucked deep in the jungle.
Traveler’s with a sense of adventure will especially enjoy Ecuador’s upper Amazon basin or “El Oriente”. Travel in safety with Naturalist guides, visit areas rarely seen by man, home to exotic birds and wildlife. Visit Indian villages and overnight at jungle lodges, walk through primeval forest, travel by dugout canoe through lush, tropical jungles. Here is the richest complex eco-system on earth!
Napo Wildlife Center
Located within the pristive Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the largest tract of tropical rainforest in Ecuador. All 16 private bungalows have one kibg bed and one twin bed, private bath, hot shower, ceiling fans, private porches with lake views. There is a large dining hall with library, full bar and a 50-foot viewing tower. There are several trails from the lodge leading to parrot licks, giant river otters and a 130-foot canopy tower.
Sacha Lodge
Sacha Lodge is a 5000-acre private ecological reserve on the Napo River. There are 26 duplex bungalows with high thatched roofs, two double beds, private bath, hot shower. Ceiling fans and private ahded terraces with hammocks provide comfort. There is a 940-foot long canopy walkway perched 94 feet above the ground and a 135-foot kapok observation tower. Visit the butterfly house that breeds nearly 40 local species, the largest in Ecuador. The Yasuni clay lick is nearby with hundreds of parrots providing a show of sound and color.