Napo Wildlife Center: A Must Stop in Ecuador
Nestled deep in the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest lies the Napo Wildlife Center, an eco-lodge that offers an unparalleled experience of one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The Napo Wildlife Center is located in Yasuni National Park; “Yasuni” means Sacred Land in the local language of Kichwa. Created and managed by the Kichwa Añangu Community, this center is a haven for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts. Napo reflects the best in sustainability and ecotourism and is a must stop while traveling through Ecuador.
The center was created in order to preserve the ancestral land of the Amazon, provide the community with sustainable employment, and improve the quality of life while delivering exceptional customer service in a luxury setting. While staying at the ecolodge, guests will be immersed in wildlife experiences and connect with the local community alongside their naturalist guide and community guide member.
Some of the wildlife activities include, birdwatching at the canopy observation tower, visiting the parrot clay licks, and canoe rides along the blackwater creeks. Below is some more information on these experiences:
Canopy Observation Tower
This is a 120 foot tower that offers a bird’s eye view of the rainforest. There, you will be able to see different species of birds such as macaws, toucans, parrots, as well as monkeys and sloths. One of the best places that I have ever had a cup of coffee!
Observation Tower – birdwatching
Parrot Clay Licks
Truly a unique and highlighted experience at Napo, one that not many Amazon visitors get to witness. There are two natural sites that attract hundreds of parakeets and parrots. These birds consume the mineral enriched clay and create a vibrant spectacle. It happens only once a day for about 30 or so minutes.
Canoe Rides
After you leave the Coca Airport, you are transferred to a boating dock where guests take a 2 hour motorized boat ride down the Napo River. From there, guests are transferred to their first canoe ride down the stream that leads to the ecolodge center. Daily, guests will partake in canoe rides that lead to sightings of exotic wildlife such as caimans, river otters, monkeys, and a multitude of different bird species.
Canoe Rides with naturalist and community guides
Kichwa Añangu Community
Connecting with the local community is truly one of the highlights of this trip. Guests will learn about traditional and ancestral practices and understanding the relationships between the rainforest/animals and the community. You will have the opportunity to try typical foods and engage in a welcome dance. During my visit, I was able to witness some of the school students interact with a school in California via Zoom. It was heartwarming to see how excited all the students were on using their target language and having this wonderful cultural exchange.
Mariano, the local community guide, shows how to make a basket out of leaves
An aspect of the trip that should not go unsaid is the exceptional knowledge and warmth of the guides. Whatever question you may have, they are able to answer it. My guides, Mauricio and Mariano, were extremely caring towards myself and the group, as well as their land and the animals. They were constantly looking after us and making sure we felt safe and comfortable. All the guides and staff demonstrated the utmost respect to their community, land, and all creatures. This made myself and the group feel welcomed and we could feel the sense of community immediately.
By choosing to stay at the Napo Wildlife Center, you are not only going to receive the highest quality of luxury service and accommodations, but also the best cultural and wildlife immersive experiences. You will be directly helping the Añungu Community by supporting vital conservation efforts and sustainable tourism.
This was my first time in the Amazon Rainforest, but certainly not my last. Napo left a big impression on me, as it does for most of their visitors. Be sure to add the Ecuadorian Amazon on your bucket list through Ecuador!