Description
Napo Wildlife Centre is superbly situated overlooking Lake Anangucocha and is the only lodge within the protected Yasuni National Park, thereby offering an exclusive rainforest experience. The lodge is run with the full participation of the native Añangu community and is now 100% community owned, setting it apart from most other rainforest lodges and ensuring the protection of the local population and environment.
Accommodation at Napo Wildlife Centre is in 12 comfortable accommodation in wooden cabañas, built in keeping with the natural surroundings. Each cabaña has a private terrace and overlooks either the lake or rainforest. The thatched roof buildings of the lodge include a dining hall with library and bar and a 50ft observation tower, as well as another 12ft observation tower, deep in the forest. These towers give guests the opportunity to view the forest canopy from an entirely different perspective and is great for wildlife viewing.
Yasuni National Park is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including 565 species of birds. Several trails lead through pristine terra firme forest, where 150-foot trees tower above and huge buttress roots crisscross the paths. Paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black water creeks and lakes, swim, fish for piranhas, go on night walks to observe nocturnal wildlife and canoe trips in search of caiman with the aid of torches. There are also 2 clay licks within easy reach of the lodge, where guests can watch hundreds of brightly coloured parrots and macaws congregate in huge flocks.
Accommodation
Guest accommodation at Napo Wildlife Centre is made up of 12 comfortable thatched roof cabañas with private terraces. The cabañas are decorated with native furnishings and all have private bathroom, shower, hot water and ceiling fan. The cabañas are very spacious and all have one king size bed and one single bed, sleeping up to 3 guests in total.
Childcare
A stay at Napo Wildlife Centre is most suited to children aged over 8 although younger children are accepted. Whilst there are no formal child facilities there are lots of exciting and educational activities which are sure to appeal and the guides and local community are very friendly and welcoming towards children.
Facilities
Napo Wildlife Centre has a large dining hall with a bar and a well stocked library. There are also 2 observation towers, one 50ft tower attached to the property and another 120ft tower 20 minutes further into the forest. These are great for viewing wildlife from above the forest canopy, much of which is hidden at ground level.
Activities
A variety of activities and excursions are on offer at Napo Wildlife Centre, including fishing, forest hikes, excursions in dugout canoes through the lake and its creeks, visits to the clay licks, handicraft workshops and visits to the local communities. The excursions are all lead by an indigenous Añangua guide, giving a unique insight into the local environment, and accompanied by a multilingual naturalist guide.
When to travel
All year round destination. There is no defined dry season, and rain can be expected at any time of year being a tropical rainforest.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Amazon, Ecuador
Napo Wildlife Centre is located 80km downstream from Coca airport on the Napo River in the Yasuni National Park.
How to get there
14-hour 45-minutes international flight to Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport, followed by a 30-minute domestic flight to Coca airstrip and a 3-hour motorized boat ride.
