Natural Ecuador: Mountains, Monkeys and the Napo Wildlife Center | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Natural Ecuador: Mountains, Monkeys and the Napo Wildlife Center

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PRIVATE TOUR - 10 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 5219

Private Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds that are offered by the thousands of orchids, dramatic waterfalls, cliff-side farms, and untouched views of the National Parks.
  • Taking in the sights before entering the ‘Door to Heaven’ road tunnel, gateway to the Amazon.
  • Visiting endangered animal sanctuaries to witness the rehabilitation process of some of the Amazon’s most vulnerable residents.
  • Climbing a 70ft observation tower for a completely different, tree-top canopy view of the rainforest.
  • See monkeys and large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws on the way to the secluded Napo Wildlife Center.
  • Marvelling at the flurry of wings and colours at Ecuador’s Clay Licks early in the morning, as a whirlwind of Parrots, Macaws and Parakeets perform their morning ritual.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

The Natural Ecuador: Mountains, Monkeys, and the Napo Wildlife Center trip begins in Quito with a guided tour of the historical city before traveling to Cotopaxi National Park. Here we will enjoy a tour led by a naturalist guide discovering the local flora and fauna as our guide explains the importance of this delicate environment. This tour ends at the Napo Wildlife Center where we will explore the indigenous wildlife and visit a macaw clay-lick filled with beautiful red and blue macaws.

The Napo Wildlife Center supports an 82-square-mile, private nature reserve on the northern edge of the Yasuni National Park, an important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the largest tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador. The reserve and associated lodge were created and built by traditional Quichua Indian Community of Anangu in partnership with the nonprofits Tropical Nature and EcoEcuador. Funding for this project came from charitable contributions to Tropical Nature. With parrot licks, Giant Otters, Woolly Monkeys, and ten other primates, Napo Wildlife Center is one of the finest wildlife destinations in the Amazon of Ecuador.

Inclusions
Yampu Tours only offers Napo Wildlife Center as an add-on to our highlight programs. If booking alone, booking fees may apply. Rates include round trip domestic air Quito to Coca and return, private airport transfers 3 night accommodations, all meals, pure ware, river transportation, all tours and entrance fees, and local naturalist guide.

*Please note departures to Coca are possible any day of the week except Sunday (because there are no morning flights to Coca on Sundays).
Best Time to Travel
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JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

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Package Price: From £$ 5219

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Flight to Quito

Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.

Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.

Day
2

Quito Heritage Cultural Tour

This full day walking tour operates daily except Sunday and Monday. Today, enjoy a chronological narrative along the history of Quito including its ancient pre-Columbian origins, foundation, and the Colonial and Republican periods. An immersion into the spirit of the city, its architecture, art, cuisine, religion and music will allow us to fully appreciate its cultural heritage.

Note: This is a walking tour at an altitude of 2800 meters (9200 feet) and involves climbing stairs, please be sure to bring good walking shoes. Dress in layers and do not wear shorts nor miniskirts as visits to churches are included.
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Quito_Otavalo_Market_Ecuador
Day
3

Quito – Cotopaxi National Park – Banos

This morning, be greeted at the hotel in Quito and transfer in private to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and have an optional hike.

This afternoon, visit the Hacienda La Cienega for a tasty lunch (included). La Cienega is one of the oldest haciendas, dating back to the seventeenth century. After lunch, stop at Saquisili Market. Transfer to Banos and the Luna Runtun hotel for an evening at leisure.

This morning, be greeted at the hotel in Quito and transfer in private to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and have an optional hike.

This afternoon, visit the Hacienda La Cienega for a tasty lunch (included). La Cienega is one of the oldest haciendas, dating back to the seventeenth century. After lunch, stop at Saquisili Market. Transfer to Banos and the Luna Runtun hotel for an evening at leisure.

Quito_Cotopaxi_Closeup_Ecuador
Day
4

Banos

Begin the full-day tour traveling down Puyo road admiring the spectacular scenery of the Pastaza Corridor while moving from the mountains to rainforest in less than 60 kilometers. Along the way, cross the longest tunnel in Ecuador, known as the Door to Heaven because it serves as the entrance to the Amazon Rainforest. Enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds that are offered by the thousands of orchids, dramatic waterfalls, cliff-side farms, and untouched views of the National Parks surrounding us.

This afternoon, visit a reserve which rehabilitates animals from the jungle in risk of extinction such as tapirs, crocodiles, and monkeys and houses a botanical garden with more than 300 varieties of orchids and thousands of medicinal plants and exotic flowers; a once in a lifetime experience.
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Ecuador-jungle
Day
5

Banos – Quito

This morning, transfer from Banos to Quito, returning to the Hotel Patio Andaluz for an afternoon of leisure to explore this historical city.

This morning, transfer from Banos to Quito, returning to the Hotel Patio Andaluz for an afternoon of leisure to explore this historical city.

Quito-Panoramic-View-Ecuador
Day
6

Quito – Coca – Napo Wildlife Center

Today, transfer to the airport for the flight to Coca over the eastern Andes Mountain range. After landing, be greeted and transferred to Port Francisco de Orellana and board a comfortable motor boat to travel the two-hour canoe ride along the Napo River, having a box lunch box en route.

Along the way watch for local birds including herons and kingfishers. After landing at Napo Wildlife Center's entry dock, disembark and take a majestic and peaceful 90-minute ride in a dugout canoe along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located. This is a great chance to see monkeys and large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws.
Late afternoon arrival at the NWC lodge by the splendid view of Anangu Lake, welcome drink and facilities. After dinner, optional caiman (alligator) observation around the lake and natural sounds at night.
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Napo-River-Ecuador
Day
7

Napo Wildlife Center

Today, have an early wake-up to reach the best access of the parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about 1 hour away from the lodge, arriving just before the peak of activity between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Here, a total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen (depending on weather conditions).

Later this morning, after a rest, hike along a forest trail to visit the Quichua community of Anangu. Here, have time to share stories with the local families and learn of their daily activities. Return to the creek and hike through a terra firme forest (30 minutes), arriving at a second parrot clay lick. If weather conditions permit, one will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets, and even macaws. Enjoy a box lunch at the parrot clay lick observatory. In the late afternoon, return to the lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure.
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parrot_clay_lick_ecuador
Day
8

Napo Wildlife Center

After an early breakfast this morning, depart from the lodge for an amazing experience at a canopy tower on the Napo. This 36-meter (about 70 feet) high canopy tower, opened in November 2004, is a great way to experience the life above the forest floor. While ascending the 12-story tower, pass through different levels of the forest and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree.

Here, cross onto a wooden platform, built into the tree, and experience a view formerly reserved only for the birds. The metal tower itself was constructed to the highest standards and carefully inspected by engineers. Watch as flocks of colorful tanagers pass right through the canopy; blue-and-yellow macaws fly past; spider monkeys search for fruit; two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy seems to open up.

This afternoon, return to the lodge for lunch before visiting a terra firme trail. Hike along the primary forest watching for lizards, colorful manikins, or the unique and endemic golden mantle tamarin monkeys. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe with a good chance of running into a giant otter family on the way. This evening, return to the lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure.
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Sani_Lodge_Observation_tower_Ecuador
Day
9

Napo Wildlife Center – Coca – Quito

Today, have an early departure and one last excursion canoeing back to the Napo River. The creek may reveal new sightings of giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys or many other rare birds. Entry dock arrival and embark on motorized canoe in order to return to Coca. Arrive at about 11 a.m. in order to board the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.

Today, have an early departure and one last excursion canoeing back to the Napo River. The creek may reveal new sightings of giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys or many other rare birds. Entry dock arrival and embark on motorized canoe in order to return to Coca. Arrive at about 11 a.m. in order to board the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.

Napo-Covered-Canoe-Ecuador
Day
10

Quito – Home

This morning, transfer to the Quito airport to take the flight back home or continue with the add-on of one’s choice.

This morning, transfer to the Quito airport to take the flight back home or continue with the add-on of one’s choice.

Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Baños, Ecuador

Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge, Orellana, Ecuador

Places You'll See

  • Quito-Ecuador-Hillside

    Quito

    The magnificent city of Quito is bursting with cultural, historical, and artistic character. Along with its scenic parks such as Parque La Carolina, visit its enchanting museums like the Museo del Banco Central. Take a trip to the Mitad del Mundo, or the “Middle of the World”, where the first measurements to prove the earth was round, were taken.

  • Cotopaxi

    One of the highest volcanoes in the world is the stratovolcano Cotopaxi. Enjoy the areas unique flora and fauna as you trek or bike your way through the National park of the same name. Visit the Museum and visitor center to gain an appreciation for the area and possibly enjoy some time along the Limpiopungo Lagoon, made up of remnants of glacial activity.

  • Banos

    On the foothills of the Tungurahua Volcano, lies the city of Banos. One of the final cities before reaching the depths of the Amazon, Banos offers many exciting activities to take in. Enjoy the picturesque waterfalls, such as the famous Cascada de La Virgin, or take on nature with jungle tours, rafting, bungee jumping and so much more at the capital of adventure!

  • Yellow-rumped-Cacique-Orellana_Province_Ecuador

    Coca

    At the convergence of the Napo and Coca Rivers within the Amazon rainforest rests the city of El Coca. This is where many begin their journey into the national park, but there are many things of interest in this bustling area to discover. Enjoy drinks at local restaurants and browse through the many different clothes boutiques before venturing on the Iconic Napo River or exploring the mysterious depths of the Amazon.

Hotel Options

Featured Accommodation

Napo Wildlife Center

Napo Wildlife Center is an exceptional example of a grassroots eco-tourism project. As a responsible and sustainable enterprise, we continuously invest in environmentally conscious infrastructure. Our efforts are among the best and most advanced in all of Amazonia.

Energy is generated by solar panels, industrial batteries, and silent generators, which is an efficient system with minimal environmental impact. All water is appropriately processed to maintain a healthy biome. Every aspect of life has been considered with both our guests and Mother Nature in mind.

Yasuní National Park ,

4 Star Properties

Quito : La Casona de la Ronda

Quito : Hotel Carlota Quito

Banos : Sangay Spa Hotel

Banos : La Florestra

5 Star Properties

Quito : Hotel Mama Cuchara

Quito : Illa Experience Hotel

Banos : Samari Spa & Resort

Banos : Luna Volcan Adventure Spa

Luxury Properties

Quito : Casa Gangotena

Testimonials

Domit from Australia

Traveled May, 2010

The trip was fantastic

I hope this email finds you happy and well. I am so sorry, I have been meaning to call you for so long to give you feedback on the trip to Central and south-america late last year, but as John Lennon once said Life’s what happens while you’re busy making other plans. My heartfelt apologies. Overall, due to your wonderful expertise, the trip was fantastic. Thanks for your troubles, and needless to say, we’ll be in touch when we’re ready to hit Latin America again.

Traveled To


Raymond F.

Traveled June, 2013

Overall the trip was a success

Overall the trip was a success all went according to plan which is very good given the number of locations etc. we enjoyed the three countries. We enjoyed Costa Rica the most with lots of wildlife sightings there and friendly people, but Mexico was close behind and apart from the Mayan ruins which lived up to expectations we did see quite a lot of wildlife there too.

Jon L

Traveled December, 2014

Everything was great!

Everything was great! Just exactly as you advertised, and we had an awesome time. We will definitely keep Yampu in mind for any future trips we might be making.

Traveled To


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