Jungle tour
ECUADORIAN AMAZON
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Highlights
Observation Towers, Claylicks, jungle walks
Experience
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Tour Details
See the full itinerary
About the experience
Over eight days, this program combines boat navigation, daytime and nighttime rainforest exploration, visits to parrot clay licks, hikes along Amazonian forest trails, cultural exchange, and meaningful moments of connection with nature—offering a balanced experience in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Day 1 | Arrival and First Encounter with the Amazon
After a 30-minute flight over the eastern Andean mountain range to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (El Coca), followed by a 10-minute private transfer, you will be welcomed at our private dock, where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing drink. You will then navigate for approximately two hours along the Napo River aboard comfortable, covered motorized boats, with a box lunch served on board. Upon arrival at Yasuní Ecolodge, located within the ancestral territory of the Kichwa Añangu Community inside Yasuní National Park, you will be welcomed with a traditional guayusa drink. After a brief introduction to the lodge’s services, you will be escorted to your room overlooking the rainforest. In the afternoon, we will visit the 45-meter observation tower, ideal for spotting birds, monkeys, toucans, and sloths, while enjoying the Amazon sunset. Alternatively, you may choose to take a kayaking excursion along the Napo River. Return to the lodge to relax before dinner.
Main Activities: Motorized boat navigation, Panoramic Tower Observation, Wildlife observation, Night walk.
Day 2 | Biodiversity and exploration
After breakfast, we will head by motorized canoe to the Parrot and Parakeet Clay Lick along the banks of the Napo River. We will arrive early to observe parrots feeding on mineral-rich soil, with the possibility of spotting species such as mealy parrots, blue-headed parrots, yellow-crowned parrots, and dusky-headed parakeets. We will then continue with a 20-minute walk through terra firme forest to a second clay lick for parrots, parakeets, and macaws, protected by the Kichwa Añangu Community and considered one of the main wildlife observation sites in the area.
Depending on conditions, we may also observe various bird and mammal species. Next, we will visit the Kuri Muyu Intercultural Center, managed by the mamakunas, to learn about Kichwa culture and traditions. The visit includes time to browse the handicraft shop. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, we will take a forest trail walk, ideal for observing primates such as golden-mantled tamarins and red howler monkeys.
After dinner, we will enjoy a guided night walk to observe insects, reptiles, arachnids and frogs.
Main Activities: Motorized boat navigation, Visit our parrot and parakeet Clay Lick, Paddle canoe ride, Wildlife observation, Night walk.
Day 3 | Rainforest hikes
Enjoy the sunrise during breakfast before departing by motorized boat toward the entrance of the Añangu River, a blackwater ecosystem that extends 6 km (3.7 miles) into protected Amazon rainforest. There, we will transfer to a paddle canoe to quietly navigate a narrow creek—one of the most iconic experiences in the area. Along the way, there is the possibility of spotting monkeys, birds, caimans, and otters in their natural habitat.
We will then return to the lodge for lunch and time to rest. In the afternoon, you may choose between visiting the observation tower, offering privileged views of the Amazon canopy and opportunities to spot birds and primates, or navigating the river aboard an ancestral catamaran, enjoying the scenery while learning about traditional Kichwa legends and songs.
Main Activities: Motorized boat navigation, Forest trail hike, Wildlife observation, Panoramic Tower Observation, Cultural navigation aboard an Ancestral Catamaran
Day 4 | Jungle walks
Start the day with breakfast and prepare with rubber boots to explore the terra firme forest along the Samona Trail. You will walk through primary forest with towering ceiba trees and dense vegetation, with the possibility of spotting capuchin, woolly, and saki monkeys. During the hike, your guides will interpret the environment and identify insects, tracks, and other signs of wildlife. The exploration continues along a blackwater creek, where the landscape offers a different perspective of the forest and its biodiversity.
After a refreshing drink and lunch, we will navigate along the Napo River, ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the sunset over the rainforest. During the excursion, you may choose to swim, coordinating the activity in advance with your guide.
Main Activities:
Forest trail hike, Wildlife observation, Navigation along the Napo River, Swimming (optional)
Day 5 | Pañacocha Adventure
Today we will travel by motorized canoe along the Napo River to Pañacocha Lagoon, located approximately 1.5 hours downstream. This excursion focuses on exploring distinct ecosystems, offering a different perspective on Amazonian biodiversity. Pañacocha Protected Forest—meaning “Lagoon of the Piranhas” in Kichwa—is part of a vital natural corridor connecting Cuyabeno National Park to the north and Yasuní National Park to the south, essential for the conservation of species such as the pink river dolphin.
Upon arrival, you will receive a brief introduction to the area and a box lunch, which may be enjoyed in the canoe or at a nearby lodge with access to restrooms and restaurant facilities. This area does not belong to the territory of the Kichwa Añangu Community, where artisanal fishing is permitted.
The Añangu community renounced hunting and fishing decades ago as part of their commitment to conservation. We will explore the Igapó forest, a seasonally flooded ecosystem where you may observe squirrel monkeys, black tamarins, three-toed sloths, pink river dolphins, and flora adapted to the river’s natural cycles. In the afternoon, we will return to Yasuní Ecolodge for dinner and free time.
Main Activities:
Motorized boat navigation, Igapo ecosystem exploration, Wildlife observation.
Day 6 | Cultural exchange and Ancestral Knowledge
After breakfast, we will participate in a cultural exchange with a Kichwa community family. We will share traditional meals, ancestral myths, and stories, gaining insight into their way of life, knowledge, and deep connection to the rainforest. The experience includes lunch with the host family.
In the afternoon, you will take part in a cacao and chocolate experience, learning the traditional process from fruit to final product and its importance in community life. At the end of the day, enjoy dinner and time to relax in a peaceful setting within the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Main Activities: Cultural and gastronomic exchange, Chocolate and cacao workshop, Wildlife observation.
Day 7 | Rainforest excursion
After breakfast, we will begin a full day of exploration across diverse ecosystems within Yasuní National Park. We will start with a paddle canoe ride along the Añangu River, ideal for observing birds, monkeys, caimans, and otters within community territory. We will then arrive at the Tiputini Trail for a hike through terra firme forest, one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Accompanied by local guides, we will walk through primary forest with the possibility of spotting spider monkeys, woolly monkeys, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and three-toed sloths. Throughout the walk, your guides will interpret the flora, fauna, and signs of wildlife.
At midday, we will visit the Harpy Eagle Observation Tower, where we will enjoy a box lunch overlooking the Amazon canopy and increased opportunities for wildlife sightings. In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge, crossing the forest once more and navigating along the Añangu River, with additional chances to observe wildlife.
Main Activities: Paddle canoe ride, Wildlife observation, Observation Tower visit, Forest trail hike.
Day 8 | Sunrise in the Amazon and return
After a delicious breakfast, we will take a short 10-minute walk to reach our motorized canoe and begin the return journey along the Napo River to our private dock in El Coca, a trip lasting approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arrival in El Coca, our staff will transfer guests to the airport for check-in for their return flight to Quito.
Main Activities: Short Hike, Motorized Boat Navigation
Important Note: This itinerary serves as a sample and is subject to changes based on weather conditions, logistical considerations, guest and staff safety, Yasuní National Park regulations, and guest preferences. Modifications may enhance opportunities for wildlife observation, cultural interactions, and overall park enjoyment.
Included
- River Transportation: Coca – Yasuní Ecolodge – Coca
- Accommodation at Yasuní Ecolodge
- All meals included (gourmet cuisine)
- Entrance fees to Yasuni National Park and the claylicks.
- Experienced Local and bilingual Naturalist guides
- Rain ponchos and hiking boots for excursions
- Purified water dispenser
- Tea and coffee station
- All activities detailed in the itinerary
- Satellite Wi-fi
Not Included
- AIR TICKETS QUITO – COCA – QUITO
USD 256 per adult (from 12 years old)
USD 205 per child (up to 11 years old)
The rate includes assistance at both airports and transfer from Coca ́s airport to our private dock. Airfares are subject to change, without prior notice.
Non-alcoholic beverages: juices, soft drinks, sparkling water, etc.
Alcoholic beverages
Tips for guides and staff
Travel and health insurance
What to bring?
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing in light and neutral colors, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, a rain jacket or windbreaker, insect repellent, sunscreen, a flashlight, binoculars, and a camera.
Plan your EXPERIENCe
¿Any questions?
If you have any questions about your trip, special requests, or need help planning your stay, please contact our team directly via WhatsApp.
Stories That Inspire: Experiences at Napo Cultural Center
We share with you some of the testimonials from those who have already been part of this magical adventure.
