Napo Wildlife Centre

Location: Ecuadorian Amazon | Ecuador & the Galapagos

Price guide: £££££ £350-£500 per person per night

The Napo Wildlife Centre is a community-based eco-tourism project that has turned the surrounding 82 square miles into a private reserve within Yasuní National Park. Ecuador's two most accessible parrot clay licks are within the reserve, and giant otters inhabit the lake in front of the lodge - along with caiman crocodiles! One of our top picks for an authentic Amazon experience.

Perfect forAdventurous types looking for genuine immersion in the Amazon rainforest whilst at the same time giving something back to the local community. The Napo Wildlife Centre is 100% community owned and the net profits of the lodge go back to the local Anangu community.

In the knowAsk your guide about a trip to the local community, where if you’re lucky you’ll have the chance to meet the highly regarded shamen.

Recommended for...

Cultural Immersion
Eco-tourism
Family-friendly
Honeymoon

Hotel Overview

Where

Situated on a black water lake near the Napo river right in the heart of the Amazon. A 25 minute flight from Quito takes you to Coca, where you will then embark on a two hour motorized canoe trip up river followed by 90 minutes in a dug out canoe up the stunning tributaries to the lodge. Quite a journey but well worth it!

Rooms at Napo Wildlife Centre

There are twelve private and very spacious cabanas wiith lake views, ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms. Hot showers and 24 hr electricity give Napo Wildlife Centre a sense of Amazonian ‘rough-luxury’ without distracting from the rainforest and the sounds of nature.

Food and Facilities

The large dining room is the perfect spot to reflect on your day's sightings – enjoy a cool beer from the well stocked bar and dine on delicious local cuisine. Attached to the bar is a 50 ft observation tower- from here, you can see the Andes on a clear day. Plus it's great for monkey spotting!

Activities at Napo Wildlife Centre

This private reserve makes the excursions very special, with exclusive opportunities to see parrots feeding on the clay licks, and giant otters and caiman crocodiles in the water. Although the steps might be a little daunting at first, a trip up the 120 ft canopy tower is highly recommended and really allows you to experience the life above the forest floor.