Ecuador Bird Watching in the Jungle
Day 1: Quito to Coca
Departing from Quito, 30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes mountain range. After landing, about mid morning, and airport procedures a 5 min transfer in local chiva (hired bus) or local taxi from airport to Port Francisco de Orellana, here you embark on to a comfortable covered motor boat along the Napo river for about 2 hours a lunch box is provided enroute. Along the way birds like herons, kingfishers and others can be spotted. After arriving at NWC’s entry dock we disembark for restroom stop and take a majestic and peaceful 1 hours dugout canoe ride paddling along a narrow creek surrounded by lush trees vegetation overhead. The Creek connects to the lake where the lodge is located. There are good possibilities of various species of monkeys sightings as well as large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws. Later in the afternoon you arrive at the NWC lodge, which offers an amazing view from all rooms over the Añangu Lake. You are welcomed by a refreshing drink and introduced to all the facilities and the activities program. After dinner optional cayman observation around the lake while enjoying the natural sounds of the night.
Day 2: Napo Wildlife Centre
Early wake up to reach the best and easy access parrot clay licks in Ecuador, it is about 1 hour away from the lodge. Arrive there just before parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick which is between 7:30 to 8:30. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws are likely to be seen, depending on the weather conditions. Later that day a hike is planned along forest trail to visit to the Quichua community of Añangu and sharing time with a family on their activities. Return to the creek and hike through a the forest for about 30 minutes until we arrive to the second parrot clay lick where will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets and even macaws. Box lunch at the parrot clay lick observatory. Late afternoon arrival to the lodge.
Day 3: Napo Wildlife Centre
After early breakfast, depart from the lodge to the finest experience at a canopy tower on the Napo. A 36m high canopy tower opened to guests in November 2004, a great way to experience the life above the forest floor. This is the second tower at the Napo Wildlife Center (the first is attached to the dining hall and allows great views of the lake). The canopy tower is located about 20 minutes from the lodge deep within the terra firme forest. As you ascend the 12-story tower, you pass through different levels of the forest and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree. Here you cross onto a wooden platform that is actually built into the tree and experience the view formerly reserved only for the birds. The metal tower itself was constructed to the highest standards, galvanized, and carefully inspected by engineers. Safety is the priority.
The platform at the top of the tree was constructed by tree platform specialists as well. From top to bottom, there is no finer canopy experience in Eastern Ecuador. Flocks of colourful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree, Blue and yellow Macaws fly past, in nearby trees Spider Monkeys search for fruit, two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy opens before you. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, oblivious to your presence. The canopy tower opens a whole new world to guests of the Napo Wildlife Centre. Returning back to the Lodge for lunch.
Afternoon visit to a terra firme trail, hike along primary forest to discover the forest interior, possibilities of finding lizards, colourful manikins or the unique and endemic Golden mantle tamarin monkeys. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe with great possibilities of running into a Giant Otter family on the way
Day 4: Napo Wildlife Centre
Early departure and last excursion canoeing back to the Napo River, the creek may reveal new sights of Giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys or many other rare birds.
On arrival at the docking area there is an option for the use of restrooms, before embarking on motorized canoe for your return back to Coca. Arrival will be after approximately 2 hours boat ride up river in time to check in for your flight back to Quito.
Suggested onward journeys add: