Ecuador Amazon Lodge Extension
An Amazon Lodge Extension Offers An Enjoyable Variation To Your Ecuador Holiday
Ecuador Amazon Lodge Extension
Classic Journeys
ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Ecuador Amazon Lodge Extension
5 Days Wildlife experience Napo Wildlife Centre
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ DISCOVER THE AMAZING AMAZON BASIN STAY AT A REMOTE & LUXURIOUS AMAZON LODGE WONDERFUL WILDLIFE & FRIENDLY PEOPLE GUIDED SIGHTSEEING ON FOOT & BY BOAT WITH ENGLISH SPEAKING NATURALIST GUIDE
For prices see our current brochure or check our website WHEN TO GO The temperature is usually around 25° all year. You should be prepared for lots of rain in the C rainforest you will need to bring your wellies (rubber boots)! It will also be hot and humid most of the time. July and August are usually the wettest months in the Napo area while September to December are the driest. February to May are the wettest months in the Kapawi area. It is usually best to avoid the heaviest rains in July and August (Napo area), and February to May (Kapawi). DURATION Tours can be arranged for 4 days or more We recommend no fewer than 4 days/3nights in the rainforest and find that most people prefer 5 days/4 nights because it allows them to take advantage of all of the attractions. The itineraries vary slightly according to the number of days. Activities generally include a variety of guided forest walks, early morning birding excursions, visits to the canopy tower, and canoe trips on the lodge’s lake and small surrounding rivers. Services Included in the cost – Return flights between Quito and Coca, river transportation, walks and tours according to the itinerary, accommodation in private tropical cabanas, meals, park fees, all lodge activities, services of professional local guides, transfers to/from your hotel in Quito and to/from the jungle lodge. Services Not Included in the cost – Main meals in cities, drinks, extras, taxes, tips, laundry, additional tours, insurance, international airline tickets, anything not mentioned in the included in the cost section.
Classic Journeys, 33 High Street, Tibshelf, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 5NX. Tel: (01773) 873497 Fax: (01773) 590243 Email: info@classicjourneys.co.uk www.classicjourneys.co.uk Ecuador Amazon Lodge Extension 2
Ecuador Amazon Lodge Extension
Introduction
Scientists estimate that nearly half of all the species living on this planet, both plants and animals, dwell in the rainforests. With more richness and complexity than any other ecosystem in the world, the Amazon Basin holds magical surprises for the nature traveller. In Ecuador the basin is called the Oriente and the lodges we have chosen offer some of the best locations to experience the sights and sounds of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Day and night walks and boat trips reveal the many of the rainforests flora and wildlife, including monkeys and colourful bird life. While our guides give us rare insight into the life of the indigenous people and offer detailed nature interpretation that will captivate all who visit. Amazon Lodges There are many lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Classic Journeys uses lodges we believe offer particularly good wildlife experiences or cultural interaction in a sustainable manner. Three of these lodges have very good links with the local communities. Lodges in the Napo area: • Sacha Lodge has some of the best options for canopy exploration with a canopy walkway and platform • La Selva Lodge has an extensive trail system. • Napo Wildlife Centre provides a more intimate rainforest experience with just ten double cabanas. • Yachana Lodge offers a good, economical introduction to the rainforest, although there are fewer mammal fauna here than at the other lodges. Kapawi Lodge has a more remote location in the south east of Ecuador. Surrounding the lodge there are expansive tracts of primary rainforest, which are some of the most biologically diverse in the Amazon. KAPAWI LODGE Located on the Pastaza River in the south east of Ecuador, it is one of the most remote areas of the Ecuadorian Amazonian basin. Kapawi is an award-winning lodge with a spectacular setting. The lodge was set up in partnership with the Achuar - a local tribe of Amazonian Indians and aims to become wholly owned by the Achuar in 2011. During your time at the lodge a naturalist guide and an Achuar guide will guide you. You can also enjoy visits to Achuar communities, rainforest hikes, river canoeing and bird watching. The area is home to about 500 species of birds, pink dolphins, giant otters, caiman, tapirs, capybaras and much more. Kapawi Lodge has 20 double rooms, each with its own private bathroom, sun-heated showers, and electricity provided by solar power. Set on the edge of Kapawi Lake, every room has a wide terrace where you can observe the daily visits of local wildlife. The four-day package is from Friday to Monday. The five-day package is from Monday to Friday. SACHA LODGE Sacha is a luxury lodge set just off the Napo River, overlooking Pilchicocha Lake. It is in a private reserve of 1300 hectares with ancient black-water lagoons, winding creeks and towering trees. Each of the 26 double en-suite cabins have high thatched roofs and private terraces, constructed with traditional materials. All cabins are screened against insects. A bilingual naturalist guide educated in the biology and ecology of the area as well as a native guide lead small groups of Sacha Lodge’s guests. In addition to hikes on the many trails, you can paddle in dugout canoes, swim, fish for piranhas, take night hikes, climb the 40m tower to view the tree canopy, bird watch, see the nearby Yasuni parrot lick or visit the butterfly farm. The four-day package is from Friday to Monday. The five-day package is from Monday to Friday.
Classic Journeys, 33 High Street, Tibshelf, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 5NX. Tel: (01773) 873497 Fax: (01773) 590243 Email: info@classicjourneys.co.uk www.classicjourneys.co.uk
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Ecuador Amazon Lodge Extension
LA SELVA JUNGLE LODGE La Selva Lodge is in a picturesque setting on the edge of a lake in the heart of primary forest, along the River Napo. It offers a high standard of facilities and activities including walks along the extensive trails, river excursions in dugout canoes and climb a 35m viewing tower, which gives you an unparalleled view across the primary rainforest canopy. You can also go on a night excursion (walking trip or by canoe) to view the nocturnal wildlife. La Selva Lodge is a top spot for keen birdwatchers with 500 species having been recorded here. There are several monkey species in the area and a butterfly-breeding farm. The accommodation is in 16 rustic cabins (all en-suite), which are set on a hill overlooking the Garzacocha Lake. The cabins have been built to local native design and are in keeping with the surroundings. The four-day package is from Wednesday to Saturday or from Friday to Monday. The five-day package is from Monday to Friday or from Saturday to Wednesday. NAPO WILDLIFE CENTRE Napo Wildlife Centre is in a picturesque setting on the edge of a lake in the heart of primary forest, along the Napo River. It is an excellent eco-lodge, paying particular attention to environmental sustainability and working with a local Quichua community. The accommodation is in 10 double cabanas (each with their own shower and toilet) have a private terrace that overlooks Añangu Lake. The cabanas are built to local native design and are in keeping with the surroundings. There are many activities you can enjoy here at Napo Wildlife Centre. Guided walks are lead by an English-speaking naturalist as well as a local guide who will be able to give a fascinating perspective on the forest and its traditional usage. You can also go on river excursions in a dugout canoe, climb a 36m high viewing tower and take night excursions with your guide to view nocturnal wildlife. For activities guests are split into groups of 8 or so. The large bird list of 565 species and the two parrot and parakeet clay licks delight both birders and natural history enthusiasts and make the lodge a popular birding destination. Giant Otters inhabit the lake and there are several monkey species in the area, including some that can only be found on the south bank of the Napo River. Departures are possible any day of the week except Sunday (because there are no flights to Coca on Sundays). The four-day package is from Friday to Monday or Monday to Thursday. The five-day package is from Monday to Friday or Friday to Tuesday. YACHANA LODGE Yachana Lodge is located on the banks of the Napo River. The local Mondana community set up the lodge with help from Funedesin, a non-profit foundation. It is located within over 1200 hectares of primary and secondary rainforest in the Gran Sumaco National Park. In 2001, UNESCO designated this National Park as a "Man and Biosphere Reserve". The focus of the lodge is on the preservation of the Ecuadorian rainforest and its people, which they achieve through community participation in health, education and sustainable development projects. The accommodation is very comfortable but not luxurious. Each of the 17 double rooms have a small private bathroom, with warm water and netting at the windows to keep insects out. Energy used in the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, cabins, dining room, and conference room is provided by solar power. The four-day package is from Tuesday to Friday. The five-day package is from Friday to Tuesday.
Classic Journeys, 33 High Street, Tibshelf, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 5NX. Tel: (01773) 873497 Fax: (01773) 590243 Email: info@classicjourneys.co.uk www.classicjourneys.co.uk
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Ecuador Amazon Lodge Extension
Suggested Itinerary
Napo Wildlife Centre Day 1 - Quito to Coca Depart Quito this morning on a short flight over the Andes to the town of Coca on the Napo River. After a short drive to the dock, board a large motorized covered canoe for a scenic two-hour trip down the Napo River. The Napo River runs all the way from the Ecuadorian highlands to the Amazon River. Upon arriving at the entrance to the Reserve, we switch to smaller, dugout canoes and are paddled up the black water creek to the lake and lodge (no motorized transport is allowed on the creek or lake so that wildlife isn't disturbed). This paddle can take anywhere from one to three hours, as on the creek guests might see giant otters, potoos, kingfishers, Hoatzins, jacamars, hawks, and monkeys. We eat lunch en-route and arrive at the lodge by late afternoon. Time to freshen up and enjoy a warm dinner in the beautiful dining area as you learn about the lodge’s efforts to preserve their land and the traditions of the local Anagu community. Days 2 to 4 - Explore the Rainforest From its location within the protected Yasuni National Park, the lodge offers exciting activities. The 36metre high canopy tower is a great way to experience the life above the forest floor. There are two towers at the Napo Wildlife Centre (the first is attached to the dining hall and allows great views of the lake and t second (36m) is located about 20 minutes from the lodge deep within the terra firma 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 crown of the tree and experience the view formerly reserved only for the birds and monkeys. Here life of the forest canopy opens before you, flocks of colourful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree, blue-and-yellow macaws fly past, in nearby trees spider and howler monkeys search for fruit and two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons. Lucky guests have even seen both harpy eagles and crested eagles in a single morning! Animals that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, oblivious to your presence. We will also visit the clay licks. Comfortably watching from the accessible blinds as thousands of parrots and parakeets flock to the nearby clay licks to eat the clays that aid in their digestion of toxic seeds. We will also enjoy guided nature walks along maintained paths through the forest and visit the local community to experience their truly unique way of life. Exceptional lodge guides, fluent in both English and Spanish, will share all they know about the rainforests wide-ranging flora and fauna, which you will encounter on your excursions. Native Quichua Indian guides, who also accompany your day’s activities, are happy to share their stories of the rainforest spirits and illustrate how they make use of natural resources in their everyday lives. Each evening you will return to your Amazon lodge where you can enjoy wonderful meals and immerse yourself in the captivating Amazon ecosystem. Day 5 - Return to Quito After breakfast you must say your goodbyes, your luggage will be transferred onto the canoes and you will set off for your last canoe excursion. You’ll be travelling gently downstream to the Napo River, this is a wonderful time of day when the surrounding forest awakens and the wildlife becomes active for another day. On reaching the Napo River you will board the motorized canoes and head back upstream to Coca for your return flight to Quito.
4-Day Extension
The itinerary and activities for this extension are as described above, however guests will return to Quito on Day 4. The day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions, difficulty with transportation and politics can lead to enforced changes. Because of this it is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will run exactly according to the planned itinerary, not all the wildlife mentioned can be seen well at all times of the year and some of the activities mentioned may not always be available. The guides will make any changes, which are necessary.
Classic Journeys, 33 High Street, Tibshelf, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 5NX. Tel: (01773) 873497 Fax: (01773) 590243 Email: info@classicjourneys.co.uk www.classicjourneys.co.uk
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