Rainforest: Napo Wildlife Center

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ECUADORIAN RAINFOREST

Napo
Wildlife Center

Activities
Sample 3-night program

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ABOUT THE NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER - in their own words:

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GETTING THERE:

From Quito 35 minute flight over the snow capped volcanoes to Puerto Francisco de Orellana, locally know as Coca. Planes are the 19-seater JetProp Beechcraft 1900-D Air-liner and the 69 passengers Fokker MK-4000 Fellowship. Crafts and pilots are FAA-certified in the US.

At Coca the staff from the Napo Wildlife Center will meet and transfer you 5 to 7 minutes to the river where you embark on covered motorized canoe for approximately 2 hours ride (50 miles) downstream on the Napo River. During this trip a good number of birds can be spotted, including herons, kingfishers, ospreys among many others.

After an initial 2‐hour motorboat ride from Coca down the Napo River, we arrive at the Napo Wildlife Center landing, entry point of the Añangu rainforests and Yasuní National Park. As we prepare to embark onto the paddle canoes (motorized transport is not allowed within the Añangu Reserve) taking us to the main lodge, you will be able to stretch your legs and maybe take the opportunity to use the restroom before heading downstream.

The Napo Wildlife Center experience really begins on Añangu’s black water stream as we paddle our way over what seems to look like fine black tea, inside mysterious, shaded rainforest, to your rooms at the lodge. This one to two‐hour ride, teeming with wildlife and surrounded by exuberant tropical plants, is the perfect introduction to Amazonia. Keep a close and quiet look out for any movement; it may be a troupe of monkeys, a pair of raucous macaws, crazy looking hoatzins, or Giant Otters leading your canoe’s path. We also program canoe rides down other fascinating black water streams.

The beautiful serene waters of Añangu Lake are home to a rich array of fresh water wildlife: hundreds of species of fish (including piranhas, lung fish, sting rays), otters, aquatic birds, etc. You can take a dip and freshen up, explore the shoreline if you are so inclined or watch for caiman in the evenings. If this is not of your interest, it remains an ideal, picture‐perfect backdrop for your Amazonian adventure.

NOTE: There is a luggage weight limit of 20kg per person plus a carry-on such as hand luggage with reading material, camera, binoculars and personal documents. Additional or excess baggage is charged directly by the airline by pound.

ENTRY-EXIT DAYS:
Entry or exit can be Monday or Friday - thereby allowing a Friday to Monday 3-night program and a Monday to Friday 4-night program. For additional cost, it is possible to arrive or depart any day except Sunday.

THE MAIN HALL
The central structure, or main hall, of Napo Wildlife Center, where meals are served, also offers several comfortable social areas, including a full-stocked bar, reading lounge where briefings may also be conducted and a 20-foot high observation tower that provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding wilderness. There is a short trail that runs behind this building, very popular for evening strolls where busy nocturnal creatures come to life. A combination of the main hall’s location and the traditional openness of Kichwa architecture make it comfortable even during the heat of midday.

ACCOMMODATIONS
The lodge consists of 16 luxury cabañas and a large dining hall with a library and a well-stocked bar. Attached to the bar is a 50-foot viewing tower from which you can see the Andes on a clear day!

The rooms are huge (450 sq feet), always clean, and include:
• one king-sized bed and one twin-sized bed (up to 3 people)
• private bathrooms with on-demand hot water
• private porches with lake views
• 24-hour electricity with plenty of lights and plenty of 120v outlets
• ceiling fans and secure screens for plenty of bug-free ventilation

DINING
The food is excellent right down to the fresh-baked bread and local fruit.

DINING ROOM TOWER
There is a 60 ft tall observation tower on top of a 42 foot hill, high enough to have great views of the lake and lodge.

FACILITIES & AMENITIES

Ventilation
Napo Wildlife Center was built on a particularly privileged lakeside location, providing a refreshing breeze, wonderful scenic views as well as a relatively bug-free environment. The main hall and all cabins are equipped with high electric ceiling fans.

Electricity
Hybrid systems, solar panels, state-of-the-art batteries and noiseless diesel engines provide 24-hour electricity and plenty of 110-volt outlets in cabins

Running water
We utilize the lake’s water for the bathrooms at the Lodge. The water is clean and safe for use, as it undergoes a wetland wastewater treatment system of the highest caliber to avoid lake pollution. Drinkable water is always available so you can refill your own bottles. The idea is to use the least amount of plastic possible. Hot water is available at all times.

Library
Our 24-hour library offers a wide variety of books from Natural history, biology, conservation, literature as well as magazines and scientific reports. We suggest not to take books to your rooms so all guests have the opportunity to enjoy them.

Shopping
You have the possibility of shopping for souvenirs, as well as personal care items and useful accessories at the lodge boutique. Handicrafts are also sold at the interpretation center’s gift shop located at the first clay lick.

Internet
Internet service is always available at the lodge at a reasonable price for guests use at anytime. This will be added to your bill.

Communications
The Napo Wildlife Center has a two-way radio (vhf and hf) that connects the Lodge, our office in Quito, our office in Coca and all the facilities. Mobile service can sometimes reach Añangu.

First Aid
We provide first aid kits for eventualities during excursions; our excursion leaders have basic medical training to help in case of an emergency.

Logbook
Register your rare or uncommon sightings together with your naturalist guides, so future guests can appreciate the wide biodiversity of the Amazon.
Dietary requests
For vegetarian or special diet requests, please contact the lodge manager; anything can be arranged.
Laundry Service
In your room you will find a white bag and form to be filled out. A reasonably priced laundry service will be added to your bar bill.

Rainforest Gear
The Napo Wildlife Center provides rubber boots (up to US men's size 11) and nylon rain ponchos free of charge to those guests who request them. You may choose to use your own boots or sneakers for forest hikes depending upon the conditions. Likewise, you may bring your own raingear. Of course soap, shampoo, towels, and other such items are provided just as they are at any luxury hotel.