Discover the Amazon with the Kichwa Community at Napo Cultural Center
Deep in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon lies one of the most extraordinary places in the world: Yasuni National Park. A vast rainforest where rivers flow through untouched jungle, wildlife moves freely among towering trees, and indigenous cultures continue to live in harmony with the forest.
The Napo Cultural Center offers travelers the opportunity to experience this incredible environment while connecting with the traditions of the Kichwa Añangu community, the people who have protected and lived in this region for generations.
Here, nature and culture come together to create an experience unlike any other in the Amazon.
A Journey Through One of the Most Biodiverse Places on Earth
Your journey begins in Quito with a flight to Coca, the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. From there, the adventure continues by motorized canoe along the Napo River, where the rainforest slowly surrounds you and the sounds of the jungle begin to take over.
As you travel deeper into Yasuni National Park, you will start to understand why this region is considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Upon arrival at the Napo Cultural Center, you will be welcomed by the Kichwa Añangu community with traditional hospitality, refreshing drinks, and an introduction to the culture and environment that make this place so unique.
Explore the Wildlife of Yasuni National Park
Yasuni National Park is world-famous for its extraordinary biodiversity. The rainforest here is home to an incredible variety of animals, birds, insects, and plant species.
During your stay, you will explore the jungle with experienced naturalist guides who will help you discover the hidden life of the forest.
One of the highlights of the experience is visiting the parrot clay lick, where dozens of parrots and macaws gather to feed on mineral-rich soil — a spectacular natural event that attracts visitors from around the world.
You will also explore forest trails, rivers, and lagoons where wildlife can often be seen resting along the riverbanks or moving through the canopy above.
Location
Jungle
trip type
Swimming
Relaxing
Cultural
Duration
5 days
Starting at
USD 860
Discover the Napo Cultural Center that offers modern accommodation, first-class services and direct contact with the Kichwa community. Try our traditional cuisine and share ancient rites such as the guayusada ceremony or the night catamaran that emulates our trade routes along the river. This will be an unforgettable experience!
We want to bring you closer to the typical indigenous constructions of the area and at the same time provide you with the necessary comfort to make your stay an unforgettable experience. No luxuries, just pure fun.
DAY 1:
The Yasuní adventure starts in Quito where you will take a flight to Coca. From there you will be transferred to the port La Misión to the Kichwa Añangu community. During this unforgettable trip you some birds will accompany your way: Martin Pescador, beach terns and other species, which stand on the banks and small islands located in the Napo River. On your arrival to the Napo Cultural Center, one of the most diverse places in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, you will be kindly welcomed with tasty refreshing drinks and snacks and a short intro talk about the Kichwa culture. Then, you will be guided to your room where you can relax. Then, by late afternoon you can join a pleasant walk towards the Napo River where we you will probably see a magnificent sunset -depending on the time-. Back to the lodge you will have a delicious dinner and enjoy an outstanding starry sky.
DAY 2:
The day starts with a nice breakfast to then visit the beautiful parrot clay licks, where you will have the opportunity to see more than 11 species of parrots, parakeets, and scarlet macaws. After that, you will visit the Interpretative Centre “Kuri Muyu” where you can enjoy a presentation about the traditions and culture of the community and ancient practices such as hunting and fishing. After the visit, you will be back to the hotel to have a great lunch and a little rest until the next activity. Before sunset, you will have the opportunity to explore the sewer pipes (Igapo) along the Guangara or Kuri Muyo trail where you will probably see alligators resting on the banks of the Rio Napo. Then, back to the hotel, a delicious dinner with the most representative and typical Ecuadorian food awaits you.
DAY 3:
After having an energetic breakfast you will visit the community projects and learn more about the Kichwa worldview and preparation of natural medicines made from plants found in the jungle. After that, you will appreciate the outstanding landscapes and flora along the Mama Cuna (Samona) trail. There you will find ceibo’s centenarians, matapalos, bamboo cane, vines and shrubs endemic Yasuni. After this pleasant excursion, you will go back to the Yasuni Ecolodge and have a nice dinner with local food.
DAY 4:
(Optional) You can choose to get up at 4am to experience a memorable morning of Kichwa traditions. The ritual starts with the Wayusa, a special drink to energize your body and mind. After that, listen to their songs in their native language and then continue with meditation exercises to vitalize the soul and interpretation of your dreams. After this cultural activity, you will have a farewell breakfast and take you baggage, a canoe awaits for you to take you back to Coca city.
River transportation Coca – Napo Cultural Center – Coca
Accommodation at Napo Wildlife Center
Complete meals according to program
Entrance to parrots and parakeets salt lick
Naturalist Bilingual Guide (English / Spanish speaking)
Activities and visits according to the itinerary
325 USD per person: Quito – Coca – Quito. Air ticket with assistance at the Quito airport.
(UIO – COC / EQ211 11h00 – 11h40) (COC – UIO / EQ212 12h20 – 13h00)
Check in and transfer in & out in the city of Coca.
Additional beverages, tips, internet, laundry and any other unspecified requirement.
All prices are per person, valid during the year 2023 and are quoted in US dollars
Children under 11 years 11 months have a discount of:
30% of the tour rate, if they share the same cabin of the parents;
30% in air ticket, with the presentation of the passport or identity document.
Children under 5 years, free in the same cabin of the parents and 30% discount in the air fare.
Families with children are suggested to hire a private guide.
Please note that air tickets are subject to change without notice.
Departures are any day of the week except Sunday.
Additional night 170 USD (based on single room)
Additional night 131 USD (Based on double or triple room)
These prices are subject to change.
Naturalist Guide – Bilingual US $ 100
Community Guide – Spanish US $ 40
Naturalist Guide in French or German US $ 110
Private motorized canoe US $ 600
Only Ecuadorian passengers and local companies are subject to 12% taxes
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Frequent Questions about Yatch Activity
The Napo Cultural Center is located inside Yasuni National Park in the Ecuadorian Amazon, along the banks of the Napo River. It is operated by the Kichwa Añangu community and surrounded by one of the most biodiverse rainforests on Earth.
The journey begins with a flight from Quito to Coca. From Coca, guests travel by motorized canoe along the Napo River for approximately two hours until reaching the Napo Cultural Center inside Yasuni National Park.
Visitors may see a wide variety of Amazon wildlife including parrots, macaws, monkeys, frogs, insects, caimans, and many bird species. One of the main highlights is the parrot clay lick, where large groups of parrots gather early in the morning.
Guests can learn about the traditions of the Kichwa Añangu community, including their ancestral knowledge of the rainforest, natural medicine, traditional cooking, and daily life in the Amazon. Visitors may also experience ceremonies such as the Wayusa ritual, an important cultural tradition.
Travelers should bring lightweight clothing, long sleeves, insect repellent, sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, a rain jacket, and a flashlight. A small backpack and reusable water bottle are also recommended for daily excursions in the rainforest.
If you have any other questions about Quito, transportation, tours, safety, or what to do during your stay, our team at Quito Garden is 100% prepared to help you. We’re happy to provide personalized recommendations and make sure your experience in Quito is smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Just reach out — we’re here for you.