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Napo Wildlife Centre

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This community-run lakeside lodge is the most inviting and charming in the region, a peaceful haven to see Ecuador's rainforest wildlife.

Deep in the Ecuadorian jungle, Napo Wildlife Centre sits within Yasuni National Park, a biosphere reserve which shelters an exuberant array of wildlife, especially birds.

Reached by plane and canoe, the lodge is a haven of undisturbed tranquillity from which to make daily excursions into the rainforest, all accompanied by indigenous guides. There is a 40m canopy tower to take you right up into the treetops, and two clay licks visited by parakeets with dazzling plumage, as well as mammals such as the delicate red brocket deer.

The accommodation is particularly attractive: private thatched cabins with electricity and unlimited hot water are decorated in cheerful blues and golds. There’s a library and the dining room gleams with polished teak furnishings. Enjoy the sunset from your private porch and you may spot a watchful black caiman or giant otter.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • A fantastic experience. It exceeded our expectations and we were very lucky to have dry weather.

    HB, Todmorden Aug 2018
  • Extremely well run wildlife centre on a small lake with great food and saw a lot of birds and animals. Thoroughly recommend. Highlight was clay licks with parrots, macaws etched..,…

    RB Bristol Mar 2015
  • A lovely place but 3 nights was perfect. Very hot and humid so maybe not for everyone. Lovely staff but quite a shlep to get to though part of the…

    KS, London Apr 2016
  • "Napo was a total highlight and is worthy of more promotion.”

    RDS, Wantage May 2014
  • "Totally Awesome. The forest and the guides are the stars. Their knowledge of the forest and their ability to spot the wildlife is second to none. Tithe huts are luxurious…

    SM, St. Neots May 2014
  • "Swimming with sea lions and masses of turtles. The whole of Napo excellent with our great guide Robbie. Wished we could have had another day. Really excellent guide. Food fantastic.”

    CW, Bordon Aug 2013
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Our Expert's Opinion

Juliet
Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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