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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

  • "The location was mindblowing and the attention of the staff was fantastic. Our guide Juan had absolutely incredible wildlife and "general" rainforest knowledge, plus a really interesting background.  It all…

    DI, Hove May 2013
  • "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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Absolutely outstanding place, fantastic guide (Remi), amazing wildlife, great food. Really sorry to leave. Very interesting to learn more about the community, although our main interest was seeing the wildlife…

    DL, London May 2017
  • “They were well-equipped - with rain ponchos, rubber boots etc. Our guide (Lena) was excellent - a knowledgeable naturalist, and excellent social skills.”

    MC, Worthing Aug 2013
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Our Expert's Opinion

Ben
Ben Line - Travel Expert

Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • 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!

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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