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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

  • An amazing place doing a great thing for nature and Ecuador

    CS, Telford Jun 2016
  • "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
  • 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
  • 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
  • "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
  • "Napo was a total highlight and is worthy of more promotion.”

    RDS, Wantage May 2014
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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!

Papagaio

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

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    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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    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

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    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.

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    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    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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    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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