NAPO CULTURAL CENTER - FOUR DAYS

YASUNI SACRED LAND

Considered one of the best biodiversity destinations in the world, Napo Cultural Center offers a new tourist experience. Napo Cultural Center is a unique and innovative project with a high differentiating profile and a strong vocation for the international tourism market.

The Napo Wildlife Center & the Napo Cultural Center offer high comfort accommodation and personalized quality services, with trained staff to fully reach guests needs. Both are the main touristic offer in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, as they allow its visitors a unique and complete experience, full of privacy and exclusivity.

Napo Cultural Center consists in 16 independent cabins, in the form of small ecofriendly houses with very nice areas (for up to 3 guests) scattered around the Anangu Kichwa village, with a privileged view over the forest. All building materials invoke nature - wood and gardens. It also features restaurant, bar, and souvenir shop.

Napo Cultural Center

Environmentally friendly, promotes physical and spiritual experiences, moments of leisure, individually and within groups, both inside and outside the village; a concept that emphasizes the qualities of life and nature, ecology, water, land, leisure, health, and well-being.

Perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends, for a holiday or a short break, Napo Cultural Center offers the opportunity to enjoy a contact with nature, but near the main cultural attractions of Anangu Kichwa Community.

ACCOMMODATION IN NAPO CULTURAL CENTER

Within the 16 ample and comfortable cabins, the lodge accommodates a total of 48 people, distributed in doubles and triple suites. Our fully equipped cabins feature electricity, fan, hot water and a private bathroom with a balcony and a hammock, surrounded by beautifully natural gardens. The restaurant, serving local, and international food, has a maximum capacity of 60 people.

At Napo Cultural Center, we put all our efforts to provide an unforgettable jungle experience, far from the troubles of modern-day life, where you can relax amidst singing birds and learn about the ancient traditions and mystic of the Kichwa culture.

MINI SUITES IN NAPO CULTURAL CENTER

Enjoy our four mini suites designed for more comfort featuring:

  • A bigger room space of 42 m2 (140sq. feet).
  • Living room.
  • “Waterfall” Style Shower.
  • Window in ceiling.
  • Amenities: Slippers, bathrobe, bath salts.
  • 100% cotton towels.
  • Verandah with seats and hammock to admire the rainforest.

ACTIVITIES AT NAPO CULTURAL CENTER

In Napo Cultural Center, we assure you will be part of a great adventure, to forget the hustle and bustle, so you can relax with the singing of the birds, while learning more about the Kichwa culture.

Añangu Kichwa Community: Activities at Yasuní National Park are coordinated by members of the local Kichwa community, so it is important to respect their rules of conduct and ethics.

Walks: Our programs include easy and medium intensity hikes, to observe the wildlife and nature of the area; different difficulty hikes and longer programs can be arranged.

Birdwatching: These activities usually last 2 hours and are carried out in the morning at around 6 am.

Rowing: Small canoe navigation is carried out on rivers and creeks; larger canoes are used to navigate the Napo River and are included in our activities, all of which feature community and naturalist guides.

Swimming: Is safe when carried out at sites your guide has suggested.

Kayaking: enjoy a level 2 kayak activity at Napo River, from the community village for around 45 min. until you reach the observation tower.

Ancestral Kichwa catamaran: At night we will sail along the Napo River in a boat that emulates the ancestral Kichwa trade, where we will enjoy magical stories and legends while tasting some delicious roasted appetizers heated on fire.

Typical traditional dinner: Enjoy the Kichwa ancestral cuisine, taste the delicious flavor of maito, made of fish, prepared in a leaf of bijao and accompanied by fried cacao and exquisite chontacuros.

Refresh yourself with chicha: a beverage made of yucca, fermented with sweet potato, and prepared for the most demanding palates of our visitors.

RULES TO FOLLOW DURING YOUR VISIT TO THE NAPO CULTURAL CENTER:

  • To start your journey, we asked you to deposit all the inorganic trash generated by yourself in assigned places. The idea of not contaminating and that you are the participant of it contributes to the experience of the trip, in addition to disseminating environmental education to both visitors and the community.
  • Listen and follow the rules explained by our guides.
  • Always seek to hike for established trails, don´t take a risk to do it by yourself, and the probabilities of getting lost are high.
  • Don´t throw any rubbish on trails. Always use the assigned sites.
  • Please, don´t feed or touch animals, and don´t step on or cut plants.
  • If using personal electronic devices, always seek to use headphones.
  • No hunting and fishing.
  • Get in at houses, so photos and videos of the community are prohibited. (Request a permit in advance if necessary).
  • No to enter alcoholic beverages.

SUMAK KAUSAY (4 PUNGA / 3 TUTA)

THE GOOD LIVING (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS) AT NAPO CULTURAL CENTER

The Good Living or Sumak Kausay, from the indigenous viewpoint, is an aspirational model of life, which implies enjoy living, experiencing a happy life. This is possible when there is harmony between human beings with their roots, their community, the natural environment, and spirituality.

DAY 1

  1. Arriving at Napo Cultural Center, you have the outstanding chance to step onto the aboriginal territory of the Kichwa Añangu community, whose members will welcome you with a traditional and refreshing “wayusa” drink. The local Hotel Manager will give quick instructions and immediately will take you to your comfortable room with views of the rainforest to get ready for the first activity in the afternoon.
  2. Hike along the Playas trail, to experience amazon wildlife for the first time in the river islands and shores, amidst of one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.
  3. Kayaking is also available as an optional activity. For around 45 min., to enjoy an overwhelming and colorful sunset in the vastness of Napo River. Then head back to your cabin, rest a little bit and be prepared for a well-deserved dinner.

DAY 2

  1. Early breakfast and then head in the motorboat to one of the highlights of Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, the parrot clay lick in the riverside of the Napo River. Bring your binoculars and camera lenses to see flocks of blue-headed, yellow-crowned parrots and even dusky-headed parakeets, from the boat.
  2. Then walk around 30 min, through the pericos trail to reach the blind in the forest with a direct view to the amazing parakeet clay lick, which brings visitors face to face with up to 11 species of parrots and parakeets (including parrotlets and macaws), sometimes even mammals like howler monkeys, tapir and peccaries come to this place to drink water and get vital minerals for their body.
  3. We end this morning with a visit to the intercultural interpretation center Kuri Muyu which means “golden seed” in native language and is managed by the women of the community, also known as mamakuna. Learn about the Kichwa culture, crafts, customs, and traditional use of natural resources, directly from the people of the aboriginal community.
  4. We return to the center of the community to have lunch at the dining hall and to take a break in the lodge. Before hiking one hour to climb up the observation tower, reaching 36 meters above the surface, with high chances to spot a variety of birds, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots, and sloths.
  5. After time for dinner followed by a unique activity at Napo River, onboard the ancestral catamaran to learn more about their legends and traditional chants, while women grill some delicious snacks in the fire.

DAY 3

  1. Enjoy the sunrise at breakfast, visit the sustainable community projects, talk about the Kichwa worldview. Then, take a walk into the Mama Kuna trail, excellent opportunity to see wildlife, ceiba, trees strangler, bamboo cane, vines, and shrubs endemic of Yasuní.
  2. In the afternoon after a delicious local lunch, paddle around Añangu creek, a black water ecosystem where you can spot monkeys jumping from tree to tree, caiman, and sometimes even giant river otters trying to catch fish.
  3. Upon arriving you will have time to settle back and prepare for a traditional typical dinner to taste local flavors of the amazon, such as maito, which is wrapped grilled fish in a bijao leaf and if you have an adventurous palate tries the grilled worms of the chonta locally known as “chontakuru”.
  4. After dinner, prepare your flashlight for a night walk around the lodge to see different kind of insects, reptiles, and even nocturnal mammals like the night monkeys.

DAY 4

  1. To have a perfect last day, take part on the optional wayusada ritual. Early start at around 04:30 am, as it is the time when the kichwa family share together the sacred wayusa. This rite has been a way to pass their ancient knowledge to the new generations. There are traditional chants and the option to have dreams read with the wise old mamakuna of the community, a mystique experience indeed.
  2. Then head back for breakfast, while our staff pick you luggage for your return to El Coca, onboard our comfortable motorboats for the last chance to appreciate the Ecuadorian rainforest landscape, until you reach La Mision river port.

NOTE: These are sample itineraries, subject to change due to climate, security conditions and interests of the group. Changes and additions will be made to maximize wildlife sightings and cultural exchange while staying in a biologically rich region such as the Yasuni National Park.

Please contact us to customize your itinerary, according to your interests so you can enjoy the best experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

¿WHAT TO BRING TO THE NAPO CULTURAL CENTER?

  • Good binoculars for wildlife viewing 8x35 mm*.
  • Camera/video gear (if using film, lower ASA for open areas. 24-hour electricity (110v) is available for charging batteries and digital equipment.

CLOTHING:

  • Two or three pairs of lightweight long pants.
  • Two or three long-sleeved lightweight shirts.
  • Two or three T-shirts.
  • One or two pairs of shorts (mostly for around the lodge).
  • Lightweight sweater or jacket.
  • Rain poncho and rubber boots (from size 3 to 13) provided when needed for excursions
  • Raingear (if you prefer not to use the ponchos provided).
  • Three or four pairs of long cotton socks (long)*.
  • One pair of sneakers and/or hiking boots.
  • Sandals (Teva type or similar for around the lodge).
  • A hat for sun protection (and that will stay on during windy boat rides).
  • Sunglasses.
OTHERS:
  • Small day pack for excursions.
  • Zip lock-type plastic bags to cover optics or other gear.
  • Insect repellent. No inflammable sprays as they are not allowed by the airline.
  • Sunscreen lotion with a high protection factor.
  • Flashlight or headlamp bright enough for use.
  • Personal toiletries and medications (carry medications with you when arriving and leaving the lodge).
  • Extra batteries/film/video tapes as appropriate.
  • Original passport (always good to have while traveling).
  • Credit card Visa, MasterCard and Diners for bar bills and cash (US$) for handicraft purchases

NOTE: There is a limit of 23 kg (1 piece) to check in per person in the aircraft plus cabin baggage (8 kg). If you are checking in more weight, then the excess baggage will be charged to you directly by airline. 

* Take in consideration that bright colors might scare the animals.

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o contactarnos para recibir más información y cotizar el tour con la compañía de un asesor de viajes.

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