Galapagos and More - Amazon Rainforest Jungle Tours - Galapagos Tours Galapogos cruises Galápagos Yachts

		Napo Wild-life Center
		Sacha Lodge
		La Selva Lodge
		Manatee Amazon Explorer
		Yuturi Lodge
		Yachana Lodge

ECUADOR AMAZON RAINFOREST TOURS

Napo Wild-life Center

Napo Wildlife Center is an Amazon rainforest lodge located within Yasuni National Park, Ecuador. The Napo Wildlife Center is a community-based ecotourism project that has turned the surrounding 82 square miles into a private reserve within Yasuní National Park. Ecuador's two most accessible parrot clay licks are located on Napo Wildlife Center land and Giant Otters inhabit the lake in front of this amazon lodge.

Situated on a blackwater lake near the Napo River, the Napo Wildlife Center complex features 10 private cabanas with lake views, a dining room, bar and lounge and an adjacent observation tower. Developed as a partnership between the local community, the EcoEcuador Foundation and Tropical Nature, it is now 100% community owned. Community members staff the lodge and work as native guides and specialized, bilingual naturalist guides.

2011 Rates	Single	Double
4 days, 3 nights	$1107	$739
5 days, 4 nights	$1383	$925

Children under 12 receive a 30% discount
All rates are per person, in US dollars and subject to change at any time.
Itineraries are subject to change at any time and for any reason

NOT INCLUDED:
Quito-Coca-Quito add $130 US (subject to change at any time)
Yasuni National Park Fee add $10 (included for 2011)

INCLUDES	DOES NOT INCLUDE	YOU SHOULD BRING
Airport Assistance in Quito Transfers in Coca All meals and accommodation Naturalist Guides Guided Hikes and other excursions	International or local flights Additional transfers, tours or meals in the cities Laundry, liquor, tips Personal Items Items not mentioned	Day Pack Binoculars Camera Sunblock Rain gear Water bottle Head Lamp or Flashlight Hat Personal clothing Insect repellent

Sacha Lodge

One of Sacha Lodge's highlights is our 130-foot observation tower, which allows guests to climb into and above the rainforest canopy for a magnificent view of the surrounding area. From the tower's ample platform it is possible to observe toucans, parrots, and dozens of other colourful bird species in the treetops. With some luck, noisy howler monkeys or the gentle three-toed sloth may also be seen, especially with the aid of a powerful telescope provided by your guides.

The tower may be reached on foot via a half-hour walk through terra firma forest, although no one can miss out on at least a one-way trip to or from the tower along Orchid Creek, Pilchicocha Lake 's natural black water runoff to the Napo River . In a dugout canoe guests may follow this winding stream through untamed palm forest for about an hour, a trip that many choose to repeat.

In recent years Sacha Lodge has become a favorite destination of both professional and amateur ornithologists. Over 500 species of birds have been registered in the area, and from the tower platform our bird specialist guides have on several occasions reported seeing over 80 species in a single morning!

A short distance from Sacha Lodge is Ecuador 's most accessible parrot lick, an exposed clay bank where brightly colored parrots of several different species gather in the early morning. In ideal conditions (sunny and dry), the parrots will often perch on and eat the exposed clay.
On an ideal morning thousands of parrots can be seen gathering around this bank between 7:00 and 8:00 for a spectacular show of sound and color. The lick is located on the edge of Yasuni National Park , which may be reached from Sacha by a one half-hour motorized canoe trip down the Napo River .

Sacha Lodge is home of one of the largest butterfly farms in Ecuador . Designed as a live exhibition conservatory, the Butterfly House is now successfully breeding nearly 40 local butterfly species. Guests will be shown how these beautiful insects are bred and raised, and later be free to wander through "the flying room", where hundreds of colorful butterflies including spectacular blue morphs flutter from flower to flower.

2011 Rates	Single	Double
4 days, 3 nights any day except Sunday	$1092	$729
5 days, 4 nights any day except Sunday	$1380	$920
6 days, 5 nights any day except Sunday	$1647	$1098

Children under 12 receive a 30% discount. All rates are per person, in US dollars and subject to change at any time. Itineraries are subject to change at any time and for any reason

NOT INCLUDED:
Quito-Coca-Quito add $130 US
Yasuni National Park Fee add $25 (paid locally)

INCLUDES	DOES NOT INCLUDE	YOU SHOULD BRING
Airport Assistance in Quito Transfers in Coca All meals and accommodation Naturalist Guides Guided Hikes and other excursions	International or local flights Additional transfers, tours or meals in the cities Laundry, liquor, tips Personal Items Items not mentioned	Day Pack Binoculars Camera Sunblock Rain gear Water bottle Head Lamp or Flashlight Hat Personal clothing Insect repellent

La Selva Amazon Rainforest Lodge

At La Selva Jungle Lodge, situated high on Lake Garzacocha , deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest region , we offer you the ultimate in luxury jungle experience.

The Lodge offers many exciting excursions which will give you a genuine feeling for this very important, richly biodiverse and beautiful region of the world.

Friendly service is one of La Selva's trademarks.

Their food is their pride. It blends the finest ingredients Ecuador has to offer with French, North American and Ecuadorian culinary skills. Expect to try most of these fruits: uvillas , guayabas , guanabanas , naranjillas , morete , obos , taxo , granadilla and tomate de arbol . They make Amazonian pizza that will rival any; veal milanesa a la Amazon, and local fish, when available, prepared with one of their numerous original recipes. Vegetarian and special diets are available on request.

2011 Price per person in US$ in double cabin
* 6 days / 5 nights	$1042
* 5 days / 4 nights	$852
* 5 days / 4 nights	$717
* 3 days / 4 nights	$547

Day 1	Quito-Coca flight. From the town of Coca you will travel downriver in a motorized dugout canoe for two hours. An English-speaking naturalist will escort you. From the La Selva dock a short picturesque walk leads you to a stream for a trip by paddle canoe to Heron Lake ( Garzacocha ) and La Selva Lodge. A welcome cocktail awaits you. A buffet lunch will be served or a buffet dinner if coming from Lago Agrio , afterwards, take your pick of activities for the afternoon or evening: swimming, fishing, canoeing or perhaps a walk to Mandicocha (which offers a completely different ecosystem from Garzacocha ). Return to the hotel for a briefing on next day activities.
Day2	If you awaken early, you have a good chance to see a variety of wildlife including monkeys or wild boar. Paddle down a primeval stream, climb up to the high forest or visit our neighbors . With our expert guides choose walking trips, paddling trips or trips that combine both.
Day 3	Any of the options which you did not choose for day 2.
Day 4	A trip to Piranha Lake might be in order. Start early in the morning for an all day excursion up the Piranha river arriving at the lake by lunch time. Fish for you-know-what. Swim with them if you like. Fare well dinner .
Day 5	Early morning departure for Quito.
INCLUDES	Airport Assistance in Quito Transfers in Coca All meals and accommodation Naturalist Guides Guided Hikes and other excursions
DOES NOT INCLUDE	International or local flights Additional transfers, tours or meals in the cities Laundry , liquor , tips Personal Items Items not mentioned
YOU SHOULD BRING	Day Pack Binoculars Camera Sunblock Water bottle Head Lamp or Flashlight Hat Personal clothing Insect repellent

Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise
Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve

Some 60 million years ago, South America was an enormous island, partly submerged in the Atlantic . The Amazon River flowed west, as the Andes rose majestically eons later. Life gathered in isolated patches, like Noah's Ark , bearing the promise of continuity. Salt water retreated to the sea, rains clashed against mountain slopes, and the Panamanian land bridge gave way to genetic transactions with the North. The result? The greatest orchestration of life ever heard on Earth - whose symphonies delight the spirit as its rainbow of colors come alive with what scientists call "biodiversity". What's more, not even the most outlandish imagination, nor the most sophisticated multimedia equipment, could ever emulate this "divinely computerized programming".

In 1541, the very first Europeans set out from Quito to explore these dense jungles east of this ancient Incan capital in search of gold and cinnamon. Not the jungle or the natives ever revealed where the precious metal of "El Dorado " was to be found, as they floated for 800 miles down the Napo to come upon what they thought to be the Atlantic. But it wasn't the Atlantic - yet. It was the Great Amazon River, fed by over a thousand tributaries that emptied one third of the Planet's fresh water into the sea!

Almost 500 years have passed since the discovery of this magnificent river system that flows through the world's largest primeval forest, containing 10% of all existing trees, 70% of all pharmaceutical compounds, and native Indians that live symbiotically with their unique ecosystem. This is the habitat of wildlife that is sure to be watching you - or vice versa - if you are lucky: freshwater dolphins, 500 species of birds, half a dozen species of monkeys, caimans, tapirs, 2500 species of butterflies.

Today, you can be a temporary guest in this magical wonderland for young and old. Our Amazon Manatee Explorer, designed for adventure, yet featuring the comforts and advantages of modern technology - is the result of over 20 years of experience in running expeditions others think are extinct. Come aboard for an experience of a lifetime!

The new Manatee Amazon Explorer riverboat has been specially built for cruises in the Ecuadorian rainforest on the Rio Napo .You will visit Monkey Island , Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve, walk jungle trails and explore virgin rain forest. The Manatee Amazon Explorer is 90 feet long (27 m) 24 feet wide (7 m) and accommodates 30 lucky guests in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and running hot water, individual air conditioning, on board laundry service, large dining room, inviting bar and lounge area, panoramic terrace, delicious cuisine and the finest multilingual naturalist guides.

Sample 5 day Itinerary:

Day 1 Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park

Depart from Quito in the morning, flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca after a short 30 minutes trip. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one and a half hours; during the trip we will provide important information about the region. Once on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating down the Napo River for the whole afternoon. At night our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk or canoe ride will depend on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior and accessibility to a location).

Day 2 Visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor

We will continue our navigation downstream to arrive at the mouth of the Pañayacu (Piranha River). After arrival, there will be a canoe trip through the Piranha River to see the sights of this interesting protected forest. There is a possibility to observe Pink River Dolphins, the agile Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. The Piranha Lake area is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes of that place are perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caimans. At night, there will be an optional excursion to explore the forest and riverbanks and also optional overnight at our camp for an extra fee of $30,00 per person can be arranged.

Day 3 Visiting the Observation Tower – Native House

On the third day of our cruise, we will explore the Observation Tower build around a tree to observe the different ecosystems of the forest and a wide variety of birds. After lunch at the Manatee, you will stop at a Native House of the Kichwas a native guide will bring into the light their way of life and traditions.

Day 4 Visiting the Kapok Tree – Limoncocha Biological Reserve

In the morning we will continue to visit one of the tallest trees of the Rainforest, the Kapok, a native guide also will explain to us the use of medicinal plants, if time permits we will have a visit to the CICAME Archeological Museum which preserves pottery from the Omagua Culture, one of the first forest pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River basin. This is also a good place to shop local handicrafts made from rainforest materials. In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, an incredible area to find lots of birds, some monkeys and at night looking for the Black Caiman, return to the Manatee at night.

Day 5. Returning home

Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream will take around two hours.

Sample 4 day Itinerary

Day 1 Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park

Depart from Quito in the morning, flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca after a short 30 minutes trip. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one and a half hours; during the trip we will provide important information about the region. Once on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating down the Napo River for the whole afternoon. At dusk our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk, visit to a Native House or canoe ride will depend on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior and accessibility to a location).

Day 2 Visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor

We will continue our navigation downstream to arrive close to the mouth of the Pañayacu (Piranha River). After arrival, there will be a canoe trip through the Piranha River to see the sights of this interesting protected forest. There is a possibility to observe Pink River Dolphins, the agile Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. The Piranha Lake area is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes of that place are perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caimans. At night, there will be an optional excursion to explore the forest and riverbanks.

Day 3 Visiting a Native House and CICAME Museum – Limoncocha Biological Reserve

In the morning we will visit a Native House from the Kichwa people that lives inside of the Yasuni National Park with an interesting walk in a mature forest if the time permits after this a short visit to the CICAME Archeological Museum, which preserves pottery from the Omagua Culture, one of the first forest pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River basin. This is also a good place to shop local handicrafts made from rainforest materials. In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, an incredible area to find lots of birds, some monkeys and at night looking for the Black Caiman return to the Manatee at night.

Day 4. Returning home

Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream will take around two hours.

Please note: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On daily basis of your tour you will be advised of any amendments.

The Exploration Leaders will always be offering information about the region, tours, weather conditions, navigation, native cultures and probabilities to encounter wildlife through lectures, briefings, recaps and videos

2011 Rates	Single	Double	Triple
4 days, 3 nights Friday to Monday	$985	$650	$559
5 days, 4 nights Monday to Friday	$1313	$870	$747
8 days, 7 nights Mon to Mon or Fri to Fri	$2278	$1708	$1313

Children under 12 receive a 50% discount (on double rate)
All rates are per person, in US dollars and subject to change at any time.
Itineraries are subject to change at any time and for any reason

NOT INCLUDED:
Quito-Coca-Quito add $130 US
Yasuni National Park Fee (paid locally) add $20
Rates do not include $25 US fee for Parrot Salt Lick visit

INCLUDES	DOES NOT INCLUDE	YOU SHOULD BRING
Airport Assistance in Quito Transfers in Coca All meals and accommodation Naturalist Guides Guided Hikes and other excursions River Transportation Accommodations in Single, Double or Triple Staterooms All Meals (B, L, D), snacks, etc Excursions in the forest (all kind) Visits to Natives Communities Excursions Leaders (Biologists, Zoologists, Botanists, etc) Lectures by our Excursions Leaders Purified Water	International or local flights Additional transfers, tours or meals in the cities Laundry, liquor, tips Personal Items Items not mentioned Travel Insurance Gratuities Bar Drinks, Soft Drinks Extras Entrance fees to National Parks Parrots Clay Licks entrance fee	Day Pack Binoculars Camera Sunblock Rain gear Water bottle Head Lamp or Flashlight Hat Personal clothing Insect repellent

Yuturi Lodge
Is located on the shores of a beautiful series of lakes

The adventure begins with a 45-minute flight from Quito crossing the Andes and flying to Coca. From here you will travel by motorized dugout canoe on the Napo River , one of the major tributaries of the Amazon until coming to the Yuturi river . During the trip you will have many opportunities to enjoy the jungle scenery along the streamside. The tour will also include a stop at Monkey Island and a visit to the Archeological Museum at Pompeya .

The Yuturi complex is located on the shores of a beautiful series of lakes.

It is surrounded by the jungle and all it's wonderful sounds...

The resort includes 15 tropical cabanas (double occupancy) with private bath. Cabanas are constructed using local materials and native styles to fit in with the surrounding ambience. Lodging is comfortable and food service is good .

Amongst the various activities and programs are piranha fishing, hiking and canoeing. Especially interesting is the night time canoe cruise in search of caimans.

Early morning bird watching is also a real treat.
You may observe dozens of species in a very short period of time.

Day 1	Flight from Quito To Coca. Transfer to a motorized dugout canoe and navigation along the Napo and Yuturi rivers. During the trip a light lunch will be served. We shall arrive approximately at 5 p.m. After dinner a night hike around the Parahuaco Lake to observe nocturnal animals completes the day's activities.
Day 2	Get up early. Canoe trip through Yuturi Lake in order to observe the transition between the terrestrial and aquatic vegetation, the diversity of birds and their morning concert. Nearly 500 species of birds have been found in the area. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, canoe trip through the rain forest where you will have the opportunity to observe the exhuberant vegetation, some plants like " chontillas ", anthuria , and a diversity of aquatic birds. In the afternoon, piranha fishing and dinner.
Day 3	After breakfast, walk by the way of Huarmi Yuturi in order to observe many plants and animals. We will visit the indigenous community called Samona Yuturito learn about their customs and traditions. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, native guides will show you how to use a blowgun. Afterwards visit the Chorongos Island ( monkey island ). Dinner.
Day 4	Early departure to Coca. Breakfast will be served in the canoe. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito . Arrival time in Quito is approximately 1:30 PM.
INCLUDES	Airport Assistance in Quito Transfers in Coca All meals and accommodation Naturalist Guides Guided Hikes and other excursions
DOES NOT INCLUDE	International or local flights Additional transfers, tours or meals in the cities Laundry , liquor , tips Personal Items Items not mentioned
YOU SHOULD BRING	Day Pack Binoculars Camera Sunblock Rain gear Water bottle Head Lamp or Flashlight Hat Personal clothing Insect repellent

Yachana Lodge

Yachana Lodge is an Amazon rainforest lodge. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the rain forest while gaining a window into the life and culture of the indigenous people. Yachana offers a truly interactive experience. Located near the tiny community of Mondaña on Ecuador's Napo River, Yachana supports the projects of the Fundacion Funedesin, a non-profit foundation whose goal is to protect the rain forest by educating and empowering its people.

Ecotourism is vitally important to the people and conservation of the Amazon River Basin. To this end, FUNEDESIN constructed Yachana Lodge. The word yachana means "a place for learning" in the indigenous Quichua language. The lodge is located on 800 acres of land adjacent to the community of Mondaña along the banks of the Napo River between Puerto Misahuallí and Coca.

Touch another culture, not as a tourist but as an active participant in rain forest life. You will help preserve the Ecuadorian rain forest and its people through community participation in health, education, and sustainable development projects.

You will work with indigenous people to protect the forest and managing its resources. Your visit will focus on the real life and culture of the Ecuadorian Amazon, the importance of this natural ecosystem, and the necessity and obligation to preserve both.

Yachana Lodge

Provides a window into the real life and culture of the Ecuadorian Amazon;
Provides comfortable accommodations for visitors;
Provides employment for local people;
Provides training for local residents in hotel and restaurant administration, tour guiding, and the possibility for ecotourism employment in other areas of the Amazon;
Raises awareness of the importance of ecologically sound tourism

Guides

Local Ecuadorians: People from the area with extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, and the way of life of the local people. Some guides are bilingual in Spanish and English.
Translators: Bilingual Spanish/English and knowledgeable about the work of FUNEDESIN. If you would like translation in an alternate language, please let us know at the time of your reservation (additional cost for languages other than English).

2011 Rates	Single	Double
4 days, 3 nights Tuesday to Friday	$819	$630
5 days, 4 nights Friday to Tuesday	$1079	$830

Sample itinerary

Day 1: Quito- Coca. The Napo River is one of the primary tributaries into the Amazon River. For the next two hours you will enjoy the lush vegetation along the banks of the Napo as you travel upriver in our canoe. Watch for local people carrying out their daily activities along the river.

You will arrive at Yachana Lodge around 4 PM in the afternoon where our cooks will have fresh lemonade and a snack ready for you. Our staff will welcome you and you will have time to relax or explore at your leisure. Dinner is at 7 PM. During dinner, your guide will discuss with you the itinerary of your time at Yachana Lodge.

Days 2, 3 and 4: Excursions, swimming, relaxing.....

There are many activities and excursions to do during your time at Yachana Lodge. You may want to fill every minute or you may want to take time to relax and swing in your hammock. Your guide will help you to plan your activities based on your interests and the needs of your group.

An introductory talk by your guide will introduce you to the history of the area and the work of Funedesin. There are many options for hikes through different types of forest. The hikes will be tailored to the needs and interests of the group. Some hikes take the visitor into a mix of primary forest, secondary forest and agricultural land. These hikes introduce the values and challenges of all types of forest and land uses. Other hikes focus on the wonders of the primary forest. Your guide will take you to see the projects of FUNEDESIN including the clinic, the food processing house, and the sustainable agriculture farm. For many people, the cultural visit to the home of a Quichua elder is a highlight. Here you will learn about Quichua culture, participate in a traditional cleansing ceremony, and test your skill with a blowgun and spears. Cooling off with a swim in the Napo River is a great way to spend a hot afternoon. Many guest like to take the canoe upriver, jump overboard in their life jackets, and float back to Yachana.

Longer stays can be easily arranged. Browse through the list of possible excursions included with this package.

Day 4 or 5: Yachana - Quito

On the day you leave Yachana, breakfast will be at 7 AM. Bring your bags to breakfast and they will be transported to the canoe while you enjoy breakfast. The canoe will plan to leave by 8 AM, arriving in Coca in the late morning for the flight to Quito

INCLUDES	DOES NOT INCLUDE	YOU SHOULD BRING
Airport Assistance in Quito Transfers in Coca All meals and accommodation Naturalist Guides Guided Hikes and other excursions Life vests, rubber boots and rain ponchos	International or local flights Additional transfers, tours or meals in the cities Laundry, liquor, tips Personal Items Items not mentioned	Day Pack Binoculars Camera Sunblock Rain gear Water bottle Head Lamp or Flashlight Hat Personal clothing Insect repellent

For further Information, please contact us at !!!
NAUTICA GALAPAGOS CIA LTDA
Telephone: (5932) 2 906 371
Telefax: (593 2) 2 503608
Mobile: Mobil (593) 9 9 815500
18 de Septiembre 413 & Amazonas, Alamo building, office 503, Quito-Ecuador
nautica@uio.satnet.net - nautica@interactive.net.ec