Current as of: April 30, 2026 - 20:53
Amazon Add-on Tour – Napo Cultural Center Trip Notes
- Destination: Ecuador
- Programmes: Trip Extensions
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Easy
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: XTNNAPOC
Trip Overview
Explore Ecuador’s Amazon with Kichwa guides, wildlife encounters and a stay in a community-owned rainforest lodge
Stay at a community-owned lodge in the Amazon, right in the heart of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. Travelling by river and forest trail, we encounter remarkable wildlife – from parrots gathering at clay licks to monkeys moving through the canopy – while our guides help interpret the rhythms of the rainforest. Time with the Kichwa Añangu community brings deeper understanding, from traditional food preparation to storytelling on the river at dusk. With expert guidance throughout, this is an immersive introduction to one of the most biologically rich regions on Earth.
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Deposit: A deposit of US$200 is required to book this add-on tour.
Itinerary: This add-on tour runs on a shared basis with non-Exodus guests.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Group
Local guides are used at the lodge, providing expert insight into Amazon life.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 1
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Quito
- End City: Quito
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Coca • Hike to an observation tower or sunset kayak
Bid farewell to Quito, flying 30 minutes east over the Andes to Coca, where the landscape shifts from high peaks to dense rainforest.
A short transfer follows by road and covered boat to the Napo Cultural Center, owned and run by the Kichwa Añangu community. A traditional wayusa (herbal drink) welcome sets the tone, as our hosts introduce life in this part of the Amazon.
Later, you may choose from various activities, such as a hike to an observation tower to observe the fauna and enjoy an Amazonian sunset, or a sunset kayak ride along the Napo River. Finally, return to base to refresh, rest and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Napo Cultural Center
Observe parrots at a clay lick • Connect with Kichwa traditions
Travel by motorised canoe along the Napo River into Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. Your destination is a clay lick, where parrots gather to feed on mineral-rich earth. A short walk along the Parakeet Trail brings us closer, with the guide helping identify species and track other wildlife signs – monkeys are often spotted here, and the area is known to support larger mammal, such as jaguars.
The focus then shifts to culture at the Kury Muyu interpretation centre, run by women from the community. Here, you gain an understanding of Kichwa life, from craft traditions to daily routines. After lunch, explore the Añangu stream by boat, scanning the banks for wildlife.
As evening approaches, board a catamaran on the Napo River. Around the fire, our hosts share stories and songs passed down through generations – an insight into the rhythms of life here.
Accommodation: Napo Cultural Center
Learn from community projects • Walk the forest after dark
Time in the Amazon is shaped by its people as much as its wildlife. Today, you visit community-led initiatives that reflect the Kichwa approach to conservation and sustainability. These projects offer a practical look at how traditions and environmental stewardship are closely linked.
Then head into terra firme forest – land that remains unflooded year-round – where towering ceiba trees dominate the canopy. Our guide interprets the ecosystem as we walk, from medicinal plants to animal tracks.
After lunch, climb an observation tower, gaining a different vantage point over the forest and increasing our chances of spotting birdlife.
Dinner introduces more regional dishes, including maito (fish wrapped in leaves) and chontakuru (roasted palm larvae), both staples of Amazonian cuisine. After, you head out again, this time with head torches (headlamps), to see the forest at night, when insects, amphibians and mammals are most active.
Accommodation: Napo Cultural Center
Adventure ends in Quito
You’ve watched parrots gather at a clay lick, shared time with the Kichwa Añangu community, and explored the rainforest by foot and river, but now it’s time to begin your return journey.
Those who wish can rise early (4.30am) for a guayusada ritual, where community members share guayusa tea alongside songs and dream interpretations – an intimate cultural experience led by those who know it best.
We then retrace our route by motorised canoe to Coca, followed by a flight back to Quito.
Accommodation
Napo Culture Lodge
Deep within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, the Napo Cultural Center offers rare access to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth – while being owned and run by the Kichwa Añangu community. Cabins are set on stilts above the forest floor, each with a private balcony overlooking the surrounding canopy or lagoon, placing the sights and sounds of the Amazon front and centre.
Between guided excursions, there’s time to unwind in the open-air communal spaces or watch wildlife from the comfort of your room. Your stay directly supports local conservation and community projects, adding a meaningful layer to the experience.
Worth knowing
- A compulsory single supplement may apply due to the accommodation set up at the lodge.
Food & Drink
Meals at the Napo Cultural Center reflect the traditions of the Kichwa Añangu community, using local ingredients sourced from the forest and nearby rivers.
Expect dishes such as maito (fish wrapped in leaves and grilled over fire) and seasonal fruits rarely seen beyond the Amazon.
Vegetarians and other dietary requirements can easily be catered for – please notify us in advance.
Transport
Travel by a combination of short internal flights, motorised canoe journeys, and brief road transfers.
Weather & Seasonality
It is hot with high humidity in the Amazon Rainforest. There is a possibility of rain at any time, but not to the extent of spoiling your enjoyment. The driest time in the jungle (in terms of rainfall levels, not number of rainy days) is October to January.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Lightweight long bottoms
- Long-sleeved lightweight shirts
- Lightweight sweater or jacket
- Raingear (ponchos are provided)
- Sports shoes or hiking boots
- Hat
- Sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- Insect repellent
- Torch (flashlight) or headlamp for night walks
Optional Equipment
- Binoculars
- Camera
Practical Information
Visa
Ecuador
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/ecuador
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/ecuador
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ecuador.html
Vaccinations and Health
Ecuador
All visitors to Ecuador must show valid medical insurance on arrival and cannot enter the country without it.
You also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate (vaccinated at least 15 days before you travel) if you are arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda, including if you have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of those countries.
As updates may happen at any time, please check the latest requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria is also a risk in some areas of the country (including the Amazon Rainforest) so we suggest you consult a doctor for more advice. Additionally, dengue, chikungunya and zika, all viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available, so take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis, typhoid and yellow fever.
Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Methanol: The FCDO warns travellers to be cautious of methanol poisoning when travelling in destinations visited on the trip.
Local Time
Ecuador's time zone: America/Lima (UTC -05:00)
Electricity
Ecuador's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz
Money
Ecuador's currency: US dollar (USD)
ATM Availability
ATMs accepting major credit and debit cards are readily available in Quito. Please contact your bank before travel to ensure compatibility.
You should carry your money in US dollars cash. Try to carry a number of small notes (US$1 or US$5) as many small businesses and taxis do not carry large amounts of change.
Tipping
Tipping forms part of the service culture. Due to the dominance of US visitors in the destination, tips are reasonably high and this is likely to add up during your stay.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability of our guided group tours, or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space on any guided group tour to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
