Yasuni National Park – 4 Day Tour
This tour offers the perfect combination of the comfort of staying in our Ecolodge and exploring the main rainforest reserve of Ecuador, the Yasuni National Park, appointed as a biosphere reserve by the UNESCO.
It is the habitat of a stunning amount of wildlife, much of which is endemic. It is the home of legendary tribes like Huaorani and uncontacted tribes like Tagaeri and Taromenane.
A unique place in the world that only a few people have the chance to enjoy.
INTRODUCTORY RAINFOREST BRIEFING: Before “getting into” the forest one of our naturalist guides will go over an important introductory explanation of the Amazon and all its plants and inhabitants.
MATAPALO TRAIL: This trail was named after the Spanish name of the famous Strangler fig (Ficus aurea) one of many remarkable trees that you will find during this short introductory walk. As you explore, your native and naturalist guides will share with you their knowledge of the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest.
NIGHT CANOE RIDE IN GARZACOCHA LAGOON: With the help of a spotlight, your guides will take you in a paddle canoe around the lagoon looking for caimans, boas, bats, owls, night mammals and more nocturnal wildlife. If the sky is clear, you might have the chance to do some star gazing.
DAY CANOE RIDE IN GARZACOCHA LAGOON: Enjoy a 1 ½ to 2 hour canoe ride through the biodiverse Garzachocha Lagoon where the famous Hoatzin Stinkbird, various fish, monkeys and trees can be seen among its black waters.
CHAGUAMANGO TRAIL: The trail begins at the lodge and finishes at the edge of the lake. At the end of the walk we will head back to the lodge by canoe and if we are lucky may see troops of squirrel monkeys approaching the water, allowing you to take great photos of wildlife.
CHARAPA TRAIL: This trail lasts about one and a half hours, starts at the butterfly farm and ends on the edge of the lake. It's a wonderful loop that begins with a walk, returning to the lodge by canoe. Along the way we will try to sight different groups of mammals, monkeys and birds that in the afternoon hours get close to the lakeshore to look for food. In the evening enjoy the beautiful sunset as you glide down the river in a canoe.
OBSERVATION TOWER: A 20 minute walk will lead you to the tower. This construction will allow us to be 120 feet above the forest floor to enjoy the canopy of the tropical rain forest. Observing with a telescope will enable us to see birds from the canopy, and maybe even monkeys or sloths. On the way back we will hike for about 2 hours. Our native guide will show some of the medicinal plants that natives still use and the naturalist will provide information about the ecology and natural history as well.
PARROT CLAY LICK: Visit the most biologically diverse spot on Earth, the Yasuni National Park. A 20 minute canoe ride plus a 15 minute walk will bring you back to the Napo River where you can enjoy one of the most amazing display s of the wild world while traveling down river on a motorized canoe. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later come down to a clay bank to eat the soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy the experience.
Once you identify the different species of parrots and parakeets, your naturalist guide will provide a lot of interesting information about the behavior of these spectacular birds. The motorized canoe ride will continue for approximately 30 more minutes of birdwatching along the river banks. After a wonderful morning full of parrots, parakeets and other birds, now enjoy a unique:
CULTURAL ACTIVITY. An Amazonian Kichwa family will receive you in their home. Visit their garden called a “chacra”, followed by a visit in their house to show you a part of the Amazonia that you will not find on the maps or in a book: the Amazon people. A motorized canoe ride, walk and a paddle canoe ride will bring you back to the lodge.
BUTTERFLY FARM: Learn about the biology of these amazing butterflies. Our farm will show you each of the different stages of the butterfly complemented with interesting information provided by your naturalist guide. You will not want to leave the butterfly flying area without taking your best photos of our colorful butterflies.
Now that you have enchanting photos for your album, you may continue with fishing for Piranhas in the Garzacocha Lake. Fishing lines will be provided by your native guide to let you catch your own piranha. However, keep in mind that as an eco-lodge the fish caught must be returned to the lake to preserve the equilibrium of the ecosystem.
SNACK FESTIVAL: At the bar enjoy your favorite beer or cocktail after an afternoon excursion accompanied by the prepared snacks.
MEALS:
BREAKFAST: Wake up call and breakfast according to activities
LUNCH: 12:30 p.m.
DINNER: 7:30 p.m.
SPECIFIC TOPIC TALKS: One of our Naturalists will hold an optional activity to talk about a specific topic of the rainforest.
DEPARTURE BRIEFING: Just before dinner on the previous night’s departure, La Selva’s Manager will provide all the necessary information needed prior to departure of Coca and flight back to Quito.
PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries may vary slightly to maximize wildlife sighting depending on the reports of our naturalist guides, your main and weather conditions.
