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Quito · Pichincha · Ecuador
7-Day - Ancestral Culture of the Yasuní National Park
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From $4,669.18 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital, where culture and history meet at the Equator Line, before journeying deep into the Amazon for an unforgettable adventure in Yasuní National Park—the very heart of the rainforest. Spanning nearly 10,000 square kilometers between the Napo and Curaray Rivers in the provinces of Orellana and Pastaza, this protected reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Dominated by pristine rainforest within the Napo Wet Forests ecoregion, Yasuní offers extraordinary wildlife, untouched landscapes, and an authentic connection to nature. Your experience is elevated by a stay at one of the most exclusive lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where comfort, sustainability, and immersive jungle exploration come together seamlessly.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- A perfect blend of nature and living culture.
- Offering deep immersion in one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests.
- Explore Yasuní National Park, one of the most pristine and protected areas of the Amazon Basin.
- Exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with chances to spot herons, kingfishers, macaws, etc.
- Visit the Kichwa Añangu Community, sharing authentic moments with a local family.
- Guided rainforest hikes, revealing the extraordinary flora and fauna of the Amazon.
- Silent exploration by paddle canoe, gliding through narrow waterways for intimate wildlife.
- Discover diverse ecosystems, from terra firme forest to seasonally flooded and swamp forests.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Quito
Transportation. Arrival in Ecuador ¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival, your private driver will be waiting at the airport to greet you and provide a warm welcome. You will then enjoy a comfortable 45-minute private transfer to your hotel, where you can check in, unwind, and rest after your journey.
Continued
Quito
Other. Meals included: None Accommodation: Quito
Day 2
Quito
City/Town Tour at Middle of the World City. City Tour Quito & Middle of The World Monument Your English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel to begin an enriching morning walking tour through Quito, a city where history, culture, and daily life blend seamlessly. As you stroll through the historic center—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978—you will admire its extraordinary colonial architecture and vibrant plazas. Highlights include Plaza Grande, the exquisitely decorated La Compañía Church, the imposing La Basílica, and La Ronda, the city’s oldest street, renowned for its traditional atmosphere. In the afternoon, you will travel approximately 26 km (16 miles) north of Quito to visit the iconic Mitad del Mundo. Here, you will experience the unique sensation of standing on the equatorial line, at the point identified by French scientists in the 18th century. Ecuador’s location on the equator offers a truly singular experience, allowing you to stand simultaneously in both hemispheres. The complex features engaging attractions such as a planetarium, ethnographic and art exhibits, a scale model of Quito, a historic train station, and more—making this visit a memorable immersion into the country’s scientific heritage, culture, and identity.
Continued
Quito
Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Quito
Day 3
Puerto Francisco de Orellana
Eco Tour at Yasuni National Park. Airport Quito - flight to Coca - Arrival at Yasuni National Park After a scenic 30-minute flight over the eastern Andes to Coca, followed by a short land transfer, you will be welcomed at a private dock. Here, you can take a break, use the facilities, enjoy a refreshing drink, and receive a boxed lunch for the journey, while your luggage is sent directly to the lodge. We then begin a two-hour boat journey along the Napo River to the Napo Cultural Center, located in the ancestral territory of the Kichwa Añangu Community. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a traditional wayusa drink, followed by a brief orientation and transfer to your room overlooking the rainforest. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk to the 40-meter observation tower, offering great opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife, along with beautiful sunset views. Alternatively, you may choose a kayak excursion on the Napo River to enjoy the sunset from the water. The day concludes back at the lodge, with time to relax before dinner.
Continued
Quito
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Lodging: Ecolodge in Yasuni National Park
Day 4
Quito
Cultural Immersion at Yasuni National Park. Parrot Clay Lick - Rainforest Hike - Kichwa Community After an early breakfast, we travel by motorized canoe to one of the highlights of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve: the Parrot Clay Lick along the Napo River. From the canoe and a short walk along the Parakeet Trail, you will have excellent opportunities to observe several species of parrots and parakeets gathering to feed on mineral-rich clay, and occasionally other wildlife visiting the area. The morning continues with a visit to the Kuri Muyu Intercultural Interpretation Center, managed by women from the Añangu Community. Here, you will learn about Kichwa culture, traditions, music, and the traditional use of natural resources, with time to visit the handicraft shop and support local artisans. After lunch and a rest at the lodge, we explore the Añangu Creek in the afternoon, a black-water ecosystem where monkeys, caimans, and sometimes giant otters may be seen. In the evening, enjoy a special cultural experience on the Napo River aboard an ancestral catamaran, sharing Kichwa legends, songs, and traditional snacks prepared by the community. Early breakfast and then head in the motorboat to one of the highlights of Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, the parrot clay lick on the riverside of River Napo, bring your binoculars and camera lenses to see flocks of blue-headed, yellow-crowned parrots and even dusky-headed parakeets, from the boat. Then walk around 30 minutes, through the “Pericos” trail to reach the blind in the forest with a direct view of 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. We end this morning with a visit to the intercultural interpretation center "Kuri Muyu", which means golden seed in the native language, handled by the women of the community, also known as “mamakuna”, to learn about the kichwa culture, crafts, customs, and traditional use of natural resources directly from the people of the aboriginal community. We return to the center of the community to have lunch at the dining hall and take a break in the lodge before hiking for one hour to climb up the observation tower, reaching 35 meters above the surface with high chances to spot a variety of birds, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots, and sloths. Time for dinner followed by a unique activity at the Napo River, onboard the ancestral catamaran to learn more about their legends and traditional chants, while women grill some delicious snacks in the fire. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continued
Quito
Accommodation Included Lodging: Ecolodge Yasuní
Day 5
Puerto Francisco de Orellana
Cultural Immersion at Yasuni National Park. Sustainable projects with the Community, visit the observation tower & night walk Start the day by enjoying the sunrise during breakfast, followed by a visit to community-led sustainability projects to learn about the Kichwa worldview. We then walk along a terra firme forest trail, offering opportunities to observe the diverse wildlife and plant life of Yasuní, including ceiba trees, bamboo, vines, and endemic species. After returning to the lodge for lunch and rest, we hike to a 36-meter observation tower, from which birds, monkeys, and other wildlife can often be seen above the forest canopy. In the afternoon, enjoy time to relax before a traditional Amazonian dinner featuring local flavors such as maito. For the more adventurous, chontakuru may also be offered. The day concludes with a guided night walk, where insects, reptiles, and nocturnal mammals bring the rainforest to life after dark.
Continued
Quito
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Lodging: Ecolodge in Yasuni National Park
Day 6
Quito
Canoeing at Yasuni National Park. Samona Trail & canoe exploration Begin the day with breakfast and the sounds of Amazonian birds before heading into the terra firme forest along the Samona Trail. This walk offers opportunities to observe towering ceiba trees, a variety of monkeys, and the rich insect life of the rainforest. The adventure continues with a canoe exploration of a blackwater creek, followed by lunch and a refreshing break. In the afternoon, we visit nearby river islands to look for birdlife. In the evening, you may choose to join a guided night walk or relax and enjoy the lodge facilities.
Continued
Quito
Other at Yasuni National Park. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Lodging: Ecolodge in Yasuni National Park
Day 7
Quito
Transportation at Yasuni National Park. Traditional guayusa ritual & return to civilization On your final day, you may choose to take part in the traditional guayusada ritual, which begins early in the morning. During this experience, a Kichwa family shares the ancestral guayusa drink, along with songs and stories passed down through generations. Guests may also choose to have their dreams interpreted by a community mamakuna. After the ritual, we return for breakfast while our team prepares your luggage. We then travel by motorized canoe back to El Coca, enjoying one last view of the Ecuadorian rainforest along the way.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Airfare Quito- Coca- Quito Transfer in/out Airport-Quito-Airport Airport Assistance Entree fees All services indicated in the above itinerary Bilingual naturalist guides All other services mentioned in the program: walks, excursions, meals, etc Rubber boots, raincoats, and life jackets 24/7 assistance in your language
Not Included
- Tips - Alcoholic beverages - Extra meals - Travel Insurence
What to Bring
- Flexibility is the key to the success of every tour. The safety of our passengers is our top priority. -This itinerary is a general reference and may be adjusted due to weather conditions, operational needs, guest and staff safety, Yasuní National Park regulations, or guest interests. Changes may also be made to enhance wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and the overall experience. - Please take plastic bags, to protect your documents, a headlight because at night it becomes very dark, and a refill bottle of water. - Optional Binoculars (10×40 are much better). - Travel and medical insurance.
Restrictions
Is Jungle not recommended for kids under 7 years? The trips may be taken by anyone in good physical condition. Some itineraries require hiking over irregular terrain on challenging trails. Running, hiking, swimming, and aerobics are all good forms of conditioning. Please contact us if you have any questions about your ability to do a particular trip.
Meeting & Pickup
The meeting point is at Quito Airport, and our representative will pick you up at the airport when you arrive.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 7 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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