Ecuador Amazon Sacha Lodge Extension Tour

Transfer to the Quito airport for a mid-morning flight to Coca, then board a motorized canoe for an exciting ride down the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon! A short forest walk from the lodge landing brings you to the stunning jungle-fringed Lake Pilchacocha, where another canoe awaits to ferry you to Sacha Lodge. After check-in, you'll be outfitted with a poncho and rubber boots, which are customary attire for your stay at Sacha. There is usually time for a late afternoon visit in the rainforest to look for wildlife or for a refreshing swim in the lagoon. A welcome dinner in Sacha's spacious dining room can be followed by a night walk - great for spotting owls and nocturnal mammals.

Spend the next two days exploring the 5,000 acres of pristine rainforest at Sacha Lodge reserve, home to an amazing variety of wildlife. Half and full day excursions allow you to explore this area by canoe and on jungle hikes, observing a variety of habitats including pristine primary forest. On the way, look out for over 600 species of bird - the most seen at a single site in the world! - and a wide variety of monkeys, from red howler monkeys to white-faced capuchins. Sloths and agoutis are seen with some regularity, as are the footprints of ocelots and jaguars. Part of the excitement of visiting the rainforest is the possibility of viewing some of its mysterious and elusive inhabitants - you never know what you may see next.

Your days in the jungle can be tailored to your interests by your naturalist guide. Take a refreshing swim in the lagoon, catch an early morning canoe ride to see hundreds of parrots at the mineral-rich claylick across the Napo River, climb the tower for a canopy walk among the tree tops, and stargaze to a symphony of croaking frogs, crickets, and owls. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Providencia native community of Yasuní National Park and learn about the Shipati Warmi project - an initiative run by and benefitting the women of Providencia. After meeting the locals (with your guide as the translator), you'll even have the chance to try some of their traditional foods! The Shipati Warmi project ask that each guest donates $5.

After breakfast, catch an early boat ride back to Coca for your connecting flight to Quito.