Centre-based

Ecuador Amazon Extension

Ecuador - Trip code AE Discovery
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205Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
i
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Spend four days in the depths of the Ecuadorian Amazon learning more about its unique flora and fauna. Sleeping in a community-run lodge within the remote area of the Yasuni National Park, immerse yourself in the rainforest as you explore on foot, by canoe and from treetop towers. The profits from the lodge go to the local Quichua community, home to the local staff and guides, making it the perfect place from which to discover this wild area, home to 550 species of tropical birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1000 species of butterflies.

Why we love this trip
  • Forest trails - Walk on jungle trails surrounded by the giant trees of the Amazon.
  • Amazon wildlife - Spot tropical birdlife from an observation tower and at a clay lick.
  • Night activities - Paddle along the river by night, in search of caiman and other creatures.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 3

    Lunch: 3

    Dinner: 3

  • Trip staff

    Boat Crew

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Boat

    Flight

  • i

    Accommodation

    3 nights comfortable lodge

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip at Quito Airport; Fly to Coca and transfer to the Amazon lodge

The Amazon basin is the most bio-diverse environment in the world, covering two-fifths of South America across the majority of its countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela. Most of the basin is covered by forest, the largest rainforest in the world.

This un-escorted Amazon extension starts at Quito's Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) at 7.15am. Upon arrival at Quito Airport, you'll be met by a representative from the Napo Cultural Centre, who will have your boarding passes ready for your flight. Flight times from Quito to Coca are subject to change - if there is any change to the meeting time, we'll advise you approximately one month before departure.

After a short 45-minute flight, we land in Coca and are met again by another representative from the lodge. We'll then begin your adventurous journey to our Amazon lodge, located within the Yasuni National Park, on the banks of the Napo River. We travel along the Napo River by motorised canoe (approximately two-and-a-half hours). Then, we have a short walk through the flooded forest (the trails are lined with wooden planks) to arrive at our Amazon lodge. During the journey we'll get a taste of the Amazon, passing local communities and spotting birds such as herons, egrets and vultures.

In the late afternoon, we'll take a short walk on the nearby trails or a canoe ride to spot monkeys, birds, black caiman and local flora-cedar trees, orchids and bromeliads.

Please note that this is a stand-alone extension and can be booked on any date of your choosing, subject to availability. Whilst this itinerary has been designed to complement several of our group tours, we wish to point out that this extension is not a group experience and you're unlikely to be travelling with other Explore customers.

Accommodation:

Napo Cultural Center (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 - Bird watching and visit Quichua Interpretation Centre

After breakfast this morning, we paddle across the Napo River for approximately 30 minutes to visit a well-frequented parrot clay lick, bringing us face to face with up to 11 species of parrots (including parrotlets and macaws) depending on the season and weather conditions. We end this morning with a visit to the fascinating Interpretation Centre 'Kuri Muyu'. The women of the local Indigenous community manage the centre, and it gives us the chance to understand the Quichua culture, crafts, and traditions, which is sadly diminishing across much of Ecuador and survives mainly in small pockets of communities like Napo.

After lunch and time to relax at our lodge, we head out to paddle across the river again, towards the Igapo forest. Here, we take a short walk along forest trails to reach the 35-metre-high observation tower, where we spend a couple of hours spotting creatures in the jungle canopy including birds, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots and sloths. A motorized canoe takes us back to the lodge.

Accommodation:

Napo Cultural Center (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Walk the nature trails of the forest, spot nocturnal wildlife

Rising with the sounds of the forest, we head out towards the local 'Mama Cuna' nature trail, where we walk for around two hours, primarily concentrating on the forest fauna, including ceiba trees, strangler vines and bamboo cane, as well as many other vines and shrubs endemic to Yasuni. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about the worldview and herbal medicine use of the Quichua culture - the forest literally provides everything that they need, and is an amazing place to see ecotourism in action.

In the late afternoon, we grab a canoe and paddle down towards the Anagu Lake, where night caimans and other evening creatures await us. Here, the sounds of the jungle really come out as the sun sets and night takes over. Watch out for the red eyes in the darkness! After around 2 hours on the lake, we go back to the lodge in motorised canoes for our evening meal.

Accommodation:

Napo Cultural Center (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Learn about the Quichua dream ritual; canoe & flight to Quito where the trip ends

This morning we rise just after dawn for our final morning here in the Yasuni National Park. The ancient customs surrounding the Guayusa plant have survived for many years among these people, and this morning we use the Guayusa leaves to make a morning tea. Traditionally the Jivaro people living in this area rise early, make a fire, boil the leaves and drink the tea while telling stories, myths and dreams, and we will have the opportunity to ask the community to interpret the meanings of our dreams.

After our final Amazon adventure, we head back to the lodge for breakfast before leaving the forest for good, heading back to Coca and then flying to Quito.

We'll arrive at Quito's Mariscal Sucre airport (UIO) at approximately 2pm. The domestic flight times may change, and as with your joining time, we'll confirm this approximately one month prior to departure.

If you're booking your own flights, you should make sure that they depart from Quito no earlier than 5pm. Contact us to organise additional accommodation in Quito if this is required.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Ecuador

Climate

Temperature ranges are similar all year round. In the highlands: the dry season lasts from June to mid-September. November and December are partially dry. The rainy months are October and from January to May, but showers are short and mostly in the afternoons. Temperatures range from 12°C to 24°C. Nights are cold at altitude (4°C - 10°C). The Coastal Region: from December to May it is hot and wet. From June to November it is generally cool and misty with sudden light showers. Temperatures range from 16°C to 32°C. The Amazon Area: it is humid all year round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 32°C. From April to August the rainfall is heavier. The Galapagos: On the Galapagos, the hot season is January to April with largely sunny days and the possibility of heavy showers; the cool season runs from May to December and is generally more cloudy with much cooler seas. Please note that although it is windier from July to November the sea can be rough at any time of the year. On the mainland the dry season lasts from June to October, though September can be wet.

Time difference to GMT

-5

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Spanish

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Daytime clothing should be lightweight and loose fitting, warmer clothing may be needed for the evenings and the canoe ride from Coca to the lodge. Long-sleeved lightweight clothes and trousers plus long socks are useful for protection against sunburn and insects. Bring a swimsuit, sunhat and sunglasses. Lightweight waterproofs are essential.

Footwear

Comfortable walking boots or shoes and trainers or sandals with a good grip. Rubber boots are provided at the lodge.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of luggage, plus a daypack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage - don't overload yourself.

Equipment

Bring a torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor sunscreen, ear plugs and binoculars. You may also wish to bring zip-lock bags to protect your camera equipment. The lodge provides rain ponchos and umbrellas.

Tipping

Local crew
In this area, tipping is a recognised part of life. Some local staff will still look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided.

Ecuador

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10
Dinner price
£13
Beer price
£1.7
Water price
£1.3
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
US Dollar.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US Dollars are used in Ecuador. You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the USD is approximately USD 1.28 to the British Pound. We recommend you take small denominations as 100US$ bills are very difficult to use. Please check on line for up to date information
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in USD. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Boat, Flight

Accommodation notes

During this extension tour, we stay at the Napo Cultural Centre, a community-run lodge within the remote area of the Yasuni National Park. The profits from the lodge go to the local Quichua community, from which the staff and guides also come to work.
The accommodation is made up of cabins, all with private bathrooms, as well as balconies looking out over the lake and jungle. There's a social area in the main hall where visitors and staff meet, dine and share experiences during their stay. There is also a library stocking bookings on biology, conservation, local birds and natural history etc, to enhance your stay. Mosquito nets are included.

Ecuador

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. The majority of hotels across our Ecuador tours provide water refills from a central container in the reception area, and clean drinking water will also be available on the coaches. We therefore recommend that you bring a reusable water bottle with you.

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Please note we require a photocopy of your passport 2 month pre departure.

It is essential that you provide Explore with a photo copy of your passport at the time of booking, as this will be required in order to confirm accommodation.

Ecuador: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. In order for your visa to be granted on arrival, you will be required to show proof of travel insurance valid for the duration of your trip. Please also ensure your passport is stamped with the T3 permit (for 30 or 90 days) on arrival in Ecuador. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ecuador

Vaccinations

We recommend protection against malaria, Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Yellow fever in only recommended for those travelling east of the Andes (Amazon Extension). Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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