The NWC Amazon Lodge is an ecotourism project that protects and preserves over 82 square miles of pristine Amazon Rainforest within the Yasuni National Park, declared by UNESCO a Biosphere Reserve. The Yasuní National Park, considered the largest region of tropical forest in Ecuador, is one of the most diverse areas in the World, so its conservation is vital not only for Ecuador but for the planet.
The Napo Wildlife Center is located on the banks of the Anangucocha Lake, within the unique and ancestral territory of the Kitchwa Anangu local Community, in the heart of the Yasuni National Park.
In the early 90’ members of the Kitchwa Anangu community envisioned building a lodge that could attract tourists from all parts of the World. This project would be an opportunity to provide jobs for the community and to protect their land and its wildlife. Back then, they built with great effort 4 cabins and a large main house for the dining room and the kitchen.
However, at that early stage they needed more money to finish the building which remained incomplete. They wanted to build a great infrastructure and be the greatest luxury hotel in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador. This would be a place with first class facilities and accommodations that provide visitors with great comfort and offer them an intimate wildlife experience in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest.
Then, in 2000, with the support of several national and international organizations, the Napo Wildlife Center project was finally able to move forward. And the community’s dream became true. In 2004, thanks to the community initiative and the financial and technical assistance of different organizations, the Napo Wildlife Center was born and started to welcome visitors from all parts of the World.
Today, the Napo Wildlife Center is considered the first luxury Amazon lodge in Ecuador and the Anangu Community has been nationally and internationally recognized by guests and companies for its great organization and operation, service and for great experiences provided to guests.
The Anagu community is the greatest and finest example of community-based ecotourism. This project not only protects more than 82 square miles of pristine rainforest, but also makes it possible for the community to be auto sustainable, as all profits are for the members of the community and to build other projects for tourism, conservation, health and education.
ROOMS & FACILITIES
Napo Wildlife Center lodge features an open-air main hall decorated with local handicrafts and 12 huge and spacious cabins that combines perfectly the traditional architecture and a luxury style.
All rooms at the lodge include:
- King size and single beds.
- A private Bathroom with hot water.
- 24/7 electricity provided by a solar panels system and silent power generators.
- Ceiling fans.
- Screened windows and mosquito nests.
- Safe deposit boxes.
- Private balconies with stunning views to the lake and the surrounding forest.
For a romantic getaway, couples and honeymooners can choose one of the lodge exclusive suites that include extra services such as: a fully-equipped mini-bar, an internal living room and a Jacuzzi (only for suite 1).
Main Hall
It is the central structure and the place where all meals are served It offers several comfortable social areas such as a restaurant, a bar, a reading lounge area with a library, a shopping boutique and a 19 meters tall observation tower.
The main hall features a 360° view of the Lake and the natural gardens and it is decorated with local artworks, hammocks and comfortable couches where you can relax while enjoying the views and natural sounds surrounding the lodge.
Restaurant
The dining room area is where all meals and drinks are served. The lodge gastronomy includes international to Ecuadorian local food –which we recommend you to try.
At the Napo Wildlife Center lodge your day starts with a wonderful buffet style breakfast. Recognized as one of the top restaurants in the region.
Dinning Observation Tower
Attached to the main hall, a 19 meters tall observation tower allows guests to admire the Anangu Lake and the natural gardens of the lodge home of different bird species, insects and other animals. Visitors are welcome to use the dining observation tower during their free time.
Electricity
Electricity in the lodge is provided by hybrid systems such as solar panels and silent diesel engines that provide 24-hour electricity and have little impact on the environment. Also, the lodge has plenty of 110-volt outlets in the cabins and living room in case you need to recharge your batteries.
Running water
The NWC has a unique wastewater treatment system. Water for the bathrooms and kitchen at the lodge is taken from the lake and it undergoes on a purification system to avoid lake pollution. As for drinkable water, you can find it in a water dispenser in the main hall area. The idea is that you take a bottle and refill it everytime you wish trying to use as less plastic as possible.
First Aid
We provide visitors with first aid kits for excursions. Also, our excursion guides have basic medical training so they are capable of helping you in case of any emergency. For graver emergencies there is a heath center in the Community area.
Shopping
The lodge boutique is a place where you can buy souvenirs and also personal care items. Also, at the interpretative centre there is a gift shop where you can by some handicraft made by women of the community.
Library
The lodge has a library from which you can borrow a wide variety of books from biology, to conservation, literature, natural history, birds, etc. You can sit on our reading lounge and have a reading session. We suggest that you do not take to your rooms so other guests can have also the opportunity to use enjoy them
Security
Napo Wildlife Center is equipped and maintained to cope with the most challenging conditions, manned by experienced and conscientious staff and expedition leaders who guarantee unmatched attention to your personal security.
Canoes used for daily shore landings are rugged and versatile, driven by experienced paddlers in a responsible manner. Fire extinguishers can be found in cabins, public areas, and staff and power rooms. HF radio and mobile phones are in contact with our operations office. In case of serious emergencies, we can call helicopter assistance for evacuation. For minor emergencies, a medical center lies 30 minutes away.
What to bring?
The Napo Wildlife Center provides rubber boots (up to US men’s size 11) and nylon rain ponchos free of charge to those guests who request them. You may choose to use your own boots or sneakers for forest hikes depending upon the conditions. Likewise, you may bring your own raingear.
Basics:
- Identity card and passport.
- A small or medium baggage. Try to take only the necessary things to the lodge.
- A backpack. Apart from your luggage take a comfortable backpack with you for the daily excursions around the forest, rivers and streams.
- It is advisable that you take with you some medicines you in case of any pain.
- Extra Money and cash. You will probably need it for bar bills and for handcraft purchases.
- Mosquito repellent.
- A good quality camera. You would probably take photos of the outstanding landscapes you will have the opportunity to see.
- Binoculars for bird watching and get a closer look to wildlife that inhabits the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador.
Clothing and Accesories:
- Lightweight long pants (you can take 2 or three pairs)
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (also two or three pairs)
- T-shirts
- Cotton socks (1 or 2 pairs per day)
- Sandals (for being more comfortable when you are around the lodge)
- A lightweight sweater or a jacket.
- One or two pairs of short (for when you are around the hotel)