As the lodge most ensconced within Parque Nacional Yasuní, the sumptuous Napo Wildlife Center (NWC) enjoys a pristine setting with rarely paralleled access to wildlife. This ecotourism project is 100% owned by Añangu’s Kichwa community; they make up almost the entire lodge staff.
One of the most enjoyable aspects here is simply arriving: you’ll be paddled a couple of hours from the Río Napo, down a thrillingly wild blackwater creek replete with birds and animals.
Eventually you’ll arrive at Añangucocha, the lagoon where NWC’s 16 red-hued rooms enjoy a prime position on the far side. The rooms are stylishly well appointed, with lake views from most. Four suites are even bigger, with outdoor Jacuzzis on terraces at the back. The fabulous communal areas are spacious and open, with a lovely wooden deck, small library and elevated viewing platform. Meals here are delicious and varied.
Trips are guided by local Añangu villagers trained as Yasuní park rangers and bilingual naturalist guides. Two parrot clay licks on the property are a major attraction for bird-watchers, who also come from surrounding lodges to see parrots, parakeets and macaws. Between late October and early April is the best time to see up to 10 species of parrot – sometimes numbering in the thousands. A short hike from the lodge, a 36m steel tower offers a spectacular canopy panorama and prolific birdlife. The rare zigzag heron has been spotted on the property.
The center has won numerous awards, not only for its connection to the local community, but for ecologically sound practices, including an environmentally sustainable sewage system, composting latrines, solar panels and quality guiding. It’s generally held to be the most luxurious and most environmentally sensitive of the lower Río Napo lodges and is highly recommended.
Those on a budget can also stay within Parque Nacional Yasuní at the sister site Napo Cultural Center, run by the same community. The lodge is actually within the Kichwa village alongside the Río Napo, so while the experience is somewhat less wild, it's a wonderful place to learn more about Kichwa culture, and lodge facilities are excellent.
