Napo Wildlife Center

Now the community, as part of the Napo Wildlife Center project, has constructed two blinds for the use of all of the tourism operators in the area. Other lodges and operators pay a fee to help cover the costs of construction, staffing, and maintenance, and everyone is welcomed to enjoy the views of parrots at the lick nearest the Napo (referred to locally as the Saladero de Loros) and the in-the-forest parrot lick (referred to as the Saladero de Pericos). The Napo Wildlife Center is investigating the possibility of putting blinds at some of the other clay licks in this unique and rich area. Rumors include a huge cave-like clay lick visited by tapir, brocket deer, monkeys, and a host of other mammals and also a huge wall that is frequented by large macaws! Although blinds are not currently in place, and the area is not open to guests from other lodges, adventurous clients of the Napo Wildlife Center might be able to talk their native guides into taking them to some of these other special attractions....

The blind nearest the Napo (Saladero de Loros) is typically visited by hundreds of individuals of Mealy Parrot, Yellow-crowned Parrot, Orange-winged Parrot, Blue-headed Parrot, Dusky-headed Parakeet, and an occasional White-eyed Parrot or Cobalt-winged Parakeet. The blind at this site is huge, with plenty of space for upwards of 30 guests at a time, and even includes a basic bathroom. Access is a simple 50m walk on a stable and slip-proof boardwalk.

Saladero de Pericos

The blind in the forest (Saladero de Pericos) is typically visited by a thousand or more Cobalt-winged Parakeets. The noise is incredible! From late October through early April, hundreds of Orange-cheeked Parrots are also found in the mix, as are rarities such as the Sapphire-winged Parakeet and occasional Scarlet and Red-and-Green macaws. It is almost certain that other small parakeets visit this clay lick, and new species for the region and Ecuador are just waiting to be discovered. [This is the site listed as "La Selva" and "interior salado at La Selva" in The Birds of Ecuador (Ridgely and Greenfield, 2001)]. Access to this clay lick involves a 700m hike on an improved path with stairs and boardwalks where necessary. The blind itself will hold upwards of 20 guests and affords fantastic views. Birdwatchers will note that this is where one can find the famous "Manakin Trail" with 6 species of manakins.

The food is excellent right down to the fresh-baked bread and local fruit.
The lodge itself is beautiful, nearby blinds built at parrot clay licks where the action to you, and the natural attractions are simply unmatched in Amazonian Ecuador.
Monkeys, Parrots, and Giant Otters during the day, with the comfort of a hot shower, big dinner, and a cold beer at the end of the day. This is just what you have been looking for....