Napo Wildlife

Another more luxurious option is available at the lodge of the community of Añangu. This lodge is located just 3 hours downstream from Coca, on the south side of the Napo River in Yasuni National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve. Two famous clay licks are located near the community and are not to be missed. The option is also available to our guests that stay at the lodge of the community of San Isla. The Añangu Lagoon offers excellent viewing for Giant River Otters, Paiche (largest freshwater fish in the world) and a number of species of birds. Eight species of primates have been seen in the surround forest. A 120 foot tree tower is also located here for our birding guests.

Añangu Community Project

This is yet another successful Kichwa community project located in Yasuni National Park on the shores of the Añangu Lagoon. It is also considered the most luxurious lodge in Amazonian Ecuador.

Unfortunately, the National Parks System in Ecuador is as under-funded as any other and does not have the resources to adequately patrol and protect Yasuní. This project has worked closely with the Ecuadorian Parks System and the relationship has allowed the Parks System to rely on the Añangu community and the Napo Lodge as their primary source of on-the-ground protection for this region of Yasuní. The Napo Lodge also provides virtually 100% of the Park's tourism income by being the only lodge in the region to pay park fees.

And what could be more effective than local residents protecting what belongs to them? All one must do is look at the barren cattle pastures of adjacent communities to know what could have become of this community territory in the absence of a legitimate, non-extractive income base.

The lodge consists of 10 luxury cabañas and a large dining hall with a library and a well-stocked bar. The rooms are very large and include one king-sized bed and one twin-sized bed (up to 3 people). There are private bathrooms with hot water, private porches with lagoon views, ceiling fans, secure screens for bug-free ventilation and 24 hour electricity.

Attached to the bar is a 50-foot viewing tower from which you can see the Andes on a clear day!

Two clay licks are available for your parrot watching enjoyment as well as a 120 foot canopy tower for birdwatching. As stated above under Yasuni National Park, you will find the number of bird species in this park mind-boggling.