6 Day Ecuadorian Rainforest Exploration in Yasuní National Park with Parrot Clay Lick Visit

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Welcome to Ecuador! Upon your arrival in Quito, your guide will meet you at the airport, holding a sign with your name. Authentic Ecuador will accompany you to your hotel near the airport for check-in and a restful evening.

Day 2: Flight to El Coca, canoe ride to the lodge, and rirst activities in the rainforest

Your driver-guide will take you to Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport for a 30-minute flight to El Coca. Upon arrival, a guide will meet you, holding a sign with the name of your lodge, and escort you to a motorized canoe for a two-hour ride through the jungle. Keep an eye out for monkeys, parrots, and other wildlife along the way.

At the lodge, the staff will welcome you with a traditional beverage.

Your adventure begins with a thrilling jungle hike, where you’ll encounter massive trees and local fauna. Prepare for an exciting nocturnal canoe ride. The aim is to look for caimans, bats, owls, and other nocturnal animals in the evening.

Day 3: Observation tower, rainforest lakes, and night walk

Start your day with a breakfast, followed by a short walk to a 120-ft observation tower. From there, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the National Park while spotting vibrant Amazon birds and wildlife.

Next, explore the park’s incredible lakes (flooded parts of the forest), teeming with life. These lakes are home to various primates, birds, and the fascinating Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird species.

After dinner, gear up for a thrilling night walk. Keep your eyes peeled for small reptiles, amphibians, nocturnal mammals, and extraordinary insects unique to the Amazon.

Day 4: Parrot Clay Lick, indigenous community visit, and jungle hike

Begin your day at the Parrot Clay Lick, where dozens of parrots and parakeets gather to consume the mineral-rich soil essential to their diet. Don’t forget your binoculars to capture this vibrant spectacle.

Afterward, visit a nearby indigenous community to experience their culture and daily life. Engage in activities like traditional cooking, learning about their attire, and understanding their connection to the jungle while your guide shares insights into their customs and traditions.

Recharge with a box lunch before heading back to the lodge for an afternoon jungle walk, where you can marvel at the beauty of the rainforest and catch a breathtaking sunset.

Day 5: Yasuni National Park full-day expedition

Rise early for a sunrise adventure to explore new areas of the National Park. This is a prime time for birdwatching, with chances to see scarlet macaws, toucans, and other vibrant species. If you're lucky, you might also spot giant river otters in the waterways.

Continue your journey with a jungle hike, discovering diverse ecosystems, including swamp forests, each teeming with unique flora and fauna.

Upon returning to the lodge, attend a briefing to prepare for your departure the following day.

Day 6: Returning to civilization and departure

You’ll have an early start on this day to have breakfast and prepare for returning to Quito. Take the last canoe ride and say goodbye to Yasuni. After the canoe ride, your driver will take you to “El Coca” airport to return to Quito. Authentic Ecuador hopes that you'll have a wonderful time in Ecuador.

Note

Activities outlined in the program description are for reference purposes only; the actual program may vary depending on the lodge's schedule, amenities, and availability as well as due to National Park regulations and adverse weather conditions.