Days 2-6:  After a restful night and a homemade breakfast at Rincón del Puembo, we'll take a scenic, 30-minute flight to Coca, hoping for clear skies and stunning views of the glorious Andes as we pass overhead. 

We'll be welcomed by the Sani Lodge team and taken to their motorized canoe to begin our journey into the Yasuni National Park on the Napo River. As we motor along this bustling river highway, you'll witness the dynamic life of the Amazon unfold before your eyes. The journey offers an exciting introduction to the vibrant ecosystem surrounding Sani Lodge, where an unforgettable experience of nature and community awaits.

Spend the next few days fully immersed in the wonders of Sani Lodge with Norby as our expert guide and biologist. He will work with local guides to provide an immersive and nature-filled experience. Each day will be different, but activities can include guided walks on forested trails, serene canoeing on black water streams, and night excursions to find endangered black caiman and other nocturnal creatures.

Each moment at Sani Lodge deepens your connection to the Amazon and the Kichwa stewards of this land, revealing the intricate beauty and complexity of this vital ecosystem.

Days 6-9: We will depart from Sani Lodge in the morning, returning along the Napo River back to Coca where Norby will make sure we are all set for the next leg of our trip. We will drive through changing landscapes of villages, farms, and forests. 

We will arrive at Amarun Pakcha in the late afternoon, where our Kichwa hosts will warmly welcome us. Depending on the hour and energy levels, we may participate in a hike to stretch our car-weary legs. Norby will coordinate our activities with our hosts, offering us choices based on the latest bird sightings.

Our lodging for this part of our stay will be with Amarun Pakcha's neighbors, Wildsumaco Lodge.

We will rise early to observe Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at their lek, enjoy hummingbirds and tanagers at the feeders, and birdwatch in local gardens and small farms. We will hike forested trails keeping our eyes open for tamarin monkeys, wonder at ancient petroglyphs, and relax by a stunning waterfall, all while learning about Kichwa culture from our hosts.

Day 9-11: As we leave the enriching community of Amarun Pakcha, our journey continues to the serene haven of Cabañas San Isidro. Nestled in Andean cloud forests, this peaceful retreat offers an ideal setting to unwind and connect with nature over the next few days.

Each day, we will enjoy delicious meals prepared with local ingredients, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the region. 

This part of the tour is designed to be less structured, allowing for rest and relaxation, though Norby will offer suggested excursions for each day. As birdwatchers, we will delight in the wide variety of endemic species, while appreciating the flora, including orchids, bromeliads, and towering trees. Many guests also enjoy the heated pool, open from morning until bedtime.

Days 11-14: Leaving behind the tranquility of Cabañas San Isidro, we will cross the Andes to compare East and West Slopes, arriving at the renowned Mashpi Amagusa Reserve. 

With Norby by our side to help us identify the birds, we will likely see over 100 species in a single day. From dawn chorus at the light trap to late afternoon at the feeders, birds abound at this magical reserve that straddles the Chocó and Tropical Andes.

Learn how co-founders Sergio Basantes and Doris Villalba created this oasis from recovered pastureland, planting hundreds of native trees and plants. Doris prepares delicious homecooked meals and Sergio knows where to spot the best birds, consistently hiking his land to document new species.

Birdwatching happens everywhere, along the forested trail to the gushing waterfall, on the dirt road leading to Mashpi Amagusa's more famous neighbor, Mashpi Lodge, in the gardens, on the back patio, from the outdoor dining room. This place is a bird lover's paradise and the best way to end our trip. 

On our final day, Norby will make sure we are safely delivered to the airport for our flights home. Unless you want to stay a little longer.