Yasuni & the Rio Napo region

Yasunì National Park is an important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rainforest in Ecuador. The park covers 3792 square miles south of the Napo River and north of the Curaray River in Napo and Pastaza provinces of central eastern Ecuador, extending eastward from about 25 miles east of the town of Coca almost to Nuevo Rocafuerte near the border with Peru. Much of the park's northern boundary is the Tiputini River and much of the southern boundary is the Curaray River.

On the northern edge of the Yasuni National Park an 82-square mile private national reserve and rainforest lodge (Napo Wildlife Centre) has been created and built by the traditional Quichua Indian community of Anangu in partnership with nonprofits Tropical Nature and EcoEcuador. This south bank of the Napo River harbours 30% more bird and animal species than the north bank including parrots licks, Giant Otters, Woolly Monkeys and ten other primates.

Rio Napo is Ecuador's major Amazon River tributary. It flows from the eastern slopes of the Andes in Ecaudor and descends in a generally easterly direction towards the Peruvian border, before turning southeast and travelling through dense rainforest before meeting the Amazon River. a large part of its 550 miles is navigable, making it an important transportation artery. As it flows through some of the richest jungle in Ecuador, it is a great place for bird and wildlife watching. It offers chances for canoeing, kayaking and rafting and there is good hiking near the river in many places. There are a number of lodges on the banks of the river where guests can stay.