Friends of Amarun Pakcha founder, Ellen Jacobson invites you to join her on a personalized journey to Ecuador’s Amazon. 

Immerse yourself in Ecuador’s natural splendor through community-driven tourism projects that forge connections and create opportunities for life-changing experiences.  Our host and naturalist guide, biologist Norby Lopez, will greet us upon arrival in Quito and accompany us on every leg of our journey.

Our adventure begins with a short flight from Quito to Coca and a boat ride into the lush Amazon to the renowned Sani Lodge, where we will spend four nights immersed in the vibrant Yasuni National Park. From guided walks through the rainforest to peaceful canoe rides on serene waters, Sani Lodge offers a profound connection to nature. We will engage with the local Kichwa community who have successfully blended conservation with sustainable tourism, providing us with insights and inspiration.

After a few days with Sani Lodge, our journey continues to Amarun Pakcha. Here, we delve deeper into the principles of community tourism while embracing opportunities to immerse in a different kind of Amazonian forest. The Kichwa of Amarun Pakcha are eager to share their vision for working with international visitors, fostering a cultural exchange that benefits both the host community and travelers. While birdwatching is a primary reason to visit, especially the raucous Cock-of-the-Rock Lek, other activities include hiking to see ancient petroglyphs, visiting local farmers working to protect native forests, and learning to prepare local dishes alongside our Kichwa hosts. With limited lodging at Amarun Pakcha, some of our guests will overnight at Wildsumaco Lodge.

This segment of our trip promises rich learning opportunities and meaningful interactions that will leave a lasting impact. 

Following our stay at Amarun Pakcha, we retreat to the tranquility of Cabañas San Isidro for two nights. Nestled in the picturesque Quijos Valley, San Isidro offers a sanctuary for avid birdwatchers. Known for its training program in culinary arts, we will indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared with local ingredients and learn how the lodge works with nearby communities to source the items on its menu. We will also explore the birdwatching gardens, hike the vast network of trails, photograph the orchid collection, or simply unwind by the bathing pool. San Isidro promises serenity and rejuvenation.

Our journey culminates with three nights at the incredible Mashpi-Amagusa Reserve. Each day, we will awaken to the dawn chorus and the whisper of yet a different type of forest, enriching our appreciation for Ecuador’s natural beauty. This family-run lodge offers home-cooked meals, an interactive hummingbird garden, several birdwatching stations with colorful tanagers, and a waterfall at the end of a hiking trail lush with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids.

This journey is designed to engage all your senses and foster a deep connection to nature and culture. Whether you are a seasoned birder, a passionate nature lover, or a curious first-timer, you will find your niche in this extraordinary adventure. Join us and experience the sights, sounds, and sensations that make Ecuador a truly remarkable destination.

Angie Drake of Not Your Average American, LLC designed this tour with Biotropica Expeditions for Ellen Jacobson, founder of Friends of Amarun Pakcha, as a way to encourage more meaningful travel in Ecuador. See all details for Experience the Yasuni, Sumaco, and Mashpi.