Napo River Tour

Yasuni Rainforest Tours

Nestled deep within the lush embrace of Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest lies a hidden gem that captures the essence of nature, culture, and sustainability—Minga Lodge & Reserve . Located along the tranquil banks of the Upper Napo River, this eco-lodge offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet while fostering meaningful connections with the indigenous Kichwa community.

The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is a vibrant tapestry of life, where towering trees shelter countless species of flora and fauna, and rivers weave through ancient landscapes teeming with mystery and wonder. The Upper Napo River, a vital artery of this mighty jungle, serves as both a gateway to adventure and a lifeline for the communities that call this region home.

This 4-day/3-night jungle tour invites you to step away from the hustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the rhythms of the rainforest. From guided hikes through pristine wilderness and encounters with exotic wildlife to cultural exchanges with the welcoming Kichwa people, every moment at Minga Lodge is designed to inspire awe and deepen your understanding of this remarkable ecosystem.

At the heart of Minga Lodge’s mission is a commitment to sustainable tourism . By choosing this experience, you are not only embarking on an unforgettable journey but also contributing to the preservation of the Amazon and supporting local livelihoods. The lodge operates in harmony with its surroundings, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the beauty and diversity of this irreplaceable environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone seeking solace in the wild, the Jungle Tour at Minga Lodge & Reserve promises an authentic, transformative experience. Join us as we venture into the heart of the Amazon, where every sunrise brings new discoveries and every sunset leaves lasting memories.

Itinerary

DAY 1 

Upon arrival, board a motorized canoe for a picturesque ride along the Napo River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River. During the journey, enjoy stunning views of lush rainforest and keep an eye out for wildlife such as herons, kingfishers, and monkeys.

Arrive at Minga Lodge, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guides and lodge staff. After settling into your comfortable accommodations, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Explore the Minga Rainforest Reserve: A luxurious retreat designed with respect for its natural environment, Minga Lodge & Reserve is situated on 700 acres of tropical rainforest on the banks of the Rio Napo in the wildlife-rich heart of the Amazon. Guests enjoy exclusive and immersive experiences that unite culture, community, conservation, and wellness.

Jungle Weapons Training: Learn to throw a spear and shoot a blowgun from an indigenous weapons expert. Test your precision on papaya targets mounted on sticks. 

Indulge in a candlelit dinner followed by stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the Amazon sky reveals a dazzling array of constellations.

Traditional Shamanic Cleansing: Join a local shaman for a traditional cleansing ceremony and blessing.

DAY 2 

Rise early for a birdwatching excursion along the riverbanks. The Amazon is home to over 500 species of birds, including macaws, toucans, and parrots. Keep your camera ready to capture these vibrant avian wonders, breakfast.

Amazonia Hike: Led by Indigenous experts from the area, hike deep into the primary and secondary rainforest to discover its unique flora and wildlife. 

Lunch 

Tour of the Minga & Farm Bean to Bar: Meet with the farmers who supply beans to a French chocolatier, then learn how to make chocolate from scratch using cocoa beans. In a professional test kitchen, finish off the experience with a chocolate tasting complemented by an array of unique and recognizable ingredients.

Honey & Sugar Food Tasting:  Meet the stingless melipona honeybee and learn how it protects the amazon’s biodiversity. Enjoy sampling the delicious honey’s it produces.

Dinner

Night Walk: Experience the Amazon at night and look for frogs, butterflies, reptiles and more on a stroll around Caiman Pond.

DAY 3

 Coffe Tasting: Start your day with a coffee tasting (cupping) of locally sourced and expertly roasted Robusta coffee. Try your hand at scoring the aroma, acidity,body, and flavor of coffee prepared in several ways 

Breakfast 

Visit a Local Womens Group: Meet skilled female artisans and learn how they generate income through traditional jewelry making. Try your hand at their incredible craft. 

Lunch 

Visit a Local Family: Spend a morning with a farmer and his family, working alongside them to understand the beauty and challenges of living and providing for your family in the Amazon rainforest.  

Traditional Kichwa Cooking Class: Learn time-honored cooking techniques and sample some of the wonderful flavors of the jungle. 

Final Dinner

DAY 4 

Begin your final day with a peaceful sunrise over the Napo River. Enjoy a farewell breakfast before packing up and bidding adieu to the incredible surroundings of Minga Lodge.

Board the canoe for the return trip to Tena. Along the way, take one last look at the magnificent landscapes and perhaps catch sight of any remaining wildlife you may have missed earlier.

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Scheduled activities such as rainforest hikes, superfood farm tours, and tastings.
  • Canoe transportation to/from Coca.
  • Shared local guides (private guide for groups of 6 or more).
  • Excursion gear (rubber boots, ponchos, flashlights).
  • Conservation fee
  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and specialty juices.
  • Laundry service.
  • Private guide for groups of fewer than 6 people.
  • Land or air transfers between Quito and Coca.

Minga Lodge & Reserve - Yasuni Rainforest Tours

Tour 5 days / 4 nights

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Amazon rainforest with a 5-day, 4-night adventure at the Minga Lodge & Reserve. Located along the serene and biodiverse Upper Napo River, this immersive experience invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature in one of

know more about this tour »

Tour 4 days / 3 nights

This 4-day/3-night jungle tour invites you to step away from the hustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the rhythms of the rainforest. From guided hikes through pristine wilderness and encounters with exotic wildlife to cultural exchanges with the welcoming Kichwa people, every moment at Minga Lodge is designed

know more about this tour »

Prices are Per Person – 2026

Tours

Includes:

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Scheduled activities such as rainforest hikes, superfood farm tours, and tastings.
  • Canoe transportation to/from Coca.
  • Shared local guides (private guide for groups of 6 or more).
  • Excursion gear (rubber boots, ponchos, flashlights).
  • Conservation fee
 
  • ROOMS AND AMENITIES.
    Modern, air-conditioned
    private cabins, each including high-end linens and
    ensuite bathrooms, mini refrigerators, and a safety
    deposit box.
  • FREE WI-FI IS AVAILABLE.
    Enjoy wi-fi capabilities
    throughoutthe entire lodge.
  • ALL MEALS, INCLUDING BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER.
    High-end cuisine prepared
    fresh each day using local products from a working farm
    across the river.
  • CLEAN FILTERED WATER. Unlimited fresh water
    is available from our purified cold-water dispensers in
    rooms and across the property.
 

Entry Requirements

 

The following information is provided by the Ministries of the Interior and Human Relations for citizens who wish to visit and get to know Ecuador.

Therefore, Responsible travel as a tour operator considers the following guidelines in order to generate a satisfactory experience on your trip through Ecuador. Nevertheless, please note that any requirement can change without prior notice, and it is the responsibility of each traveler to make sure to comply with the current requirements when entering the country.

Visa

The duration to visit the country is 90 days a year; if you are going to extend your visit, it is recommended to pay an extension.

List of countries that need a visa to enter Ecuador:

AfghanistanGuinea BissauRepublic of the Congo
AlbaniaHaitiDemocratic People’s Republic of Korea
Angola KenyaSenegal
BangladeshKyrgyzstanSierra Leone
CameroonIndiaSyria
ChadIraqSri Lanka
Ivory CoastIranSomalia
CubaLibyaSudan
EgyptMaliSouth Sudan
EritreaMauritaniaTajikistan
EthiopiaMyanmarUzbekistan
PhilippinesNigeriaVenezuela
GambiaPakistanVietnam
GhanaNepalYemen
GuineaDemocratic Republic of the Congo 

Applying for a visa

In case of applying for a visa and being able to enter the country. Please contact the following emails: consejeria@cancilleria.gob.ec and citasvisas@cancilleriga.gob.ec.

For more information, there are links to Ecuadorian embassies as well as foreign embassies within the country.

In the case of entering the country by land or river

The Government, through its Ministries, provides that foreign citizens who enter the country through the land or river borders of Colombia and Peru may present their apostilled certificate indicating that they do not have a criminal record; this certificate must have been issued in their country of origin or residence in the last five years.  or in turn request the review of the corresponding information through the Ecuadorian Migration System (SIMIEC).

The following individuals are exempt from filing

  • Holders of a valid Ecuadorean visa
  • Holders of diplomatic passports
  • Children and adolescents under 18
  • Victims of human trafficking.

COVID-19 rules

There is not a COVID certificate needed at the moment, but if you experience symptoms prior to your trip, you can complete a health application and bring it to the airport.

Conditions for passport validity

The passport must be valid for at least half a year. Access is restricted without a valid or reported lost document

 Galapagos Islands

People could visit until 60 days. For enter, you need to present:

Foreign Exchange

When you leave the country, you must declare the foreign exchange if you exceed the aggregate of $1,380.

Personal ID

As a regular law, you must carry your identification. Always keep a copy of your passport, with the pages containing your photo and Ecuadorian entrance stamp.


 

Output Requirements

 

Departure of Foreign Citizens

  1. Valid passport
  2. Ticket Flight

Departure of national and foreign minors

Ecuadorian children and adolescents and resident foreigners may leave the national territory under the following conditions:

  • Accompanied by their parents, legal guardians, or whoever exercises parental authority, or with one of their parents with prior notarial or judicial authorization from those who are not traveling with them.
  • Alone or with third parties with the prior authorization of the parents, guardians, or those who exercise parental authority.
 
 
 
 

lenguage

The native language is Spanish. Some indigenous people speak Spanish, Quechua, and English. The indigenous communities living in the jungle speak their languages and dialects.

At Responsible Travel, we are trained to provide the best experience to the tourist. For this reason, our team of guides is bilingual, as are most of our suppliers (hotels and restaurants).