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 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. 

Dinner

Day 4

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast featuring fresh local ingredients at Minga Lodge. Enjoy the sounds of the rainforest waking up around you while fueling up for an exciting morning ahead.

After breakfast, hop aboard an open safari truck accompanied by local expert guides who know the jungle like the back of their hand. This thrilling ride will take you deeper into the reserve, where you’ll have the chance to observe incredible species of birds and butterflies in their natural habitat. Keep your camera ready to capture vibrant macaws, toucans, parrots, and dazzling butterflies flitting through the air. This is a fantastic opportunity to witness the biodiversity that makes the Amazon so extraordinary.

Next, channel your inner prospector during a hands-on gold panning activity along the riverbank. Learn how locals traditionally extract gold using simple tools and techniques passed down through generations. It’s a fun and interactive way to connect with the history and resourcefulness of the region.

Return to the lodge for a satisfying lunch showcasing traditional Amazonian flavors. Savor dishes made from locally sourced ingredients while sharing stories and memories from your trip with fellow travelers.

In the early afternoon, participate in a deeply spiritual and meaningful experience led by a respected local shaman . During the cleansing ceremony, the shaman will guide you through ancient rituals designed to purify your mind, body, and spirit. This sacred blessing is believed to remove negative energies and bring harmony and balance into your life—a perfect way to conclude your time in the Amazon.

Channel your inner adventurer during a unique jungle weapons training session led by an indigenous expert. Learn how to throw a spear and shoot a blowgun , skills historically used by native tribes for hunting and survival. Test your aim on papaya targets mounted on sticks—it’s harder than it looks but guaranteed to be a lot of fun! This hands-on activity provides insight into the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the Amazon’s indigenous communities.

Gather one last time for a special farewell dinner under the stars. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve had over the past four days, from wildlife encounters to cultural exchanges. The meal will feature a variety of local delicacies, offering a final taste of the rich culinary traditions of the region.

End your Amazon adventure with a serene yet exhilarating night walk around Caiman Pond . Armed with flashlights, follow your guide through the darkened forest paths as you search for nocturnal creatures such as frogs, butterflies, reptiles, and caimans lurking near the water’s edge. Listen to the symphony of nighttime jungle sounds and marvel at the magic of the Amazon after dark.

DAY 5

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.