Jaime Ng
Google
Napo Cultural Center is an incredible organization. They brought us on an unforgettable adventure in one of the most remote and bio-diverse places on Earth (Yasuni).
The service and attention to detail was amazing. I've traveled quite a bit, and I can honestly say that I've never been so well taken care of on any other tour, or in any other lodge or hotel. And they do it with such authenticity and warmth.
Highly, highly recommend them!
More details below.
ROOMS
- Cabins were clean and spacious. Beds were comfortable and sheets were spotless.
- Great water pressure in the shower, which is nice after a day of adventuring through the Amazon rain forest.
- Purified water for drinking and brushing teeth brought to the room daily.
- We were celebrating our anniversary, and the staff prepared towel swans, flowers, and a card on our bed when we checked into the cabin, which was very thoughtful!
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
- The laundry service was excellent. Quick and timely.
- Free coffee, tea, and purified water available at all times
- Well-stocked bar
FOOD & DRINKS
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a daily snacks included in our stay.
- The food was EXCELLENT. Every dish was beautifully and professionally prepared and plated.
- Lots of variety - we always had a mix of meats, vegetables, fruits, and carbs. Always perfectly cooked and seasoned.
- Every time you return to the lodge from the day's activities, you're greeted with a cold towel with eucalyptus and a cold glass of fresh juice!
SAFETY
- 100% safe. We never felt unsafe at all.
- Didn't have any issues with food or water.
- Mosquitos were not an issue for us. We thought there'd be tons of mosquitos since it's the rain forest, but neither we nor the other guests we chatted with had issues with them. We didn't even have to open our can of bug spray.
ACTIVITIES
- Great mix of exploring and cultural activities.
- A paradise for anyone who loves wildlife or trees / plants. Went on jungle walks during the day and night, and went paddling along a black water river. We saw so many species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, including an anaconda, sloths, toucans, parrots, macaws, and 5 different species of monkeys.
- Had a great time learning about / experiencing Kichwa traditions from the locals, and got to be part of a morning tea and dream interpretation ceremony.
SUSTAINABILITY
- The lodge is directly run by the Kichwa Anangu Community, and profits go directly to the community. Some of the other lodges are not run by local indigenous peoples.
- Ecotourism at its best. The community is a guardian of the Yasuni National Reserve, helping to protect the rain forest against destructive influences like oil drilling. We learned about oil companies' wide destructive impact on the rain forest, which is home to the indigenous communities like Kichwa Anangu, as well as the wildlife that live there. We felt good spending our money there to support the protection of Yasuni's precious environment.
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
- I really wanted to think of something negative to say, because it's hard to believe reviews that are entirely positive. But I truly can't think of anything this place could improve. Very happy with our experience.
- If you're confused about whether to go with the Napo Cultural Center or the Napo Wildlife Reserve, you'll have an awesome experience with either. They're both run by the Kichwa Anangu Community. Our guide told us the main difference is just the location of the lodges - the Wildlife Reserve is a little more remote.
- We went during the last month of rainy season (June). Thought it'd rain constantly everyday, but it didn't. There were showers here and there, but they were quick and didn't interrupt our activities.
