Western Andes Montane Area

Description of Area: 

Catch a flight from Quito to Coca and travel for 3 hours by boat downriver on the Napo River into the vicinity of Yasuni National Park. Our staging area for three nights is the Sani Birding Lodge. The rainforests here are among the most complex of biological communities, and the many different habitats collectively boast over 500 bird species. 

This region, on the eastern slope of the Andes, is in the tropical lowlands of Western Amazonia. Our lodge lies in the heart of this wilderness, deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon and alongside a small lake, where floating water hyacinths and grasses obscure the shores. The lodge is 100% owned and operated by the Kichwa indigenous community of Sani Isla. The lodge's operations are designed to benefit the community, with profits directly contributing to social and community development, education, and healthcare. 

To the north lies the Cuyabeno Reserve and along the southern border stretches vast Yasuni National Park. In the corridor between, located on 40,000 hectares (100,000 acres) of untouched rainforest lies our lodge, home to 1,500 species of trees, hundreds of climbing vines, and exotic flowers, as well as over 500 species of birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1,000 species of butterflies.

Nearby attractions include:

• Canopy Observation Tower - The 120-foot observation tower is built around a giant kapok tree, the tabular roots of which extend into the forest floor to a length equal to that of the tree itself, providing stability against strong winds.

• Nature Trails -  Trail system, spans over 13 miles offering diverse ecosystem access. The trails are located in terra firme forest, in the vicinity of lagoons, streams and rivers.

• Bird Feeding Stations - Fruit feeding stations and hummingbird feeders are present, but with so many species all around in plentiful numbers they are not as productive as in other locations.

• Nearby Clay Licks - Salt licks are a popular site for naturalists and birdwatchers, offering the opportunity to observe large numbers of parrots, parakeets and parrots ingesting clay that contains essential minerals. The birds fly approximately 35 miles to reach the location where sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and clay are present. The consumption of green fruits that could cause stomach upset is counteracted by the action of the clay, which works as an antacid.

• Canoe Rides - The lagoon and its associated streams provide a variety of opportunities for wildlife observation, including birds, monkeys, caimans, and endangered species such as anacondas and giant river otters. Canoe rides are a popular offering the opportunity to observe wildlife in comfort.

• Night Walks - Explore a different world within the amazon with nightjars, owls and more. As well as astrophotography opportunities (weather permitting).