Yasuni National Park 3-day Amazon wildlife tour from Coca

Canopy tower, clay licks, and night walks through the Amazon's richest wildlife zone

A 3-day guided tour of Yasuni National Park departing from Coca combines motorized canoe travel, a 40-meter climb into the rainforest canopy, visits to parrot and macaw clay licks, and indigenous community cultural demonstrations. Guides speak English or Spanish; pickup from Coca is included; children from age 7 are welcome. Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hammocked balconies serve as your base between daily jungle walks and night excursions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and jungle exploration

• Depart from Coca at 07:30 by public canoe
• Receive welcome cocktail and check into rooms
• Lunch at the lodge
• Walk to Mandy Forest river to observe wildlife
• Paddle in lagoon and fish piranhas
• Observe alligators
• Night walk to see nocturnal animals
• Dinner and rest

Day 2 — Observation tower and cultural visit

• Breakfast at 06:00
• Boat to Añangu community
• Climb 40m canopy observation tower
• Visit parrot and parakeet clay licks
• Visit community centre for cultural demonstrations
• Buy local handicrafts
• Short night walk to see nocturnal rainforest animals
• Dinner and rest

Day 3 — Cultural activities and return

• Breakfast at 07:30
• Visit indigenous community centre for cultural demonstrations
• Lunch with typical Amazon dish "Maito de Pescado"
• Board public canoe from Pilche to Coca between 12:00 and 13:00
• Arrive in Coca around 16:00

The Experience

The tour starts with a 7:30 a.m. departure from Coca by public canoe (or a private shared canoe if you need airport pickup at a specific time). After arriving at the community lodge, you'll settle into a comfortable room built with jungle materials, complete with a private bathroom, mosquito net, and a hammock on the balcony. That afternoon, you walk the Mandy Forest trail along a small river where you'll watch for monkeys, birds, amphibians and insects, paddle in the lagoon, fish for piranhas, and spot alligators. A night walk follows dinner, searching for nocturnal insects, night monkeys and amphibians before you return around 20:00 to 21:00.

Day two begins at 6:00 a.m. with breakfast, then a motorized canoe ride to the Añangu community and the canopy observation tower inside Yasuni National Park. You climb the 40-meter tower to see the rainforest canopy and, on clear days, the distant Andes. The parrot and macaw clay licks come next—a site where wild parrots, macaws and sometimes collared peccaries or wild pigs gather, though success depends on weather and animal movement. In the afternoon, you visit the community center for cultural demonstrations and a chance to buy handcrafted goods made by local women from seeds and jungle materials. Another short night walk precedes dinner and rest.

On the final morning, breakfast is at 7:30 a.m., followed by more time at the indigenous community center for cultural activities. Lunch features maito de pescado, a typical Amazon fish dish. Between 12:00 and 13:00, you board a public canoe from Pilche back to Coca, arriving around 16:00. The operator notes that all schedules can shift because the canoes are shared with local travelers and subject to public transport timing. Rubber boots up to size 44, rain ponchos and purified water are provided throughout.

What’s included

• Motorized canoe transport to and from Coca.
• comfortable lodge room with private bathroom and hammock balcony.
• 40-meter canopy observation tower entry.
• parrot and macaw clay lick visits.
• indigenous community cultural demonstrations and handicraft shopping.
• jungle walks along Mandy Forest river with wildlife observation.
• night walks for nocturnal species.
• meals (lunch and dinner on days one and two, breakfast and lunch on day three).
• rubber boots, rain ponchos and purified water.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Amazon Wildlife Tour Ecuador

Is this one for you?The three-day span is what makes the canopy tower, clay licks and night walks possible without rushing—each day builds on the last, and the comfortable rooms mean you rest between walks instead of pushing through on adrenaline alone. Book this if you want to see the Amazon's richest wildlife zone without the logistics of arranging canoes, guides and community access yourself.

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Top questions

What wildlife can I expect to see on the Yasuni National Park tour?

Monkeys, parrots, macaws, alligators, piranhas, amphibians, insects and sometimes wild pigs or collared peccaries appear along the Mandy Forest river, in the canopy tower views, and at the parrot clay licks. Night walks add nocturnal species like night monkeys and insects. Sightings depend on weather and animal activity.

How high is the canopy observation tower and what does it show?

The canopy tower stands 40 meters tall and lets you see the Amazon rainforest canopy in full view. On clear days, you can see all the way to the distant Andes mountains from the top.

What are the parrot clay licks and why do animals gather there?

Parrot and macaw clay licks are natural sites where wild birds congregate to consume mineral-rich clay. You visit these licks on day two to observe parrots and macaws of different colors, and occasionally larger animals like wild pigs or collared peccaries that also use the site.

What kind of accommodation do I get during the tour?

You stay in comfortable rooms built with jungle materials, each with a private bathroom, mosquito net, towels, toilet paper, soap and a balcony with a hammock for resting between walks.

Is pickup from Coca airport included, and what time does the tour start?

Pickup from Coca is included; the standard departure is 7:30 a.m. by public canoe. If you need pickup at a specific airport arrival time, a private shared canoe is available for an additional fee.

What should I bring or wear for three days in the Amazon jungle?

Rubber boots up to size 44, rain ponchos and purified water are provided. Bring lightweight, quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, sun protection and a headlamp or flashlight for night walks. The lodge provides mosquito nets and hammocks for rest periods.