Napo Cultural Center, Yasuni National Park

4.7 (17 reviews) · Standard
Immersive jungle experience along the Napo River with modern comforts and traditional cuisine

Overview

Immerse yourself in the allure of the Ecuadorian Amazon at the Napo Cultural Center. This eco-friendly lodge offers a blend of modern accommodations and traditional Kichwa culture. Tucked away in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Yasuni National Park, the property is in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, along the banks of the Napo River. You'll be staying within one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, enveloped by the sights and sounds of nature.

The Napo Cultural Center's cabins are designed to provide comfort and authenticity. Each spacious hut is furnished with a sense of traditional Kichwa craftsmanship, offering a cozy and comfortable retreat with a private balcony. Past kimkim travelers have highlighted the cleanliness of the rooms and the attention to detail in making each space welcoming and comfortable. The added bonus of satellite internet available in rooms and main areas allows you to stay connected.

At the Napo Cultural Center, you can enjoy traditional and modern Ecuadorian cuisine prepared with local and seasonal ingredients. After your jungle expeditions, you'll be treated to a range of culinary delights, from fresh tropical fruits to organic vegetables grown nearby. The bar offers a selection of classic drinks with a local touch, perfect for unwinding. The Center also offers direct contact with the Kichwa Community, allowing you to partake in ancestral rites like the Wayusada Ceremony or the Kichwa Catamaran, emulating trade routes along the river.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +593 22547758
Hotel address icon Yánez Pinzón N26 - 131 y la Niña
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Hospitality

The staff, including the Kichwa Añangu community, guides like Sergio and Tyson, and chefs, were frequently praised for their knowledge, helpfulness, and genuine care for guests' experiences. (8 mentions)

Allison
“the staff working here show tremendous pride in what they do and care immensely in a guest's experience, while also fostering a caring atmosphere and family for staff.”  — Allison C.
Patricia
“the warm and genuine hospitality of the Kichwa Añangu community enveloped me, creating an immediate sense of connection with the people and the land.”  — Patricia D.
D
“we were spoiled with fresh cold towels and refreshing natural juices after each adventure”  — Diana H.
Accommodation

The lodges and cabins were noted for being spacious, comfortable, and eco-friendly, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings while providing comfort. (7 mentions)

D
“A very unique setting for a beautiful and extremely charming lodge”  — Diana H.
J
“The guide , the program , the food, and the accommodations were so wonderful .”  — Jill T.
Patricia
“The eco-friendly lodges seamlessly blend with the lush surroundings, offering a perfect balance of comfort and immersion in nature.”  — Patricia D.
Food

The food was frequently mentioned as delicious, abundant, and prepared by skillful chefs. Special mention was given to the fresh cold towels and natural juices provided after adventures. (7 mentions)

D
“The food was delicious and abundant”  — Diana H.
D
“Special shoutout to the chefs and the restaurant staff for doing an awesome job during each meal”  — Diana H.
Thomas
“An on-duty chef prepared fantastic meals...even including a beautiful birthday cake for my birthday.”  — Thomas R.
Nature and Wildlife

Guests enjoyed the diverse wildlife, including exotic birds, and activities such as canopy tours, night hikes, and canoe rides that provided intimate encounters with the rainforest. (5 mentions)

Patricia
“The sight of brilliantly colored parrots and macaws gathering to feed was a breathtaking display of nature's artistry.”  — Patricia D.
Patricia
“Waking up to the symphony of exotic birds and the vibrant hues of the sunrise over the Napo River is an experience that transcends words.”  — Patricia D.
Patricia
“The ethereal beauty of the jungle unfolded before my eyes, with every step revealing a new wonder.”  — Patricia D.

Traveler Reviews

17 total ratings, 13 with reviews
4.7
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.9
Location
4.8
Staff
4.9
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.7
C
Cathy V.
| Reviewed on Sep 04, 2024
Best experience I had! Read more

Best experience I had!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2024
Patricia
Patricia D.
Talladega, AL | Reviewed on Dec 28, 2023
Nestled deep within the enchanting embrace of the Amazon Rainforest, the Napo Cultural Center stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of indigenous culture and the awe-inspiring biodiversity that defines the lungs of our planet. My recent visit to this extraordinary destination was nothing short of magical, leaving me with memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. From the moment I arrived, the warm and genuine hospitality of the Kichwa Añangu community enveloped me, creating an... Read more

Nestled deep within the enchanting embrace of the Amazon Rainforest, the Napo Cultural Center stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of indigenous culture and the awe-inspiring biodiversity that defines the lungs of our planet. My recent visit to this extraordinary destination was nothing short of magical, leaving me with memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. From the moment I arrived, the warm and genuine hospitality of the Kichwa Añangu community enveloped me, creating an immediate sense of connection with the people and the land. The eco-friendly lodges seamlessly blend with the lush surroundings, offering a perfect balance of comfort and immersion in nature. Waking up to the symphony of exotic birds and the vibrant hues of the sunrise over the Napo River is an experience that transcends words. The guided tours provided an invaluable insight into the intricate web of life within the Amazon Rainforest. Knowledgeable local guides, who are deeply connected to their ancestral lands, shared their wisdom about the flora and fauna, medicinal plants, and the delicate ecological balance that sustains this unparalleled ecosystem. The ethereal beauty of the jungle unfolded before my eyes, with every step revealing a new wonder. One highlight of my stay was a visit to the parrot clay licks, a spectacle that can only be described as a vibrant, living canvas. The sight of brilliantly colored parrots and macaws gathering to feed was a breathtaking display of nature's artistry. Additionally, a canoe ride along the Napo River offered a serene and intimate encounter with the heart of the rainforest, where the interconnectedness of the flora and fauna became abundantly clear.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2023
Aidan
Aidan S.
India | Reviewed on Dec 18, 2023
Beautiful location, amazing food, and the best people! Read more

Beautiful location, amazing food, and the best people!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2023
J
Jamie R.
Chapel Hill, NC | Reviewed on Dec 10, 2023
We loved the setting, excursions, guide, and food. The grounds could use some maintenance. Hot and no AC but lots of fans kept us comfortable. Read more

We loved the setting, excursions, guide, and food. The grounds could use some maintenance. Hot and no AC but lots of fans kept us comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms are great with ceiling and 2 standing fans, fridge. No AC
Stayed in November 2023
A
Ann F.
| Reviewed on Aug 02, 2023
Our experience was incredible! Our guide Sergio was the best guide we could have asked for. Knowledgeable, helpful,positve and friendly! Read more

Our experience was incredible! Our guide Sergio was the best guide we could have asked for. Knowledgeable, helpful,positve and friendly!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023
X
Xavier M.
Bulgaria | Reviewed on May 24, 2023
simple yet nice location Read more

simple yet nice location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
D
David s.
Fair Oaks, CA | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2023
Wonderful people and experience! Bring an appetite - they give you enough food for an army! Read more

Wonderful people and experience! Bring an appetite - they give you enough food for an army!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Jungle canopy tower, parrots and parakeets at clay lick, blackwater canoe trip.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2023
D
Diana H.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2023
A very unique setting for a beautiful and extremely charming lodge - cabins are spacious and super comfortable and the best part is feeling like you are living in the wilderness of the jungle while in the comfort of your private space.
The food was delicious and abundant, we were spoiled with fresh cold towels and refreshing natural juices after each adventure. Special shoutout to the chefs and the restaurant staff for doing an awesome job during each meal.
But the biggest and best mention...
Read more

A very unique setting for a beautiful and extremely charming lodge - cabins are spacious and super comfortable and the best part is feeling like you are living in the wilderness of the jungle while in the comfort of your private space.
The food was delicious and abundant, we were spoiled with fresh cold towels and refreshing natural juices after each adventure. Special shoutout to the chefs and the restaurant staff for doing an awesome job during each meal.
But the biggest and best mention and thanks goes to the manager of the lodge and to our guide « Tyson « for making this whole experience so memorable and unique!
Highly recommend it!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2022
Allison
Allison C.
Portland, OR | Reviewed on Jan 17, 2023
Wonderful activities to do and explore with your guide just outside your door...viewing wildlife, canopy tour, night hike. The food was wonderful and the staff working here show tremendous pride in what they do and care immensely in a guest's experience, while also fostering a caring atmosphere and family for staff. Read more

Wonderful activities to do and explore with your guide just outside your door...viewing wildlife, canopy tour, night hike. The food was wonderful and the staff working here show tremendous pride in what they do and care immensely in a guest's experience, while also fostering a caring atmosphere and family for staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
incredibly attentive to all details and showing so much pride in their work and staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Had all the comforts of home, just in the Amazon river basin!!
Stayed in December 2022
Sundar
Sundar S.
India | Reviewed on Sep 25, 2022
One of the best places to visit and stay
Strongly recommend the place
Wish we had electric buggies to transport senior citizens like us from the boat Pier
Read more

One of the best places to visit and stay
Strongly recommend the place
Wish we had electric buggies to transport senior citizens like us from the boat Pier

Authenticity & Character
Simply best
Location
Eric the chief all the staff working as family very happy and helpful
Staff
Very humble kind and felt like home
Cleanliness & Comfort
Decent
Stayed in September 2022

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

Get started

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +593 22547758
Hotel address icon Yánez Pinzón N26 - 131 y la Niña