MANDARI PANGA LODGE

Wake up to the sounds of exotic birds, enjoy a hearty breakfast and prepare for canoeing downriver the Tiputini River, followed by a hike back to the lodge on the Spider Monkey Trail. Spot colorful birds, playful monkeys and even a sloth hanging lazily from a tree branch while canoeing with the motor off. Hike through dense vegetation, crossing streams and small waterfalls, learning fascinating facts about the flora and fauna. Return to the lodge feeling exhilarated and invigorated, reflecting on the incredible adventure in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
After our morning of adventure and exploration, we'll return to the campsite for a delicious lunch. Following our meal, we'll have some time to rest and recharge for the afternoon's activities.
Later in the day, we'll have the opportunity to learn about the local culture through engaging and interactive cultural activities. Weaving is an integral part of the indigenous culture in the Amazon, and we'll have the chance to create a small piece of woven fabric using traditional techniques. In addition to weaving, we'll also have the opportunity to make handcrafts using natural materials found in the surrounding jungle. We'll learn about the importance of sustainability and how the area's indigenous people have lived in harmony with the environment for centuries.

Finally, we'll learn about the process of making chocolate from cacao seeds, a beloved treat people worldwide enjoy. We'll discover the traditional methods the indigenous people use to prepare the cacao and have the opportunity to taste the delicious finished product. These cultural activities offer a unique and authentic perspective on life in the Amazon and will surely be a highlight of our trip.

After a delicious dinner at our campsite, we can hike through the jungle for a night. This unique experience allows us to observe the nocturnal creatures of the Amazon, including frogs, snakes, and other wildlife that only emerge after dark. With the help of our guide and a flashlight, we'll walk along the trail, listening to the sounds of the jungle.

After an early breakfast (6:30), we will cross to the other side of the Tiputini River in a traditional canoe and start a walk of approximately 3 hours along a loop trail passing through the spectacular virgin jungle. We'll arrive at the lagoon of the anacondas where, with luck, you will be able to see this reptile so characteristic of the area.
We'll return to camp for lunch, and you'll have time to relax in your hammock or tent, walk around the campsite, and even cool down with a swim in a tranquil tributary of the Tiputini river.
In the evening, we'll take our canoe to La Casa de la Abuela, the home of the community's founder. Situated on a 50-meter-high hill, this traditional home offers an incredible view of the surrounding area and is considered the Harpy Eagle's nest of the region. Here, we'll learn about the way of life in the jungle and the community's history and traditions, including how to make the traditional drink, chicha. We'll witness the incredible sunset, and we will hike our way back to our campsite.
After a delicious dinner at our campsite, we can participate in a night hike on the Toucan trail through the jungle. This unique experience allows us to observe the nocturnal creatures of the Amazon, including frogs, snakes, and other wildlife that only emerge after dark. With the help of our guide and a flashlight, we'll walk along the trail, listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Each day's activities will be planned the night before, based on weather conditions, animal activity, sightings, and current hotspots known by the local guides. This area has different environments: terra firme and igapo forest, black water lagoons, and white water rivers.
Parrot clay-lick. There is one clay-lick close to the campsite and another close the community center. Birds are usually more active early in the morning; we will leave the camp around 5 am to visit either of these sites. There are various types of parrots, like the Orange-cheeked Parrot.

El Moretal. This site is just crossing a small river from the camp. Morete is a type of palm tree, and local refers to Moretal to a lowland flooded forest composed by this palm. This hike is near or in swamp areas. This ecosystem is a perfect area to see birds during the day, like the Long-tailed potoo.

Tiputini river. This river flows west to east and passes all the Yasuni National Park, and in some areas, it is the natural limit between the Kichwa and Huaorani communities. This river carries a lot of nutrients in its water. We will leave early in the morning for a canoe ride; we will turn the motor off and go with the flow. Birding here is nice and relaxing. This is an excellent opportunity to see swallows, kiskadees, kingfishers, woodpeckers, potoos, and others. If we are lucky, we might see river dolphins.

Blackwater lagoons. There are a few of these in this area. We can find hoatzins, herons, pigeons, tanagers, swallows, and others. And with some luck, the giant otter. This is a mixed activity, hiking and canoeing.

Trails by the camp. One trail (Peccary trail) starts just back of the restaurant, and another two trails are crossing the Tiputini River and the Yutzuyacu River from the camp. Most are loop trails with options of length. Most of the time it is not necessary to walk long distances to observe a good variety of birds.