The town of Coca is a fairly uninspiring gateway to some of the most astounding biodiversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon. From Coca take a motorised canoe and head down the magnificent Rio Napo, deep into the Yasuni National Park and Amazon basin. This area is home to indigenous populations as well as over 300 species of mammal, more than 350 types of reptile and over 800 species of fish.

Deep within the forest a handful of beautiful rustic wooden lodges offer well organised fixed programmes, including all activities and meals during a typical three-night stay. Activities during a stay in the Amazon generally involve nature walks and boat trips designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the unique ecosystems. Your naturalist guide will be on hand to help you look for lurking caiman, playful river otters, howler monkeys and, if you are very lucky, the elusive jaguar. Bird lovers will not be disappointed; the areas is home to a huge array of species including toucans, macaws and tanagers.