Rise early to explore the birds and wildlife of the fascinating Amazon Basin today - a 2.7-million square mile (6.7 million sq.km) conservation area that is the largest in the world, spreading across nine countries - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana.
Activities vary by lodge but typically include guided walks along the trails that wind through the rainforests of Yasuni National Park and excursions by dugout canoe. As you walk through these woods and past pristine waterfalls, you can marvel at the magnificent trees and the extraordinary variety of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, begonias, lichens and mosses that grow here. 13 different species of monkeys can be found in these rainforests including the red howler, saki, squirrel, woolly, spider, tufted brown capuchin, golden mantle tamarin, titi and night monkey. You may also see caimans, turtles, tapirs, white lipped peccary, a variety of frogs, lizards and many other insects and reptiles, including the anaconda. Streams here are home to a wide variety species of fish and mammals, including the giant otter.
Be sure to look out for some of the colourful birds of the rainforest such as the brilliant golden-headed quetzal, grey-breasted mountain toucan, blue-crowned motmot, umbrella bird, blue-banded toucanet, fruit-eating tanager, red-crested cotinga, banded-tail fruit-eater, harpy eagle, hoatzin, manakin, crested owl, pigmy owl and a variety of flycatchers. Some lodges have access to a parrot clay lick, where most activity happens early in the morning. Up to 11 different species of parrots, parakeets and macaws may be seen feeding on the rich minerals in the soil, although their activity is weather dependant.
You may also be able to climb a canopy tower to see birds that live in the treetop canopy and enjoy amazing views of the jungle. Flocks of colourful tanagers and blue-and yellow macaws may fly through the treetop canopy and you may see spider monkeys searching for fruit. Two species of large toucans can be seen calling in the early mornings and afternoons and birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor are suddenly right beside you, oblivious to your presence.
A visit to a local Kichwa Añangu community is also usually included, to learn more about their ancestral customs and every-day life. At the end of each day relax on the observation deck, enjoy a sundowner or Guayasa tea (a traditional energy drink) and clear views of the night sky.
Note: You daily programme is subject to change, according to weather conditions. A headlamp is essential in the Amazon and assume there will be no mobile phone coverage and weak (or non-existent) WiFi.