After a 30-minute flight over the Eastern Andes Mountain Range to reach Coca, take a 10-minute drive and covered boat ride to the Napo Cultural Center. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a traditional Wayusa drink and provided with information about the hotel’s services. After settling into comfortable rooms overlooking the jungle, visitors can do various activities such as a hike to an observation tower to observe the fauna and enjoy an Amazonian sunset, or a sunset kayak ride along the Napo River. Finally, guests return to the hotel to refresh, rest and enjoy dinner.

After breakfast, embark on a motorized canoe journey to the Parrot Clay Lick in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. During the ride, various species of parrots can be observed. Then, walk the Parakeet Trail to observe up to 5 species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws at the clay lick. The site also attracts mammals such as monkeys and jaguars. The morning concludes with a visit to the Kury Muyu intercultural interpretation center, managed by women from the community, where you can learn about Kichwa culture and purchase handmade crafts. After lunch, take a boat excursion on the Añangu stream to observe wildlife. In the afternoon, board a catamaran on the Napo River to learn about the legends and traditional songs of the Kichwa community while enjoying snacks roasted over the fire.

To conclude your experience, you have the option to participate in the guayusada ritual, starting early at 4:30 am. During this ritual, the Kichwa Añangu community shares the sacred guayusa, transmitting their ancient knowledge. The experience includes traditional songs and the possibility of a mamakuna interpreting your dreams. Afterward, you will return to enjoy breakfast while the staff collects your luggage for the return journey to El Coca in comfortable motorized canoes, providing you with the last opportunity to appreciate the landscape of the Ecuadorian tropical rainforest.

Gastronomía del Amazonas Sabores Únicos que Debes Probar

Introduction:

The Ecuadorian Amazon is much more than a vast rainforest; it is a territory filled with native flavors that reflect the deep connection of its people with nature. At the Napo Cultural Center, our lodge located in the very heart of Yasuní National Park, we invite you not only to explore the region’s unique biodiversity but also to delight your palate with an unparalleled culinary experience. From traditional Amazonian ingredients to ancestral cooking techniques, Amazonian gastronomy is a feast for the senses that every nature lover and curious traveler must experience.

1. Amazonian culinary culture and tradition

The gastronomy of the Ecuadorian Amazon is deeply rooted in the traditions of the indigenous communities that inhabit this region. At the Napo Cultural Center, the kitchen is a celebration of native ingredients such as plantains, cassava, chili peppers, and chocolate. These foods are not only essential in the local diet but also hold great cultural and symbolic value.

Our lodge has the advantage of offering you excellent quality in world gastronomy and, in addition, at Kuri Muyu, you can explore new flavors of local cuisine. Dishes are prepared by the Mamakunas who, in addition to cooking them, will show you the entire history that each bite offers.

2. Typical dishes you must try

Every meal at the Napo Cultural Center is an invitation to discover the flavors of the Amazon. Here are some of the most representative dishes you can enjoy:

Chontacuro with Chili, Palm Heart, and Cocoa: Chontacuro is a native larva of the region, known for its flavor slightly similar to bacon. It is grilled and served with chili, native palm heart, plantain, cocoa chips, and cocoa sauce. It is a unique complement with a perfect balance for the more adventurous.

Chontacuro a la brasa, Fotografía: Javier Sandoval

Maito de Pescado: A traditional dish of the Amazon, where fresh fish is wrapped in bijao leaves and slowly cooked. This cooking method preserves the natural flavors of the fish, which are infused with local aromatic herbs, resulting in a delicious and unique taste.
Chicha de Yuca: Yuca is a fundamental ingredient in the Amazonian diet, and this is one of the most ancestral fermented preparations. At Kuri Muyu, you will learn the process and taste this delicious beverage.

Preparación Chicha de Yuca - Fotografía Maxwell Hohn

Fried Plantains: Fried plantain, known as tostón, is a classic accompaniment to many dishes in the region. At the Napo Cultural Center, we prepare them traditionally, serving them crispy and accompanied by homemade sauces that further highlight the flavor of the plantain.
Guayusa Infusion: Guayusa, a native Amazonian plant, is famous for its energizing properties and has been used for centuries by indigenous communities. At the lodge, you can enjoy a cup of fresh guayusa, a natural tea that will revitalize you during your mornings in the jungle.

3. Sustainability and local products

Fotografía Javier Sandoval

One of the foundations of our Amazonian gastronomy is the use of local products, cultivated by the Kichwa Añangu communities. This not only ensures freshness but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainability. By consuming products grown in the region, you contribute to the conservation of the rainforest and the well-being of its inhabitants.

Each ingredient is carefully selected, prioritizing those that are cultivated without harming the ecosystem. The fish come from nearby rivers that are managed sustainably, and the fruits and vegetables are harvested from small organic gardens that promote biodiversity and agroecology.

4. A meeting of flavors in every meal

The Napo Cultural Center invites you to enjoy a complete culinary experience, from breakfast to dinner. Each meal is an opportunity to explore new flavors and traditions.

Gastronomic activities also include workshops where visitors can learn to prepare some of these dishes, such as the Chocolate Experience, where you will learn to make your own chocolate and experience tasting it, from the cacao fruit to chocolate cream.

Fot. Javier Sandoval

Conclusion:
Amazonian gastronomy is a feast for the senses that reflects the cultural and natural richness of the region. At the Napo Cultural Center, we invite you not only to explore the biodiversity of the rainforest but also to experience its unique flavors, the result of an ancestral tradition that has endured for centuries. By enjoying Amazonian food, you are not only savoring the best local ingredients but also supporting sustainability and fair trade in the region.

Would you like to discover more about Amazonian gastronomy? Book your stay with us and live a unique culinary experience in the heart of the Ecuadorian jungle. Don’t forget to follow us on our social networks for more tips, recipes, and news about the Napo Cultural Center.