The Naku Center

Vaccinations are not required, but check with your local travel clinic for updated information. We recommend that your Hepatitis A/B and Tetanus vaccinations are current. There is currently no Malaria in this part of the Sapara territory.

You will arrive into Quito, Ecuador’s capital to begin your journey. From Quito, the group will travel by van 4.5 to Shell where the group will take a 30-minute flight on 3-5 person small planes. The flight lands on a landing strip carved out in the center of the Llanchamacocha town.

There are less mosquitos than you would expect at Naku, but it is advisable to wear long sleeves and pants and plenty of repellent while inside the forest. Almost all commercial insect repellents contain Deet (N,N – diethylm – toluamide) which is an effective insect repellent yet toxic. It is not necessary to have a repellant with more than 30% Deet. Travelers have successfully used Herbal Armor made by All Terrain, Buzz Away made by Quantum, and Herbal Insect Repellent, made by All Around the World, all containing some combination of citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, cedar, lavender, and other essential oils.

There is no WiFi at the Naku Center. However, if there is an emergency, WiFi can be accessed in Llanchamacocha where the plane lands and the community lives. It is a 10-minute canoe ride from the Naku site.

Our cooking staff are able to cater to most dietary requirements, so please inform the team before arrival.

We have anywhere between 5 and 25 participants for each journey, not including the guides. Participants' ages range from youth to seniors. We encourage a diverse age group with our journeys.

Ecuador’s economy is based on the US dollar and there is no need to exchange US funds. Be sure to bring your dollars in smaller denominations (mostly $1’s, $5’s, $10’s and just a few $20’s). You will find that vendors and local businesses will not have the appropriate change and $1 and $5 bills will be very handy and even necessary.

Credit cards may be accepted at larger establishments but often with a surcharge.

ATMs are available only in Ecuador’s larger cities and pin numbers must not be longer than 4 digits. You will have access to an ATM in Quito upon arrival and then in Puyo or Baños after we get out of the rainforest.

We describe the Naku Center as rustic luxury. Each person will sleep on a single bed on an open air platform with a covered thatched roof. Each bed comes with full linens and a mosquito net. The bathrooms are fully functional, including running filtered water, showers and compost toilets. There are outlets available to charge devices thanks to our solar power technology.

The Amazon rainforest is characterized by rain, heat, and more rain and heat, providing the perfect environment for plants and wildlife. The Amazon is always humid with generous amounts of rain occurring year-round. Both the rainy and “rainier” seasons are great times to visit because there tends to be a greater amount of animal activity. This is due to the fact that an increase in rain brings higher levels of fruit production, which means many species (including monkeys and fruit-eating birds) are more active and begin their reproductive cycles. The Amazon is a unique, unpredictable place, so to ensure the best experience possible it is necessary to come prepared for the unexpected.

The rain becomes more frequent in March and continues through July. August through to early December is more of a fluctuation season, meaning it can rain one minute and be sunny the next. The daytime temperatures in the rainforest are usually 26C to 32C degrees with humidity and in the evenings can fall to 20C degrees. Even though temperatures are warm, it is important to bring clothes that cover your arms and legs due to the bugs, so focus on light, breathable fabrics. Bring a few light layers for evening or sleeping as we are sleeping undercover, but outside with a light blanket.

Click here to view the complete packing list. In short, pack lightly and pack only what you will need. You will want lightweight, moisture-wicking, long sleeved shirts and long pants for the rainforest. We will supply mosquito nets, sleeping mat, pillow and blanket and rubber boots for jungle trekking.

Inside the community, you'll have an opportunity to purchase local handmade crafts like jewelry and ceramics from the woman. We have found that $250 in personal spending cash for inside and outside of the jungle is sufficient.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months past your date of entry in order to enter Ecuador. You will not be allowed to enter the country with a passport that expires within six months of your date of entry. Be sure to check your passport now to see if you meet this requirement so you can secure a timely renewal if necessary. No visa is required for entry with a Canadian or US passport.

We require that you purchase travel insurance (medical & flight cancellation) for your time away from home. This kind of travel can be unpredictable and weather dependent.

Throughout the journey, both in the cities and in the jungle, we will always have access to potable drinking water. We have a 3-stage water filter system at Naku. In the mornings in the jungle, there will be coffee and tea served using purified drinking water.

In countries like Ecuador, diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and hepatitis can be contracted. However, if the necessary preventative steps are taken, these illnesses can be successfully avoided. This information is provided to keep you safe and healthy during the trip. Please review this guide for detailed healthcare information and consult with your doctor for the approach that is best for you. If you are committed to homeopathic or herbal medicines, information on these alternatives is also included.

Medical Information:

Malaria: The rainforest region we will be visiting has very little to no malaria. However, the decision to take preventative medicine is an individual decision. Prescription Malarone has proven most effective for malaria, China is a homeopathic option and Artemisia (Wormwood) is a good herbal option.

Immunizations: No immunizations are required for entry into Ecuador unless you are entering from an endemic area. Yellow fever immunization is required if you are passing through any other South American country on your way to Ecuador (even when you are only in an airport) or if you are entering Ecuador from an endemic area. The Center for Disease Control has an extensive website with travel related information at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm. Your Ecuadorian consulate can also advise you on current requirements.

Please consult your healthcare professional or local travel clinic for more information on these topics and to meet your specific needs. It is generally recommended to have an updated Hep A, Hep B, and Tetanus vaccination. If you choose to get a typhoid vaccination we recommend taking it orally for less side effects.

Intestinal issues:

For intestinal protection, two Pepto Bismol tablets can be taken before each meal. Cinnamon bark and peony – take four capsules before each meal throughout the trip – can have the same effect.

To protect against unwanted bacteria and parasites in the intestines, take two capsules daily before eating of Acidophilus and Bifidus and one capsule of Kyolic garlic. Begin this regime 1 week before departure and continue throughout the trip. We recommend Traveler’s Probiotic by New Roots.