Minga Lodge & Reserve
From $2010 per person
Immerse yourself in the unforgettable experience of visiting the Ecuadorian Amazon. Imagine seeing parrots, sloths, toucans and monkeys in their natural habitat. You will be able to share with the members of the community, while they teach you about their gastronomy, beliefs and traditions in the 7,000 acre rainforest reserve that houses Minga Lodge & Reserve.
- Activity Level: Easy / Moderate
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Highlights: Birdwatching, Rainforest Hike, Fishing Adventure, Coffee Tasting, Kichwa Cooking, Chocolate Making and Tasting
Itinerary
Day 1 Minga Lodge & Reserve (L,D)
Departure from Quito in a flight of approximately 35 minutes to El Coca (a city located in the Amazon region) that crosses diverse landscapes and climates. Then you will board a private canoe upriver for 2 hours that will take you to Minga Lodge.
On arrival, your guide will be waiting for you to take you on your first hike through the rainforest. You will discover the lush, unique flora and impressive wildlife that this place harbors.
The Ecuadorian Amazon is known worldwide for its communities. You will have the opportunity to experience a cleansing and blessing ceremony by one of the Shamans. You will also learn about the medicinal qualities of some of the plants.
Continuing with the cultural activities, get ready to learn about the traditional hunting weapons of the community that inhabits this area. Test your skills by throwing a spear and shooting a blowgun at the fruits that are mounted on sticks.
After a long day, you will return to the Lodge to enjoy a delicious dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Minga Lodge.
Day 2 Minga Lodge & Reserve (B,L,D)
This day starts early in the morning to enjoy bird watching.
Explore a smaller river that feeds into the Napo River using a canoe or kayak, where it's common to see over 30 bird species in just one hour. Among them are the unique Hoatzin, known for its prehistoric appearance, and magnificent eagles.
Enjoy your breakfast and get ready to continue exploring this paradise with a walk through the gigantic trees, vines, and amidst the howling of monkeys and the chirping of birds. Get your camera ready to capture parrots, hummingbirds, colorful butterflies, armadillos, or owls.
On the way back to the lodge you will be able to refresh yourself and enjoy our gastronomy, with a lunch prepared with local ingredients.
After lunch, we will continue with a guided tour of a large farm. Enjoy the "Taste Alley", where you can sample a variety of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables that are probably new to you.
Our day is ending with sweetness. Have your 5 senses ready because you will have the opportunity to meet the cocoa growers, and learn how to make chocolate from the bean. After an extensive explanation about this product, you will go to the professional kitchen for a chocolate tasting experience.
After a long day with many activities, our guide will take you back to Minga Lodge for dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Minga Lodge.
Day 3 Minga Lodge & Reserve (B,L,D)
Start your day with a tasting of locally sourced and expertly roasted coffee. Enjoy the aroma, acidity, body and flavor of coffee prepared in different ways.
After your breakfast, you will have the opportunity to share with the community and learn more about their daily activities and how they generate their income.
Meet talented female artisans who sustainably earn income by crafting traditional jewelry. Using locally gathered nuts and seeds from the rainforest, they create distinctive jewelry pieces that showcase indigenous craftsmanship.
After lunch, you will visit a local farmer and help him harvest the fruits and vegetables from his land. Back at Minga Lodge, you will use these and other products to prepare delicious traditional dishes with Kichwa chefs.
After dinner you will be able to rest to prepare for your return to Quito tomorrow.
Dinner and overnight at Minga Lodge.
Day 4 Minga Lodge & Reserve (B)
Breakfast and an early departure from the lodge. A 2-hour canoe trip awaits you back to Coca for your 35 minute flight back to Quito.
Prices
Prices 2025
4 Day / 3 Night Tour- DBL or TPL Standard Cabin
- $1785 p/p + $225 p/p conservation fee
- Single Cabin
- $2235 p/p + $225 conservation fee
- DBL or TPL Standard Cabin
- $2380 p/p + $300 p/p conservation fee
- Single Cabin
- $2980 p/p + $300 conservation fee
Price includes:
Accommodation in air-conditioned private cabins, meals as specified (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), river transportation Coca – Minga Lodge – Coca, excursions with native & bilingual guide, rain poncho and rubber boots if needed, WiFi, filterted drinking water.
Not included:
International flights, Airline tickets Coca – Quito – Coca US$275 p/p (subject to change), personal travel insurance, alcoholic and soft drinks, tips and personal expenses
Notes:
Prices are stated in US Dollars.
Prices are valid until 31st December 2025.
Please note that airfares are subject to change without previous notice.
Departures available any day of the week, except Sunday.
We want everyone to enjoy this experience! If you have any accessibility needs, reach out to us in advance and we’ll adapt the itinerary where possible.
