Jungle Lodges on the Lower Rio Napo -- The folks at the Hotel La Misión have a floating-barge hotel, similar to the Manatee listed below. The Flotel La Misión (tel. 02/2553-674 for reservations in Quito, or 06/2880-544 in Coca; www.hotelamision.com) is much more rustic, and I prefer the Manatee for this type of trip.

Note: Salt Licks or Parrot Licks are impressive sights. On sunny days you can find hundreds, if not thousands, of parrots of various species gathering on these patches of exposed red clay to extract salt and other nutrients. The sight and sound of a parrot lick is not to be missed. Two of these licks are found on the grounds of Napo Wildlife Center, and visits here are included in their package prices. Just about all the lodges and riverboats in the region offer day trips to the Parrot Licks, although there's always a surcharge. However, be forewarned: There's often a long period of waiting for the birds to appear, and they sometimes don't show up at all.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.