Frequent Ask Questions
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Preparing for your journey**
Welcome to our FAQ page, designed to provide you with answers to common questions about our tours in Yasuní National Park. We understand that planning a trip to such a unique and biodiverse location can raise a lot of questions. Below, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
**1. How can I book a tour to Yasuní National Park?**
Booking a tour with us is easy! You can visit our website and explore the available tour options. Once you’ve found the tour that suits your preferences, send us an email asking for availability on the dates you wish to visit us. If you need assistance or have any questions, our customer service team is always here to help.
**2. What types of tours do you offer?**
We offer a range of tours catering to different interests and durations. Our tours may include guided hikes, canoe trips, wildlife spotting, kayaking, and cultural experiences with indigenous communities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, birdwatcher, photographer, or simply seeking a deep connection with the rainforest, we have a tour for you.
**3. Are the tours suitable for all ages and fitness levels?**
We offer tours suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and ages. Some tours involve moderate physical activity, while others are more relaxed. It’s essential to read the tour descriptions and choose one that aligns with your physical abilities and preferences. The minimum age recommended for a tour is 5 years old, a private guide is strongly advised.
**4. What is the best time to visit Yasuní National Park?**
Yasuní National Park can be visited year-round. However, the dry season (June to November) is often considered the best time for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities due to fewer rain showers. The wet season (December to May) offers lush vegetation and is ideal for birdwatching and photography.
**5. What should I pack for the tour, how much weight can I bring?**
Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing that covers your full body suitable for the rainforest climate. Don’t forget essentials like insect repellent, sun protection, a hat, and a raincoat. Camera gear, binoculars, and a reusable water bottle are also recommended.
For the flight to Coca, airlines require that checked baggage be limited to a weight of 23 kilograms per person. However, heavier items, such as cameras and books, can be carried in your hand bag (limited to 8 kilograms) if necessary.
At the camp we do not have a limit on weight on what you bring. We have a storage space in Coca, you can leave your extra bags there.
**6. Are there any health precautions I should take?**
While the Amazon Rainforest is generally safe, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before traveling. Vaccinations and preventive medications might be recommended based on your individual health and medical history.
Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/travel) or the World Health Organization (who.int/en) for the latest on required and recommended vaccines. You’ll want to visit your doctor or local travel clinic a couple of months before departure to allow time for any vaccinations to take effect or to fill any prescriptions.
**7. Is there a minimum group size for tours?**
Tour group sizes vary based on the specific tour. Some tours may have a minimum group size to ensure a fulfilling experience. Check the tour details or contact us for more information.
**8. How do I get to Yasuní National Park?**
Our tours start in the city of Coca, we include transportation arrangements to and from the park. There are bus services, flights and shared taxi services from Quito to Coca and back, please ask us for further information. One of our staff members will be waiting for you upon your arrival to the city of Coca.
**9. Do I need to take money for the tour, can I use US dollars?**
Official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar. It is advisable to bring bills no over $20 as it is difficulty people to accept them on the street. Our tours include meals and soft drinks, if you want to purchase alcoholic drinks, sodas or souvenirs, we only take cash. Tips are not included on our tour price.
**10. How do I pay for the tour?**
Payment details are provided during the booking process. We usually accept credit card payments or bank transfers for secure transactions.
**11. Is electricity available at the camp?**
We have a small generator running from 6 pm to 10 pm, in this time frame you can recharge your electronics. Be sure to bring a global travel adapter set with you to recharge your electronics at our charging station. In Ecuador you will find Type A and B sockets.
**12. What is the food like?**
All meals are included during your stay at Mandari Panga with a soft drink or water. Alcoholic and additional drinks are extra. Our chef provide a variety of excellent local, and national dishes. For the preparation of all food, including salads, juices, and ice, we use purified bottled water.
**13. Should I bring some medications?**
Carry your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in their original containers in your carry-on luggage. Pack a simple first-aid kit along with medicines for motion sickness and mild upset stomach. As a precaution, use only bottled water and avoid foods from street vendors.
We hope these answers help clarify any uncertainties you may have had about touring Yasuní National Park. If you have further questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated customer service team. We look forward to helping you create memories of a lifetime in this magnificent rainforest ecosystem.
Here you will find some of our recommendations on what to bring to your amazon rainforest adventure.
Overall, packing the right gear can make all the difference on an Amazon Rainforest tour. With these essential items, you'll be prepared to explore the jungle and make memories that will last a lifetime.
INSECT REPELLANT
Natural based repellant as its benefits:
- Safer for your skin: Natural-based insect repellents are often made with plant-based ingredients, such as citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus, which are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions than chemical-based repellents like DEET.
- Better for the environment: Chemical-based insect repellents can have negative impacts on the environment, including water and air pollution. Natural-based repellents, on the other hand, are typically biodegradable and have a lower impact on the environment.
- Effective against a range of insects: Many natural-based insect repellents are effective at repelling a range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and flies, which can be important if you're traveling to an area with a high risk of insect-borne diseases.
- Pleasant scent: Natural-based insect repellents often have a pleasant, natural scent, which can be more appealing than the strong, chemical smell of some synthetic repellents.
