Napo Wildlife Center: A lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon where you can unwind in 2026 with Joselyn Pilatasig and Natalia Santamaría | Travel Blog

Ecuador’s Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where wildlife, culture, and conservation come together. Located in the heart of this extraordinary ecosystem, Napo Wildlife Center is a leading example of community-based tourism and sustainable travel.

In this second issue of SCAPE Magazine, we explore the future of travel in 2026 through an exclusive interview with Joselyn Pilatasig, Sales Coordinator for Napo Wildlife Center and Yasuní Eco Lodge, and Natalia Santamaría, Sales Executive. They share their insights on Amazon tourism, emerging travel trends, and why Ecuador’s rainforest deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list.

Table of contents

• The Personal Journey Behind the Experience
  • Joselyn Pilatasig's Path in Tourism
  • Natalia Santamaría's Love for Ecuador
  • Why They Love What They Do
• STORY TIME: Wildlife Encounters They'll Never Forget
  • Joselyn's jaguar encounter
  • Natalia's Otter Experience
• Wellness in the Amazon
• Amazonian Gastronomy: Flavors of the Rainforest
  • Maito: the dish prepared by the “mamacunas” (h3)
• An interesting fact you didn't know about the Ecuadorian Amazon (h2)
• Travel Tips for First-Time Amazon Travelers (H2)
  • What Should You Pack? (H3)
  • Common Mistakes Travelers Make
• Napo Wildlife Center featured in SCAPE Magazine II
• Exclusive benefit for SCAPE Readers
• Looking Ahead: Travel Trends for 2026 (h2)
• FAQs

Continue reading to discover the rainforest’s hidden treasures and one of Ecuador’s leading eco-lodges!

 

The Personal Journey Behind the Experience

Joselyn Pilatasig's Path in Tourism

Joselyn Pilatasig has been involved in the tourism industry in one way or another since she was a child. Joselyn first became interested in tourism while still in school, where her passion stemmed from her interest in cultures, the arts, and travel. She later pursued a degree in tourism and worked for various travel agencies before landing a position at the Napo Wildlife Center/Yasuní Eco Lodge. 

She has now been working there for over four years and is very grateful to be able to promote the Ecuadorian Amazon through the lodge.

Natalia Santamaría's Love for Ecuador

Tourism has captured Natalia’s heart ever since she first became interested in it as a child. As a young girl, she traveled all over Ecuador with her parents, eager to explore every region of the country. From a very early age, she was fascinated by learning about different cultures, the varied climates of different countries, and how people there live and make a living. 

Today, she is delighted to work for this lodge and is passionate about promoting Ecuador or, as she calls it, “the country of four worlds.”

Why They Love What They Do 

From Joselyn’s perspective, what she loves most about her job is making a positive difference in travelers’ lives, helping them achieve their goals and make their travel dreams come true. 

“Seeing travelers excited when they arrive at their destination and witnessing the joy on their faces as they leave with memories that will last a lifetime” is what makes Joselyn happiest.

Natalia, likewise, loves helping her travelers make their trips a reality. She even shares this quote with us: a trip is experienced in three ways:

• When you plan it.
• When you live it.
• When you remember it.

 

For Natalia, the memories travelers create throughout their trips are the greatest and most meaningful reward for her.

STORY TIME: Wildlife Encounters They'll Never Forget

Joselyn's jaguar encounter

One experience that will always stand out for Joselyn was when she was heading out on an excursion with the guests; unexpectedly, a jaguar appeared nearby. Neither the guests nor the staff had anticipated the chance to see such a rare animal.

She not only remembers the image of the jaguar itself, but what left the deepest impression on her was the joy and excitement reflected on the faces of her fellow travelers when they saw it.

Natalia's Otter Experience

Natalia enthusiastically recounts a time when she came across some otters. She explains that to see the otters, you have to make a specific sound, and then they appear. 

She recalls that this experience was one of her favorites because the feeling of seeing the otters up close is priceless.

Wellness in the Amazon

The Amazon provides a natural setting for guests to find wellness and reconnect with themselves.

One of the first things guests notice when they arrive in the Amazon is the fresh air, the lack of city noise and their ability to begin reconnecting with themselves. Guests can take advantage of this tranquil setting and put their devices away to concentrate on their current experience.

Joselyn and Natalia see wellness as more than simply feeling relaxed; it is also about healing through nature and finding inner peace. 

Amazonian Gastronomy: Flavors of the Rainforest

When dining at the Napo Wildlife Center's restaurants, diners will learn about the cooking traditions of that region’s indigenous tribes and how to utilize local resources to nourish themselves.

The local ingredients include:

• White cacao
• Green plantains
• Native Amazonian fruits
• Traditional regional products

 

The menus in hotels represent both culinary traditions from the area and how Amazonian native peoples have devised ways of using their natural environment for food and shelter.

Maito: the dish prepared by the “mamacunas”

Both Natalia and Joselyn stated that the most surprising dish for international visitors is a type of fish/poultry cooked with natural herbs called maito, a dish traditionally prepared by "mamacuna", certain local women, that showcases unique flavors and methods of cooking from the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Most visitors have no idea what to expect when they first try maito; they generally end up loving it to the point where it has become one of their all-time favorite new discoveries.

An interesting fact you didn't know about the Ecuadorian Amazon

When we think of the Amazon, the first thing that comes to mind is Brazil’s vast Amazon rainforest.

But Natalia shares an interesting fact that you probably didn’t know.

"In Ecuador, for every square meter within our Amazon, there is greater biodiversity of both plants and animals; therefore, per square kilometer, you’ll find more wildlife. 

For this reason, if you’re reading this blog, you should choose the Ecuadorian Amazon so that the wildlife can surprise you.

Travel Tips for First-Time Amazon Travelers

What Should You Pack?

Natalia recommends bringing:

• Sunglasses
• Insect Repellent
• Light, Waterproof Clothing
• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Long Sleeve Shirts 
• Sunscreen
• A flashlight for nighttime activities

 

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

According to the team, first-time visitors often:

• Forget insect repellent
• Leave sunscreen behind
• Do not bring a hat for sun protection
• Pack inappropriate footwear
• Forget a flashlight for evening excursions

 

Napo Wildlife Center featured in SCAPE Magazine II

Being selected for the second issue of SCAPE magazine is an extraordinary honor for all of us at the Napo Wildlife Center. 

“I'm truly proud to know that our project continues to be featured in one of the best magazines, and I also want to thank them for helping us showcase a part of Ecuador,” Joselyn says enthusiastically.

With the same joy, Natalia mentions that she feels great satisfaction knowing that the work everyone does, both the community and her team is recognized, and she feels very proud that we are once again being considered to showcase the project to an international audience.

Exclusive benefit for SCAPE Readers

As a special benefit for SCAPE Magazine readers, Napo Wildlife Center is offering:

50% OFF Quito–Coca airfare, this is an exclusive opportunity to make your Amazon adventure even more accessible.

Looking Ahead: Travel Trends for 2026

Joselyn tells us that every day they create new and exciting experiences for guests.

And she shares some exclusive news with us: They will soon be developing new lodges and personalized experiences to better connect with travelers around the world.

"Visit Ecuador. Visit the Amazon. Come and experience everything we have shared for yourself." The Country of Four Worlds is waiting for you.

FAQs

What Makes Napo Wildlife Center Unique?

Napo Wildlife Center is a place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature in the heart of Yasuní National Park. Uniquely, it is 100% owned and operated by the Añangu Community, making it a global leader in community-based tourism.

What wildlife can visitors expect to see?

Examples of the wildlife visitors might encounter during their stay include: Jaguars, Giant Otters, Monkeys, Caimans and hundreds of species of birds.

What is the most popular cultural experience?

The Cooking Classes and Meeting people within the Añangu Community provide some of the most genuine cultural experiences possible in Ecuador's Amazon region.

What exclusive benefit do SCAPE readers receive?

SCAPE Magazine readers can enjoy an exclusive 50% discount on flights between Quito and Coca when booking their Amazon rainforest adventure.

Where can I book my Napo Wildlife Center experience?

You can book your Napo Wildlife Center experience through its dedicated landing page and begin your journey into the Ecuadorian Amazon with Voyagers Travel Company.