Travel Guide Reserva Biológica Limoncocha

Located in the province of Sucumbíos, on the northern banks of the Napo River (1h30 from Coca), it was declared a protected area in 1985. The natural wetlands of Limoncocha and Yanacocha lagoons, combined with the adjacent areas, contain a typical flora and fauna of environments where water and forest form a remarkable symbiosis, especially a large number of aquatic birds. During the walk, you will observe kingfishers, macaws, herons, parrots... but also caimans (easier to observe at night!). The Kichwa community of Pompei occupies the area, at the doors of the reserve, on an island of the Napo river. A huge part of this biological reserve of 5,260 ha is covered by the Limoncocha lagoon, a real sanctuary for animals and birds (about 400 species have been recorded there). The Limoncocha lagoon is home to colonies of monkeys, as well as a large concentration of Amazonian black caimans, which can be observed at nightfall. They can be approached silently by canoe after locating them with a flashlight, their pupils reflecting the light like headlights. The lagoon is fed by an arm of the Rio Napo, which allows a circulation of water and underwater fauna. Thus, the piranha will be titillated by teasing it with pieces of meat. After having created a sensation in the boat, the animals will obviously be released very quickly. Agencies offer this day trip from Coca.