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How to get to Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest 🌿

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Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest is one of the most amazing places in South America and one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Usually called the “lung of the planet,” it attracts visitors from all over the world in search of adventures in the jungle, learning more about the communities and their culture, and experiencing an environment where there is always something new to observe and explore.

In this article, we will explain the location of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, how to get there, and some suggestions to make your trip more enjoyable. Also, thanks to its location, you can combine your visit to the Amazon rainforest with other tourist places in the city of Quito and the Andean Highlands.

Where is the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador?

amazon ecuador activities

Much of Ecuador’s territory is covered by the Amazon rainforest, which extends through the provinces of Morona Santiago, Zamora Chinchipe, Napo, Orellana, Sucumbios, and Pastaza. This area of Ecuador, also known as “Oriente,” is the site of several natural reserves and parks, such as the famous Yasuní National Park, the Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, and the Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve.

Eastern Ecuador offers an unparalleled Amazonian experience since this area is full of possibilities to discover the most hidden corners of the jungle, interact with native communities, appreciate the wildlife, and appreciate the natural beauty of the Amazon.

How to get to the Amazon in Ecuador

  • From Quito: The Most Common Route

The best-known and easiest route is to depart from Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, as it is the starting point for most tourists. From Quito’s Mariscal Sucre airport, it is possible to take a flight or overland transport to various access points to the Amazon.

  • Option 1: Flight to Coca (Francisco de Orellana)

Coca is one of the most important cities to visit the Amazon in Ecuador, located in the province of Orellana. From Quito’s airport, Mariscal Sucre, it is possible to take a flight of almost 30 minutes to Coca. There, Access the Amazon rainforest to your booked reserve or lodge by boat, navigating impressive rivers like the Tiputini or the Napo.

  • Option 2: Flight to Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja)

The second method of getting there is to take a flight to Lago Agrio, although this is an inbound route, as of November 2024 this route is currently disabled. If you intend to visit the Cuyabeno Reserve, one of the most recognized reserves in Ecuador, this is the most convenient alternative to reach it. Flying takes about 45 minutes, but if you choose the overland route from Lago Agrio, you will find coordinated crossings and river transfers to various lodges in the Amazon.

  • Option 3: Overland travel from Quito

For those who choose to travel by land, there is also the option of traveling by bus or car from Quito to cities such as Tena or Puyo, located in the provinces of Napo and Pastaza, respectively. These cities are considered perfect points to start your journey through the Amazon rainforest; here you can find different tours and accommodations.

Eco-lodges and activities in the Amazon

The journey through the Amazon not only involves adventure and discovery but also an experience of reunion and connection with nature. At Responsible Travel, we provide you with assistance in staying in the most outstanding lodges in the Amazon, where you can take advantage of all the comforts while experiencing a unique and completely sustainable experience in the heart of the jungle. Some of the activities available at the lodges include:

ecuador amazon rainforest

  • Birdwatching

Ecuador’s Amazon is home to some 600 species of birds, making it a favorite place for birdwatchers. From vibrant toucans to amazing macaws, you will have the chance to see native birds in their natural environment.

  • Night Explorations

Here you can take night excursions through the Amazon rainforest, the perfect opportunity to discover animal and plant species that only appear at night, such as insects, reptiles, and frogs. This is one of the most exciting activities that allows you to see Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest from a different point of view.

  • Interaction with Indigenous Communities

Most of the lodges in the Amazon offer the possibility to visit and coexist with native communities, so you can participate in their traditional ceremonies as well as learn about their traditions and the actions they carry out to coexist in harmony with nature.

  • Traditional Fishing

Piranha fishing, for example, is only done in specific sites in the Amazon since fishing is prohibited in protected reserves. In this case, some indigenous communities fish for piranhas. If you visit one of them, such as the Waoranie, you may be able to taste dishes with this animal since it is part of the products they consume.

Recommendations for your trip to the Amazon

cabins in amazon rainforest

  • Plan your trip.

It is best to organize your trip at least one month in advance, especially if you are planning to stay in an ecolodge in the Amazon. It is important to remember that Responsible Travel is your partner to coordinate all aspects of your trip, from transportation, lodging, and activities both inside and outside the lodges.

  • Pack Smart

The Amazon rainforest has a humid, tropical climate, so consider wearing light, waterproof, and quick-drying clothing so you can move freely. There are items that the lodges can provide, such as boots and rain ponchos, but don’t forget to bring repellent, flashlights, and a camera to record unforgettable moments during your stay.

  • Enjoy the jungle with local guides

During your stay in the Amazon rainforest, having local guides provides you with security and the possibility of gaining a deep understanding of the place you are in. They know everything, from the best places to observe animals to the legends of the native communities and even some of the jungle’s secrets.

Visit this great place

Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest is the perfect place for all types of tourists. As we show you in this blog, you have multiple options to get there without major inconveniences; you just have to select the alternative that fits your requirements as a passenger. Visit our website https://ecuadorlodges.info/ if you are attracted to navigating through extensive lakes and rivers, interacting closely with native communities, observing and recording exotic birds, or simply appreciating the serenity that nature offers.

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This agency helped us plan a memorable trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. Cynthia was our coordinator, she was timely and professional with all communication and detailed from beginning to end. Cynthia was able to include everything we wanted to experience and open to our feedback to help create the final itinerary. The daily excursions were great, especially in Ecuador where we had Danny as our guide and Luis as our driver. Luis was safe and timely in all transportation and Danny went above and beyond at every step. At one point I wasn't feeling well and Danny went out of his way to find me some medicine. Danny was also extremely knowledgeable on everything.. history, the agriculture, the people.. 10/10 guide! Overall a great agency to work with!

Carmen Chegoz novembre 16, 2024
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Ha sido un viaje maravilloso, bien organizado, muy seguro, el guía Sebastián categoría premium sabe de todo, amable, responsable y maneja el coche de maravilla, prudente y ciertamente excepcional para su juventud. Yo repetiré viaje con esta agencia y haré Amazonia. Violeta Miguel

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Monica from Responsible Travel Ecuador…

Monica from Responsible Travel Ecuador was extremely helpful, efficient and attentive. She found me an excellent offer for a cruise in the Galapagos and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Everything went smoothly and I can highly recommend Monica. She took care of every detail.

Marianne Jenni novembre 6, 2024

Cruise to the Galapagos

I was so lucky to find Gabriela! I was planning a last-minute trip to Ecuador and wanted to make the most of the limited time I had. Gabriela offered me a few different options to consider before I decided to join a cruise in the Galapagos. Once I made my decision, she went above and beyond to make it happen (I booked just two days before it started!). She was always available for any questions I had, even during unconventional hours, and her attention to detail was impressive. Even after I booked, she kept in touch to ensure everything was going smoothly. I would definitely recommend anyone planning a trip to Ecuador to connect with Gabriela. I’ll be sure to reach out to her again next time I return! Thank you, Gabi!

Yael Benninga octobre 5, 2024

I was so lucky to find Gabriela! I was planning a last-minute trip to Ecuador and wanted to make the most of the limited time I had. Gabriela offered me a few different options to consider before I decided to join a cruise in the Galapagos. Once I made my decision, she went above and beyond to make it happen (I booked just two days before it started!). She was always available for any questions I had, even during unconventional hours, and her attention to detail was impressive. Even after I booked, she kept in touch to ensure everything was going smoothly. I would definitely recommend anyone planning a trip to Ecuador to connect with Gabriela. I’ll be sure to reach out to her again next time I return! Thank you, Gabi!

Yael Benninga octobre 5, 2024
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Uma viagem inesquecível, onde tudo saiu conforme o esperado, sem falhas ou qualquer contratempo. Tudo, desde a recepção até o final foi um exemplo de competência e organização admiráveis. Equador não é um destino como outros, e no nosso caso teve roteiros variados, como uns dias na Amazônia, Cruzeiro para visitar as ilhas mais distantes de Galápagos e visita às principais ilhas. Bastante coisa pra ser organizada mas deu tudo certo. Galápagos foi incrível, a conexão com a natureza foi perfeita e eu só tenho a agradecer a Gabriela Cadena que conseguiu captar exatamente o que a gente queria e colocou no nosso roteiro tudo com maestria. Recomendo a agência e a Gabriela sem medo de errar.

Noilves Pelisser septembre 29, 2024
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One of the best trips of my life

One of the best trips of my life! I absolutely loved Ecuador and the variety of landscapes it offers (from the coast to the Andes and the Amazon rainforest). The trip was very well organized and made easy for us. The guides were all very knowledgeable and generally helped us have a great time. Would absolutely repeat.

Laura Sopeña Álvarez septembre 22, 2024

Genial, atención personalizada por parte de Santiago ( nuestro agente) desde el inicio hasta el fin del tour super preocupados por como se desenvuelve el viaje. Los recomiendo

Juan David Vaca août 26, 2024
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Excelente experiencia, agencia seria, disponible y cumplidora. Reservamos un crucero en Galápagos y la atención de Jazmín ha sido estupenda en todo momento, super recomendados.

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A HUGE thank you to Responsible Travel and our wonderful coordinator Gabriela for making our August visit to the Galapagos and Amazon absolutely amazing! Gabriela catered the trip to our specific family's needs and capabilities, and every logistical step went very smoothly. The accommodations were top-notch, as were the local guides in each destination. We saw every animal we were hoping to see, and then some! We felt so secure and cared for in the hands of Responsible Travel that I've already recommended our exact itinerary to four additional families. This trip was incredible!!

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Excelente y personalizado servicio por…

Excelente y personalizado servicio por parte de Cynthia. El crucero fue fenomenal así como vuelos, traslados, guías y comidas. Sin sorpresas.

Enric Sol août 21, 2024

Servicio impecable, Cynthia nos acompañó durante todo el proceso de reserva, enviándonos información actualizada y resolviendo todas nuestras dudas vía WhatsApp casi al momento. Tanto los guías como los vuelos, crucero, comidas, traslados y actividades fueron perfectos. Muy recomendable para evitar sustos y despistes y conocer Galápagos con total comodidad.

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Mónica was always for us available, all the staff of Galaxy Orion were really great and we had wonderful days in the boat and in Galapagos. Many thanks for all

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Al haber contratado un plan con Responsible Travel me di cuenta de su organización y de como pueden recomenrdarte las mejores opciones para conocer el Ecuador. Definitivamente los volveré a contratar para un futuro.

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Al haber contratado un plan con Responsible Travel me di cuenta de su organización y de como pueden recomenrdarte las mejores opciones para conocer el Ecuador. Definitivamente los volveré a contratar para un futuro.

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Visiting the Galápagos islands aboard the Bonita yacht was the best decision I could have made while visiting Ecuador. It was an incredible experience that I will be thinking about until I am able to come back again. I want to thank my wonderful agent Anthony for his help in booking. He is very knowledgeable and ensured that the planning process was a breeze. Anthony checked in with us every step of the way to make sure that we were prepared and comfortable throughout the whole trip. I also want to thank the wonderful crew: Cris, Diana, Cap. Joffre, Diego, Carlos, Marcos, Marcelo, Jairo, Chef Homar, and Chef Danny. Without them, the trip would not have been as amazing and unforgettable as it was. Cris was an awesome, patient, and fun guide that explained the history and fun facts of the island very well! Chef Homar and Chef Danny cooked all our delicious meals and Chef Homar even shared with us a lesson in salsa dancing! Diana made sure that everyone was taken care of and the rest of the crew made sure that everything was smooth sailing! I can tell that this crew is really close and that they enjoy working together! I cannot recommend this experience enough, from the blue footed boobies, to the giant tortoises, to swimming with the hammerhead sharks! I hope to come back one day and bring my family and when I do, I will make sure to book with Anthony again at Responsible Travel Ecuador!

Adi Parreno juin 27, 2024

Stunning experience

Incredible organization specially from Karen, who provided us all necessary information and tips for our travel. She is very professional and polite person. We recommend her services.

sandy pico mai 31, 2024

Incredible organization specially from Karen, who provided us all necessary information and tips for our travel. She is very professional and polite person. We recommend her services.

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I highly recommend Responsible Travel Ecuador. They are very professional and flexible to organize the perfect trip for you.Gabriela organized the trip for us to mainland, Amazon and Galapagos islands and she was excellent.She did everything for us and the entire itinerary was a unique experience. Our guide Wellington on the mainland was very helpful and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our time with him!! We enjoyed every activity and will definitely return in the future to this beautiful country!!

George Liskas février 15, 2024
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Gaby did an incredible job helping me plan a trip to Yasuni National Park, Quito, and the Galápagos Islands. She took all of the stress out of finding good guides and all of the logistics involved in flights, lodging, transportation, and all of the other planning aspects of a big two week trip. Excellent communication with fast responses any time I had questions leading up to and during the trip as well. Highly recommend!

Adam Conard décembre 13, 2023
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The best of the best!

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Carla Mazzini décembre 1, 2023

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Bess Murray novembre 4, 2023
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Les Galapagos c'est le paradis !

Notre voyage aux Galapagos était super bien organisé, les jours avec visites autant que le temps libre ! Les hôtels choisis par l'agence étaient très confortables et accueillants, et les guides sur place super accueillants ! Aucun problème ... donc toute la famille n'a eu qu'à en profiter!

Douglas octobre 7, 2023

I planned a trip to South America at the last minute, and Gaby was incredible! She created an amazing itinerary with me where I was able to go to Quito, the Galapagos islands, and Cuzco Peru. It was a truly unforgettable trip, and I would strongly recommend that you consider Gaby for your next South American adventure. She can help as little or as much as you need and is extremely responsive. I am a big fan of hers now!

Gigi Z octobre 5, 2023
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Cuentan con paquetes muy buenos y se adaptaron a mis necesidades para viajar en crucero a galápagos

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Felipe Villegas août 25, 2023
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Rommel Oña Sánchez juillet 25, 2023
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Gran tour en barco de última hora

Fue una reserva de última hora de un tour en barco por Galápagos y nos ayudaron en todo momento. Grandes profesionales y el tour fue maravilloso

David B. juillet 19, 2023

Outstanding service

Responsible Travel Ecuador helped us find the outfit that met our needs in our visit to Galapagos. Interaction with our agent was easy and effective. She was really responsive and provided us with all the information we needed - also suggestions for further visits in Ecuador's mainland. I definitely would recommend Responsible Travel Ecuador for any travel needs in that beautiful country.

Nuria juillet 17, 2023

Una experiencia inolvidable con Responsible Travel: Descubriendo la magia de Ecuador

Responsible Travel es una agencia de viajes que ha dejado una huella imborrable en mi corazón. Recientemente tuve la oportunidad de explorar las maravillas de Ecuador a través de su excelente servicio, y no puedo dejar de elogiar su enfoque responsable y comprometido con la sostenibilidad. Desde el momento en que me puse en contacto con ellos, su equipo demostró una gran atención y pasión por brindar experiencias auténticas y respetuosas con el entorno local.

Gabi Ramos juin 29, 2023

Fantastic Experience!

I did multiple family treks with this company and the service is impeccable. Staff always has a smile and big energy to inspire you to expand your horizons. A big shout to everyone and thank you for such a wonderful experience!

Daniel Larrea juin 27, 2023

La millor experiencia per Sudamerica va…

La millor experiencia per Sudamerica va ser a L' Ecuador amb aquesta experimentada empresa que em ajudar abans, durant i despres del viatge. Totalment recomendada

Santiago Cardenas juin 27, 2023

Exceptional trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

Excellent & professional services! Highly recommended.

Alexander juin 27, 2023
Emilia Assa avril 12, 2023
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We have booked a two day tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, a 5 days tour in the amazonia and also arranged some private transfers with the team. I have discussed everything with Lucia who has been very helpful, always answering on time and providing the best options. Would recommend the travel agency.

Iulian Petcu mars 5, 2023
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By chance I happened to connect with Responsible Travel and I am glad I did. My agent was Estefania “Stefi” Puga and I could not have had a more attentive and responsive person arrange my travel plans. I am a nature lover with a special interest in birds. Stefi arranged a trip that included 3 lodges over 6 nights, transportation, guides, tours and other features and made it all easy. In addition I received messages regularly before I began the trip to check on details and assure me that all will be well. During the trip she checked in daily to see if everything was ok. It was a pleasure to work with such a caring and attentive agent. If I return to Ecuador, I will call Stefi.

Lee Burton février 27, 2023
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Great time- Great Service

Great time- Great Service

leejburton février 27, 2023
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12 unforgettable days in Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands

12 unforgettable days in Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands

Skjavel février 19, 2023
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Effortless Amazonian adventure

Effortless Amazonian adventure

Tom Contos février 9, 2023
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wonderful

wonderful

Chihiro A janvier 22, 2023
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Once in a lifetime trip to the Galapagos

Once in a lifetime trip to the Galapagos

LJH janvier 17, 2023
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Galapagos islands day tours

Galapagos islands day tours

Joanna J janvier 9, 2023
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Excellent

Excellent

Jiří B janvier 9, 2023
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I had an amazing 3-week tour in Ecuador (continent and Galapagos islands) thanks to this team! The country is very beautiful, no doubt, but the guides were amazing, very professional and provided great information. The hotels chosen by the agency were very good. I am very grateful for this experience! Thank you!

Bárbara Martins janvier 1, 2023
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3 week tour in Ecuador continent and Galapagos islands

3 week tour in Ecuador continent and Galapagos islands

Barbara M janvier 1, 2023
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Andrea Sánchez Salazar décembre 22, 2022
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