amazon rainforest

Does Ecuador have an Amazon rainforest? All You Need to Know🌿

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Of course, it does! Not only is there rainforest in Ecuador, but it also boasts one of the most biodiverse and popular areas with tourists around the globe: the Ecuadorian Amazon. This lush rainforest, located in the northeast of the country, is home to many plants, animals, and ancient cultures. It is also part of the vast Amazon Basin ecosystem, which spans eight countries in South America. This article will highlight the unique aspects of Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest and why it has become a crucial destination for tourists from around the world and locals alike.

amazon rainforest

Unique Characteristics of the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador

Although Ecuador occupies a relatively small portion of the Amazon Basin, it excels in terms of diversity and beauty. The Ecuadorian Amazon extends over about 120,000 square kilometers, including protected areas, indigenous communities, and biological reserves.

Here, high temperatures of 25-28 °C and average humidity of 80-90% create a perfect habitat for wildlife. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, especially between November and May, thus maintaining soil fertility and river flow. These circumstances provide an ideal habitat for various species of animals, such as jaguars, pink dolphins, monkeys, and more than 600 species of birds. They are also home to a wide variety of plants, some with medicinal properties.

amazon in ecuador
Huge Kapok Tree In Amazon Basin Ecuador

What makes Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest special?

Ecuador’s Amazon is distinguished from other rainforests in South America by its dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable ecotourism. It also offers the opportunity to interact closely with the Indigenous cultures that inhabit it. These communities, such as the Kichwa, Waorani, and Shuar, have a deep knowledge of the rainforest and practice sustainable ways of life that are in line with protecting the ecosystem. In addition, some of these communities are involved in ecotourism projects, providing visitors with an authentic and respectful experience.

Main attractions

For those interested in exploring this tropical rainforest, there are several outstanding areas worth visiting:

  • Yasuní National Park: Yasuní National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas globally and, therefore, a priceless natural treasure. Yasuní, with almost 10,000 plant species and more than 600 bird species, is home to a wide diversity of animals, including jaguars, pink dolphins, monkeys, and exotic birds. The park also represents a cultural pillar, given that it is home to indigenous communities such as the Waorani, as well as certain ethnic groups in voluntary isolation.
  • Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park: Sumaco-Napo Galeras National Park, located in the province of Napo and known for its majestic Sumaco volcano, which rises 3,732 meters above sea level, is a less explored natural gem. In addition to its volcano, this park is home to a wide variety of habitats, ranging from lowland rainforests to high-altitude forests.
  • Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve: The Cuyabeno Reserve, located in the province of Sucumbíos, is an aquatic refuge comprising more than 600,000 hectares of rivers, lagoons, and forests that can be flooded. This makes it a perfect environment for freshwater species such as pink dolphins and black caimans. Its abundant flora and network of aquatic streams provide refuge for unique species of fauna and flora, from anacondas to more than 500 species of birds.

indigenous huaorani

Not to be missed activities

An ideal way to discover the Amazon is to stay in an eco-lodge and do some of the activities included in the tours to immerse yourself in the magic of the area:

Ceibo tree trekking: The trees in Ecuador’s Amazon jungle can be quite amazing. A jungle hike will lead you through large Amazonian trees that are 120 feet (40 meters) tall. Numerous trees have developed near the Cuyabeno River and wildlife reserve for hundreds of years.

Jungle trekking: Explore the Amazon through various trails (of varying levels of complexity) that can extend from an hour and a half to four hours. They lead you through the vast and humid jungle in search of all kinds of wildlife.

Kayaking on the Cuyabeno River: Listen to the sounds of the forest and discover the Amazon through the Cuyabeno River. In two-person kayaks, it is possible to observe the landscape and have the most direct connection with the river. All that is necessary to carry out this exercise is the kayak itself, a paddle, and a life jacket. In the serene rest, you can observe toucans, hoatzin birds, monkeys, and other wildlife species.

Canopy: Become a monkey in the trees, where the activity of canopy is available for almost any age, an adrenaline-filled experience that transports you from the tall trees to the forest floor.

Tips for Traveling to the Ecuadorian Amazon

For foreign travelers, the Amazon is a place of adventure, but it is important to travel well-prepared. Here are some essential tips:

  1. Carry Lightweight and Waterproof Luggage: The jungle climate is humid, so it is ideal to bring light, quick-drying clothes and if possible neutral colors to avoid mosquitoes. Don’t forget a good water poncho and probably a bathing suit.
  2. Check Vaccination and Documentation Requirements: Don’t forget to bring your passport, and some international visitors may need vaccinations, especially against yellow fever. Check health recommendations before traveling.
  3. Bring what you need: Remember to bring hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent. This is a tourist area, so do not forget to bring chargers for your electronic devices, plenty of space in the memory of your cameras to take pictures, and finally, binoculars and a flashlight for observation activities at night.

Why should you visit the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador?

Ecuador’s Amazon is a unique area. Exploring its protected areas and national parks offers you the chance to immerse yourself in a pure environment, teeming with life and culture. 

At Responsible Travel, we pride ourselves on providing our visitors with unique experiences full of comfort and adventure. Whether you choose to visit Yasuní, Cuyabeno, or Sumaco, you can take advantage of the Amazon in a sustainable way. Visit https://ecuadorlodges.info/ to discover the best eco-lodges and tours in this area, and you are ready to experience an experience that will transform your view of the natural world.

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Just left us a 5 star review

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

Violeta Mi Novembre 11, 2024
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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 Ottobre 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 Ottobre 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 Settembre 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 Settembre 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 Agosto 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.

francesco Agosto 26, 2024
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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!!

Kristy Croushore Agosto 25, 2024
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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 Agosto 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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Effective, honest, and creative agency!

We could not be happier with our experience with this agency. The service provided by Maria Jose, who was our trip coordinator, was outstanding from day one. She made sure to understand our goals and vision for the trip, and was patient enough to work through multiple itinerary versions until we finalized it together. The chose the correct hotels, routes, and activities based on what we spoke about, and the guides/personnel on the ground that they reserved for us were trustworthy, puntual, and very knowledgeable. Every day they checked in on us with a text, to make sure that everything was going accordingly, which is a sign of excellent service. I highly recommend working with Maria Jose/Tamer and the entire Responsible Ecuador Travel team - I will do so for my next trip as well. 5/5, thank you!

Jose Garcia Agosto 12, 2024

Great memories

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

Teresa Behrend Agosto 12, 2024

Mi viaje con Responsible Travel

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.

Mateo Camacho Agosto 4, 2024

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.

Mateo Camacho Agosto 4, 2024
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Cynthia my contact of the agency Responsible Travel resolved all my doubts and questions of the trip. She keep me informed about muy bookings and updates of my itinerary. Also she ensure that everything went well.

Patricia Uribe Agosto 3, 2024
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Visiting the Galápagos islands aboard…

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 Giugno 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 Maggio 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.

sandy pico Maggio 31, 2024
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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 Febbraio 15, 2024
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Andres Garzon Febbraio 3, 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 Dicembre 13, 2023
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The best of the best!

Amazing experience! Definitely recommended.

Dave Khandros Dicembre 1, 2023

Ethic, friendly and professional company

They are a super friendly and professional company that, as their name says, is working in an ethical and green way, which is super important in these times.

Carla Mazzini Dicembre 1, 2023

Paul our agent was wonderful; very friendly and went above and beyond to help us organise a dream holiday.

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

Andrés Perugachi Agosto 31, 2023
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Felipe Villegas Agosto 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. Luglio 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 Luglio 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 Giugno 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 Giugno 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 Giugno 27, 2023

Exceptional trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

Excellent & professional services! Highly recommended.

Alexander Giugno 27, 2023
Emilia Assa Aprile 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 Marzo 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 Febbraio 27, 2023
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Great time- Great Service

Great time- Great Service

leejburton Febbraio 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 Febbraio 19, 2023
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Effortless Amazonian adventure

Effortless Amazonian adventure

Tom Contos Febbraio 9, 2023
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wonderful

wonderful

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

Once in a lifetime trip to the Galapagos

LJH Gennaio 17, 2023
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Galapagos islands day tours

Galapagos islands day tours

Joanna J Gennaio 9, 2023
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Excellent

Excellent

Jiří B Gennaio 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 Gennaio 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 Gennaio 1, 2023
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