a guide to amazon rainforest

A guide to the Amazon rainforest 🌿

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The lush Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest stands out as a natural treasure that harbors rich biological diversity, fascinating history and diverse indigenous cultures. Due to its lush biodiversity and its remarkable cultural and ecological importance, this place stands out as a unique destination on a global level. If you are thinking about exploring this wonderful place in the world, we offer a detailed guide with all the information you need about the Ecuadorian Amazon. 

Introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon

ecuador amazon rainforest activities

In Ecuador, the Amazon occupies approximately 48% of the national territory and hosts an extensive network of rivers, forests, and mountains covered by abundant vegetation. The Amazon region of Ecuador is one of the most biodiversity-rich areas in the world and is part of the huge Amazon basin, which unites nations such as Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. It also hosts native communities that have lived in the jungle for centuries and still keep alive their customs and rituals of yesteryear.

Amazon Provinces in Ecuador

In Ecuador there are 6 provinces that form part of the eastern region: 

  • Orellana: Home of the renowned Yasuní National Park, recognized for its abundant biological diversity.

  • Napo: Known for its natural charms and cozy ecolodges, such as the Sacha Lodge and the Napo Wildlife Center.

  • Sucumbíos: It stands out for its lush landscapes with rivers and lagoons, being the Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve one of its most outstanding points.

  • Pastaza: Home to several indigenous communities and lush jungle trails, has its capital in Puyo.

  • Zamora Chinchipe: Known for its rivers and lush forests, it is perfect for bird watching.

  • Morona Santiago: It is the ideal entry point for those visitors who wish to explore and get to know the Shuar communities.

A Little of History and Culture Amazonian

A indigenous communities of the Amazon in Ecuador, such as the Huaorani, Kichwa, Shuar and Achuar, have a deep connection with the forest. Over the centuries, they have learned to coexist in balance with nature and to use its resources without affecting nature or the environment. Some of these communities are in “voluntary isolation”, such as the Tagaeri and Taromenane, who reside in isolated areas of Yasuni and lead totally independent lives.

Curious fact: The Spaniard Francisco de Orellana explored the Amazon for the first time in the 16th century, giving his name to the Amazon river after fighting warrior tribes that he considered “amazons“.

Climate and temperatures

The Ecuadorian Amazon is characterized by a constant humid tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius (77-82 degrees Fahrenheit). However, there is a difference between a “dry” season (June to November) and a “rainy” season (December to May). During the dry season, trails become easier to walk on, although you can explore the region at any time as the lush biodiversity of the jungle is always present.

Flora and Fauna of the Ecuadorian Amazon

The Amazon is a wonderful place for those who enjoy nature and the diversity of living beings. Among the exquisite variety of plants that surround it, majestic trees that reach heights of up to 60 meters, such as ceiba and cedar, accompanied by elegant palms, lush ferns and vines. Regarding the fauna, the Ecuadorian Amazon has a great variety of species such as jaguars, cougars, pink dolphins, caimans, turtles and more than 600 types of birds, including toucans and macaws. It is recognized as one of the destinations with the greatest diversity of frogs and reptiles globally.

Curious fact: In only one hectare of the Ecuadorian Amazon there are more tree species than in the United States and Canada combined.

Iconic Places to Explore

  1. Yasuni National Park: The Yasuni, a natural and cultural heritage of Ecuador, is recognized for its abundance in species and coexistence with communities such as the Huaorani and the Kichwa.
  2. Cuyabeno Reserve: This reserve is distinguished by its rivers and lagoons, perfect for canoe trips, pink dolphin sightings and birds, as well as tours through the Siona communities.
  3. Napo River: The Napo serves as the primary pathway of the Amazon in Ecuador. Consequently, exploring its regions offers an unmatched opportunity to immerse oneself in the jungle and encounter lodges nestled deep within the wilderness.
  4. Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park: This region, featuring the Sumaco volcano at its heart, is ideal for individuals who appreciate hiking and bird watching, particularly the majestic Andean condor.

Tips for travelers

  • Dress: Wear light long-sleeved clothing to be protected from insects, water resistant shoes and maybe a water poncho, remember that you will walk a lot. 
  • Repellent and sunscreen: Even in the jungle, it is important to protect yourself from sun and insects, so make sure you take both products with you.
  • Book early: During specific seasons, there tends to be a significant demand for both accommodation and activities in eco lodges. We recommend that you secure your reservation and finalize all the details of your visit ahead of time.
  • Respect and Care: The Amazon is indeed a fragile ecosystem. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid leaving garbage behind.Additionally, being respectful of the fauna, flora, and local communities is essential.Furthermore, following the recommendations of local guides can greatly enhance the experience while ensuring the preservation of this vital environment.
  • Book with Responsible Travel: In our agency we take care of coordinating all the details of your trip, from booking flights and accommodation, guided tours to visiting some other South American country so you can enjoy without worries from beginning to end. Explore other alternatives on our website https://ecuadorlodges.info/.

Conclusion: The Ecuadorian Amazon Awaits You

The Amazon jungle of Ecuador is, indeed, a place brimming with life; furthermore, it offers numerous puzzles and valuable teachings. With its extraordinary biodiversity and the rich history of its native communities, discovering the Amazon in Ecuador truly becomes a transformative experience. At Responsible Travel, we work to help you organize your trip in the safest and most comfortable way, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in this unique environment. ¡ Watch the Amazon of Ecuador and live an experience you will always remember!

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Viagem Incrível a Galápagos

Viagem Incrível a Galápagos, organizada por Joseph da Responsible Travel! Minha viagem a Galápagos, de 3 a 8 de dezembro, foi uma experiência inesquecível, graças ao trabalho excepcional de Joseph, da Responsible Travel. Desde o início, ele demonstrou um profissionalismo impressionante, planejando um itinerário perfeito, equilibrando exploração e descanso, e garantindo que todos estivessem confortáveis e bem cuidados. Joseph indicou passeios incríveis que realmente mostraram a diversidade e beleza única de Galápagos. Ele estava sempre disponível para esclarecer dúvidas e coordenou as atividades com excelente atenção aos detalhes, proporcionando uma viagem sem contratempos e cheia de descobertas. Com sua liderança, cada momento foi aproveitado ao máximo, e a viagem se tornou ainda mais especial. Recomendo de coração a Responsible Travel e Joseph para quem busca uma experiência autêntica e bem organizada em Galápagos.

Igor Ramos dezembro 23, 2024

Superou todas as expectativas!

Nosso sonho era conhecer as ilhas de Galápagos e foi realizado graças ao Joseph que fez um roteiro incrível de viagem para nós e nossos amigos. Nós não tivemos que nos preocupar com nada, traslados, hotéis e passeios todos bem reservados e planejados. Nós recomendamos a empresa e os serviços do Joseph de olhos fechados.

Camila Inagaki dezembro 23, 2024

Roteiro perfeito e atendimento impecável

Joseph da Responsible Travel nos ajudou a planejar nossa viagem para Galapagos. Ele montou um roteiro incrível e foi muito atencioso desde o primeiro contato, estando sempre disponível para eventuais dúvidas, inclusive durante a viagem! Ficamos impressionados com a organização de todos os passeios, todos saíram no horário estipulado e não tivemos nenhum problema. Os guias mostraram muito conhecimento sobre as ilhas, além de falarem inglês e espanhol fluentes. Galápagos é um lugar único e apaixonante, e eu não vejo a hora de voltar!

Marcela Pacheco Viana dezembro 23, 2024

A empresa foi comunicativa desde o…

A empresa foi comunicativa desde o primeiro contato. Tivemos uma ótima experiencia com o Joseph que nos orientou sobre todos os passeios e nos auxiliou em nosso roteiro fantástico. Excelente!!!

Felipe Benatti de Cillo dezembro 23, 2024

Fue una experiencia maravillosa desde…

Fue una experiencia maravillosa desde el comienzo. Gracias a la información y consejos de Monica de Responsible travel, hubo una excelente organización desde el aeropuerto de gye donde personas nos esperaban para agilizar el viaje. En Galapagos el crucero fue fantástico. Lo volvería a repetir visitando nuevas islas.

Paulette dezembro 20, 2024

Todo muy bien Jazmin muy atenta y pendiente de todos los detalles Excelente viaje a Galápagos un paraíso Gracias por tu ayuda Jazmin

Guillermo Aguilar Vega dezembro 16, 2024
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EPIC Ecuadorian Trip- Dreams Come True in Ecuador!!

The customer service/advice I received from Responsible Travel is EXCELLENT. They have always been available. Jazmin, my consultant, always answered my questions very quickly, and I had A LOT. Her local knowledge of the region was invaluable, and the key to making my trip an adventure I will never forget!! The guides they put me in contact with were excellent!! I saw so many unique and RARE wildlife in Ecuador, many endemic to their country. It was truly a dream!

Sunchaser dezembro 13, 2024

Galapagos by la pinta provides wonderful memories

Galapagos by la pinta provides an amazing experience for everyone that we have the opportunity to share those wonderful memories in the Galápagos Islands. It all started with the sales person whose name is Monica who detailed everything about the trip with precision. The boat staff are exceptional trained and performed their duties with the outmost professionalism. One thing to say THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES.

Alexy dezembro 13, 2024

Ótimo serviço e suporte. Gaby foi a nossa consultora e estava sempre disponível para responder dúvidas, fornecer informações e foi muito flexível para adaptar os nossos planos para visitar Galápagos. O custo acabou limitando o tempo da nossa viagem, pois o nosso orçamento não era muito alto. Porém recebemos o que foi pago, com assistência constante e de alta qualidade.

Fernando Prado dezembro 12, 2024
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Excellent experience in our Galapagos trip. Our coordinator Gabriela was very helpful and always responded immediately when we had questions. The drivers and guides were also very professional. The cost is a bit on the pricy side, but one can rest assured that the trip will run smoothly when assisted by them!

Luiza Freitas dezembro 12, 2024
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Responsible Travel Ecuador provided excellence in all areas of the trip. Jazmin provided excellent advice, and itinerary planning based on my stated goals of observing specific wildlife! Excellent, will do business with them again in the future!

Sunchaser Photography dezembro 10, 2024
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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 novembro 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 novembro 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 novembro 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 outubro 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 outubro 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 setembro 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 setembro 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 junho 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 maio 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 maio 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 fevereiro 15, 2024
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Andres Garzon fevereiro 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 dezembro 13, 2023
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The best of the best!

Amazing experience! Definitely recommended.

Dave Khandros dezembro 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 dezembro 1, 2023

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

Bess Murray novembro 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 outubro 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 outubro 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. julho 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 julho 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 junho 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 junho 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 junho 27, 2023

Exceptional trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

Excellent & professional services! Highly recommended.

Alexander junho 27, 2023
Emilia Assa abril 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 março 5, 2023
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