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?
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
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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:
- Observação de aves
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
- 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.
