The Amazon Rainforest holds the highest concentration of plant and animal life on the planet. It sprawls across South America reaching nine different countries. In Amazon Rainforest, you have the opportunity to explore a part of this massive oasis of wildlife. Also to interact with the indigenous tribes that live there. Amazon Rainforest is a remote, mysterious, diverse, and unbelievably beautiful. That´s why those travelers who really want to uncover the secrets of the natural world should visit the jungle.
Amazon Rainforest covers 6 provinces: Sucumbios, Orellana, Napo, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe. Located roughly 400 meters above sea level, the Amazon Rainforest can be accessed by bus or by plane from Quito. The two major areas to visit are Parque Nacional Yasuni, and the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Popular activities in these locations include hiking in the jungle, canoeing, birdwatching, and getting to know local communities. Numerous resorts, ecolodges, and tour groups are able to take visitors through the jungle. The idea is to show them the wonders of the Amazon.
Parque Nacional Yasuni is located between the Napo and Curaray rivers, and resides in the Napo and Pastaza provinces. This lush rainforest park is only 250 km. from Quito. It is known as one of the most diverse parks in the world. Named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means there is dedication to improving the relationship between people and their environments. This park is perfect for viewing Amazonian wildlife. Embarking on a hike or a canoe ride will bless you with the opportunity to see many different types of monkeys. Also exotic birds, otters, sloths, frogs, insects, and giant snakes including boa constrictors and anacondas.
A popular place to stay in Yasuni Park is Napo Wildlife Center. This lodge offers accommodation and tours to give guests a deep insight into the culture of the Amazon. All profits of Napo Wildlife Center go to the local community. Parque Nacional Yasuni is situated in the ancestral territory of the Huaorani indigenous people. Therefore really is a unique culture and lifestyle to this Amazonian community. Travelers can learn a lot here as well as explore the jungle.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is a national protected area located in Putumayo Canton in the Sucumbios Province. This is the second largest nature reserve in Ecuador, and has a wildly diverse ecological display of geography and wildlife. With 8 major ecosystems, including forests, rivers, and lakes all with different levels of sediment, visitors will see interesting natural phenomenons when visiting the park. The park includes 2 large lake areas with different flora and fauna than the forests at higher elevations. Also 14 smaller dark water lakes. Visitors have said that the abundance of lakes, creeks, and rivers at Cuyabeno makes for prime wildlife viewing, as many birds and animals like to spend time near the water. People have been known to see colorful parrots, manatees and pink dolphins near the lakes here.
Other animals that live in Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve are jungle cats like jaguars and pumas, deer, monkeys, bats, and otters. Tapir Lodge is a well-known, eco-friendly lodge in this park that includes tours in order for better wildlife sightseeing. With environmentally friendly policies, Tapir Lodge does not have internet, telephone, or generators, so you will have a truly authentic experience here. This location is still relatively close to the Andes Mountains, however, so temperatures cool at night time.
When traveling to the Amazon Rainforest, it is definitely recommended to use tours and travel guides to navigate your way around. Expert guides know the landscape of the area and how to handle it. They also know how to stay safe and smart in the depths of the jungle, so it is wise to learn from experts in order to have an in-depth and enjoyable experience. Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador has many jungle lodges and resorts that include all-inclusive tours. They can help you plan your trip through the Amazon Rainforest. For example, Sani Lodge, located near a lake at the end of the Napo River, is an ecolodge that uses solar energy. It is run by the local community. Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve is located near the Peruvian border. Yachana Lodge, near Rio Napo, educated visitors about local community lifestyles. Sacha Lodge is also perfect for birdwatching, as expert guides help visitors use binoculars and telescopes to catch a glimpse of the exotic birdlife.
So for travelers who want an intimate experience with the vast Amazon Rainforest, come to Ecuador and explore the biodiversity of the area. Parque Nacional Yasuni and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve are two of the best places in the world to marvel at unique geography and wild animals, and the numerous lodges and resorts can help you experience local indigenous culture as well. Visiting the Amazon is a truly enriching experience, and Ecuador is the perfect place to dive into one of the earth’s amazing natural wonders.