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Amazon Tours in Ecuador

Find the right Ecuador Amazon adventure package for you. We've got 42 tours going to Amazonian Region Ecuador, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 65 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the most number of tour departures.

42 Ecuador Amazon Rainforest tours with 105 reviews

The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure

This is the best G adventures tour I have done in terms of itinerary and people I was traveling with. I had a fantastic time with a great group of people. The only feedback I will give G is I feel the CEO guides are pressured to get 9s or 10s in their reviews and hence transmit that to us which made me not leave a review on the G website as I felt I could not be completely honest without harming the tour guides' rating. This culture should change if you want constructive feedback. I loved all 4 of my CEOs on my tour but 2 of them were outstanding (10/10s) and I felt as a result of above, I could not give them the credit they were due without causing harm to the other 2 who were also good but more 7/10s.

Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures

Yuri was a great guide. I loved every minute and I had a great group. I’d do it all again!

• Christmas & New Year

5 Days Amazon Lodge Cuyabeno Reserve

The 5 day tour at Nicky Lodge was amazing. Our guide Evi was so welcoming and knowledgeable, everywhere you look there’s something amazing to see, from birds, reptiles and monkeys to all the medicinal plants, Evi would explain and answer any question you had with great detail. Honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had. The food and accommodation are also great. Highly recommend for anyone thinking about going (all ages, we had children and adults in our group), you will not be disappointed!

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

4 Days Amazon Lodge Cuyabeno Reserve

Incredible! The tour was absolutely amazing, we saw so many different animals and hundreds of them! The staff and lodge were incredible - we never went hungry and the food was healthy and delicious. Do not miss out!

Ecuador: Amazon Jungle Short Break

Communication with Intrepid prior to our trip was quite frustrating but the trip itself was great. Transfer from hotel to airport to boat to the lodge went without problem. Yarina Lodge is beautifully located, and we really enjoyed our visit. Days were busy going on canoe trips or jungle hikes, meals were tasty and served in dining room overlooking the river. Surprisingly there were few mosquitos or any other insects. Huts are equipped with fans and it was sufficient for comfortable sleep.

Ecuador Treasures Bucket List 8 Days Tour

Alejandro was simply the BEST and made each and every day of our week long tour exceptional. He chose unbelievable accommodations that were unique and memorable and he knew the business owners and locals everywhere we went! Alejandro kept us on schedule so we could maximize our time there but remained flexible to meet the needs of our wanderlust and spur of the moment desires! We felt completely safe and "pampered" at all times. He is extremely knowledgeable of all things Ecuador, it's people, culture and environment.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5 Day Amazon Cuyabeno Adventure

Besides the great 6 day Galapagos Island Hopping I have been to an fantastic ecolodge in the Amazone. I went with 2 other guest in a private transortation. Again everything was well organized by the team of Rebecca in Quito. I ereally recommend to make a combination when you are planning to visit Ecuador with the Galapagos and the Amazone.

Unique Amazon Sustaintable Comunities Encounter in Ecuador with meals included!

I really enjoyed this beautiful trip. The truth is that I came back very happy with this tour. I recommend them

La Selva Amazon Lodge 4 days Tour

As a traveler, I must debunk the news outlets misconception that Ecuador is not safe. My recent trip proved otherwise, I was fortunate to have a very friendly tour guide who not only ensured my safety but also made my journey unforgettable. Exploring Ecuador's great nature revealed breathtaking scenic views that left me in awe of this country's beauty. People genuinely care about their environment. Everyone seemed dedicated to preserving Ecuador's natural wonders. Ecuador is a country that works tirelessly to protect its environment. I was impressed by the sustainable initiatives in place, from eco-friendly accommodations reserved by my guide to strict conservation policies. My guide always available, thanks to his flexibility and punctuality. Whether it was adjusting my itinerary or ensuring timely pickups, My guide made every effort to accommodate my needs. Lastly, I was amazed by my guide's extensive knowledge of Ecuador's history, culture, and biodiversity. His insights added depth to my experiences and enriched my journey. Overall, my trip to Ecuador was not just an adventure but also an eye-opening experience about conservation and appreciation for the environment.

• In-depth Cultural

Customized Ecuador Amazon Adventure with Daily Departure

• Jungle Trekking

Ecuador: Amazon Jungle Sacha Lodge Short Break

Cuyabeno Jungle Tour (4 Days / 3 Nights)

Cuyabeno Jungle Tour (5 Days / 4 Nights)

4-Day Cuyabeno Reserve - Wildlife exploring, Birdwatching, Canoeing, and Hiking

Deep Rainforest Expedition to Lagartococha & Zancudococha

Ecuadorian amazon tour reviews.

This is the best G adventures tour I have done in terms of itinerary and people I was traveling with. I had a fantastic time with a great group of people. The only feedback I will give G is I feel the CEO guides are pressured to get 9s or 10s in their reviews and hence transmit that to us which made me not leave a review on the G website as I felt I could not be completely honest without harming the tour guides' rating. This culture should change if you want constructive feedback. I loved all 4 of my CEOs on my tour but 2 of them were outstanding (10/10s) and I felt as a result of above, I could not give them the credit they were due without causing harm to the other 2 who were also good but more 7/10s.

Overall pretty good. Of course its budget tour so mainly basic accommodation which is expected. We got a guide for 10 days then another guide for the rest. The tour split into 2 parts. I enjoy meeting new people. I had a great time. Overall enjoyable. There was one mixed up however that I was upset. My meet up hotel on the start of the tour got change. I did not get an email from touradar or g adventure about it at all of the new update. They posted the update on touradar chat that I was doing which of course you dont logged into the website to check. You figured they would sent email on any changed. There I was in a foreign country and showed up and the meet up hotel but no one was there. I panicked, good things the reception at that hotel was so helpful was calling g adventures for me to see what is going on. Turned out they changed the meet up point to a different hotel. Was really stressful first day. Both touradar and g adventures should have communicate better with customers. I contacted g adventures about the mixed up and voice my complaints but no one ever got back to me. Next time please if there are changes in the intineary email or contact the customers to let them know not expect them to know.

First time in the jungle and Nicky Amazon lodge made it one of the best experiences of my life.Evi our guide was a walking talking Google. How he managed to locate animals birds and insects amongst the jungle foliage I don't know.Even when he pointed them out I found it at first hard to see.He new every bird animal and insect by name .His knowledge of the various eco systems was amazing. The lodge was just as you would expect helpful polite nothing to much trouble.Food was excellent freshly prepared with plenty of local flavors .Our lodge was excellent hot shower room service every day. A great big tick for all the staff at Nicky lodge just amazing.

Amazonian Region Ecuador Tours starting in:

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• November 2025 (14)
• December 2025 (13)

Other Regions in Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands (377)
• Ecuador Andean Highlands (154)
• Avenue of the Volcanoes (133)
• Cotopaxi National Park (43)
• Cayambe Coca National Park (15)
• Chile Coastal Lowlands (13)
• Yasuni National Park (12)

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Ultimate Ecuador Amazon Guide ( + Best Amazon Jungle Tours)

While visiting the Galapagos may be number one on many visitors’ bucket lists in Ecuador, visiting the Ecuadorian Amazon is becoming more popular than ever . This area of the Amazon is home to the most biodiverse areas on the entire planet , and an Ecuador Amazon tour is a fantastic way to experience it, with more ways than ever to visit sustainably.

From deep in the Amazon at Yasuni National Park to the backpacker town of Tena, there is so much to see and do in the Ecuador jungle. After living in Ecuador for two years, we still only were able to see just a small portion of all that this diverse area of the country has to offer, but fell in love with it fast.

In this guide to the best of Ecuador Amazon travel and tours, we’re covering some of the best ways to experience the Ecuador Amazon, including the best Ecuador Amazon lodges and their tour experiences , as well as independent tour companies. Keep reading for more about the best experiences the Amazon Rainforest Ecuador has to offer .

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

The Ecuadorian Amazon

While Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, its slice of the Amazon rainforest is anything but secondary, making the country one of the best places to visit the Amazon.

In fact, Ecuador is home to what many consider to be some of the Amazon’s most crucial areas , and the best Amazon tours around.

Ecuador is home to Yasuní National Park and the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, which is believed by many to be the most diverse area on all of planet Earth.

Yasuní National Park, with its super-diverse Biosphere Reserve, is the best-known national park in the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest. It is the most protected area of the Ecuadorian Amazon and has the greatest number of species of flora and fauna living there.

What To Pack for Ecuador

Check out our  Ultimate Ecuador Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Ecuador and what we never travel without.

However, the Amazon jungle of Ecuador is also composed of three other national parks (Sumaco Napo-Galeras, Cayambe-Coca, and Llanganates). In addition, there are several private nature reserves and areas of nature and wildlife protection in the Ecuador Amazon rainforest like the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve .

Generally, Ecuador jungle tours and lodge stays in the Yasuní National Park are more expensive than they are in the rest of the Amazon region in Ecuador. This is largely because the area is so protected and so remote to access.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve , also quite deep in the Amazon, is generally less expensive to visit, though just as impressive in many ways.

Many private lodges, such as the popular Sacha Lodge , have their own ecological reserve surrounding their property – Sacha Lodge has over 5,000 protected acres surrounding it.

We love recommending visiting the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, and taking an Ecuador jungle tour because they tend to be more affordable and accessible than jungle tours in neighboring countries such as Brazil can be . However, there are plenty of incredible ways to visit the Amazon in Peru as another great alternative to Ecuador!

Check out our guide to affordable Amazon travel in Ecuador with our Complete Guide to Visiting Tena, Ecuador for more of our top tips for your trip.

Indigenous Peoples in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Some of the indigenous groups in the Ecuadorian Amazon include the following:

• Huaorani (or, Waorani)

There are still two known uncontacted tribes living in the Amazon in Ecuador: the Taromenane and the Tagaeri . These groups are composed of only a few hundred individuals, and their rights to live in isolation and free from contact in the Ecuador Amazon are protected by the constitution.

Their way of life is threatened by illegal logging and oil discovery operations .

Ecuador Amazon Map

Located in the eastern part of the country, Ecuador’s Amazon region is known as El Oriente , or simply, the East. There are six provinces in the Ecuador Amazon that compose this region: Sucumbíos, Orellana, Napo, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe.

The most common cities to Amazon jungle trips in Ecuador – located in or on the border of the rainforest – are Tena, Nueva Loja, and Coca (also known as Francisco de Orellana).

Check out this clickable Ecuador Amazon map below to get a better understanding of this expansive region and its layout within Ecuador for a better idea of the Ecuador Amazon tour that might be best for you.

Nueva Loja is often the starting point for trips to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve , while Coca is the most common starting point for trips to Yasuni National Park . Either Ecuador jungle starting point is a great choice – keep reading below for more specifics on each destination!

Ecuador jungle tours that start from Tena often do not go as deep into the Amazon as those that start from Nueva Loja or Coca, and are therefore less expensive and a great option for budget travel in the Amazon .

The Best Ecuador Jungle Tours

There are many options for jungle tours in the Amazon in Ecuador, including those run through independent tour companies and those that are booked through lodges in the Amazon.

Often when booking a stay at one of the many Ecuador Amazon lodges, visitors select a package of days and nights that include activities and excursions run through the lodge .

When booking a tour with a tour company, companies specify where visitors will be staying, but run their own activities and excursions, often through different areas of the Amazon.

Ecuador Amazon Tours

Tours in cuyabeno.

Tours in Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve are generally less expensive than those in Yasuní , but allow visits to still encounter plenty of wildlife. Multi-day tours generally hover around $100 per day all-inclusive , though they can more expensive depending on the lodging planned for the tour.

• 4-Day Ecuador Amazon Jungle Tour
• 4-Day Ecuador Amazon Jungle Tour – Tapir Lodge

Some tours of Cuyabeno also start from the town of Lago Agrio rather than Nueva Loja. While not generally as common, this is still quite convenient, as there are regular buses and flights from Quito to Lago Agrio.

This tour departs from Lago Agrio and heads into the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, with lodging at the Waita Lodge .

Travel Essential

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

Tours in Yasuní

Tours in Yasuní National Park are generally the most expensive you’ll find in Ecuador , as it is the most remote area and most protected area of the forest. However, the lodges here are extremely nice, and will provide the most incredible experience you can find along the Ecuador Amazon river.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable and luxurious adventure, consider looking into a tour with lodging at Sacha Lodge if it’s in your budget – this is the best of the best in the Ecuadorian Amazon!

I was able to find some more affordable tours that visit the Yasuní with lodging at homestays in the local community , which is a great way to save money on an incredible experience and also exchange with locals.

There are also camping and kayaking tours in Yasuní that are popular as well for those looking for being as close to nature as possible and explore as much as possible of the jungle. It isn’t a typical lodge experience but is definitely an incredible adventure.

Tours in Tena

Since Tena is the most easily accessible jumping-off point in the Ecuador jungle, and just on the edge of the forest, jungle tours in Tena are generally the best options for budget travel in the Amazon . There are some incredible Ecuador rainforest tours to be found here at a great price!

While tours here are not in the deep Amazon and you may not see certain wildlife you’ll see in Yasuní or Cuyabeno, having visited Tena I can tell you that I still had an incredible experience and felt like I saw plenty.

Tours from Tena generally are a bit shorter than those deeper in the Amazon, generally two days to four days.

Three-day or four-day tours from Tena generally center around the Mishuallí area of the rainforest near Tena.

• 2-day Jungle Tours in Tena
• 3-day and 4-day Jungle Tours in Tena

There are also plenty of tours that leave from Quito , which is a great Ecuador Amazon travel option for those with limited time frames, as they arrange transport to and from the city.

• Ultimate Travel Guide to Ecuador
• Where to Stay in Quito
• How to Visit Cotopaxi National Park
• Ultimate Guide to the Otavalo Market

Ecuador Rafting Tours

In addition to traditional nature and wildlife tours, Tena is a popular destination for rafting through the Amazon , some of the most unforgettable Amazon tours Ecuador has to offer.

Tour operators offer rafting excursions departing from Tena on rapids of all different levels , so even first-timers can get involved (me!). There are also safety kayaks that accompany rafters to ensure safety.

Raft Amazonia is one of the most well-known and respected rafting tour operators in Tena – they also organize other tours around Tena as well.

Many of the rafting excursions and tours can also be extended over a couple of days with additional jungle walks, and include basic lodge accommodations in the rainforest near Tena.

Tours like this one from Tena along the Napo River combine rafting and exploring the Amazon if you’re interested in both experiences.

Don’t think about traveling without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, at home or abroad. 

Ecuador Amazon Lodges

There are plenty of Ecuador Amazon lodges that offer independent package stays that include all jungle tours and excursions as a part of the package . These are some of the most popular or well-known lodges in the best areas of the Amazon that offer their own tours.

Tapir Lodge Ecuador

Located in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Tapir Lodge is an excellent lodge for a mid-range travel budget , with some fantastic deals on rooms and jungle tour experiences.

Their 4-day excursions are quite affordable for being so in the deep Ecuador Amazon.

Tapir Lodge has been operating for nearly two decades and the guides know the area well, including having close relationships with the local Siona indigenous group , which makes for a great experience.

Napo Wildlife Center

The Napo Wildlife Center and the newer Napo Cultural Center are sister lodges within the Yasuní National Park and are considered some of the nicest and most luxurious places to stay within the Amazon in Ecuador.

Stays at the Napo Cultural Center are less expensive than those at the wildlife center and are closer to a local Kichwa indigenous community, which allows for excursions to visit this community.

These excursions are organized by the Añangu Kichwa community and benefit this community and are easily some of the best Amazon tours you’ll find anywhere.

Sacha Lodge

Sacha Lodge is another one of Ecuador’s finest eco-lodges in the Amazon, also located in Yasuní National Park . One interesting feature of Sacha Lodge is its elevated canopy walk, which allows visitors to walk above the treetops of the Ecuadorian jungle and enjoy the view of the Amazon from above.

The most popular stays at Sacha Lodge are the 4-day, 3-night stays , which include all of the most important sights in and around Sacha’s private 5,000-acre nature reserve.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

Mandari Panga

Secluded jungle experience, your next journey in the amazon rainforest....

• Nature + Culture Tour

more info >>

$790 per person.

$1320 per person

• Birdwatching Tour

$1690 per person

• Adventure Experience

$1470 per person

• Culinary Experience

more info>>

$960 per person.

Cleansing Experience

$ per person tba.

• Photo Safari

$2510 per person

Herping Tour

$1910 per person.

Private Tailor Made

contact us >>

Why choose Mandari Panga?

Small groups.

Plan your unforgettable journey by joining our Ecuador Amazon Tours. Delve into the heart of the Amazon with an authentic and immersive experience; our certified guides, with their knowledge,  bring a unique, private feel to every step of your trip.

• Yasuni National Park

One of the only amazon lodge located within the boundaries of Yasuni National Park in Ecuador. Our amazon lodge is isolated from other facilities in a nearly untouched area of rainforest in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

Connect with the amazon rainforest jungle in a way not possible in a traditional lodge with total comfort. Experience the sounds of the birds, animals, and rivers. Sense your surroundings in your sheltered, elevated, safari-style tent with a river view.

Your visit to our camp makes an essential contribution to improving the quality of life for the people of the Mandari Panga community. It’s crucial to help protect the incredible diversity of life in the Yasuni region of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

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Don’t miss the spot for this destination, become one with the jungle., limited time offer: early bird discount.

Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime! Book your dream tour now and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount when you reserve a tour for October, November or December 2024.

Explore the breathtaking Yasuni National Park, immerse yourself in local culture, and create unforgettable memories.

Act fast! This offer won’t last forever. Book now and embark on the ultimate travel experience. Hurry, plan ahead, and take advantage of our Early Bird Discount today!

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Amazon Tours – Cuyabeno Wildlife  Reserve – Ecuador 

Explore the amazon rainforest with bamboo lodge,, where every step is an adventure, and every moment is a discovery..

Your journey into the heart of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, where adventure and wonder merge into a lifetime experience.

3 days & 2 nights

Explore the Wild: Get a glimpse of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve on our 3 days Short Trip

4 days & 3 nights

Discover the Amazon:  A 4-Day Journey into the Heart of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

5 days & 4 nights

A unique Amazon adventure with Bamboo Lodge: A 5-day experience that lasts a lifetime.

3 Days Jungle Short Trip

4 days amazon jungle tour, 5 days rainforest expedition.

It’s time to discover the Amazon with Bamboo Lodge

Discover the mesmerizing beauty of the Cuyabeno Reserve in Ecuador. Let our expert guides lead you through lush greenery and introduce you to the diverse wildlife that calls this place home.

Staying at Bamboo Lodge, you not only experience the wonders of the amazon rainforest but also contribute to responsible eco tourism and community support.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism ensures that your experience is truly special. We cater to a maximum of 28 guests, guaranteeing personalized service that will make your journey exceptional. With our passionate expert guides by your side, you’ll explore the Amazon jungle, revel in comfortable accommodations, savor local cuisine, and partake in exciting jungle expeditions.

Come, be a part of this unique experience, and together, let’s explore the wonders of the Amazon rainforest while preserving its magic for generations to come. Book your adventure with Bamboo Lodge today.

Transportation

Meals & Drinks

Accommodation

Tour program

Jungle equipment

In all rooms and common areas

Our room feautures

Balconies with jungle view

Matrimonial suites with king size beds

Luxury bathrooms

Your accommodation in the jungle, top tower suite, matrimonial suite, junior & family suites, standard rooms, choosing bamboo lodge ensures an extraordinary amazon adventure.

Here’s why

Top Location

Our lodge is perfectly situated just 150 meters from Laguna Grande, nestled between the Tierrafirme and Igapo Forests. This ideal location provides easy access for exploring the Amazon rainforest and observing the diverse wildlife that calls it home.

Expert Guides & dedicated Staff

Our expert guides and dedicated staff are the foundation of our Amazon experience. With extensive knowledge of the Cuyabeno Reserve, our passionate guides provide a safe and informative exploration. Meanwhile, our attentive staff ensure top-quality service throughout your stay.

Value for money

Though our tour may be slightly more expensive than others in the area, you’ll receive a much better service, top-notch guides, incomparable accommodation, delicious food and the assurance that the people serving you are being compensated fairly.

Exceptional Bamboo Suites

Our bamboo suites are the perfect place to unwind after exploring the jungle. They offer a unique and eco-friendly experience. Enjoy the peace and quiet from your private balcony or relax in our common areas. Come back to a clean and comfortable space to fully recharge for your next adventure.

Sustainability

The lodge is primarily constructed using bamboo, one of the most sustainable materials on earth. Our solar panel system provides 24-hour energy, and all water is treated using biodigesters and tri-cameral systems.

Community Support

We actively support the Siona communities and work closely with them. We donate school materials, provide first aid courses, give Christmas gifts for children, and more. Additionally, all canoe transportation is provided by the indigenous people.

Raise awareness for protection

We are convinced that by sharing our love and passion for the rainforest with our guests in an honest and sincere manner, we can raise awareness about the importance of protecting this beautiful paradise.

Additional Services included

You won’t have to pay extra for breakfast before the tour, a comfortable waiting area including pool and showers at Hotel Arazá, lunch after the tour, coffee and hot chocolate during the tour and more.

Explore the Amazon with us

Embark on an incredible Amazon journey in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuador. Discover the mesmerizing beauty of this extraordinary wilderness by reserving your stay at Bamboo Lodge. Join us now and experience the Amazon like never before.

Guest comments

A huge thanks to all of our guests for visiting Bamboo Lodge! We appreciate your comments and love to share our Cuyabeno paradise with you.

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Bamboo Amazon Tours – Ecuador

Ecuador Amazon Tours & Cruises

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• Easy Active
• River Cruises
• Solo Travel
• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Hacienda Visits
• Horseback Riding
• Local Market Visits
• Rainforest Exploration
• Small Ship Cruises
• Spa Relaxation
• Village Visits
• Whitewater Rafting
• Wilderness Lodge Exploration
• Wildlife Viewing
• M/V Anakonda
• Ecuador Amazon

Authentic Amazon

• Enjoy exploratory canoe trips
• Visit the Parrot Clay Licks
• Kayak though the Indillama River
• Learn from Kichwa women

Andes and Amazon

• Explore the colonial city of Cuenca
• Visit the homes of local weavers
• Hike through the shadowed jungle
• Raft down the Jatunyacu River
• Wildlife Odyssey
• Observe macaws at a clay lick
• Visit a 130-ft. observation tower
• Take in the vast array of wildlife
• Snorkel through clear waters
• Sacha Lodge
• Paddle dugout canoes along creeks
• Take night walks through the forest
• Observe the unique wildlife
• View the forest from the canopy

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest

• Explore the banks of the Napo River
• Seek out pink river dolphins
• Visit a local school

La Selva Lodge

• Visit Ecuador's famous macaw lick
• Take night walks in the rainforest
• Observe unique Amazon wildlife

La Selva Snapshot

• Climb up an observation tower
• Visit the Mandi Cocha lagoon
• Look for nighttime wildlife

Amazon Kayak Adventure

• Observe Black Caimans
• Walk Yasuni National Park
• Encounter Amazon wildlife
• Take an early morning hike

Napo Cultural Center - Sumak Kausay

• See the traditional Kichwa Añangu
• Enjoy kayaking on Napo River
• Witness up to 11 species of parrots

Amazon Discovery

• Learn about the Amazon's diversity
• Visit an Authentic Indigenous home
• Navigate pristine water sections

Napo Cultural Center - Sumak Huasi

• Learn about Kichwa worldview
• Encounter diverse bird species
• Experience the wayusada ritual

Ultimate Amazon

• Admire the rainforest landscape
• Meet the legendary pink dolphin
• Visit an observation tower
• Tour the Limoncocha Reserve

Amazon Discoveries: Search for the Pink Dolphin

• Watch for the pink river dolphin
• Interact with local school children
• Visit a flooded ecosystem by canoe
• View the Amazon Basin from above

Amazon Exploration: Search for the Pink Dolphin

• Search for the pink river dolphin
• Visit a school on the Napo River
• Climb a 100-foot observation tower
• Experience nocturnal activity
• Canoe the Panayacu River
• Visit with Kichwa women
• Tour with guide and naturalists
• Go swimming and dugout canoeing
• Stay at Sacha Lodge

Napo Wildlife Center Exploration

• Visit the Interpretative Centre
• Search for monkeys
• Explore Napo's surrounding creeks

Napo Wildlife Center Snapshot

• Climb the Canopy Observation Tower
• Visit Añangu Lake
• Hike along the forest trail

Ecuador Travel Guide

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• History and Culture of Ecuador
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• Ecuador Wildlife & Safari
• Machu Picchu & Galapagos Tours
• Best Time of Year to Visit Ecuador and Galapagos
• Indigenous Groups in Ecuador Win Major Victory in Oil and Mining Conflicts

Favorite Ecuador All Trips

• Ecuador Highlights
• Ecuador Adventure
• Ecuador North to South
• Haciendas of Ecuador

Top Ecuador Amazon Travel Destinations

• Yasuni National Park

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• Ecuador Amazon wilderness lodge exploration (13)
• Ecuador Amazon village visits (10)
• Ecuador Amazon kayaking (9)
• Ecuador Amazon fishing (7)
• Ecuador Amazon hiking (7)
• Ecuador Amazon local market visits (3)
• Ecuador Amazon hacienda visits (3)
• Ecuador Amazon biking (3)
• Ecuador Amazon horseback riding (3)

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AMAZON WILDLIFE TOURS

Amazon Tours Ecuador, The trip to the amazon rainforest of  ecuador is many travelers dream

South america’s amazon rainforest is one of the earth’s great wildernesses, a dream destination in ecuador for travellers and adventurers alike, renowned for its biological and cultural diversity, and for travel opportunities with accessible timeframes and budgets..

AMAZON TOURS - YASUNI 

Lodging at the Amazon Lodge Pompeya - Paspanchu 

Amazon Tours 3 days 2 night  to Francisco de Orellana Coca   on your own more information....click here 

Value per person 480 USD 

Lodging at the Amazon Lodge Pompya  and Activities in the Yasuní National Park, comfortable double triple rooms, private bathroom and Wifi free

YASUNI WAORANI TERRITORY 

AMAZON TRIBES TOUR

The Yasuni National Park is one of the places where the most savage indigenous people of the Ecuadorian Amazon live, in the territory of the Amazon Rainforest are the Waorani Indigenous people lived as nomads in the Ecuadorian Jungle and so also in the jungle of Peru, the tour to this trip is one of the wildest

  Amazon Tribes Tour 4 days ...C.lick

Amazon Tribes Tour 5 days ..Click 

BIOLOGICAL LIMONCOCHA RESERVE AND  YASUNI NATIONAL  PARK

AMAZON LODGE  HARPY   - LIMONCOCHA  COMMUNITY

Amazon tours , two place in the Amazon Rainforest

3 days 2 night $  390   USD  more information ...

$  430  USD included bus ticket from Quito to Coca  round trip and pick up from Hotel to bus Station Quitumbe of Quito

We organize your trip with a minimum of two people

AMAZON DOLPHIN TOURS

AMAZON LODGE YAKU WUARMI - BORDER PERU  

The trips of the Amazonian dolphin tours start in Coca every day at in two schedules 08h00 and 13h00 complete the booking in advance, recommended ​

The Amazon pink dolphin tour located on the border of Ecuador and Peru one of the places of successful activities and recommended for the sighting of the Amazon pink dolphin 

Amazon Dolphin tours 2 nights 3 days... More information....

Amazon Dolphin tours 3 nights 4 days .. More information..... ​

YASUNI NATIONAL PARK

YASUNI NATIONAL PARK  4

DAYS - AMAZON LODGE POMPEYA 

Amazon tours in the Amazon Rainforest

4 days 3 night $580 0  USD  more information ...

$     USD included bus ticket round trip and pick up from Hotel to bus Station Quitumbe of Quito

JAGUAR EXPEDITIONS   

JAGUAR EXPEDITIONS YASUNI NATIONAL PARK 

We invite you to the adventure of the Jaguar in the Amazon of Ecuador in search of the Jaguar ​

The male jaguar is a shy elusive creature living within the limits of a large defined territory.  This is the largest cat of the neotropics and the tracks and majority of sightings occur along the shores of eastern lowland rivers in Ecuador.  It is most active during the early morning, sunset and night although it may be seen during rainy days even in the early afternoon.

CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE 

AMAZON   GUACAMAYO ECOLODGE 

Tour Cuyabeno Starting from lago Agrio

4 days 3 night $ 280USD  more information....

 3 days 2 night $ 000 USD per person 

Visit the Guacamayo Eco Lodge Cuyabeno Reserve Ecuador and discover the magic of the Amazon Rainforest and its treasures !

Amazon Wildlife Team

Javier Vidal

Javier Vidal works with the team of Amazon Wildlife Ecuador, is the specialist in the Amazonian Culture of Yasuní National Park, his contact number is 593-980411985

Robert Vaca 

Sales team and website design of Amazon Wildlife Tours, Address e mail: [email protected]

Krista Vaca 

Team of the Photography and web site design

An Invitation

to Journey to the Heart of the World

Explore your Curiosity

Kapawi Ecolodge is an award-winning indigenous community ecotourism enterprise in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador that offers conscious and responsible travelers the opportunity to engage in authentic cultural experiences with people of the Ecuadorian Amazon, in an unspoiled rainforest setting, while directly supporting the sustainable development of the Achuar indigenous nation.

TRANSFORMATION

"Kapawi Lodge is so gorgeous, so tranquil, so immersive it astounds me it could even exist. To build an ecolodge so far from the nearest infrastructure could only be achieved by an organization decided to sustainability. Unique in all the world."

-Sean Jewell

"By the time my visit there was over I felt restored and very grateful. I highly recommend this Ecuador Amazon lodge as a retreat from the hectic pace of modern life and for its great exposure to the Achuar tribal life."

-Kim Bronsan-Meyer

"I came home from Kapawi Ecolodge with a deeper connection to nature and a newfound mission to be more active in my work to create sustainable solutions for the current environmental crisis like the Achuar did."

OUR VISION + MISSION

This Amazon eco lodge of Ecuador is 100% owned and operated by the Achuar Indigenous community. All revenue generated from ecotourism goes towards supporting the community, preserving their culture and protecting the Amazon rainforest.

SUPPORT INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES ​

CONNECT WITH

A primary part of our mission is to invite our guests to reconnect with nature, discover the abundant Amazon Rainforest wildlife, learn new ways of environmental stewardship, and ultimately contribute to the protection and respect of the Amazon Rainforest.

PROTECT THE

For the past 25 years, the Achuar have worked in partnership with Kapawi Ecolodge's guests to conserve and protect the Sacred Headwaters region of the Ecuadorian Amazon from extraction and deforestation industries.

Discover the Amazon at your own pace through our flexible 4, 5 and 8-day Amazon tours.

Learn more >

OUR EXPERIENCES

No two Kapawi experiences are the same. Your time with us can be spent on the Amazon river, hiking,  culturally  immersed or deep in our wellness activities.

Explore the grounds of our award-winning Ecuador Amazon Ecolodge.

Learn more >

Our story begins with an Ecuadorian ecotourism pioneer and a call from the Amazon Rainforest's Achuar Indigenous Nation

Lead more >

• AMAZON PUYO

Amazon Tours Puyo

Reserve Hola Vida – Secondary Jungle

Ecuador Amazon Tours from Banos de Agua Santa, Rainforest, Jungle Expedition, Canoeing, Camping, Reserve Hola Vida, Puyo.

Imagine Ecuador Team is composed of some of the best official professional guides in the region. They are all English speaking, having years of experience in the jungle and excellent tourist reports, as well as a deep knowledge of Amazon jungle history and traditions, being also specialists in the flora and fauna of the rainforest. Our guides, together with our team will be the key to make your trip an unforgettable experience. All in one place, everything you want to see and do is available with us, from adventure activities, cultural experiences, interaction with native communities, bird watching, photography, canoeing and shamanism!

The surrounding areas near Puyo have become very important places to practice community tourism, in addition to jungle walks and canoe rides, there are organized tours that leave from Baños whether for  one  or  two days .

Visit the Hola Vida Reserve, learn how the local indigenous people make handicrafts, enjoy the flora and fauna of the forest and take a memorable canoe ride.

• Jungle walks
• Swiming in the waterfalls
• Visit the indigenous comunities

ITINERARY 1 DAY TOUR

Start: 9:00 am

Travel from Banos to Puyopungo for 2 hours. In the way you will see the waterfall route and 2 parks Sangay and Llanganates.

Near Puyo you can visit the Zoo (optional)

Visit the indigenous community where you can participate in a traditional dancing, use of the blow pipe; in their museum you can purchase some handicrafts like necklaces, bracelets or pottery.

Canoe ride for 30 minutes on the Puyo River

Lunch time around 13:00

Jungle walks in the Reserve Hola Vida for 2 hours, to learn about plants and trees of the Amazon, also to visit a waterfall where you can swim.

Visit to the view point Indichuris with amazing views of the Pastaza River and the forest.

To conclude the day, you’ll visit a local family house to learn how to make organic chocolate.

Return to Banos, the tour ends around 20:00pm.

INCLUDED:  Private transportation Banos – Hola Vida Reserve – Banos, bilingual guide, local lunch, rubber boots and rain poncho.

NOT INCLUDED:  Entrance fee to the reserve Hola Vida 1,50usd per person, animal rescue center 4 USD per person, view point 3 USD , local community 1 USD, artisanal chocolate making 2 USD,  personal expenses, tips, alcoholic/soft drinks.

WHAT TO BRING:  Passport copy, extra money for the entrances fee, professional camera, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, insect repellent, long-sleeves t-shirt, lightweight long pants, sport shoes, 1 pair of socks extra, bathing suit, towel, water shoes to swim in the waterfall and dry bag.

Level of difficulty: Easy – medium 

1 NIGHT 2 DAYS

Starts: 9am

Visit a local family house to learn how to make organic chocolate.

After this experience we will go back to the place to stay. If you don’t feel tired, you can go on a night walk with your guide to observe insects and frogs. Dinner and rest.

Meals: lunch, dinner

SECOND DAY:

Optional.  Hike to the “Hidden Waterfall” for 4 hours round trip in the morning.

Level of the Hike : Medium /Hard

Please, be prepare for the hike because it is very adventurous, you will walk in a small path into the forest with some slopes up and down, some parts of the path ends in the river with deep natural pools, to across to the other side and in order to continue the trail, in fact you must wear swimming suit and the rubber boots.

Lunch around 13:00pm

Time to pack your bags,  return to Baños, where you will arrive around 16:00.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

WHAT TO BRING: Passport copy, flashlight,  extra money to pay the entrance fees, professional camera, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved t-shirt 2,   lightweight long pants 2, short 1, 1 pair of sport shoes, 2 pair of socks , bathing suit, towel and 1 dry bag.

INCLUDED:  Private transportation Banos – Hola Vida Reserve – Banos, bilingual guide, food, accommodation in basic cabanas with shared bathroom and bunk beds, rubber boots, poncho.

NOT INCLUDED:  Entrance fee to the reserve Hola Vida 2USD per person, Tarqui Zoo 4USD  per person, view point 3 USD, local community 1 USD, artisanal chocolate making 2 USD, personal expenses, tips, alcoholic/soft drinks.

Please remember, this is a sample itinerary, the activities can be changed according the weather forecast, on the first day or in the second day.

The Hola Vida Reserve is located 2 1⁄2 hours by private car from Baños de Agua Santa and 30 minutes from Puyo in the southern part of the Amazon, our packages include private transport from Banos to Banos.

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Amazon Tours Ecuador: BEST Cuyabeno Trip From Quito (2023)

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

Looking for the best Amazon tours in Ecuador? We visited the Amazon Rainforest with Community Hostel in 2023, and it was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. And we’ve travelled to a lot of places!

Visiting the Amazon has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Actually being there was pretty surreal – and it took a while for it to sink in! From spotting wildlife to swimming in lagoons, watching the sunset and getting up close to caimans – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip any adventure fan needs to do!

In the following post, I explain everything there is to know about the Amazon tours in Ecuador, including the incredible one we did with Community Hostel and the Dolphin Lodge. From daily timetables to activities, weather and what to pack, it’s all included.

But, if I’ve missed anything or you still have a burning question, get in touch to ask! You can email me at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com or send me a DM via Instagram here. I want your Amazon trip to be just as special as ours, so ask away!

So, let’s get started and get planning the most wonderful Amazon Rainforest trip possible!

*Our trip to the Amazon with Community Hostel was sponsored, but we would never recommend a tour that we didn’t truly love . All of the information in this post is an honest reflection of our trip to the Amazon Rainforest in 2023.*

Need help packing for the Amazon Rainforest? Check out my post: What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest (That Isn’t Ugly)

🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:

• What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest (That Isn’t Ugly)
• Ecuador Itinerary 3 Weeks: FULL Route + Guide
• Quito To Banos: FULL Guide + Route
• Frog Concert Mindo: Just WHAT Is It? FULL Guide
• Quito To Mindo: BEST And Easiest Routes

Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences?

Follow me on Instagram! As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop me a DM!

Amazon Tours Ecuador: A Summary

Visiting the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and actually being there was like stepping into a dream.

During the tour, you can expect to see wildlife that’s not found anywhere else in the world, swim in the waters of the Amazon, trek through the jungle at night, spot caimans and giant anacondas, look out for pink river dolphins, canoe paddle and bird watch and other incredible Amazon specific activities.

It’s a trip that any adventure and wildlife lover needs to do at least once in their lifetime.

There are many tours and trips that you can choose to do in Ecuador. We were lucky enough to visit the Amazon with the incredible Community Hostel and stayed at the Dolphin Lodge. This was one of the best tours to the Amazon from Quito, and I am so glad we picked them (keep reading to find out why!)

When booking a tour, you’ll need to pick a duration. We found most tourists and backpackers in Ecuador do the 4-day, 3-night tour. This is enough time to ‘settle’ into rainforest life, do some epic activities and really experience the magic of the rainforest. It’s also a great amount of time to get to know your group and make some new friends.

If you book with Community Hostel and the Dolphin Lodge, everything is included. Accommodation, food, drinks, activities, a tour guide, the boat ride to and from the lodge, waterproof jackets, wellie boots and everything else you could possibly need whilst you’re remote in the jungle.

The only extra you’ll need to pay for is the bus from Quito to the Cuyabeno Bridge, but Community Hostel will explain this to you when booking.

What company is best for an Amazon tour in Ecuador?

As I’ve previously mentioned, I recommend doing an Amazon tour in Ecuador with Community Hostel and Community Adventures.

They are a sustainable and responsible company that truly brings the magic of the Amazon to life. They have a range of tours all over Ecuador (Cotopaxi, Mindo, Galapagos etc), and are a well-known, popular tour group for tourists and backpackers.

When booking with Community Hostel , you’ll stay in the beautiful Dolphin Lodge, nestled in the middle of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. I speak a little more about the lodge further on in this post, but it exceeded all of our expectations.

All ages are welcome – we had a mix of solo backpackers, young tourists, couples in their thirties and way older on our tour! It was a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

The prices of the tours are also exceptionally reasonable and perfect for those backpacking on a budget! For under $300 USD, you’ll get all activities, accommodation, meals, tour guides and even equipment such as wellie boots and raincoats.

And if I’m honest – they just went the extra mile. The guides were all from the local Amazon communities, and they were kind, welcoming and knowledgeable (I have no idea how they spotted some of the wildlife that they did!)

The guides all spoke perfect English and made sure we were all happy and enjoying ourselves throughout – even when some of us were scared of the bugs!

They made us feel like part of the family, and we couldn’t fault their patience and time for us. The meals were delicious, the atmosphere was great, the rooms were comfortable and we had everything we needed; from start to finish.

And it’s for that reason that I recommend the Dolphin Lodge and booking through Community Hostel .

It’s not just a tour – it’s a community. You become part of the family in a short space of time, and your Amazon experience is better than you could have ever imagined!

If you’re in Ecuador and want to do an Amazon tour from Quito, check out the Dolphin Lodge and book through Community Hostel . You won’t regret it!

Where to stay in Quito when doing an Amazon tour

If you are doing an Amazon tour from Quito, stay at Community Hostel . The hostel can then book the Amazon tour for you.

You can also leave your big bag and expensive belongings with them. They have a locked storage room (which is totally safe) so you can pack a small day bag to take with you to the Amazon.

The bus also picks you up and drops you directly back at Community Hostel . It makes your life a lot easier by staying there!

If you are doing the Amazon tour with them, I recommend this kind of structure when staying in Quito:

• Book a night with Community Hostel the night BEFORE your Amazon tour. Enjoy Quito and the activities the hostel put on (family-style dinners, games, quiz nights, walking tours etc).
• The next night, you do not need to book accommodation. The bus for the Amazon picks you up at 11.30 pm, so just chill at the hostel in the TV lounge and get some rest before the big adventure!
• Book another night at Community Hostel on the final day of the tour . You’ll get dropped off at the hostel late on return from the Amazon (around 11 pm- 1 am in the morning), so the last thing you want to be doing is travelling around Quito at that time!

❗️HOW WE DID IT: We booked a night at Community Hostel on Wednesday, travelled to Cuyabeno on Thursday, and returned to the hostel on a Monday night (where we stayed again).

➡ Book your Community Hostel stay now!

What to expect from Amazon tours in Ecuador

Any Amazon tour in Ecuador is full on. You can expect to be up and out early each morning, with the day ahead being packed full of activities. It’s non-stop, so make sure you’re prepared for it!

I’ve listed some of the activities and the daily schedule below, but just be open to changes, or things going wrong (ie the weather) and remember you are in the Amazon Rainforest. Whatever happens, whatever you do – it’s all an experience!

Related post: What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest | Backpacking Ecuador: What to Expect

Activities on the Amazon tours in Ecuador

All of the Amazon tours in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve are pretty similar. As we did our tour with Community Hostel at the Dolphin Lodge, I’ll talk a little about the types of activities we did.

Our tour was non-stop. It was packed full of bucket list activities, and I could not have planned a better trip myself! Activities included (but were not limited to):

🛶 A nightly lagoon trip to watch the sunset over the Amazon. You’ll stop here for an hour-ish, chat with your new friends and even jump in the water for a swim!

🔦 A night walk through the Amazon. Put your wellies on, grab your flashlight and walk through the forest in the pitch black. This is the best time to spot bugs and creatures you’ve never seen before!

🦅 Early morning bird watching. You’ll take the canoe out (with no engines to limit noise) to spot the best early-morning birds and animals.

🚶🏼‍♂️ A two/three hour day hike through the Amazon . Your guide will take a machete and quite literally cut trees to guide you through the rainforest! Spot bugs, animals and learn all about the plants of the Amazon.

🐊 Nightly watches to spot wild caimans and anacondas. You’ll do this from the safety of the boat!

🛖 Visit a local indigenous community. You’ll take a one-hour boat, then do a one-hour hike through the jungle to meet the locals of the Amazon.

🌿 A meeting with a local Shaman. He’ll talk through the ways they use medicines and local herbs to heal the people of the community.

🛶 Canoe paddling to get up close to the local wildlife, including pink river dolphins and monkeys.

Prices of the Amazon tours in Ecuador

Prices for Amazon tours in Ecuador vary depending on duration, accommodation type, time of year and what’s included.

If you’re sticking to one of the more popular Amazon tours like Community Adventures , you can expect to pay similar to:

• 4 days, 3 nights: $270 USD per person
• 5 days, 4 nights: $320 USD per person

Both of these tours include all activities, wellie boots, meals, drinks (non-alcoholic), mosquito nets, waterproof ponchos and a traditional-style Amazon accommodation. More on accommodation in the next section!

Accommodation on the Amazon tours

When booking an Amazon tour in Ecuador, one of the things that might be important is accommodation and room style.

Let me start by reminding you that you’re staying in the Amazon Rainforest – so unless you have a few thousand pounds to drop, you’re going to be in pretty standard rooms!

The Dolphin Lodge (which is where you stay with Community Adventures ) was a cosy, large, wood-built cabin around two hours from the Cuyabeno Bridge . The other main lodges in Cuyabeno are all relatively close together.

The Dolphin Lodge has a large dining area (where we’d sit and eat family-style meals), as well as a long wooden deck and viewing platform for relaxing on hammocks and jumping into the water.

It’s also a popular spot for a pod of dolphins to swim in front of the lodge (hence the name!) so always keep an eye out!

In terms of the rooms, they’re basic but they do the job. We had comfortable beds with mosquito nets; meaning we didn’t get a single bite during the night! The showers have temperamental hot water, but most of the time you crave a cold shower anyway, so it’s a nice escape from the humidity!

We were travelling as a couple, so we had our own private room (which I wasn’t expecting!). If you’re a solo traveller, there are shared dorms. Depending on your group size, you will either be put in a shared dorm or in a private room.

If you have specific wants and needs about room sizes, you can chat with Community Hostel beforehand.

Getting to the Amazon from Quito

The Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador is, of course, remote. It takes a long time to travel from Quito to the area you’ll be staying in, so be sure to include this in your trip time.

The main tourist area for the Amazon in Ecuador is the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. It is the second largest reserve and protected area in Ecuador and is nestled in a part of the Amazon Rainforest.

Getting from Quito to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve looks a little like this:

The bus from Quito to the Amazon rainforest

A coach (with wifi and comfortable seats) picks tourists up from all over Quito every night around 11.30pm-midnight. We were picked up FIRST from Community Hostel – meaning we had first pick of the best seats!

The bus is usually full, but not full of people all necessarily on your tour. Everyone stays in different lodges.⁣ We met a few people staying in the Dolphin Lodge at Community Hostel , so we already had friends before the tour began!

From pick-up, it’s around a 12-13 hour drive to the Cuyabeno Bridge (where you’ll jump in your canoe and head to your lodge). The drive is fine – it’s a little windy at times, so I recommend travel sickness pills if you suffer badly. However, we were both fine for the duration.

There are no toilets on the bus, but you make regular stops. We also had a few people ask every now and then to stop for the loo, so don’t feel worried about asking.

As it’s overnight, you don’t stop for a lunch break, so take any snacks you might need. On the journey back to Quito, you do stop for lunch at a traditional Ecuadorian roadside cafe (plus the Dolphin Lodge will prepare a packed lunch for you to take too!)

The boat from the Cuyabeno Bridge to your lodge

After a long and sleepy 12-hour bus journey, you’ll arrive at the chaotic Cuyabeno Bridge. This is – quite simply – chaos. There are hundreds of tourists at the bridge (and we travelled during the off-season!) who are waiting to ‘board’ their motorboat to head down to their lodge.

This is where you will meet your guide. A guide and volunteer from Dolphin Lodge will meet you at the bridge (or a guide from whichever tour you are on) and prep you for the boat journey ahead.

Be sure to use the loo, grab a snack and a raincoat ready for the boat ride. Your bags will be placed in a waterproof compartment on the boat (although I don’t recommend taking any laptops or anything that can get easily damaged) and you’ll be given a poncho in case it starts raining.

From the Cuyabeno Bridge, it takes 2-3 hours to travel to your lodge, depending on where you are staying. If you’ve booked with Community Hostel like we did, the Dolphin Lodge is around a 2-hour journey.

But this boat journey is incredible – and it’s actually the start of your Amazon tour! Just a few minutes in, we saw several types of monkeys, toucans, birds, bugs and fish – it was an adventure from the word go.

Our tour guide Elias was amazing at spotting wildlife in the trees, and we even had a set of binoculars to see a little closer! We’d pull up close, watch the monkeys pick berries from the branches and the fish jumping out of the water to catch the fallen goods. It was pretty special.

Daily timetable on the Amazon tour in Ecuador

When on one of the Amazon tours in Ecuador, the timetables are all pretty similar. But as we did the Community Hostel tour (and of course, it’s the best Amazon tour in Ecuador 😏), I’m going to talk you through what happened with us.

Our daily timetable in the Amazon Rainforest looked a little like this:

6-7 am: wake up, prepare for the day. If you’re birdwatching, it’s a 5 am wake-up call to be on the boat by 6 am to spot the best wildlife.

8 am: family-style breakfast with your group.

9 am: activities begin! Depending on what they are, they can either overlap lunch (and you’ll eat lunch out) or you’ll head back to the lodge to eat.

2.30-3.30 pm: lunch at the lodge or in the community.

4-5 pm: afternoon activities!

8.30 pm: return to the lodge for another family-style meal.

9-9.30 pm: bedtime! You can buy alcohol from the bar, but we were all far too exhausted. We were all asleep by 9.30 pm!

If you have specific wants/needs, the Dolphin Lodge is really open to ideas. For example, we wanted to head to the lagoon for another sunset swim when it wasn’t on the itinerary, and they were happy to accommodate us.

We also spotted pink river dolphins during breakfast, and as you can imagine, we dropped everything and ran barefoot out to the canoe to get a closer look!

Nothing is set in stone, it just depends on what you and your group would like from the tour.

What to pack for an Amazon tour in Ecuador

This was something I really struggled with before visiting the Amazon. What on earth do I pack? Is it too hot for long sleeves? Do I need a raincoat? And do I still want to look cute?!

Let me start by saying; no one cares what you look like. So don’t even waste a thought on looking ‘cute’. It’s humid, hot, sticky, dirty, and muddy – looking nice just isn’t on the radar when you’re out there.

The most important thing is to have long sleeves – both top and bottom. This isn’t just to protect you from mosquitoes, but also the trees, branches, twigs, bugs, ants and spiders you’ll cross when walking through the dense jungle.

(That isn’t to scare you – it’s just a fact when you’re walking through the Amazon Rainforest!)

But it is humid. You’ll want a short-sleeved top, dress or shorts to wear when you’re relaxing at the lodge. If you have insect repellent, you can wear a ton of this when you’re not covering all of your skin.

In terms of shoes, you’ll mainly wear the wellie boots which are provided by the lodge. They go right up to a size 13 (UK) so even my 6 foot 5 boyfriend was able to grab a pair! The mud in the rainforest is so exceptionally thick and wet that you won’t be able to wear anything else.

But – take a pair of sandals or flip-flops too. When we had finished a long hike, and then had a long boat ride back, the last thing we wanted was to be sitting in our heavy wellies. We’d swap out our wellies for our sandals, and even dip our feet in the water to cool down.

The Dolphin Lodge provided a waterproof poncho for us, so there was no need to bring a waterproof jacket. But of course, this is a personal preference.

Other items to pack for the Amazon tour in Ecuador

When you’ve packed a few long-sleeved tops and trousers, I also recommend adding the following items . I have linked my top choice for each one to make your life even easier!

• Insect repellent (just as vital as taking clothes!)
• A rain jacket (although most tours will provide these for you)
• Sunscreen (reef friendly as you might be swimming)
• Swimsuit (yes, you can swim there!)
• A quick-dry towel
• A reusable water bottle
• A day bag (to carry a water bottle, camera etc)
• A dry bag (to use in the canoes to and from the activities)
• An adapter and a portable phone charger – there is electricity at the lodge
• Cash to tip and to pay the local community fee
• A phone with a torch, or an actual flashlight for the night walks
• A book or Kindle to read during your rest time
• Shower gel and normal toiletries (there are no shops there, obviously)
• Extra batteries for everything. Even though there is electricity, it’s communal and only on at certain hours of the day. Take spare fully-charged batteries if you can.

FULL Amazon Rainforest Packing Guide: What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest (That Isn’t Ugly)

What to NOT pack for the Amazon tour

You’re going to be jumping in and out of canoe-style boats for the duration of your trip. I highly recommend leaving most of your belongings at Community Hostel whilst you are gone.

We left pretty much everything at Community Hostel and just took an average-sized day bag with us. Laptops, expensive equipment, spare clothes, anything you don’t need in a rainforest – can all be left at Community Hostel in a safe, locked storage room.

It’s also incredibly humid everywhere in the Amazon, so you don’t want anything important or expensive getting damaged.

In summary, do not take to the Amazon (unless you absolutely have to):

• Laptop or expensive tech
• Your entire big bag (leave most of your belongings in the locked storage room at the Community Hostel )
• Hair appliances (there’s no electricity in the rooms, only communal spaces)
• More than 2 pairs of shoes (sandals and trainers will suffice)
• Food – you’re only going to attract animals to your room if you have secret food stuffed in your bag! Don’t do it.

Best time to visit the Amazon in Ecuador

You can visit the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador 365 days a year. There is a dry and wet season in Cuyabeno, and we actually visited during the wet season.

Did it rain? Yes, but not nearly as much as we expected! Most of our days were long, sunny and humid, and we only had rain in the last 12 hours of our trip. But this rain was heavy – in fact, I’ve never seen anything like it. For reference:

🌞 The dry season starts in September and ends in March. This is when the river is only 1m deep, and it’s easier to spot animals such as giant otters, anacondas and caimans. There is still rain during this time, but a lot less frequently and for a shorter amount of time than during the wet season.

☔️ Wet season starts in April, and runs until early September. The river is 5-6m deep during this time, and it’s easiest to spot pink river dolphins.

Throughout the year, it is humid and hot. Expect to be sticky, muddy and dirty 365 days a year. Well, you are in the Amazon Rainforest after all!

The average temperature in the Ecuadorian Amazon is 73-82°F (23-28°C).

Related posts: 3 Days In Quito: The PERFECT Itinerary | Quito To The Galapagos: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

Food and drink on the Amazon tour in Ecuador

The food and drink on the Amazon tour is great. I can’t speak for every lodge, but the Dolphin Lodge really pulled it out of the bag!

We were fed three giant, delicious meals per day, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Meals always included a mix of both traditional Ecuadorian foods and Western foods. We even had spaghetti bolognese one night!

Each meal is served with lots of carbs (mainly pasta and rice), with a whole ton of bread rolls to fill up on in case you’re still hungry.

Everything is cooked on-site, so if you have a special request or need, the chances are they can cater to you. But again, if you’re unsure or worried, contact Community Hostel to double-check.

But of course, the lodges are in the middle of the rainforest. There are no shops, cafes or other restaurants. You have to eat at your own lodge, so be sure to check you’re staying at a lodge with good food (aka, the Dolphin Lodge with Community Hostel !)

Examples of our meals include spaghetti bolognese, frittata, chicken (or veg) and rice and so on. There was nothing too different to the norm, and you were always given fruit for dessert (which was usually locally picked from the rainforest!)

Alcohol is available to buy additionally, but we were all way too tired for that!

Wifi and Signal on the Amazon Rainforest tour

There is no Wifi or signal in most of the lodges, including the Dolphin Lodge. Wifi is available for staff for emergency reasons, but it is not given to guests. Expect a few days of being totally off-grid!

Swimming on the Amazon Rainforest tour

Believe it or not, you can actually swim in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Yes, there are caimans, anacondas and piranhas – but they’re not interested in you.

Some people opted out of swimming (and that’s totally ok too!) but most of us jumped in and enjoyed the cooling water. It’s safe, refreshing and for me, was a huge bucket list tick!

Most of the swimming takes place in the evening at sunset. All lodges will take the motorboats to the giant lagoon (around 20 minutes from the Dolphin Lodge), and stop the boat to watch the sun go down, chat amongst new friends and jump into the water.

This was actually my favourite part of the day. Watching the sunset and a full moon (we were extremely lucky) from the boat. Seeing the sky turn from blue to a deep orange, then a blushing pink to a rich purple… it was mesmerising.

All whilst the trees from the Amazon swayed in the wind, and the cool air brushed against our skin. These evenings are memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Wildlife on the Amazon Rainforest tour

The types of wildlife you’ll see will depend on the time of year and luck.

We travelled to Cuyabeno during the wet season (in June), which is the hardest time to see animals like anacondas and caimans. But it is the best time to see pink river dolphins; as they don’t have to swim hours downstream to find deep water!

We were lucky enough to see pink river dolphins (right outside the Dolphin Lodge!), hundreds of monkeys (and lots of different species), caimans, toucans, birds, turkeys, giant otters, tarantulas, frogs, bugs, ants, spiders and more.

Sadly we didn’t see a giant anaconda, but another group did! You just have to remember it’s the wild and it’s nature – everything to do with weather and wildlife is down to luck.

Vaccines for visiting the Amazon tour in Ecuador

The yellow fever jab is required for the Amazon in Ecuador. We got this for free in Colombia ( read more about how here ).

Currently, in 2023, you do not need anti-malarial tablets to visit the Cuyabeno Reserve in Ecuador. We did not take them, and no one in our group did either.

However, it is vital that you do your own research, and go with whatever you feel is safest. Your country may recommend otherwise. I am not able to give medical advice and recommend you do this independently.

But from my experience, it was not common for tourists visiting the Amazon in Ecuador to take anti-malarial pills.

Related post: Getting the yellow fever vaccine in Cartagena, Colombia as a tourist

Amazon Tours Ecuador: FAQs

1) where is the best place to visit the amazon in ecuador.

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is the best place to visit the Amazon in Ecuador . With more than 604,000 hectares of rainforest, the Cuyabeno Reserve is full of lagoons, rivers, wildlife and stunning nature.

If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend booking an organised Amazon tour with Community Hostel . They take care of everything – from transport to rooms, activities to wellie boots – it’s a trip anyone and everyone can take to one of the most special places on the planet.

2) How much would a trip to the Amazon rainforest cost?

This depends on how long you stay and who you book with. I highly recommend booking with Community Hostel (they were faultless !) where you can expect to pay around $270 USD for a 3-night, 4-day tour. This includes accommodation, meals and all activities.

3) How long should you stay in the Amazon rainforest?

If you’re visiting for the first time and would like to do a tour, I recommend the 4-day, 3-night tour with Community Hostel. We found this was a perfect amount of time to do all of the activities, enjoy the rainforest and have an epic experience!

But it all depends on what kind of person you are and what you want from your Amazon trip . We had people in our group who only stayed for 2 nights, but also those who wanted to stay for 4 nights.

We even had a European volunteer at our lodge who had been in the Amazon for six weeks, and was planning on staying for at least another three months!

4) Are there mosquitoes in the Amazon rainforest?

Yes, and they’re pretty bad. But if you have insect repellent and long sleeves, you’ll be fine. As someone who gets bitten quite badly, I highly recommend the insect repellent that is a cream rather than a spray. We found this worked much better, and came away from the Amazon with hardly any bites whatsoever!

Check out my full Amazon packing guide for more tips on mosquitoes!

5) Is the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve worth it?

Yes, yes and yes again. We honestly could not be more thankful to Community Hostel for making our Amazon rainforest dreams come true.

To be remote in the rainforest, away from civilisation, with zero phone signal, surrounded by nature…nothing that beats it. We would return in a heartbeat!

Ultimately, if you’re a big fan of nature and wildlife, a trip to the Amazon should be high on your bucket list!

What to pack for Ecuador

Packing for Ecuador is similar to most Central/South American countries, although you need to pack some warmer clothes for locations like Quito.

Luckily for you, I’ve written an entire, lengthy blog post about what to pack for Ecuador ; from daily clothes to gadgets and tech, the right kind of backpack and things you may have forgotten. You can check out my full Ecuador packing list here!

Don’t forget travel insurance for South America!

If you’re visiting South America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is  so  important to have  travel insurance .   And  if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you  definitely  need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend  SafetyWing .  As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at  just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking  ‘but I can’t afford that!’ . I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at  any point  whilst in South America,  you need  travel insurance.

With  SafetyWing , you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for South America . Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a  lot  of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the  best travel insurance companies , I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for  SafetyWing , and the job is done!

Amazon Tours Ecuador: In A Nutshell

So, there you have it!  Everything you need to know about the best Amazon tours in Ecuador; and my epic recommendation of the Community Adventures Amazon tour .  When you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, make sure you let me know over on  Instagram  or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at   real-life  travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information.   I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend  (read more  here !), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Ecuador content,  all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates  here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

• Quito to Mindo: Full Travel Route
• Backpacking Ecuador: COMPLETE Guide
• Frog Concert Mindo: WHAT Is It?!
• Quito to Banos: Full Travel Route + Guide
• What To Pack For Ecuador: All-Year Round Guide

MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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Book With Leading Tours While Protecting Habitat

• Amazon Rainforest
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• Tours & Lodges
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Hi, I'm Ash, your tour advisor. I hope you find this post helpful. If you want my help deciding on an experience, send me an message .

The Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador

The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical forest.

It’s also the largest container of wildlife. This rainforest covers an incredible 40% of South America.

Of this vast forest, Ecuador contains the most wildlife-rich region. And Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest has broken world records for species richness.

You can reach Ecuador’s Amazon after a short flight from Quito (Ecuador’s capital) to Puerto Francisco de Orellana. This is your rainforest gateway town and is known affectionately as El Coca.

Ecuador’s Amazon is cradled by the imposing Andes mountains. This is where the mighty Amazon River begins as a few trickles on a mountainside.

These few trickles eventually combined to become the Napo River. You will travel down this river to get to your Amazon lodge or while aboard your Amazon cruise. The Napo River then merges with others in Peru to form the famous Amazon River on its journey across the continent.

On Ecuador’s Amazon tours, enjoy the beautiful scenery, wildlife and remote wilderness of the Amazon Rainforest.

Jump Straight to Ecuador’s top Amazon Rainforest tours

The wildlife you can find in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest is incredible. Enjoy spotting many different monkeys, colorful birds and many different reptiles. While walking the forest, you will also enjoy the many beautiful butterflies.

Protected Areas of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest

There are a few different protected areas in Ecuador’s Amazon. The most famous, and a protected area regarded as the jewel in the crown of Ecuador’s rainforest, is the Yasuni National Park.

Other protected areas include:

• Cuyabeno Reserve
• Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park
• Cayambe Coca National Park
• Llanganates National Park

There are also a number of private reserves. One of the favorites to visit is the reserve surrounding the Sacha Lodge with its incredible canopy walkway.

The Sacha Lodge

Located in a 5000 acre private ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge provides a safe and comfortable base for you and your ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, selection of guided tours, transfers from and to Coca airport. | 4, 5 days+

The Yasuni National Park

The Yasuni National Park is the main protected area in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. This protects around 1 million hectares of wildlife-rich tropical forest.

The Yasuni is named as one of the world’s most important protected areas for animals and plants. Studies inside the Yasuni National Park have set world records for species diversity.

Within the national park, you can find different habitats. You can find high-ground forest known as terra firme, which doesn’t flood. There is also várzea forest, which floods at certain times of year. And you can also find igapo forest. This is forest that remains at least partially flooded throughout the year. Combined, these habitats provide homes for countless animals and plants.

The Yasuni Park contains around 150 frogs and other amphibians. These include the favorite tree frogs iconic to tropical forests. Impressively, there are over 600 different birds. With this many species, it makes Yasuni and Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest a birder’s paradise. Enjoy spotting the many different parrots, toucans, tanagers, cotingas and hummingbirds. There are also over 200 different mammals. The mammals include the larger species such as jaguar, tapir and different monkeys.

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is found the other side of the Napo River to the Yasuni National Park. Although In the shadow of the more famous Yasuni National Park, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve one of the largest protected areas in Ecuador.

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve stretches over 600,000 hectares of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. This is an area where you can still feel the gentle slope of the Andes mountains.

The protected area offers similar forest and wildlife as the Yasuni. However, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve contains a little more flooded and semi-flooded forest. This may make sightings of aquatic species, such as caiman, pink dolphins and anaconda more common.

In the reserve, you can find around 550 bird species and over 100 different mammals. The birds you can find include different toucans, macaws, cotingas, and many water species. See a diversity of kingfishers, herons, hoatzins, and cormorants. There are also different rare and endangered animals, such as giant river otters and crested eagles .

Animals to See

Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest is the most species-rich section of Amazonia. This means that the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador is perhaps the most wildlife-rich area on Earth.

Iconic Species in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest

Here, we will go over some of the favorite wildlife sightings to see from the top Amazon tours in Ecuador. With your professional guide, you will head out from comfortable lodges and cruises to experience the rainforest.

The Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador is home to several different monkeys. You can find the intelligent capuchins, curious squirrel monkeys and playful tamarins. There are also larger species. These include the howler monkeys, woolly monkeys, and spider monkeys.

The spider monkeys are the largest monkeys in Ecuador’s Amazon. But they are also some of the most rarely encountered. This is unless you’re in areas of pristine forest, as they like the dense rainforest interior.

The smallest monkeys you can find are the pygmy marmosets. These weigh around 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and are only found this side of the Amazon Basin. Pygmy marmosets often live as a family unit around a favorite tree. They feed on tree sap and small insects.

If you head out on night walks with your rainforest guide, you will also see the owl monkeys. You can see these monkeys in tree holes during the day. They will often poke their heads out to investigate their surroundings.

On the list of many bird watchers, Ecuador is home to around 1,600 bird species. This number is concentrated in the Cloud Forest and lowland Amazon Rainforest.

To give an example of the birdlife in Ecuador’s Amazon, 587 birds are found around the fantastic Sacha Lodge . This represents 37% of all Ecuador’s birds and 7% of the world’s birdlife.

On the Sacha Lodge bird-watching program, you can take full advantage of expert birding guides, the canopy tower, and the canopy walkway.

There are many favorite species to see in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. These include the colorful and iconic toucans, macaw parrots and parakeets. There are also cotingas, tanagers, kingfishers, hummingbirds, hoatzins and herons. You can then enjoy chance sightings of giant harpy eagles and magnificent king vultures.

On guided tours in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest from El Coca, you will visit the Yasuni claylick. This is one of the only known claylicks in the northern Amazon Rainforest. Different macaws and parrots visit the claylick. They feed on the salt-rich and medicinal clay that detoxifies compounds found in forest fruits and seeds.

Giant Otters

Giant Otters are one of the favorite wildlife sightings in the Amazon Rainforest. They measure 5.6 feet (1.7 metres) and have a playful and curious personality. They are a highly social species and communicate to others in their group with a diversity of calls.

The otters can be individually identified with their white throat patch. This is unique to each individual. The otters feed on fish, which they hunt together as a family team. They then retreat to the riverbank or floating log to enjoy their meal.

Caiman are crocodilians in the alligator family. But they show less aggressive behavior than their alligator or crocodile cousins. Caiman mainly feed on fish and there are different species to find. The largest is the black caiman, which reach the same size as the larger crocodile species. Others include the spectacled caiman and dwarf caiman. They are often seen in lakes and at river edges. You can easily find these when scouting for nocturnal wildlife with your rainforest guide.

Butterflies

On guided expeditions through Amazonia, you’re sure to see many large and colorful butterflies. There are over 100,000 different insect species in Ecuador’s Amazon. But it’s the butterflies that are often the favorites. The most famous group are the blue morphos with their large size and lightning blue wings. Other notable species include glasswing butterflies, with transparent wings, and the ‘puddling’ kite swallowtails and sulfurs. These are often seen gathered at puddles or on the heads of turtles attracted by the salt.

Bigs cats are on on the minds of most visitors to the Amazon Rainforest. However, with their keen senses and ability to move silently through the rainforest, cats are very rarely encountered. The largest cats in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest are the jaguar and puma. However, sightings are very rare. Other cat species seen more frequently are ocelots and margays. These smaller cats sometimes patrol claylicks where they ambush the visiting parrots.

The Best Time To Visit Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest

Because the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador is located on the Equator, the region offers a year-long hot temperature. In fact, Ecuador in Spanish means equator. This means Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest is a fantastic place to visit at all times of year. But there are some differences.

As we’re on the equator, there are no seasons characteristic of temperate regions. Climate remains similar month-to-month. Instead, there is simply a wet and dry season. Note that as this is a rainforest, the rain can fall at all times of year. However, over the wet season the water is higher which means more canoe exploration.

The dry season is usually from December until February. The driest months being December and January. These are also the hottest months with a temperature of around 95°F (35°C).

The rainy season is then from the end of February until November. The wettest months are often May and June. These are also the coldest months where days can get down to 75°F (24°C).

Even over the wet season, the rain often falls in late afternoon and clears by the following morning. When you choose to go to Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest really depends on the when you have available to visit. For ideas on exploring Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, you can see this guide to Amazon tours in Ecuador or you can choose from the Ecuador Amazon cruises .

And here we will list some of our recommendations to help you make the most of Ecuador’s rainforest.

The Top Lodges, Tours & Cruises

There are some fantastic Amazon Rainforest lodges and cruises in Ecuador. From these, skilled guides will show you this incredible section of forest. See the many different monkeys, butterflies, and colorful birds mentioned further up plus much more.

The Manatee Amazon Cruise

Aboard the Manatee Amazon Cruise, enjoy comfortable accommodation options with modern en-suites.

From the vessel, you will be exploring the incredible Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador. Your rainforest guide will escort you on skiff expeditions to find many different animals and plants.

Your guide will help you find fantastic amazon wildlife. See pink dolphins, different monkeys, colorful birds, reptiles and the tall emergent trees.

See the iconic macaws and parrots flying over the rainforest canopy. You will also visit the much-loved Yasuni claylick to see these parrots feed from the medicinal and salt-rich clay. This is one of the only known claylicks in northern Amazonia.

Aboard the Manatee Cruise, you can choose from 3-night, 4-night or 7-night Amazon cruise itineraries.

In addition to guided skiff expeditions, you will also enjoy other activities. These include canoe tours, night tours, forest walks and visiting the tall canopy tower for incredible views.

The Manatee Cruise offers 14 comfortable and modern double-twin and single-twin cabins. Each offers air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms complete with massage showers.

Click the tour bubble below to check availability and book your experience direct with the Manatee Amazon Cruise.

The Manatee Amazon River Cruise is a fantastic cruise for adventures into the wonderful Yasuni National Park, one of the ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, guided tours, transfers from and to Coca airport, private assistance at Quito airport. | 4, 5, 8 days

The Sacha Lodge offers a fantastic experience of the Amazon Rainforest. Head out on guided tours in the Sacha Lodge’s own 5,000 acre private reserve.

The reserve sits on private ground for exclusive use for tourism. Because of this, the wildlife has become used to tourists. See monkeys and birds moving above the lodge and boardwalks as the lodge blends with surrounding rainforest in Ecuador.

Enjoy fantastic tours through the rainforest on many rainforest trails. You will also be paddled around the waterways by your rainforest guide to find lake-living animals, such as hoatzin birds and caiman.

One of the unique features of the Sacha Lodge is the giant canopy walkway. The incredible structure stretches 940 feet (275 meters) through the rainforest as you walk 94 feet (30 meters) above the forest floor. Offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities, you can see many colorful species.

See the video below for an introduction.

You will also see animals from the boardwalks connecting the lodge rooms. This is built above the jungle floor to minimize disturbance to the forest.

The Sacha Lodge offers two dining areas. You have the main dining area and bar as part of the main lodge area. There is also another overlooking the beautiful Pilchicocha Lake. Meals are served buffet style and, on at least one evening, you will enjoy a delicious BBQ overlooking the lake.

So far, 587 bird species have been recorded on Sacha Lodge grounds. With 37% of all Ecuador’s bird species, the Sacha Lodge is an excellent place for birdwatching. If you have a passion for birds, you can be assigned a specific birdwatching guide.

Click the tour bubble below for more information.

The Anakonda Amazon Cruise

The Anakonda is the larger sister vessel to the Manatee Amazon Cruise above. Enjoy an expedition cruise in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest for a fantastic rainforest tour.

Led by expert guides, explore different areas of Amazonia along the Napo River and into the Yasuni rainforest.

See pink river dolphins, caiman crocodilians and different monkeys. Monkeys to find include howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, capuchins and titi monkeys. The favorite birds to see include the iconic toucans, macaw parrots and parakeets.

The Anakonda vessel provides comfortable suites with air-conditioning and modern en-suite bathrooms. There are 18 suites in total with 4 Deluxe Suites for your own private balcony.

The Anakonda Cruise also offers a spa room, jacuzzi, a bar-salon, a solarium and al fresco lounge. The dining room offers some fantastic views of Amazonia while you enjoy delicious cuisine. Floor-to-ceiling windows placed throughout the vessel keep you connected to this incredible environment.

There are different itinerary lengths on offer for a cruise aboard the Anakonda. You can choose from 4, 5 and 7 nights depending on your time available.

The Anakonda Amazon Cruise provides an immersive and unique experience of the Amazon Rainforest. Enjoy large and comfortable beds, a ...

La Selva Lodge & Spa

Discover the epitome of luxury in the heart of the Amazon at La Selva Lodge, Ecuador’s premier luxury rainforest retreat. Nestled amidst the lush wilderness, this lodge is your gateway to an unforgettable Amazonian adventure. Embark on expertly guided tours through dense rainforests, home to towering trees, diverse monkeys, and colorful birds. Uncover the secrets of the jungle, from its giant kapoks and strangler figs to its serene rainforest lakes.

Experience the thrill of canoeing through wildlife-rich rainforest, and ascend a high canopy tower for a bird’s-eye view of Amazonia. Spot toucans and parrots soaring above the forest. Don’t miss the unique spectacle at the Yasuni clay lick, where parrots and parakeets gather for their daily feast of minerals.

Back at La Selva Lodge, indulge in exquisite cuisine while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and lake. Retreat to your luxurious suite, complete with king-size beds, fine linen, private bathrooms, and balconies that open to refreshing rainforest showers.

For ultimate relaxation, visit the spa for a selection of rejuvenating massages and treatments, all in the tranquil embrace of the rainforest. Committed to sustainable tourism, La Selva Lodge proudly bears the Rainforest Alliance verification, ensuring your stay contributes to the preservation of this magnificent ecosystem.

Note: La Selva Lodge & Spa also own and operate 4 of the best luxurious cruises for the Galapagos Islands and can create an experience for your luxurious Amazon & Galapagos combination tour to make the experience a little smoother for you. One of these is the opulent Elite Galapagos cruise .

Check availability for your travel dates to receive your itinerary and a little more information by sending your request direct to La Selva Lodge with the tour bubble below.

La Selva Lodge

I wanted to let you know that we had an amazing experience at Le Selva! The service, accommodations, guides, tours, ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, guided tours, transfers from and to Coca airport. | 4, 5 days+

The Elite Galapagos Cruise

The Elite Cruise invites you on an extraordinary exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With modern luxury, the Elite had its ...

Includes: all meals, accommodation, all guided excursions, captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail, transfers from & to Galapagos airport. | 4, 5, 8 days

The Amazon and Galapagos Combination Tour

To make the most of Ecuador’s top attractions, you can combine the Sacha Lodge (above) with two expedition lodges on the Galapagos Islands, including a day of yacht exploration.

Over 11 days, the Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour combines Scalesia Lodge on Isabela Island, Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz and a tour from the Sacha Lodge in Ecuador’s rainforest.

To create a seamless journey, the tour includes your transfers and flights from Quito.

Visit a giant tortoise reserve and explore the largest islands of the Galapagos. You will also enjoy a day trip about the Finch Bay yacht to explore another nearby island.

You will then travel to the Sacha Lodge for your Amazon Rainforest experience. Enjoy the impressive canopy walkway. And you will head out each day with your professional rainforest guide scouting for many animals and plants.

In the surrounding rainforest, you can find several different monkeys, colorful birds and fascinating reptiles.

The Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour

Enjoy a seamless journey to combine two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions. And over 11 days, you will ...

Includes: all meals at Sacha Lodge & Scalesia Lodge, half-board at Finch Bay Hotel, accommodation, all guided excursions, transfers from & to Galapagos & Coca airports, Galapagos & Coca air tickets

You can also add 2-nights in the Andes at the beautiful Hacienda Piman for an in-depth Ecuador experience on the Ecuador Diverse tour.

The Ecuador Diverse Tour

On the Ecuador Diverse Tour, explore all three of Ecuador’s most remarkable regions. Over 13 fantastic days, you will enjoy ...

Includes: all meals at Sacha Lodge, Scalesia Lodge & Hacienda Piman, half-board at Finch Bay Hotel, accommodation, all guided excursions, transfers from & to Galapagos & Coca airports, Galapagos & Coca air tickets

The Top Amazon Tours in Ecuador – Summary

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• Amazon River
• Galápagos Islands
• Indonesian Archipelago
• Mekong River
• Irrawaddy River
• India Cruises
• Machu Picchu
• Iguazu Falls

Galapagos & Amazon

Indulge in the extreme biodiversity of Ecuador on this 14-day Galapagos and Amazon Tour, perfect for explorers and luxury seekers alike. Explore the Andean highlands, cruise the mysterious Amazon, indulge all your senses in the beautiful Galapagos Islands for a true trip of a lifetime.

Explore the Andean Highlands and Quito

Your tour begins with explorations throughout the Andean Highlands, starting with Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Along with exploring the nature of the area, you’ll visit the artisan cities and colorful markets of Cotacachi and Otavalo as a special treat.

There’s still more to see in the Andean highlands, including the Rapture Rescue Center, where wounded birds are rehabilitated, and the true Equatorial line. Finally, walk the rim of an extinct volcano before heading back to Quito to tour its remarkable colonial city center.

Venture Into the Mysterious Amazon Rainforest

Landing in the Amazon city of Coca, you’ll board a motorized canoe for a 90-minute ride to your floating accommodations aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer.

The 121-foot ship was built to cruise through this remote and biodiverse rainforest, offering comfort along the way. You’ll have your choice between the 14 spacious air-conditioned cabins onboard, four of which are Deluxe suites with whirlpool bathtubs.

While you may be deep in the thick rainforest, you don’t have to give up luxury. When not out exploring, enjoy the Rainforest Spa and Amazon Hot Tub while on board. Sip on a cocktail in the panoramic indoor lounge, and enjoy your meals either in the chic dining room or al-fresco in the outdoor lounge.

The observation deck is ideal for nighttime stargazing or relaxing during the day, and the Manatee Amazon Explorer offers satellite internet access, a rarity here in the rainforest.

You won’t want to miss experiencing all the Amazon has to offer though, so join in on nighttime rainforest walks, meet the local community, and gain treetop views from atop a canopy tower. Seek out the exotic wildlife also, including anacondas, giant otters, black caimans, and unique birdlife.

At the end of your Amazon cruise, you’ll once again board a motorized canoe for the trip back to Coca and your return flight to Quito.

Cruise the Galapagos Islands

After resting overnight in Quito, it’s finally time to fly to the famed Galapagos Islands! Once you arrive on Balta Island, you’ll soon board the luxury yacht, the Natural Paradise, your home for the last 3 nights of your Galapagos Amazon tour.

This 108-foot catamaran offers spacious staterooms and suites with private balconies to enjoy. You can also spend time on the panoramic sundeck , bar, or air-conditioned lounge.

Enjoy elegant expedition style cruising as the yacht makes its way to the various islands, including Santa Cruz and Genovesa.

Capture glimpses of various unique wildlife such as flamingos, iguanas, giant tortoises, and abundant birdlife. Don’t forget the incredible marine life also, such as giant tuna and rays, or the unique flora and fauna of the islands like the Opuntia cacti.

You’ll also have chances to disembark on the islands where you can hike through mangroves, watch as sea lions frolic in tidal pools, hike up steep, and swim or snorkel off gorgeous beaches.

As your Ecuador Amazon and Galapagos tour comes to an end, you’ll know the full biodiversity of this incredible country and may even start making plans to come back again soon.

Itinerary & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

Cuicocha Lake and Cotacachi

After collecting you from Quito airport, we take a drive to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and embark on a short stroll through the reserve until the welcome center where we learn all about the flora and fauna of the area. We venture on to the beautiful Cuicocha lagoon, which was formed when an ancient volcano collapsed and formed a caldera. The result is a deep-blue crater lake on the lower southern flanks of Mount Cotacachi which makes for spectacular viewing, the diameter of its crater is about 3km, and the lake some 180 meters deep.

One of the unique aspects of this lake is the two islets in the middle of the lagoon which collapsed in from the sides of the caldera, leaving two spectacular islands right in the center of the lake. Its name comes from the Kichwa indigenous language and means “Lago del Cuy” or Guinea Pig Laguna in English. It was given this name due to the guinea pig shape of the largest Island in the middle of the laguna which you can see quite clearly from the viewing point. After the hike, we will stop at the picturesque colonial town of Cotacachi, famous for its leatherwork. Here you will find a great variety of stores with top-quality leather articles.

At lunch, we visit the town of Agato to learn more about the local community and their lifestyle and culture where we are privileged enough to be hosted by a local family with whom we enjoy a traditional lunch made with traditional ingredients. In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to see how the family produce handicrafts in the same exact manner that their ancestors have for centuries, using a back loom to weave intricate designs. This hand-woven technique produces products of outstanding delicacy and the end result is unique artisan products, the likes of which no machine or factory is able to replicate.

Meals (L, D)

Visiting Otavalo Market

Today we visit the town of Otavalo, known throughout South America for its enormous and colorful market, and one of the most interesting towns in Ecuador. Still heavily populated by the local  Kichwa indigenous culture, the roots and modern development of the local community can be clearly seen. Here our guide gives you some history of the town, the people, and the market before allowing you to explore in-depth the market. Be sure to keep an eye out not only for the fine fabrics and clothing but also the traditional wooden carvings particular to this area of Ecuador. To help you finds your way around we provide you with a map of the market so you can be sure not to miss anything.

The market sellers adopt a bargaining stance, so do remember to practice your negotiation skills when buying handicrafts. The market itself, known colloquially as “Poncho Plaza”, is situated at the foot of the majestic Mt. Imbabura and once on the outskirts do take a moment to appreciate the striking surrounding landscape.

Meals (B, L, D)

Raptor Rescue Center - Parque Cóndor

After a delicious breakfast, we embark on a picturesque trip and a destination with a difference. Condor Park is a rescue center for local avian species, acting as an education and rehabilitation center for wounded birds. Whilst the impressive Andean Condor, with its eight-foot wingspan, is the bird that gives this park its name, the park is host to a whole array of other avian species, particularly raptors, and acts as something of a mini zoo. For the brave of heart, you can don the glove and have one of the birds fly off and circle the surrounding sky before returning to you (not recommended for a bird the size of a condor though!) The bird handlers and staff will be happy to explain the little curiosities of each species and the fun facts that come with that, so expect to broaden your bird knowledge!

The birds of prey that you will see in this center are intrinsically linked to the local people and their centuries of tradition. To this end, you will learn the role each one plays in local folklore and tradition, and how some are venerated to almost god-like status. The center itself is situated atop a small mountain, some 20 minutes’ drive from Otavalo, and as such the journey up is an excursion in its own right as you marvel at the beautiful Andean mountainous surroundings.

As mentioned above, the bravest can take part in a fly-around where you man the glove and for the more cautious among the group you can observe as the bird handlers exercise these beautiful animals against the fantastic backdrop of the Andes.

City Tour & The Equatorial Line

A trip to Ecuador encapsulates a mix of history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers, and lush tropical forests, spectacular snowcapped volcanoes, and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth.

Our starting place today is the ‘Mitad del Mundo’, a site located just 45 minutes north of Quito, where a monument marks the equator at its closest point to the city. Archaeological evidence shows that both pre-Inca and Inca civilizations recognized and celebrated the equinox, the day the sun is directly over the equator. We make the 45-minute journey northwest to the equatorial line, where we will walk the rim of the extinct Pululahua volcanic crater. From there we visit the “Ciudad Mitad del Mundo” a group of buildings designed to explain the significance of the site, as well as the Ethnographic Initñam Museum, located right on the Equator. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time!

Back in Quito, after lunch we will visit the city’s impressive colonial center, the reason Quito was the first city to be named a world heritage site. First on the agenda is a walk through the main plaza, the ‘plaza de la Independencia’, where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery, the first building built in the whole city. We wind down from a busy day’s sightseeing with an excursion all about chocolate! Ecuador’s unique equatorial climate provides the perfect environment for growing the world’s finest cocoa – Cacao Arriba. Cocoa has been revered in Latin America for over 5,000 years and Spanish explorers loved it so much they called it the ‘Food of the Gods’. Our chocolate experience starts with a guide explaining the history of cocoa in Ecuador, followed by a chocolate tasting.

Meals (B, L)

Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi is the most prominent and famous volcano in Ecuador and its almost symmetrical cone visible on the skyline from Quito. Rising to a height of over 12 thousand feet the volcano is part of a complex of volcanoes on the Ring of Fire and is home to one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world.

At the foot of the volcano is the entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park where we make a stop at the visitor center to learn about the exciting history of the Cotopaxi, past eruptions, and the impact those eruptions have had on the surrounding area, culture, and agriculture. The mountain’s colorful past also has had an impact geographically and this has, in turn, affected the wildlife. Our guide will explain how the volcano is central to life in the area and talk you through the unique characteristics of the local flora and fauna.

From there we visit Lake Limpiopungo which offers a chance for some spectacular sights. We take a walk around a part of the lake till we reach the perfect point to see the whole of Cotopaxi reflected in the lake as a mirror image. Quite often the low lying clouds can offer an additional dimension to this view and many a fantastic photograph has been taken from this viewpoint. If you feel like a longer walk, a 2-hour hike will take us to Mt. Cotopaxi’s J. Ribas refuge (4,800 m) where you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks.

Fly Amazon & Cruise Embarkation

AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Papallacta airport, ready to board your departure flight to Quito!

PM : After a flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our welcome aboard.

On the Manatee, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to observe the rainforest’s nocturnal activity and vividly experience its biodiversity first-hand.

Meals (B, D)

Yasuni National Park

AM : Early in the morning, we will visit Yasuni National Park, a pristine region of the Ecuadorian Amazon, home to the legendary pink river dolphin. In this area, we can also find anacondas, river turtles, and various primate species, as well as the colorful hoatzin, a unique bird known locally as the “stinky turkey”.

PM : In the afternoon, we will take a motorized canoe to a black-water lake, home to giant otters and the elusive manatee, and enjoy a pleasant hike in the riparian/gallery forest, with the chance to spot flocks of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leaf-cutter ants.

Kichwa Family and Life Onboard

AM : We will start the day off by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will receive the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community.

PM : We will then board the Manatee for lunch as we continue upstream. Guests will participate in a cooking class with our expert chef and prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian. Guests are invited to try traditional handicrafts or enjoy our onboard facilities, including the Rainforest Spa, the spectacular view from our Amazon Hot Tub, cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, and stargazing from our Observation Deck.

• This day we are pleased to offer a camping program for our adventurous guests, which is an alternative manner to explore this enchanting destination (optional activity for the 5 & 8-day itineraries).

Forest Adventure and Observation Canopy Tower

AM : Our guests can relax and enjoy the Manatee Amazon Explorer during the morning and disembark to explore the nearby forest and discover a myriad of animals and plant species endemic to the Amazon basin.

PM : In the afternoon, we will visit a canopy tower built against a giant kapok tree and take in the view from the top as we loom above the lush treetops and look down on the sheer vastness of the Amazon. In the evening, we will take a canoe onto the river to search for black caimans by flashlight.

Disembarkation & Departing Coca

AM: This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the final part of our return journey, then disembark the Manatee Amazon Cruise to take the motorized canoe for 90 minutes back to Coca. From here you will take a flight back to Quito.

In Quito, you will stay near the airport for convenience, as you depart the following day to begin your adventure in the Galapagos Islands!

Departing Quito & Cruise Embarkation

AM: You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by the Natural Paradise staff and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.

PM: Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green which contrasts beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The predominant vegetation in the highlands is Scalesia trees which create a lush green forest. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground, and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. At this place, you’ll have lunch.

You will visit “Fausto Llerena” Giant Tortoises Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity; this is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches to 4-feet long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four-years-old and strong enough to survive on their own.

El Barranco & Darwin Bay

AM:  In the morning, you will visit El Barranco which is also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps. It is a steep, rocky path that leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.

PM:  In the afternoon, you will visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which heads a half-mile trail that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path, we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.

Espumilla Beach, Buccaneer Cove & Egas Port

AM :In Espumilla Beach marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey right before your eyes. Snorkeling is highly recommended as you could come face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark, and a variety of other species of tropical fish.

PM:  Buccaneer Cove is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. The cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach, are a magnificent sight.

Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur seals bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.

Bachas Beach & Disembarkation

AM : The morning visit, Bachas Beach, is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest on the beach.

After this final visit, you will be transferred to Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

Accommodations

Cruises & lodges.

Manatee Amazon Explorer

Natural Paradise

Hotel options, hacienda cusin.

Patio Andaluz

Wyndham Quito

All itineraries are completely customizable. Contact our travel specialists to build your perfect vacation

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• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
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• All prices displayed are PER PERSON
• Child policies may apply to the cruise and/or excursions included with your tour
• Featured hotels may be interchanged for another of the same standard for that destination (subject to availability)
• Hotel room categories may be changed at your discretion for an additional supplement (subject to availability)
• The featured cruise vessel, cabin category and itinerary length may also be changed for a supplement (subject to availability)
• Rates may vary in correlation with group bookings
• High season supplements may apply

A Paradise in the Amazon Rainforest

Located in a stretegic woofland area, Yarina Ecological Reserve accommodates the largest microhabitat biodiversity in the Lower Napo River Region. This means Yarina Shelters more species of birds, plants, reptiles and insects per hectare than other areas of the Lower Napo region.

Yarina Ecolodge

The miracle of nature in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the most biodiverse site on the planet and explore the pristine lands of Yarina Ecological Reserve! A wildlife-filled universe, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore hundreds of flora and fauna species and learn more about the magical and ancient knowledge of the native Kichwa culture.

A tropical humid forest spanning over 400 hectares, located a one-hour canoe ride from El Coca city, in the zone of influence of Yasuní National Park, right in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.

An unforgettable experience

Feel the joy, peace and harmony of Mother Nature

Every little corner in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon is mesmerizing. Spectacular green landscapes, birds singing and a stunning golden twilight will fascinate you during the daytime, and a beautiful starry sky and nocturnal wildlife symphony will delight your senses at night, making you feel as if you were in another world.

Here only the present exists, and it is enjoyed to the fullest!

Excursions and unique activities

Adventures and new discoveries

A lover of nature and wildlife? At Yarina EcoLodge you will find more than five different species of monkeys, over 380 species of birds, and hundreds of medicinal plants. You will get to know the “Ceibo,” the great tree of the jungle, as well as explore cacao plantations.

Our staff will guide you on a hiking tour along the trails and marshlands of the forest. You will go on canoe trips across rivers and lagoons and will explore beautiful bright-colored species of birds. Our staff will also guide you on a visit to a Kichwa family, and you will have the opportunity to meet the Shaman, bearer of native legacy and wisdom.

Our Programs

Learn about the Ecuadorian Amazon from experts

Yarina Ecological Reserve is a founding member of the Yuturi Preservation Group, a group dedicated to protect and preserve the Ecuadorian Amazon forest as well as its wild fauna and flora. The Yuturi Group works along with other organizations also involved in the preservation of the forest, and part of their projects encompass working directly with the local communities.

Yarina Ecological Reserve was created more than twelve years ago as a program to educate local indigenous populations on the importance of local wildlife preservation as well as of its surroundings. However, the reserve grew and developed new and key ways of working not only with the local people, but with national and foreign visitors as well. So much so that today it is considered one of the best and most important wildlife rescue centers in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

We are sure you will love discovering the magic and charm of the Amazon, and learning about the best ways to preserve this natural wildlife asset.

Certifications

Yarina ecolodge – founding member of the yuturi preservation group with over 35 years of a brilliant history.

What our clients are saying about us

3 Days Cuyabeno tour

For those who are short on time the 3 days tour is an ideal length to visit the national park.

4 Days Cuyabeno tour

The most popular tour package in the Cuyabeno to explore the area.

5 Days Cuyabeno tour

The 5 days tour is an ideal time to spend in the jungle if you wish to spend more time in the nature.

​Caiman Lodge

Tour for 3 days $250 pp

Tour for 4 days $290 pp

Tour for 5 days $350 pp

Canangueno Lodge

3 days tour $240

4 days tour $270

5 days tour $340

Piraña Lodge 

3 days tour $250 pp

4 days tour $280

$20 extra fee for a premium suite room per person

NEW TOUR!!! 

Yasuni and Waorani Adventure camping tour

Join us on an exiting camping tour to the Yasuni national park. Ask for the departures. Minimum of stays 5 days. This tour lets you explore very rarely visited places in the jungle. You will be paddling and camping in very remote areas with your guide. You will also visit the Waoranis who are famous for their knowledge about the nature. This is the tour for you if you are looking for something truly special and unforgettable.

More info from here

Prices per person

4 nights 5 days $1000

5 nights 6 days $1250

6 nights 7 days $1500

It is possible to do this tour also as a private tour. Ask for the prices for the private tours. 

We offer a private shuttle bus from Quito to Cuyabeno-Quito price $30 per person per way.

For bookings and more information contact us directly by phone (WhatsApp) +593978656815 Wilmer, or by e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]  

Our private jungle tours

If you are looking for a more exlusive experince our tailormade private tours are for you. On a private tour you can focus on the activities you wish to do so you don´t need to follow  a premade schedule. You can also visit some of the more remote areas that are not much known by the tourists.

Here ares ome examples of the private tours available:

– Exclusive Deep Jungle Expedition

– Cuyabeno – Lagarto Cocha – Peruvian border

– Secoya territory

– Fishing Tour (Paiche) Arapaima Gigas Cichla ocellaris peacock bass (Tucunari)

Departures are open for the deep jungle expedition any day of the year. These tours are offered only as a private tour. 2 people minimum to start.

For more info ask us directly

Private tour for 4 days $ 1000 pp.

Private tour for 5 days $ 1250 pp

About the Cuyabeno Reserve

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is the second largest national park in Ecuador with total of 603,380 ha. The reserve has a variety of different ecosystems for example primary rainforest, swamps, floated and semi floated forest. The area has one of the highest level of biodiversity in the world so it is a good place for spotting wildlife.

The Cuyabeno river and the tributary (Ant River) make a river system which is fun to explore on a canoe. There are also a system of 14 lakes, perfect places to see the sunset.

Cuyabeno Reserve provides habitat for over 500 species of birds, 10 species of monkeys, anacondas, caimans, jaguars, pink river dolphins, manatees, fishes (for example arapaima and piranha), armadillos and many more animals. The Siona people is an indigenous tribe living on the area. On the community day you will visit the Siona tribe, learn how they prepare traditional yucca bread and meet a Shaman from the community. The Shaman will give a demonstration about shamanism and the healing traditions that the Siona´s have been practicing for a long time. Eco-tourism benefits the local Siona communities by giving them jobs.

Cuyabeno Reserve has two seasons. The rainy season is from March to August and the dry season is from September to February. Also during the dry season it can rain because the climate in the Cuyabeno Reserve is a tropical rain-forest. The tours are done all year round.

Booking your trip from us

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience in the Amazon jungle, Cuyabeno is the perfect place! Book a professionally guided jungle tour from us. We have many years of experience from tours to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Experience the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador. Departures any day suitable for you, minimum 2 people on departing, if you are travelling alone ask for fixed departure dates.

You can send us an e-mail [email protected] or contact by WhatsApp +593978656815 Wilmer.

Come to visit one of the most beautiful spot in Ecuador with us, an experience you won’t forget! We will do our best so you can have an unforgettable experience in the paradise..

WhatsApp us

Tropical Escape: 3 Days Amazon Rainforest Tour from Quito

• Life Jackets & Rubber Boots will be provided during your stay at the Lodge
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Entry/Admission - Misahualli
• Entry/Admission - Laguna del Caiman Negro
• Entry/Admission - Tena
• Entry/Admission - Chocolate Farm Ecuador
• UPGRADE LUXURY SUITE: $50 USD (2 nights)
• Entry/Admission - Cavernas Jumandy
• Contact one of our seasoned travel specialists to customize your experience for a seamless start to your tour. We'll arrange a convenient pick-up location and time, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories in the heart of the Amazon. Your transfer from Quito will be with a Spanish-speaking driver. Once at the lodge, our guide (fluent in English and Spanish) will lead the tour. If you prefer to start the tour from another city in Ecuador, please inform us, and we'll provide a tailored quote.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• What do you need to bring?
• Passport (always take a copy)
• Camera Film with flash (high speed films are recommended (200-400 ASA)
• Sun Protection (sunscreen / sunglasses / hat or cap)
• Light cotton pants, Long-sleeved and shirts
• Comfortable shoes / sandals for at the lodge
• Extra pairs of socks
• Shorts / Bathing Suit
• Plastic bags to protect cameras or films from rain
• Insect Repellent
• Flashlight and batteries
• Binoculars (Waterproof binoculars for a better bird watching experience)Personal first aid kit
• Cash for paying for bar services, tips or for buying some souvenirs at the Interpretative Center
• A small bag for daily trips
• The itinerary may vary due to force majeure factors. We guarantee the fulfillment of all activities.
• Tour end in Tena city, we could offer a shared or private transport service to Quito.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Chocolate Farm Ecuador

Similar experiences

• michaelannr2017 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Experience! Carlos was an amazing guide! He was able to share so much about the flora and fauna in the jungle along with the indigenous culture. Everyone at the lodge was very attentive and welcoming! The accommodations were comfortable. They packed a lot of things in to just two days and one night! It’s a very early start coming from Quito (5am) and arriving in at the lodge around 9:30am. The driving service they had arranged to get me there was great, they messaged me in WhatsApp the night before to confirm the ride. Upon arrival I was given a tea and a snack while the basics of the lodge were reviewed with me, along with the schedule. Then there was some downtime where I could rest, swim in the pool, have a drink, or go to the spa. Right after lunch Carlos took me on a walk to identify important plants of the jungle. Then we got ready to go for a short, serene float in an inner tube down the river. After dinner we went with our flashlights on another walk to identify nocturnal animals and critters. The next day after breakfast I packed everything up and took it with me to hike to a waterfall where I got to swim and get a massage from the strong falling water. Then we took a motorized canoe to a local indigenous community for lunch and they showed me some of their local customs and I had a chance to buy some of their artisanal products. Finally, after taking the canoe back to the port I got to see capuchin monkeys running freely in the city plaza. Also got to enjoy the local delicacy of chontacuro, a fat worm that you can eat live or grilled. I then had a private shared transport back to Quito. Overall it was an amazing experience and I can’t get over how great the people were! I would recommend this experience. Of course with the longer stays you can see and do more, but if you just wanted a taste of what it’s like in the jungle then this is a great option! Read more Written March 8, 2024
• HollyK27 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles A disappointing stay in the Amazon The 3 stars are a tribute to the amazing staff at the lodge, who were so pleasant and helpful. The managers were less so... The lodge is hard to get to. We read on the hotel's website that, after flying into Coca, we would be transferred to Napo's office in Coca and from there, we would board a motorized boat for 2 hrs. Then, we would switch to a paddle boat for another 2 hrs to reach the lodge. However, when we arrived at Napo's Coca office, we were told that there would be no paddle boat because the water level in the creeks was too low, so we would have to walk for 1.5 hrs through the jungle after the 2 hr boat ride. We were not equipped for this walk and it was about 32 degrees and humid. However, we were not given an option so we had to grab our suitcases and extract appropriate clothing and hiking shoes for the walk. What angered us was the absolute lack of information prior to this announcement in Coca. They should have told us ahead of time - at the very least, we would have made sure we were prepared. However, the guides told us that the water levels had been a issue since August and so this was something management knew about but elected not to communicate. People who arrived the day after us had the same experience. Because the flight from Coca back to Quito is at 9 am, we would have had to wake up at around 3 am to get there in time. So we left the day before we were scheduled to leave and stayed overnight in a hotel in Coca ( at our own expense) rather than do the 4 hour trek to Coca in the middle of the night. That trip to Coca in the night could be done during the day. I don't know why it isn't or why people are not given the option. Other things to know about the lodge, which did not make our stay a positive one: - there is no air conditioning (and it was extremely hot!). We missed this when we were researching - so it was our fault that we didn't check beforehand. The fan in the room was useless. It was cooler outside the room than inside. - the water in the shower was boiling hot and couldn't be adjusted. So we would come in hot and sweaty from an outing, have a boiling hot shower in a room without air conditioning. - the tile in the shower is extremely slippery - dangerously so - the food was plentiful but mediocre - the day starts at 4.30 with breakfast at 5 am and then an outing - but we saw very little wild life, even at that early hour While our stay had many problems, the guides were excellent and we appreciated the staff's efforts. Read more Written October 15, 2023
• Konstanca K 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Suchi Pakari Really good guide- he has a degree as a botanist so he can tell you a lot about the plants in the Amazon. He speaks a couple of languages and is very friendly! Read more Written May 31, 2023
• G4500LFlisap 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Avoid this tour This was a terrible tour. The company really embellishes what they offer. First of all, we were picked up in Quito at 5 in the morning (as we expected) but in a small pick-up for 4 of us by a non English speaking driver. The driver had his own construction materials in the back and this is where we put our luggage. The trip to the resort takes 5 hours from Quito. It was a nightmare. The ride was so rough and the little truck so crowded that between potholes and twisty roads I was completely car sick and actually missed the activities of the first day due to nausea. It was a completely inappropriate form of transportation for us. The resort itself was nice, the accommodations and staff good but the tour by Viator was horrible. Do not get this tour. The people traveling with me said the planned activities that followed were very overblown. We could not take the night walk because of rain, the day time jungle walk and boat cruise were very mediocre. Finally, read carefully because you do not get returned to Quito. If you want to go back, you can take a regional bus (!) or pay as we did, something like $60 each for four of us- yes, $240 to return to Quito. At least this was an SUV. I’m not prone to motion sickness but the ride there was like something from a horror movie. I’ve taken other Viator tours prior to this and felt they were also a bit disappointing from what was described. I should have learned! Bottom line, I never take another Viator tour and if you’re wise, neither will you. Read more Written December 12, 2022
• Janiesface 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles HUGE let down!!!! Our tour guide was terrible! He would take us to each activity and then be on his phone the whole time! Hardly interacted with us. I would totally give his name to warn others but he never even introduced himself. The activities were pretty cool, but we didn't do three of them. I feel very ripped off! One of them was due to rain, that's fine. The other things were supposed to happen at the indigenous community and just didn't happen. When we asked our tour guide he acted like he didn't know. That whole part of the tour was not impressive at all, they did not seem enthusiastic to be there. I really wish I could file a compliment about our tour guide, he should not have a job like that! And I hope to get some money back too since we didn't get to do all the activities that was on the itinerary. Read more Written April 22, 2021
• Rachel R 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing We realised almost immediately that 2 days was more than enough time at Suchipakari Lodge as there was absolutely no vibe and the host Carlos way too familiar. The rooms were NOT clean and the waste bins in the public area right next to the kitchen and dining section were overflowing and could be smelt while having dinner. The Jungle hike was good and informative - visit to the volunteer zoo just ok although admire the work they do, waterfall hike was really nice and wouldn’t bother with the Monkey beach. We left early with absolutely no regrets. Read more Written January 27, 2020
• PetiteprincessM 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles They could do better We had a great time but there is room for improvements. The tour says you start at 4 am but we received message that we would be picked up at 7 am and then 8 am. The bus ended up coming at 7 but we were not ready so the other bus passengers had to wait for us We first got there (long trip) and waited and waited. The lady who give massages met us and not the guide. She didn’t speak English but she was doing all she could to welcome us. Note that we arrived 12 noon and our rooms and lunch were not ready until late. We ate lunch at about 2 pm! Then we went to our rooms which were ok ( we weren’t expecting fancy so that’s what we got). Tip- kill the mosquitoes in the windows ( which is just a green netting no glass window pane) We then went to meet our guide for our first tour at 3 pm. We waited an hour. At four we started a GREAT tour in the jungle. We all enjoyed and had fun. Then because we started our jungle tour late we did tubing activity late. This was not a good idea. We finished and then sun had set and we had to walk (barefoot- Tip take water shoes or crocks even though they say you can go barefoot). We walked in the dark back to lodge The dinner and other meals were good. Though the service was slow the food was very good. They should have the bar open before dinner. It would have been nice to order a drink earlier in the day We went on a night hike after dinner. Don’t miss this. We say tarantula and a leaf 10 feet wide (many other insects). This was the highlight of the trip for the kids. The guides were Excellent! We also had a massage that night which was really good The next day we did chocolate demonstration which was very enjoyable (they missed doing it day before because we arrived late to lodge). We also did the Monkey and waterfall tour (tip- this is a difficult hike and we slipped with the boots. Be prepared). Note we did not do the native tour with dances because we were told there wasn’t enough time. Since we arranged to go back to Quito that night. They were correct. So if you go for the one night and plan to return back to Quito be prepared not to have time for everything they list here All the excursions were enjoyable and the tours were enjoyable too. I actually recommend that you go BUT be aware they need to improve quite a bit. The facilities are NOT great. The water was shut off after 10 pm. No shower no toilet there are also two wet dogs (poor dogs have fleas). The rooms are rough to say the least.... but it is an adventure. Go enjoy just be warned Read more Written January 4, 2020
• Jss686998 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles It was a wonderful trip friendly crew, doing their best to serve you. awesome activities. Repelling and rafting were exiting! making chocolate was quite some experience... many thanks to Suchipakari lodge and Carlos... Read more Written January 3, 2020
• amanda s 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles adventurous 2 days in the amazon I was skeptical to book because there was no reviews yet for this tour and my friends and I wanted to go to the amazon while we are in Ecuador. Overall, I think it was worth the money and the time. Santiago was our guide and he was super knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. All of the guys at the Suchipakari lodge were also super friendly and awesome! Santiago picked us up in Quito at our location, then we saw the indigenous community, monkeys beach, many waterfalls, made and ate pure chocolate, floated down the river. In the morning we took a walk through the jungle and finished with breakfast, then continued on with the day. The food was great, even the "box lunch" that ended up being full meals. With it being a new tour, my only suggestion is to add a more simple way to get back to Quito. Maybe included with the price should be a bus ticket back to Quito or something along those lines. It would have been easier, rather than going back to either Banos or Tena then trying to figure out a way to get back to Quito. But again, overall, the experience was awesome and all the staff were great. I definitely suggest it. Read more Written July 30, 2019

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Amazon Rainforest Tours

Explore Unforgettable Amazon Rainforest Tours

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Amazon Rainforest tours with Go Amazon Rainforest. Immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems of the world’s largest rainforest. Embark on unforgettable adventures in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and more. Experience the incredible biodiversity and natural wonders of the Amazon. Choose from lodge accommodations or luxury cruises, tailor your itinerary to your preferences, and create a unique travel experience. Start planning your dream trip to the Amazon Rainforest today with Go Amazon Rainforest.

Best Amazon Rainforest Tours for 2023

Our custom Amazon tours  have been carefully crafted with enriching private excursions and thoughtful routes honed with years of in-destination experience. Browse our best-selling Amazon Rainforest travel packages below and begin an unforgettable journey tailored uniquely to you.

Rio de Janeiro & the Amazon Rainforest Tour

from $ 1595 / PE S/.6074

Rio de Janeiro, the former capital nestled between tropical mountains and sea, welcomes you. Let nature dominate at the Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge…

Machu Picchu & the Amazon Jungle Tour

Discover two of Peru’s best wonders on this Machu Picchu and Amazon jungle tour. First, visit Lima, the burgeoning capital of Peru, and then follow…

Manu Reserve Zone Park 8 Days Tour

from $ 1195 / PE S/.4500

This special tour will start and finish in Cusco, city of the Incas, and take you through  Manu  over  8 days . Here you will be immersed in one of the world’s …

Places to Visit on an Amazon Rainforest Vacation

The mighty jungle spans multiple countries, meaning there are plenty of places to visit in the Amazon Rainforest depending on the region in which you are traveling.

Manu Rainforest

Manu biosphere, manu wildlife peru, how big is the amazon rainforest.

The Amazon Rainforest, located in South America, is a vast and expansive ecosystem that covers an extensive area, making it one of the largest rainforests in the world.

Understanding the Vast Size of the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest spans across multiple countries including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and others, encompassing an area of approximately 2.1 million square miles.

Within this immense expanse of land, the Amazon Rainforest sustains an awe-inspiring variety of flora and fauna, making it a hotspot for biodiversity. It is home to countless species of plants, animals, and insects, many of which are not found anywhere else on the planet. The sheer size and complexity of the Amazon Rainforest are what contribute to its ecological significance and its vital role in maintaining global climate stability.

Exploring the Diverse Ecosystems within the Amazon

As you venture into the Amazon Rainforest, you’ll quickly realize the breathtaking diversity of ecosystems it offers. From the dense evergreen forests to expansive flooded wetlands, the Amazon Rainforest showcases an astonishing array of habitats and landscapes.

One of the key features of the Amazon Rainforest is its extensive river network, including the mighty Amazon River and its tributaries. These waterways serve as lifelines for the region, not only providing transportation but also shaping the surrounding landscapes.

• The lush floodplains support a rich variety of aquatic life.
• The dense canopy of the rainforest is teeming with foliage and serves as a sanctuary for countless species.
• The diverse range of ecosystems, including swamps, savannahs, and montane forests, harbor distinct plant and animal communities.

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest allows you to witness firsthand the intricate interplay between the different ecosystems and the remarkable adaptability of its inhabitants.

Overall, the vast size and ecological richness of the Amazon Rainforest make it an unparalleled destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Embark on an unforgettable journey into this natural wonderland and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Amazon Rainforest with Go Amazon Rainforest.

Amazon Rainforest Tours in Brazil

Embark on a breathtaking journey through the Brazilian Amazon with Go Amazon Rainforest. Discover the beauty and wonder of this vast rainforest, immersing yourself in its unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife.

Discovering the Beauty of the Brazilian Amazon

The Brazilian Amazon is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. As you venture into this enchanting rainforest, you’ll be greeted by lush greenery, towering trees, and the vibrant symphony of exotic creatures.

Explore the mesmerizing biodiversity that thrives within the Brazilian Amazon, from the colorful birds soaring through the canopy to the graceful river dolphins gliding through the waters. Get up close and personal with fascinating creatures like sloths, jaguars, monkeys, and anacondas.

Popular Tour Destinations in Brazil

Within Brazil, the city of Manaus serves as the perfect starting point for your Amazon Rainforest adventure. Located in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, Manaus offers easy access to the region’s most captivating destinations.

Embark on daily excursions to the tributaries of the Rio Negro, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the tropical jungle. Marvel at the stunning landscapes, experience the unique flora and fauna, and witness the wonders of the Amazon firsthand.

Activities and Experiences in the Brazilian Amazon

There are endless activities and experiences to indulge in during your Amazon Rainforest tour in Brazil. Engage in thrilling jungle treks, navigating through dense foliage and uncovering hidden gems along the way.

• Embark on a captivating boat ride along the Amazon River, immersing yourself in the peaceful serenity of the waterways.
• Visit picturesque indigenous communities to learn about their traditional customs, rituals, and sustainable way of life.
• Experience nocturnal adventures, where you’ll witness the Amazon come alive under the magical moonlight.
• Discover hidden waterfalls and take refreshing swims in pristine natural pools.
• Engage in birdwatching expeditions, spotting vibrant toucans, macaws, and countless other avian wonders.

Every moment in the Brazilian Amazon is an opportunity for awe and discovery, where you’ll create unforgettable memories and connect with the raw natural power of this incredible ecosystem.

Peru Amazon Rainforest Tours

Welcome to the wonders of the Peruvian Amazon, a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With Go Amazon Rainforest, embark on an unforgettable journey through the diverse ecosystems of the Peru Amazon Rainforest.

Experiencing the Wonders of the Peruvian Amazon

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Peruvian Amazon. Explore the dense jungles, winding rivers, and vibrant wildlife that call this region home. Discover the enchanting sights and sounds as you venture deep into the heart of this ecological paradise. From thrilling jungle treks to tranquil boat rides along the Amazon River, Peru offers a range of experiences for every type of traveler.

Highlights of Amazon Rainforest Tours in Peru

During your tour, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the incredible biodiversity that thrives within the Peruvian Amazon. Encounter colorful macaws, playful monkeys, elusive jaguars, and other fascinating wildlife species. Marvel at the unique plant life, from towering trees to delicate orchids. Dive into the pristine waters of the Amazon and discover the wonders that lie beneath during snorkeling or diving excursions.

Combining Amazon Tours with Machu Picchu Visit

Enhance your Peru Amazon Rainforest adventure by combining it with a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu. Experience a perfect blend of natural and cultural wonders as you explore both the Amazon and the iconic Inca ruins. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and archaeological marvels of Machu Picchu while also indulging in the wild beauty of the Amazon. It’s an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Exploring the Amazon in Other South American Countries

When it comes to exploring the Amazon Rainforest, South America offers a multitude of options beyond Brazil and Peru. These lesser-known countries provide unique and captivating experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Colombia’s Unique Amazon Rainforest Experiences

Colombia’s Amazon region is a hidden gem, characterized by its rich biodiversity and untouched landscapes. Journey deep into this pristine rainforest and immerse yourself in the vibrant ecosystem. Marvel at the incredible variety of flora and fauna, from colorful birds to elusive jaguars.

Embark on thrilling hikes through dense foliage, guided by knowledgeable local experts who can unveil the secrets of the Amazon. Explore winding rivers and encounter indigenous communities that call this region home, learning about their ancient traditions and way of life.

Ecuadorian Amazon: Birdwatching and Wildlife Encounters

Ecuador’s Amazon offers a unique paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. With over 1,500 bird species, including rarities like the Hoatzin and Harpy Eagle, it’s a haven for bird lovers. Explore the Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you can spot colorful toucans, macaws, and many other avian wonders.

Aside from birdwatching, the Ecuadorian Amazon presents fantastic opportunities for wildlife encounters. Set out on guided excursions, where you may observe playful river dolphins, monkeys swinging through the treetops, and caiman gliding along the riverbanks.

Lesser-known Destinations: Guyana and Suriname

For intrepid travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, Guyana and Suriname offer extraordinary explorations of the Amazon Rainforest.

In Guyana, discover the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Embark on treks through dense jungle, marveling at ancient tepuis (table-top mountains) and encountering unique wildlife, such as giant river otters and giant anteaters.

In Suriname, journey into remote corners of the Amazon, where you can witness the awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles nesting on pristine beaches. Explore the vast nature reserves, hike along trails enveloped by lush greenery, and encounter diverse plant and animal species found only in this untouched habitat.

These lesser-known destinations in South America offer intrepid explorers the chance to experience the Amazon Rainforest in a truly unique and immersive way. Discover pristine landscapes, encounter incredible wildlife, and marvel at the wonders of this unparalleled natural paradise.

Lodges and Cruises in the Amazon Rainforest

When embarking on Amazon Rainforest tours, one of the key decisions is choosing accommodations that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Amazon. Whether you prefer the comfort of a lodge or the adventure of a cruise, there are options available to suit every traveler’s preferences.

Lodge Accommodations in the Amazon

Stay in a cozy lodge nestled deep within the Amazon Rainforest and wake up to the sounds of nature. These lodges offer a unique opportunity to experience the serenity and beauty of the jungle while providing essential comforts. Enjoy comfortable rooms, delicious local cuisine, and knowledgeable guides who will lead you on exciting excursions to explore the surrounding biodiversity. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest while staying in a secluded lodge.

Cruising the Amazon River: An Unforgettable Experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Amazon River and experience the grandeur of the rainforest from the comfort of a cruise ship. Cruise along the winding waterways, witnessing breathtaking vistas and encountering diverse wildlife. Relax on board while enjoying luxurious amenities and services, including spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and engaging activities. Explore different sections of the Amazon, stopping at remote locations and venturing into the heart of the jungle with experienced guides.

Luxury Amazon Cruises for a Memorable Trip

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and refinement, luxury Amazon cruises provide an unparalleled experience. Indulge in the sophistication of top-notch facilities and services while surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Amazon Rainforest. These cruises offer exclusive amenities such as spa treatments, gourmet dining experiences, and personalized itineraries tailored to your preferences. Sail in style while observing the incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Customizing Your Amazon Rainforest Tour

Embark on a journey like no other with Go Amazon Rainforest as you personalize your Amazon Rainforest tour to suit your preferences. Immerse yourself in the astonishing beauty and diverse ecosystems of the Amazon as you tailor your activities and itineraries. Here’s how you can make your experience truly unique:

Personalizing Your Experience in the Amazon

When customizing your Amazon Rainforest tour, you have the freedom to choose the level of adventure and relaxation that suits you. Whether you prefer an adrenaline-pumping jungle trek, a serene canoe ride through winding rivers, or a peaceful birdwatching experience, the Amazon Rainforest offers options for every type of traveler.

Additionally, you can select the duration of your tour, whether you’re looking for a short immersive getaway or an extended expedition deep into the heart of the rainforest. Discuss your preferences with our experienced guides to ensure your personalized journey fulfills your wildest dreams.

Tailoring Activities and Itineraries to Your Preferences

With Go Amazon Rainforest, you have the flexibility to choose from a wide array of activities and create an itinerary tailored specifically to your interests. Explore the pristine jungle trails on guided hikes, embark on thrilling wildlife spotting adventures, or engage in cultural exchanges with indigenous communities.

Perhaps you’re fascinated by the vibrant birdlife of the Amazon; our experts can plan specialized birdwatching excursions to take you to prime locations for avian encounters. Or maybe you’re captivated by the amazing plant life of the rainforest; we can arrange educational tours at botanical research centers.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Amazon Rainforest Trip

To ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience, here are some essential tips for planning your Amazon Rainforest tour:

• Research the climate and weather patterns during your desired travel dates, as the Amazon experiences different seasons throughout the year.
• Consider your physical fitness level and choose activities that match your capabilities.
• Pack appropriate clothing and gear, including lightweight and breathable clothing, sturdy footwear, insect repellent, and a hat.
• Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medications recommended for the region.
• Book your tour in advance to secure your preferred accommodations and activities.
• Inform your tour provider about any dietary restrictions or special requirements.

By following these tips and working closely with our team at Go Amazon Rainforest, you can create the perfect Amazon Rainforest tour that aligns with your interests, preferences, and travel goals. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the world’s most magnificent rainforest!

Amazon FAQs

Thinking about an Amazon trip? Here’s a list of frequently asked questions we often hear from our guests. Visit our Amazon Vacation Planning page for in-depth Amazon travel tips.

For many reasons, the best time to visit the Amazon is from June – November. During this time, the Amazon Rainforest experiences its dry season – meaning the water levels are lower, allowing access to forested areas and greater opportunities for land-based exploration excursions. However, it’s important to note that as the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon experiences approximately 250 days of rain a year, spanning all months. Despite having varying seasons, like the “wet” season (December – May), travelers should expect a few hours of light rain at any point in the year. The rain is what continues to keep the rainforests and its rare flora and fauna alive.

Yes, traveling to the Amazon Rainforest is safe! In Brazil’s main center for visiting the Amazon – Manaus, you’ll always have guided activities with expert naturalist guides to help you navigate the jungle. Outside of town make sure you have all recommended vaccinations, according to your doctor and that you take a Malaria prophylaxis. Although along the Rio Negro, where most travelers go, there are very few mosquitoes!

All Amazon lodges and cruises offer jungle walks guided by local professionals to get to know the vegetation. Discover the importance of medicinal plants, spot vibrant macaws and parrots, and learn to identify the calls of rare animals. While listening to the sounds of the animals in the jungle is a common experience, actually spotting the fauna can be difficult. Travelers may consider the Pantanal wetlands for wildlife spotting, as it is less dense than the Amazon. Piranha fishing is also very popular. Local guides can also take you to different areas where other animal species can be seen, such as the pink river dolphins or macaws. Alligator (jacare) spotting at night is one of the most fascinating activities.

In general, the Amazon Jungle is not dangerous for travelers! Animals in the Amazon are not aggressive, as there is plenty of food available. Even the aforementioned “alligator” is a “caiman,” the peaceful cousin of the crocodiles you have heard about from Australia and the Florida Everglades. Your guide will always make you aware of toxic plants or spiders. Most guides are from the local communities, knowing well the healing properties of the plants that surround you. The one element to be aware of is Malaria: there is no vaccination, rather prophylaxis you take before traveling to the Amazon and stop taking as soon as you depart.

If visiting the Amazon in Brazil, you’ll get to the Amazon rainforest mostly by flying into Manaus, or for a more remote experience, by flying into Alta Floresta, with its luxurious lodge, or into Tefé for the most remote experience possible. In Peru, the main access points are Puerto Maldonado, Manu and Iquitos. In Bolivia, it is Rurrenabaque, Coca in Ecuador and Leticia in Colombia.

No – There are different areas with different flora and fauna. The main difference is caused by the altitude. Most of the Brazilian part is at sea-level or only slightly above it, whereas in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, the rainforest sits on higher ground. The higher, the less dense the fauna is. Therefore, for example, if you are interested in birding, you would prefer the Peruvian Rainforest, as, due to the fauna being less dense, it is easier to spot birds. The Peruvian Amazon also offers some of the most luxurious river cruise ships such as the Aria. The Brazilian Amazon Rainforest offers travelers a wide range of lodges and cruises. Embark on a large cruise ship such as Hurtigruten or Iberostar, or a small, intimate cruise such as the Tucano. The Ecuadorian Amazon boasts Yasuni National Park, home to millions of species of plants, birds, insects, and mammals.

Typically, you would stay at a lodge or cruise along the river. It depends on what kind of experience interests the traveler(s). The advantage of a lodge is that your stay in the Amazon Rainforest can begin at any time, whereas cruises have set departure dates. While cruises offer plenty of departure dates, it can be challenging to be on a strict schedule. On the other hand, the advantage of a river cruise is that you see a vast extent of the rainforest, with different animals and vegetation, without needing to turn back after each excursion. Cruises also tend to include a stop at local communities where you can experience and learn about the lives of Amazonian locals. Whether you experience the Amazon on a cruise ship or nestled in a lodge, you’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

© 2024 Amazon Rainforest Tours

A Cornucopia of Ecuador Land Tours

We travel to Ecuador often and are ready to help you discover the Amazon by eco lodge, find handicrafts at Otavalo market, explore the biodiverse cloud forest and experience the best things to do in Quito or Guayaquil. Ecuador tours, and especially Amazon rainforest tours in Ecuador, are the perfect complement to a Galapagos cruise. Our experts can ensure a seamless Ecuador mainland and Galapagos Islands experience with our Quito & Guayaquil travel packages, and we can craft custom Ecuador tours to include the nearby Ecuadorian Amazon or highlands.

Immerse yourself into the wild on an Amazon rainforest tour in Ecuador. Breathe in the unique sights and sounds that emanate from lush layers of vegetation and wildlife while you both fall sleep and wake with the jungle outside your door. Observation towers, parrot clay licks, nature trails and paddling excursions—all with native naturalist guides—illuminate the mysteries and connections of life in the Amazon rainforest. Travel with a clear conscious knowing that your Amazon rainforest tour in Ecuador directly employs and supports the vibrant communities which welcome you. And for those who seek a different sort of jungle experience, the Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve offers premium wildlife and pristine landscapes high in Ecuador’s cloud forest, with unique opportunities to explore by sky bike, gondola and more.

High Andes culture comes alive on Ecuador tours to the country’s northern Sierra region. Inviting Andean villages display one-of-a-kind cultural artifacts such as handmade crafts and vibrant textiles, and a stop at the world-famous Otavalo market helps you bring a piece of it home. Add on exciting activities like horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking for a well-rounded Ecuador land tour adventure.

Explore the incredible diversity of Ecuador's Amazon for 4 or 5 days from La Selva EcoLodge, an exceptional wilderness lodge deeply committed to sustainable ecotourism. Daily hikes and paddles are lead by expert resident guides to canopy platforms, parrot clay licks and rainforest wildlife.

Spend 4 or 5 days at Sacha Lodge, located within a 5,000-acre private ecological reserve in Ecuador’s Amazon region. Enjoy this accessible and pristine rainforest sanctuary for a true jungle adventure in safety and comfort.

Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve is located in one of the most important global “hot spots” of biodiversity: the Tumbez-Chocó-Darién. This rainforest reserve features an exceptionally high level of endemism, with year-round access via the Mashpi Lodge.

Ecuador Tours

Located on the equator in the northwest corner of South America, Ecuador welcomes visitors year-round by land to explore its high Andes cultures, biodiverse rainforest and charming colonial cities with modern comforts. Visit Ecuador by horseback, among farms, plateaus and volcanoes at 8,000 feet; walk, bike and fly amongst the cloud forest on rainforest canopy tours; learn about weaving and leatherwork from locals; and unlock the history behind Ecuador’s gateway cities.

Within a morning or afternoon’s drive from Quito, you can access the famed cloud forest of Ecuador, home to around 15 percent of the world’s plant species, 20 percent of the world’s bird diversity and jaguars, spectacled bears, pumas, sloths and other enchanting creatures. Another short drive reveals highlands, markets and haciendas amongst a patchwork of agricultural plateaus, verdant hillsides, high alpine lakes, the towering Imbabura Volcano, rural villages and colorful markets—including the world-famous Otavalo market.

With nearly every Ecuador adventure requiring passage through one of these two international airport cities, our experts have hand selected the best Quito hotels and premium Guayaquil hotels as well as the cities’ must-see attractions. The Galapagos hub cities of Quito and Guayaquil offer their own unique attractions, one with colonial mountain charm and the other with modern economic coastal capital.

Ecuador Tours with AdventureSmith

Ecuador land tours explore a wide range of landscapes, from lush Amazon jungle to wildlife-rich cloud forest, and colorful Andean villages to hilltop and seaside gateway cities. Why book your Ecuador tour with AdventureSmith?

Personalized

Your specialist helps you choose, purchase & get ready for your Ecuador land tour, remaining a resource as you travel.

Our diverse selection of Ecuador land tours enables you to see the best of Ecuador’s varied landscapes & cultures.

Our experts regularly travel to Ecuador to provide you with up-to-date insight into the best Ecuador land tours.

Our Ecuador tours are budget-friendly but still maintain a vetted, high quality, enriching & authentic experience.

Birding on Ecuador Land Tours

Ecuador’s misty cloud forest and flourishing Amazon jungle offer prime habitat for unique fauna. Our experts consider Ecuador to be the host to some of the world’s best birding trips . With top-notch local guides, explore the biodiverse hot spot region of the Tumbez-Choco-Darien, where over 400 species of birds have been cataloged to date. Or bring the binoculars to one of three Ecuador Amazon Adventure lodges, set within a 5,000-acre private ecological reserve, for an Amazon rainforest tour in Ecuador. Our hand-selected Ecuador trips feature unique lodges located in the heart of bird-rich territory, including one of the world’s best wilderness lodges , to keep you constantly surrounded by the magic and beauty of Ecuador’s endemic mainland species.

Andes + Otavalo Ecuador Tours

The Ecuadorian Andes feature colorful, inviting villages and rich heritage. Historic haciendas immerse their guests in the world of working Highland farms with modern comforts and active options for exploration such as horseback riding and mountain biking. At the world-famous Otavalo market, watch weavers create the original Panama hat and loom-based textiles, and interact with artisans offering fine leather products, jewelry, the region’s famed bread dolls, renowned Ecuadorian roses and more—our experts ensure you experience the best of the Highlands on your Ecuador tour.

“Ecuador land tours explore lush Amazon jungle, wildlife-rich cloud forest, colorful Andean villages and cultural gateway cities.”

Temperature & Rainfall

Year-Round Ecuador Tours

Ecuador welcomes travelers year-round, however climate can vary by elevation and location. The extreme reaches of the Andes highlands and the Amazon rainforest lowlands feature fluctuations in dry and wet seasons. The Ecuadorian gateway cities of hilltop Quito and seaside Guayaquil can also vary in temperature, often experiencing all four seasons in one day. To effectively prepare for your Ecuador land tour, contact an Ecuador expert to discuss the climate nuances based on where you want to travel. Note that the climate data referenced above is for the capital city of Quito, Ecuador.

Want to Learn More About Ecuador’s Climate?

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Ecuador Haciendas, Eco-Lodges & Jungle Hideouts

Expect upscale accommodations and excellent service in an authentic Ecuadorean atmosphere in each of our Ecuador lodge options. Stay at a remote lodge perched in the clouds that celebrates Ecuador’s biodiversity and offers various ways to explore this living laboratory, including sky bikes, gondola rides, canopy tours and guided hikes. Or experience the historical 17th-century highland hacienda estates that host you between cultural outings with add-on adventures like horseback riding. Other options include remote Amazon rainforest lodges that are hidden deep in the jungle, uniquely accessed by dugout canoe. Each of these Ecuador lodge options are strategically located and surrounded by wilderness, as these comfortable and sustainably-minded lodges provide unparalleled access to this incredible destination.

The luxurious Mashpi Lodge sits in the heart of a private cloud forest reserve west of Quito, Ecuador. This eco-lodge adheres to the highest environmental standards while providing numerous exploration opportunities of the biodiversity of this region.

Hacienda Zuleta sits in the Andean mountain range of Ecuador at 9,600 feet above sea level, two hours north of Quito. The property features 15 beautiful rooms, garden, working farm, horse trails, hiking trails and a nearby Andean condor rehabilitation center to keep guests of all ages and abilities engaged.

One of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador, the award-winning La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat is a premier property in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Located 60 miles from Coca down the Napo River in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, La Selva features 19 staterooms with the largest accommodations of any Ecuador rainforest lodge.

Located within a private 5,000-acre ecological reserve in Ecuador's Amazon region, the Sacha Jungle Lodge features 26 air-conditioned, thatch-roofed cabins carefully designed to offer comfort and immersion into the rainforest

Hacienda Cusin is a restored 17th-century Andean estate located at 8,500 feet elevation, only 20 minutes from famous Otavalo. Terracotta tiles, winding pathways, private courtyards and perennial gardens are nestled beneath a deep blue sky in a wide lake valley.

Ecuador Tour Reviews from Our Experts

Ecuador is a colorful and diverse country with a myriad of tours and experiences available. With so much variety it can be difficult to know which tour is best for you. Read genuine Ecuador tour reviews from travelers just like yourself. These fun and exciting journals reveal what it is really like to take a tour in Ecuador with AdventureSmith. What is the food like?

How active are the itineraries? What are the accommodations like? Read on to get a feel for our Ecuador tours, experiences and accommodations, as well as the country and striking landscape awaiting you.

AdventureSmith's Jennifer travels to Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador's famed cloud forest. Read her review of the journey: sky bikes, gondolas, toucans, waterfalls and all.

An AdventureSmith Adventure Specialist reviews her trip to the Amazon rainforest at La Selva EcoLodge. Parrots, monkeys, canopy towers and adventurous cuisine!

Andrew Browning's expert review of his Ecuador Amazon Adventure at Napo Wildlife Center.

An AdventureSmith crew member reviews his trip to Sacha Lodge in Ecuador's Amazon rainforest.

Travel Guides for Ecuador Tours

As small ship cruise and wilderness travel experts, AdventureSmith Explorations is your go-to resource for researching active, sustainable and educational Ecuador land tours. Our Ecuador tour guides aim to answer common questions we receive from travelers.

Our experts have cruised and traveled extensively in Ecuador and share these tips so you can find the best Ecuador land tour. We are here to provide you with a seamless experience, and these travel guides written by our Adventure Specialists are a great place to start.

There are many options for traveling before or after your Galapagos cruise. You don’t have to venture far for an excellent, well-rounded trip. From the Andean cloud forests to the Amazon, Ecuador has it all—closer.

City sights, dining and where to stay - we detail what to do while visiting Guayaquil, Ecuador, a popular stopover for our Galapagos Islands travelers.

The world's best birding trips are found on the water. AdventureSmith Explorations recommends 5 small ship cruises and 2 lodge-based adventures for amateur ornithologists.

The family travel experts at AdventureSmith have compiled these top 8 tips for travel in the rainforest with kids.

What Travelers Say About Their Ecuador Tour

The trip was really fantastic and we felt safe and well taken care of at every stage. We loved Ecuador, it was beautiful, friendly and the food was terrific. We enjoyed Quito and the Otavalo area more than we expected really. Beautiful city with lots to see.

La Selva was beautiful and remote. Staff was VERY helpful and friendly. Superior guide, Paul. Food 5 star. Very interesting wildlife and vegetation. Loved dealing with Arielle.

This was an amazing trip filled with experiences and now, memories. AdventureSmith was helpful, professional and experienced every step of the way. If we ever take an "adventure trip" again, AdventureSmith will be my first contact to make. Thank you for....everything!!

This trip was incredibly well planned and went quite smoothly. We stayed at some top-notch hotels and had an incredible array of experiences.

The birding was fantastic, made better by the extremely helpful bird guide. We have birded in Central America, Indonesia, Africa and all over the US and we think he was the best bird guide we have ever had! We had an amazing time on this trip! Additionally, information provided by AdventureSmith was perfect! Taylor, our Adventure Specialist, was always available for any questions and very responsive to our requests.

I was thoroughly pleased with my trip and AdventureSmith. Leslie was terrific in helping me plan my trip. Her advice was perfect, and she responded to my questions in a timely manner. Sacha Lodge was excellent. It was well run and kept you busy all day long. The naturalist guide & our native guide were terrific. The towers and canopy walk and the tree tower were my favorites.

The trip was really fantastic and we felt safe and well taken care of at every stage. We loved Ecuador, it was beautiful, friendly and the food was terrific. We enjoyed Quito and the Otavalo area more than we expected really. Beautiful city with lots to see. The hacienda visits and stay were outstanding and would have liked to do more of that.

Accommodations Review

Hotels were very good or excellent. 

Meals Review

The hotel food and the meals in the haciendas were too delicious!

Crew & Guides Review

Quito guide Xavier was quite outstanding. Very pleasant easy going and interesting. He was very organized and managed our itinerary very well indeed. He made the markets interesting introducing us to all sorts of exotic produce.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Very good indeed. The Quito and Otavalo section was very well planned and organized

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Otavalo Escape
• Hacienda Cusin

La Selva was beautiful and remote. Staff was VERY helpful and friendly. Superior guide, Paul. Food 5 star. Very interesting wildlife and vegetation. Most unusual, night hike through jungle. La Selva is all jungle. VERY hot and humid with no space air conditioned. If clients are highly sensitive to this, It could negatively affect the experience. Not very buggy, surprisingly, very few mosquitoes at this time of year. Some fitness useful, but all activities only mild to moderate difficulty. Longest hike no more than 2 miles.

5 star accommodations for a remote jungle site. NO air conditioned areas in entire resort.

Very good with dietary restrictions.

Paul was excellent. Very friendly and enthusiastic. Great English skills. Would love to have him on a re-visit.

Transportation Review

All worked well. Useful to have all fees, etc. paid in advance.

Loved dealing with Arielle.

Traveler Advice

Consult with agent as to what you really are looking for as to type of trip and accommodation.

• Ecuador Amazon Adventure - La Selva EcoLodge
• La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat
• Arielle Lightcap

This was an amazing trip filled with experiences and now, memories. AdventureSmith was helpful, professional and experienced every step of the way. The Galapagos had been on my bucket list for a long time. Last year when I started putting this trip together with AdventureSmith, I became incredibly excited about the possibilities for the other adventures. I most enjoyed the Lares Trek and the lodges we stayed in. Plus, we had a wonderful guide, Miguel who made it that much better. My husband's favorite was hiking Huayna Pichu.

Mountain Lodges of Peru -- lovely lodges; unique, carefully cared for by "locals"; wonderful concept.

El Mercado, Cusco -- good location; very accommodating with us being in and out (stored our luggage 3 different times); nice music in the evenings; street/neighborhood noise could often be heard; tea, coffee and water always available.

Libertador, Puno -- lovely hotel; on a "peninsula" so no options for meals (unless taking a taxi into Puno) except there; water bottles should always be available at no cost.

Napo Wildlife Center, Amazon -- fascinating experience; wonderful concept of the local tribe running the center.

The food in Peru was amazing; even "simple things" had wonderful taste. Each place was accommodating about me being vegetarian (even though I did not list it...I always find something to eat and I don't like to make a "deal" about it).

It was interesting to experience a Pachamanca meal during the Lares Trek; the 3rd lodge had truly amazing food and good thing we didn't stay there long or we would have gained weight. Nice variety at every one (minimal variety at the Lares Trek lodges, but understandable; they would make eggs any way a person wanted).

Thank you for having breakfast provided at every hotel, including the Libertador! Libertador -- main dining room was "fancy" (and expensive) and we ended up walking out of there and just going to the bar for dinner both nights. Amazon -- not "memorable" but there was variety at every meal.

Lares Trek -- we felt we got very lucky with Miguel. Miguel was a fountain of knowledge, personable, "ready for any event", and we could just tell he enjoys what he does and is very very good at it.

Lake Titicaca/Puno -- it was enjoyable to have a personal guide on the boat when we went to the reed islands and to Taquile Island; we got a more "up close and personal" tour of the peoples; and the trout lunch was delicious.

Napo Wildlife Center -- Delphin - he grew up in the jungle; very interesting to listen to him tell stories and history, point out flora and fauna along with the boat paddlers; he made that adventure "come alive."

AdventureSmith was with us every single step of the way; countless emails were answered; serious and goofy questions were always thoughtfully answered; suggestions were provided as being "suggestions" and not "must do"; I had the greatest confidence and trust in AdventureSmith. We were provided documentation, packing lists, vaccine suggestions and info, reading material. I felt thoroughly prepared due to AdventureSmith.

Absolutely recommend! Looking back over the trip and over the last year of planning, I was very smart in choosing AdventureSmith. If we ever take an "adventure trip" again, AdventureSmith will be my first contact to make. Thank you for....everything!!

Use AdventureSmith! It takes an incredible amount of planning (and $$), but it is totally worth the planning. Think about what YOU want to do and see. It may be different from "the beaten path", but that's ok. It's about YOUR trip and what you want to do.

• Ecuador Amazon Adventure - Napo Wildlife Center
• Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu
• Napo Wildlife Center
• Mountain Lodges of Peru - Lares Region
• El Mercado Tunqui

Our hotels were so wonderful! Sol y Luna, Casa Gangotena and Mashpi Lodge were our favorites!

Honestly, our guides made the trip what it was. They were incredibly knowledgeable. I could ask about anything - a shrub I saw on the side of the road, a factory in the distance, questions about the current geopolitical climate - and they were always able to supply an answer. Incredible!! It was so cool to have someone pick us up and drop us off at the airport!

An incredible trip. Thank you so much!! The planning guides were super helpful! Thank you for your professionalism, quick responses, and seamless itinerary.

• Mashpi Rainforest Tour
• Galapagos Discovery
• Mashpi Lodge
• Casa Gangotena

We had an amazing time on this trip! All of the reservations were as stated and everything was on time. The lodge was beautiful and the food was absolutely awesome! The staff at the lodge was friendly and efficient. The bird guide was one of the BEST we have ever had, and we have birded in many places around the world! We were very happy with the accommodations, including the stay in Copa. Everyone we met was pleasant and the trip was very smooth.

How they were able to provide the style and comfort in a jungle lodge was absolutely amazing! The beds were comfortable, the accommodations were beautiful and the wildlife was everywhere!

5 star meals on every occasion. They even made a birthday cake for my wife's birthday! It was hard to believe the quality of food made in the middle of the Amazon rain forest!

Our bird guide, Rodrigo, was FANTASTIC! He was highly knowledgeable of all the wildlife in the area and could find birds by habitat, sight and sound. He was knowledgeable about every species and was very enthusiastic in providing the best experience for us! We have birded in Central America, Indonesia, Africa and all over the US and we think he was the best bird guide we have ever had! He was so well spoken and a pleasure to be around!

Itinerary Review

The birding was fantastic, made better by the extremely helpful bird guide. His knowledge was fantastic and he spoke English very well! The number of species of birds was quite amazing and the lodge itself was beautiful with the best staff!

The information provided by AdventureSmith was perfect! Everything was organized well, and there were no issues on anything arranged through them. All the information provided was spot on! The surprise gift the week before leaving was also a pleasant surprise. There were absolutely NO hiccups on any of the trip parts! We were very happy with the service and plan top use them again soon! We just wanted to thank you for the great adventure. Taylor, our Adventure Specialist, was always available for any questions and very responsive to our requests. Even while the trip was in progress and we had travel issues from the airlines that were not part of the AdventureSmith package, she made contact and kept us informed! Thank you so much! We have already started forming a group trip to the Galapagos with family and friends!

Follow all of the advice given by AdventureSmith. The insects are not a big issue and although there are a few bugs at the lodge, it is extremely clean and the food is awesome. They will also cater to dietary needs.

• Taylor Cranney

I was thoroughly pleased with my trip and AdventureSmith. Sacha Lodge was excellent. It was well run and kept you busy all day long.  The naturalist guide & our native guide were terrific. The towers and canopy walk and the tree tower were my favorites.

My room was very spacious and quite nice. The only comment I made on the lodge evaluation was to allow more time after breakfast and before the first activity of the day. We basically had 1/2 hour to eat breakfast, brush teeth, etc. and be ready to leave on our morning activity. 

Naturalist Guide - Pablo - excellent guide, very knowledgeable. Native Guide - Shanshui - fantastic guide, could spot birds and animals from great distances, explained medicinal plants, helped take pictures for me, and he spoke good English even though he was a little shy. The representatives for Sacha Lodge met me at the airport ticket counters and guided me through check-in. Everything went very smoothly.

Leslie was terrific in helping me plan my trip. Her advice was perfect, and she responded to my questions in a timely manner. The written itinerary was thorough with all the emergency contact names and numbers. Leslie helped me throughout the planning process. I made my own international flight and hotel arrangements, but all of the internal flights and itinerary were provided by AdventureSmith.

Don’t overpack. Biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, and soap are provided so you do not need to bring your own.

• Ecuador Amazon Adventure - Sacha Lodge
• Sacha Jungle Lodge
• Leslie Camacho

Ecuador Tours for Every Travel Style

Need assistance narrowing down all the Ecuador tours? Can’t quite find what you need? Our experts are just a phone call or email away to assist, and are adept at planning custom Ecuador tours in this diverse country. Contact us to receive a personalized recommendation on the best Ecuador tours for your travel style, budget and timing needs, or start your own trip search by viewing all our Ecuador land tours .

Contact Us - Ecuador Tours

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

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Ecuador Amazon Tours & Jungle Lodges

Amazon Rainforest Trips

Ecuador Amazon Tours & Jungle Lodges

Ecuador Amazon Tours & Jungle Lodges will you take you to a journey deep into the evergreen pristine jungle. Also, Check out this multiday jungle trips  and explore the rich biodiversity of the most important protected areas in Ecuador: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and Yasuni National Park .

Amazon Jungle tours are carried-out by lodges and eco-lodges that work closely with the local communities and most activities are planned on the spot to ensure the best experience. This selection includes what we consider the best jungle lodges in Ecuador Amazon Jungle: Cuyabeno River Lodge, La Selva Jungle Lodge, Tapir Lodge, Napo Wildlife Center, Suchipakari Jungle Lodge and the famous Manatee River Cruise , an innovative way to sail and explore the jungle. So they all meet in the most diverse and incredible areas of the Ecuadorian Rainforest.

Experiences include daily excursion

Ecuador Amazon Rainforest Lodges experiences  include daily excursion in jungle trails, canoe rides, birding, wildlife observation and close encounters with the local community . Ecuador Jungle tours and can go for 3, 4, 5 and 7 days .

We have classified jungle tours according to the class of the Lodge to fit your preference and budget:

• Premium Class Jungle Lodge 
• Comfort Class Jungle Lodge
• Budget Class Jungle Lodge

Check your options here and choose your ideal Ecuador Amazon Tour.

Premium Class Amazon Jungle Lodges

Premium jungle lodges are high-end lodges with superior instalations and gourmet style restaurants. The rooms and the social areas are spacious and have all the amenities allowed by the delicate rainforest ecosystem.

5, 6, 7 and 8 Day Tour | Sani Lodge near Yasuní Reserve

3, 4 and 7 Days Tour | Manatee Explorer Amazon River Cruise

4 & 5 Day Tour | Napo Wildlife Center Lodge Yasuní

4 & 5 Days Tour | La Selva Jungle Lodge near Yasuní Reserve

– – –

Comfort Class Amazon Jungle Lodges

Comfort class jungle lodges are mid-range lodges and less expensive and luxurious than premium class lodges. The rooms and the social areas are standard size and have all the amenities allowed by the delicate rainforest ecosystem.

4, 5 and 7 Day Tour | Tapir Lodge Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

– –  

Budget Class Amazon Jungle Lodges

Budget jungle eco-lodges are economy lodges. The jungle experience is still be the same, as guides and operations are high-standard,but the amenities and rooms are budget-style and less spacious.  You will still get a private room and bathroom and all the amenities allowed by the delicate rainforest ecosystem.

5 Day Tour | Samona Jungle Lodge in Cuyabeno

4 day tour | samona jungle lodge in cuyabeno, 3 day tour | samona jungle lodge in cuyabeno.

3, 4 and 5 Day Tours | Suchipakari Jungle Lodge in Napo

4, 5 and 6 Days Tours | Cuyabeno River Lodge

Passing Thru Travel

10 Shamanic Tours in the Amazon Rainforest

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

The Amazon Rainforest, a vast and mystical expanse, has long been a source of intrigue and spiritual questing. It is home to ancient traditions and shamanic practices that have been preserved for centuries by the indigenous peoples of the region. For those drawn to the mysteries of the natural world and the healing powers of traditional medicine, a shamanic tour in the Amazon offers a profound journey into the heart of spiritual healing and connection with nature.

1. Iquitos, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Christian Vinces

Iquitos, a bustling city accessible only by river or air, serves as the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon and its shamanic traditions. The city is surrounded by rivers and rainforests, offering access to numerous indigenous communities and retreat centers where visitors can engage in traditional ayahuasca ceremonies led by experienced shamans. These ceremonies are intended for deep spiritual exploration and healing, guided by the powerful plant medicine known to induce visionary states of consciousness.

2. Manaus, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gustavo Frazao

Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state in Brazil, stands as a historical and cultural hub amidst the dense Amazon Rainforest. Beyond its urban facade, Manaus offers pathways to shamanic experiences within the surrounding jungle, where the rich biodiversity of the Amazon supports a plethora of medicinal plants used in traditional healing practices.

3. Tena, Ecuador

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators

Tena, known as the “Cinnamon Capital” of Ecuador, is a lesser-known entry point to the Amazon Rainforest, offering a more intimate setting for shamanic exploration. The region is home to several indigenous tribes, such as the Kichwa, who maintain a deep connection to their ancestral lands and traditions. Shamanic tours here often involve cleansing rituals, traditional music, and storytelling, providing insights into the spiritual relationship between the people and the rainforest.

4. Pucallpa, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / diegoguiop

Pucallpa, situated on the banks of the Ucayali River, is a vibrant city that acts as a conduit to the Shipibo-Conibo communities, known for its intricate art and profound shamanic practices. The city is a blend of urban and indigenous cultures, with easy access to remote villages where traditional ceremonies, including ayahuasca and San Pedro cactus rituals, are practiced.

5. Rurrenabaque, Bolivia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elzbieta Sekowska

Rurrenabaque is a small town on the edge of Bolivia’s portion of the Amazon Basin, serving as a gateway to the Madidi National Park and the Pampas. It offers a unique blend of Amazonian and Andean shamanic traditions, with tours leading participants into the jungle’s heart for ceremonies, wildlife observation, and plant medicine walks. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and the presence of powerful plant medicines, including ayahuasca.

6. The Sacred Valley, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tetyana Dotsenko

While not in the Amazon, the Sacred Valley near Cusco is vital to Peru’s rich tapestry of spiritual traditions, including those with roots in Amazonian shamanism. The valley is a serene landscape of towering Andean peaks and ancient Inca ruins, where traditional Andean and Amazonian spiritual practices merge.

7. Marajó Island, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tamara Cerqueira

Marajó, an island at the mouth of the Amazon River, is one of Brazil’s hidden gems, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. The island’s unique ecosystem, rich in both Amazonian and marine biodiversity, supports a distinct culture that includes traditional shamanic practices.

8. Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / nati.fantato

Alto Paraíso de Goiás, located in the heart of Brazil’s Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, is a renowned spiritual and ecological sanctuary. Though not in the Amazon, it is a significant site for Brazilian shamanic practices, attracting healers and seekers from around the world. The region’s stunning waterfalls, crystal formations, and pristine landscapes provide a powerful backdrop for transformative spiritual experiences, including ceremonies and retreats that draw on a blend of Amazonian and indigenous traditions.

9. Belem, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pedro Magrod

As the gateway to the Amazon River from the Atlantic, Belém is a vibrant city where the Amazon’s cultural and biological diversity is on full display. It is an essential stop for those looking to understand the Amazon’s urban context and its transition into the vast wilderness. The city’s markets, such as the Ver-o-Peso, offer an array of Amazonian herbs and plants used in traditional medicine, providing insight into the region’s shamanic practices.

10. Acre, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PARALAXIS

The state of Acre, in the westernmost part of the Brazilian Amazon, is a frontier of shamanic tourism, offering deep immersion in the region’s indigenous cultures and natural landscapes. It is home to several indigenous tribes and communities that maintain their traditions, including the use of ayahuasca in ceremonial contexts

Ethical Engagement with Indigenous Cultures

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ESB Professional

Engaging ethically with indigenous cultures involves more than just participating in ceremonies; it requires an understanding and respect for their traditions, values, and rights. Visitors should seek experiences that offer mutual respect and benefit, ensuring their presence supports the community and preserves its traditions. Ethical engagement also means prioritizing the guidance of indigenous leaders and healers willing to share their knowledge and practices.

Conservation Efforts and Shamanism

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brastock

The Amazon Rainforest is under threat from deforestation, mining, and climate change, which in turn threatens the biodiversity that supports its spiritual and medicinal practices. Engaging in shamanic tours that are committed to conservation can help support the preservation of the Amazon and its cultures. Look for tours that actively contribute to reforestation, wildlife protection, and sustainable practices.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ammit Jack

Sustainable tourism in the Amazon involves choosing services and experiences that are environmentally responsible, support local economies, and preserve cultural heritage. This includes selecting lodges, guides, and tours owned and operated by local communities or ensuring fair compensation and working conditions for indigenous guides and healers.

Learning from the Land – Plant Medicine and Ecology

Image Credit: Shutterstock / MarcusVDT

The Amazon’s rich biodiversity is not only the basis of its shamanic practices but also a critical component of the global ecosystem. Engaging with the Amazon through a shamanic tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about life’s interconnectedness, plants’ medicinal properties, and the importance of ecological balance.

Cultural Exchange and Personal Growth

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nelson Antoine

A shamanic tour in the Amazon is a journey into the heart of ancient practices and an opportunity for profound personal growth and cultural exchange. These experiences allow for a deep reflection on one’s place in the world, the nature of health and healing, and the importance of cultural diversity and respect.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Panga Media

Seeking shamanic experiences in the Amazon invites an exploration of spiritual practices and a profound engagement with the world’s most biodiverse ecosystem and indigenous cultures. It’s a journey that demands ethical consideration, cultural respect, and a commitment to conservation.

As you embark on this path, remember that the true essence of the experience lies in the connections you forge—with the people, the land, and the myriad forms of life that call the Amazon home. This journey is an opportunity to contribute positively to preserving this invaluable resource and its ancient wisdom, ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come.

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The post 10 Shamanic Tours in the Amazon Rainforest republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hans Denis Schneider.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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