amazon tour quito ecuador

The Best Amazon Tours From Quito + How To Choose Your Ecuador Jungle Tour

Visiting the Amazon rainforest is a bucket list dream for many – and dreamy it is!

Here’s how to plan your trip to the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador and the best Ecuador Amazon tours.

If you’re planning a trip to the Amazon rainforest, there’s a good chance you’ll start your Ecuador trip in Quito. And Quito is one of the best starting points for visiting the Amazon.

Not only is the Amazon in Ecuador one of the most accessible ways in, but it also offers a more varied trip. 

As well as welcoming flights from all over the world, Quito is a vibrant capital city with plenty to do on either side of your jungle adventure.

Booking an Amazon tour from Quito is fairly easy, too.

While the Amazon’s remoteness doesn’t exactly make it one of the easiest places on Earth to travel, Quito is one of the easier destinations to travel from.

Short on time? Pin this post for later:

Just to let you know… This post (probably) contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links, and I may receive a small commission if you click one. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

Where to go in the Amazon

When to go to the amazon in ecuador, vaccinations and insurance, how long to stay in the ecuadorian amazon, what to expect on an amazon jungle tour in ecuador, best for first timers: a classic 4-day amazon tour, best for active travellers: paddle boarding in the amazon, best for adventure seekers: camping and kayaking , best for responsible tourists: amazon + sustainable communities , want more wildlife try these additional wildlife tours in ecuador, is ecuador a good place to visit the amazon , is the amazon dangerous to visit, how much of ecuador is amazon jungle , where is the rainforest in ecuador , planning an amazon trip in ecuador .

Every Amazon tour is a little different, so it’s a good idea to understand your options before you book.

From areas to visit to accommodation styles, every tour will give you a different experience. 

Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing your Amazon tour.

If you’re visiting the Amazon in Ecuador, you have two choices of where to go: the Cuyabeno Reserve or Yasuni National Park. 

Both are about the same in terms of travel times from Quito, so it really comes down to personal preference. 

Many travellers say that Yasuni feels more untouched – which may be a positive or negative, depending on what you’re looking for!

On the one hand, it allows you to switch off entirely. On the other, though, photographers and people who need to charge electronics may struggle in Yasuni.

RELATED READ:

Travelling with camera gear? Check out the best camera insurance for travel.

Accommodation in Cuyabeno also tends to be a little nicer.

Don’t get me wrong – you won’t find anything close to a 5-star hotel in either park. But the lodges in Cuyabeno are as comfortable as they come (but still very, very rustic!). 

If you want a more comfortable experience where you still get close to nature, choose Cuyabeno.

If you want to feel completely absorbed in nature and forget modern life entirely, you might prefer Yunasi. 

There are two main seasons in the Ecuadorian Amazon: wet and dry. The latter runs from December to March, while the latter covers the rest of the year. 

Again, there are advantages and disadvantages to visiting the Amazon in both seasons. 

Both seasons are hot and humid, but the dry season tends to be a little cooler.

More land is visible during this time, which means it’s easier to spot land wildlife, but it may be harder to see other animals. It’s also the best time to avoid mosquitoes since there will be fewer during this time.

TRAVEL TIP : Pack lots of good quality insect repellent – like this one – anyway! Mosquitoes exist all year round, as do many other bugs and spiders.

If you want to see as much of the wildlife as possible, the wet, warm season from March to July is probably your best bet.

Just be prepared for thunder showers during these months. While they happen all year round – it is the rainforest, after all! – you can expect more rain around April. A lightweight rain jacket is a must-have at all times of year.

Before you jet off on your dream Amazon trip, don’t forget to take care of the boring bits (sorry!). 

Some travel vaccinations need to be given well in advance, so check with your doctor to make sure you have everything you need. If you don’t, get them as soon as possible.

According to the NHS website , vaccinations you may need include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies and more. Your doctor may also recommend anti-malaria tablets, depending on the length of your trip.

The Amazon is a very unique environment, so you’ll want to make sure your travel insurance covers you too. 

I use and recommend Heymondo .

Their coverage is much more comprehensive than most and they will cover activities, circumstances and people that other policies won’t.

As a partner of Alajode, they’re offering 5% extra off for my readers. Click here to find out more, get an instant quote and save even more!

Most Amazon tours from Quito last 3-5 days, ending back in Ecuador’s capital. 

I would say 3 nights is enough to immerse yourself in jungle life and give yourself the chance to see a whole load of wildlife. 

The one exception, perhaps, is if you’re a photographer.

If you’re hoping to find or photograph a particular animal , give yourself as much time as you can. Some days can be a total wipe out, while on others you see three anacondas in a row (true story!).

If you’re continuing your Ecuador travels after the Amazon, 3 nights in the rainforest is more than enough. If you’re spending 2 weeks in Ecu a dor , it’s the perfect amount.

One of the best things about any type of safari is that every day is different. An Amazon safari is no different. 

A typical day on an Amazon tour can be packed with as much (or as little) adventure as you like.

As well as the standard river safaris, which usually last around 3 hours, you’ll have a chance to go on walking safaris, explore hiking trails, swim in the Amazon river and even go on a night walk. 

Most days in the Amazon begin early to give you best chance at spotting wildlife. Breakfast will usually be served at around 7am and followed by a morning river safari. 

After a filling lunch back at your lodge, you might embark on another river safari or head out by foot. If you want a more relaxing break, many of the lodges have hammocks, relaxation areas or viewpoints to enjoy nature from.

If there’s something in particular that you’d like to experience, make sure you choose a tour that includes it (or offers it as an extra).

The best Amazon tours from Quito

Now you know what to look for in your Amazon tour, here are some of the best ones.

The most popular way to visit the Amazon from Quito is on a 4-day trip. 

This 4-day / 3-night jungle trip will take you to the Cuyabeno Reserve. There, you’ll spend every night in one of the premium lodges, providing a completely immersive experience. 

As well as exploring the rainforest by both motorised canoe and on foot, you’ll have the chance to visit one of the small, local communities. This unique visit will give you a glimpse into the lives of those who still live in Ecuador’s rainforest.

You’ll also get to try some local treats, such as kassava bread, while you’re there!

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most peaceful places in the world. With limited electricity and very little human life, it’s one of the best places in the world to switch off. 

If you want a truly unique experience, choose an Amazon tour that includes stand up paddle boarding. You’ll experience the stillness and peacefulness in a whole new way. 

This 4-day tour to the Cuyabeno Reserve includes several opportunities to explore the Amazon by SUP. There are plenty of hikes and canoe safaris to break up the adventure, too, offering an active yet relaxing way to experience the Amazon in Ecuador.

If you want to see the Amazon in a more adventurous way, choose a camping trip. 

This 5-day Amazon tour includes 4 nights at the Amazon Explorer Campsite, where you’ll be completely disconnected from city life. 

During the daytime, you’ll explore the surrounding rainforest by kayak, canoe and on foot. You’ll go in search of the largest snake in the world, the anaconda, and visit the parrot clay lick to see a large concentration of parrots, macaws and other local bird life. 

On the penultimate day, there will also be chance to visit a local Kichwa community. Before the visit, you’ll get to hike in the rainforest and see local medicinal plants. 

If sustainability is always front of mind when you travel, it’s no surprise you’ve chosen Ecuador! As well as being one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world , it’s also leading in the ecotourism space. 

With Ecuador’s strict eco initiatives, you’ll hardly have to think about the impact your trip is having. But if you want to go even further, this unique tour visits some of the region’s sustainable community projects.

You’ll also get the full Amazon experience, too, with plenty of time to spot and learn about the wildlife.

Have a little longer in Ecuador? There’s plenty more to see! 

If a few days of wildlife isn’t enough, here are some longer and additional wildlife tours in Ecuador to consider. 

If you want to spend longer in the Amazon… Try a longer trip, such as this unique 8-day jungle adventure .

You’ll have even more time to enjoy the rainforest and even more opportunities to spot wildlife. With 8 days and plenty of community interaction, you’ll be one with the jungle in no time and come back with a fresh perspective and newfound sense of calm.

If you want maximum wildlife in one tour… This nature-centric tour has the perfect Ecuador itinerary for wildlife lovers. It does everything in the perfect order, too!

After spending three nights in the Amazon, you’ll head back to Quito and fly on to the Galapagos (so make sure you pack for both !).

You’ll then have five jam-packed days in the Galapagos to soak up of the local wildlife here. 

If you want to add on the Galapagos… Add this 7-day Galapagos cruise.  

Once you travel back from the Amazon to Quito, spend a night in the capital before hopping on a flight.

On this 7-day cruise, you’ll get to see all of the best places in the Galapagos. Isla Espanola, with its abundance of sea lions, iguanas and hawks, is sure to be a highlight!

Still got questions about visiting the Amazon in Ecuador?

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about planning an Ecuador Amazon trip. 

The Amazon rainforest covers nine countries, and each offers a different experience. While there’s no one size fits all best place to visit the Amazon, Ecuador is one of the easiest. 

As well as having plenty of Amazon tours to choose from, Ecuador’s rainforest is relatively accessible. It is well serviced, with comfortable accommodation, yet still maintains its ecotourism credentials.

Add in the possibility to visit the country’s many other unique sights, and Ecuador is a great country for visiting the Amazon rainforest. 

The Amazon is full of dangerous animals, but few of them have any interest in humans. Anacondas, jaguars, frogs and caimans all pose threats to other wildlife, but it’s very rare that they attack humans. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious. You will have a guide with you at all times while visiting the Amazon, so make sure you do as they say. 

Perhaps the biggest danger to humans in the Amazon is the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes in the Amazon can carry diseases such as malaria and yellow, so make sure you take the necessary precautions. At the very least, pack a good bottle of strong insect repellent . 

The land covered by the Amazon jungle in Ecuador represents 80% of the country’s forested land. That’s a pretty big amount!

Although the Amazon rainforest covers such a large part of Ecuador, the Ecuadorian Amazon contains only 2% of the Amazon basin. 

Compared with the other countries covered by the Amazon, Ecuador’s land is on the lower side of things. Just over a quarter of the land mass in Ecuador is covered by the Amazon.  

The Amazon Basin in Ecuador covers six provinces: Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora Chinchipe. They are all situated in the east of Ecuador, bordering Peru and Colombia.

So, now you know what to look for in a tour of the Amazon in Ecuador, all that’s left is to book! 

The Amazon is a truly magical place and any tour there is sure to be thrilling and relaxing all at once. 

If you can, spend a little longer in Ecuador and explore more of this beautiful country. This 2-week Ecuador itinerary covers all the most unique spots.

If you love wildlife, the Galapagos are another must-visit and an entirely different experience. 

RELATED READ: How to spend 3 nights in an Amazon lodge in Iquitos, Peru.

Enjoyed this post? Share it:

About Jodie Marie Dewberry

Jodie has been travelling the world full time since 2017, sharing the most unique places in the world along with tips for living as a digital nomad. She is a passionate wildlife photographer and has worked with a number of prominent travel brands, including airlines, tourism boards, hotels and tour operators.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Book With Leading Tours While Protecting Habitat

• Amazon Rainforest
• Galapagos Islands
• Puerto Maldonado
• South Africa
• Tours & Lodges
• Cruises in the Tropics

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 .

Visiting the Amazon from Quito

The Amazon offers tropical temperature and incredible wildlife.

This makes it a great choice for your tropical vacation. Ecuador is fortunate to have one of the most wildlife-rich sections of Amazonia. And there are fantastic tours, cruises and lodges in Ecuador’s rainforest you can enjoy.

Many of these tours can be experienced by visiting the Amazon from Quito by taking a short flight to El Coca. This is a small rainforest town. And it’s your gateway for exploring this incredible region.

The tours mentioned can arrange your connecting flights and transfers from Quito. And this makes it easy for you to visit the world’s greatest tropical wilderness.

Jump straight to the top Amazon tours

There are a few wildlife-rich areas to enjoy in Ecuador’s Amazon. These include national parks, national reserves and private reserves. Within and around these areas, you can find an astounding level of animals and plants.

See towering rainforest trees, delicate orchids, different monkeys and a variety of colorful birds.

As a rare treat in the northern Amazon, visitors can see the Yasuni claylick. This is a fantastic area to watch parakeets and parrots gathered at the clay. The parrots visit these areas of the riverbank to obtain salts, which are hard to find elsewhere in the rainforest. The clay is also useful in detoxifying unripe fruits and seeds the birds have eaten in the forest.

For an introduction to Ecuador’s Amazon and to provide a tour example, click the video below for the Manatee Amazon Cruise.

The Manatee Amazon Cruise is a recommended experience for exploring the Yasuni National Park. Enjoy comfortable suites, delicious cuisine and professionally guided tours aboard small skiffs and on trail walks. You will be scouting for the many different animals and plants, including several different monkeys, parrots and much more.

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

Quito to the Amazon

To reach the Amazon from Quito, you first need to head to El Coca. Officially named Puerto Francisco de Orellana, this is Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. El Coca is positioned at the meeting of the Coca River and Napo River. And from this small jungle town you can enjoy Ecuador’s Amazon. Explore wildlife-rich rainforest from top rated rainforest lodges and excellent Amazon River cruises.

Main Protected Areas

The main protected areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest are the Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Reserve.

The Yasuni and Cuyabeno protected areas are on opposite sides of the Napo River. And these areas, as well as the surrounding region, are home to highly diverse rainforest.

The Yasuni National Park

Yasuni National Park is the jewel in the crown of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. This ranks as one of the most species-rich protected areas on Earth. Research in the park across mammals, reptiles, birds and plants has found world records in diversity.

The Yasuni National Park is bordered in the north by the Napo River, which runs past the Amazon gateway of Coca. It is this river that will transport you to your Amazon Rainforest lodge and cruise destinations.

The Yasuni National Park is a UNESCO-listed protected area. It covers around one million hectares of lowland Amazon Rainforest. The Yasuni region is a much-loved area among nature lovers because of the high amount of wildlife to see.

The Cuyabeno Reserve

The Cuyabeno Reserve is Ecuador’s second largest protected area after the Yasuni National Park. The reserve protects around 600,000 hectares of lowland Amazon Rainforest. Like the Yasuni National Park, the land gently slopes down away from the Andes.

A significant portion of the reserve is classed as flooded forest. Because of this, the region has many lakes and waterways. It’s thought that because of the more flooded nature of the Cuyabeno Reserve the area has a lower level of wildlife than the neighboring Yasuni National Park.

As the reserve is just across the river from Yasuni, the wildlife is very similar despite a potentially lower level of biodiversity. Wildlife you can find includes the different monkeys, black caiman and giant river otters.

Exploring Ecuador’s Amazon

From the recommended lodges and cruises , you can enjoy exploring the Amazon. Enjoy guided walks on rainforest trails to see many animals. Spot howler monkeys, toucans and fascinating reptiles.

In addition to the many animals to find, you can find some of the favorite plants and trees. These include the many beautiful orchids and the giant trees like kapoks and strangler figs.

Best Time to Visit

There are just two seasons in Ecuador’s Amazon. These are the wet season and the dry season characteristic of tropical environments.

There are benefits of visiting in either time of year. Even over the wetter months, the rain starts in late afternoon and often ends by the following morning. This allows for a full day of rainforest exploration.

The wet season can mean you can get deeper into the rainforest, the clay lick can be more active, and is when the forest fruits and flowers. This means monkeys and birds are more easily seen feeding on abundant food.

Over these months there is an increase in the frequency and intensity of rain. And usually this is from December to June.

The dry season can also mean the wildlife is more easily encountered. This is because animals are thought to concentrate around fewer pools of terrestrial water. The trails can be less muddy and there is less chance of activities being postponed due to rain. The dry season is usually between July and January.

Aside from this, the rainforest can be visited at all times of year. What really matters is your choice of lodge or cruise, as it’s the service and guides that determine the quality of your experience.

We will provide a selection of recommended Amazon lodges and rainforest cruises below to choose from.

Attractions & Features

There are a few different attractions in Ecuador’s rainforest to help you make the most of the Amazon. Enjoy canopy walkways, canopy towers, and the Yasuni clay lick to see different parrots.

Canopy Towers

Canopy towers allow you to experience the rainforest from a different perspective. This is how many birds of prey and monkeys see the Amazon as they explore the branches of tall rainforest trees.

You will visit canopy towers on all tours features on this page.

Yasuni Clay Lick

The Yasuni clay lick is located by the Napo River and inside the Yasuni National Park. The lick is a naturally eroded area of clay where parrots, parakeets and macaws visit to eat the salt-rich and medicinal clay.

The licks provide almost guaranteed wildlife sightings. And the birds visit these to obtain the salts, but also to detoxify unripe fruits and seeds they have eaten in the rainforest. To find the human equivalent, you can think of antacids.

Canopy Walkway

A canopy walkway allows you to walk leisurely above the canopy. The most impressive canopy walkway in the Amazon Rainforest is accessible from the Sacha Lodge .

The walkway stands 94 feet (30 meters) above the ground and extends 940-foot (275-meter) through the rainforest. This is especially loved by birdwatchers as you can see many different species.

To see this canopy walkway, click the video below for an introduction to the Sacha Lodge.

Cruises & Lodges

The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to fantastic rainforest lodges and river cruises. These offer guided tours to enjoy the wildlife and fantastic scenery.

The Sacha Lodge

The Sacha Lodge is nestled in its own private reserve and offers one of the largest canopy walkways in the rainforest. You can also enjoy the views from a tall canopy tower.

On guided tours from the Sacha Lodge, enjoy rainforest walks to find different animals. These include the many different monkeys, reptiles, colorful birds and tree frogs. In addition to exploring during the day, head out on night walks to see a different community of species.

You will explore the 5,000 acre rainforest reserve with your professional guide on trail walks and lake tours.

To check availability for your travel dates, send the Sacha Lodge a request using the tour bubble below.

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+

La Selva Lodge

La Selva Lodge is a luxury-class lodge and spa for the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve.

Enjoy a very comfortable and sustainable lodge, luxurious suites, and delicious cuisine. You will then head out on guided tours in the Amazon Rainforest to find different animals plants. Explore the rainforest on forest walks, canoe adventures and night excursions. Enjoy La Selva’s canopy tower, spa, clay lick, nearby lake and the many trails through the rainforest.

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+

Manatee Amazon Cruise

The Manatee Amazon Cruise takes you into the Yasuni National Park. You will voyage down the Napo River to explore the wildlife-rich Ecuadorian Amazon.

Enjoy spotting several different monkeys, colorful birds, reptiles and delicate tree frogs. Visit the Yasuni clay lick, canopy tower and head out on jungle hikes and canoe exploration.

Anakonda Amazon Cruise

The Anakonda Amazon Cruise is the sister ship of the Manatee Amazon Cruise. Enjoy wildlife tours in the Amazon Rainforest to find different animals and plants.

You will visit a canopy tower, enjoy canoe excursions and visit the Yasuni clay lick. You will also explore the rainforest on guided walks and skiff expeditions to find different monkeys and colorful birds.

The Anakonda Amazon Cruise

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

Tours for visiting the Amazon from Quito

And here is our summary selection of Amazon tours:

Want inspiration for future adventures?

Join our community for monthly selections of the world’s best tours, lodges, and cruises.

Easily unsubscribe at any time.

Thanks. You have been added to the mailing list.

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

Ecuador Amazon Tours

Ecuador Amazon tours offer a unique chance to unlock some of the untouched secrets of this raw and pristine forest that occupies a third of the country to the east of the Andes. Begin your adventure with a short 30 minute flight from Quito across the Andes to the jungle city of Coca, known as the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon ever since Francisco de Orellana first navigated the river on his 1541 expedition.

From here take a luxurious Ecuador Amazon river cruise along the River Napo, and watch colorful toucans, macaws and tanagers on excursions to hidden clay licks that fringe the water, or ride in motorized and dugout canoes to a remote Ecuadorian rainforest lodge like the La Selva Lodge overlooking Garzacocha Lagoon or the Napo Wildlife Center on the banks of Añangu Lake, deep in the Yasuní National Park and the territory of the indigenous Kichwa people. Wildlife tours in Ecuador’s Amazonian Oriente are humming with life and boast a sweeping biodiversity.

Ecuador Cloud Forest & Amazon

Galapagos & Amazon

Quito To Amazon

Galapagos & Cotopaxi Expedition

Manatee Amazon Explorer

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat

Mashpi Lodge

Quito To Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve (Ecuador Amazon Rainforest)

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 ways to get from Quito to Cuyabeno?  You’re in the right place!  The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is one of the main areas to experience the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador,  and starting in the capital city of Quito is a common route for most backpackers!

This post outlines everything you need to know about getting from Quito to Cuyabeno , from safety concerns, journey times, prices, drop-off points and more.

And of course, I’m here to get you excited about your bucket list trip to the Amazon Rainforest !

So, let’s start and discuss  all the possible ways to travel from Quito to Cuyabeno!

Still got a question about the journey from Quito to Cuyabeno? Let me know over on  Instagram  or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

🇪🇨 Other Ecuador posts:

• Amazon Tours Ecuador: BEST Cuyabeno Trip From Quito
• 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!

Quito To Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve: A Summary

The journey between Quito and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is roughly 250 miles (403 km).  It will take around 12-13 hours to drive directly between the two locations, depending on traffic, road conditions and mode of transport. 

The most popular way to travel between Quito and Cuyabeno is by tourist bus. This will be booked and organised for you by your tour company (ie Community Hostel ).

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!

Even when you reach the final destination on the bus (the Cuyabeno Bridge), you’ll have another 2-3 hour boat ride to reach your lodge. It’s a mammoth journey, but it’s worth it.

It’s important to note that you cannot visit this part of the Amazon without a guided tour. You need to ‘check in’ with your tour guide, and then board a motorboat down the river to your lodge. This would simply be impossible without a tour!

If you’re unsure about what tour to book or what it’s actually like to visit the Amazon Rainforest, be sure to check out my full Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve guide.

1. Quito to Cuyabeno by bus (+ guided tour)

The most popular way to travel from Quito to Cuyabeno is by bus. Most backpackers will book an Amazon tour (like the one we did with Community Hostel), along with transportation to and from Quito.

The bus arrives in Quito around 11.30 pm – 12 am every night. It’s more of a coach than a bus (with wifi and comfortable seats), and will make multiple stops across the city to pick everyone up from their accommodation.

After about 45 minutes of pick-ups, you’ll start your journey to Cuyabeno from Quito. On average, it’s around a 12-13 hour drive, including stops. You’ll eventually (and it will feel like a lifetime, especially if you’re excited for the Amazon trip like we were) arrive at the Cuyabeno Bridge.

The Cuyabeno Bridge is already a few hours into Cuyabeno and is where you’ll transfer over to a canoe to make the remainder of your journey. Most lodges (including the Dolphin Lodge, where we stayed) are around a 2-hour canoe from the Cuyabeno Bridge.

The bus journey is fine. It feels quite long and can be a little twisty at points, but we all managed to get a few hours of sleep in. If you suffer badly from travel sickness, I recommend taking some tablets.

There are no toilets on the bus, but you make regular stops.  If you need the loo before a stop, don’t be afraid to ask the driver.

On the journey to Cuyabeno from Quito, you do not stop for lunch or meal times (due to it being overnight). But on the way back from Cuyabeno to Quito, you’ll have a traditional roadside Ecuadorian lunch (with limited veggie options).

If you stay at the Dolphin Lodge, they actually give you a packed lunch for the journey home (which was a lifesaver for someone like me who doesn’t eat meat!)

❗️ Remember; you need to have a guided tour to travel into the Amazon Rainforest . You cannot enter independently, and need a lodge to stay in! Not sure who to book with? Check out my post with all the information you’ll ever need; Amazon Tours Ecuador: BEST Cuyabeno Trip From Quito.

How to organise and book a trip to the Amazon Rainforest from Quito

Firstly, I recommend doing an Amazon tour from Quito with  Community Hostel  and  Community Adventures.

For your first night in Quito, stay at  Community Hostel .  The hostel can then book the Amazon tour for you (or you can pre-book to ensure a space on the tour during peak times). You will then leave for the trip from Community Hostel.

You can also leave your big bag and expensive belongings at Community.  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!

❗️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!

For further details on how to book the Amazon tour, check out my post: Amazon Tours Ecuador: BEST Cuyabeno Trip From Quito.

2. Quito to Cuyabeno by plane (+ guided tour)

A rarer (and more expensive) option to get from Quito to Cuyabeno is by plane. Note that this option still involves around 1-2 hours of driving from Lago Agrio.

If you’d like to fly to Cuyabeno from Quito, you will need to board a plane to Lago Agrio. At this moment in time, there are only two flights per day, operated by the company TAME (not available on Skyscanner ).

From Lago Agrio, you will meet your tour guide, and be taken to your Cuyabeno lodge. Expect at least 2 hours in a private transfer, and 2 hours on a motorboat to your accommodation.

If your flight lands in the evening, you may not be able to travel to your reservation in the Amazon on the same day. If this is the case, you will need to book accommodation to wait for your tour to begin. Your tour guide will be able to explain this to you upon booking.

Where to stay in Quito for 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 view the hostel and their Amazon tours here.

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!

Related post : What to wear in the Amazon Rainforest

Quito to Cuyabeno: FAQS

1) how do you get from quito to cuyabeno.

You can either get a bus or a plane from Quito to Cuyabeno. Most tourists and backpackers take the 12-13 hour nightly bus from Quito to Cuyabeno. From here, you will board a motorboat for 2-3 hours to your Amazon Rainforest Lodge.

2) How do I get to Cuyabeno Lodge?

All of the lodges require the journey to the Cuyabeno Bridge. From the bridge, you will board a motorboat to your lodge. Depending on where your lodge is, the journey from the Cuyabeno Bridge to your accommodation will take 2-3 hours.

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

3) 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.

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!

Quito To Cuyabeno: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it!  Everything you need to know about the ways to get from Quito to Cuyabeno! If you need more information about the Amazon tour, be sure to check out my full Cuyabeno guide.

 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
• Frog Concert Mindo: WHAT Is It?!
• Quito to Banos: Full Travel Route + 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).

Similar Posts

11 Best Bookstores in London (That You CANNOT Miss!)

Bit of a bookworm? Me too! I’ve rounded up the best bookstores in London that are just magical. Living in London, we are truly blessed with the number of bookstores we have. From larger chains to independently run bookstores that smell like fresh paper and coffee, London has plenty of bookstores for us to choose…

Tipping in Jordan: Everything You Need To Know (2023)

When we first visited Jordan, we were unsure about the tipping situation. Is tipping in Jordan a thing? How much? And how often? That’s why I’ve written this definitive guide to tipping in Jordan! From local restaurants to tour guides, I’ll let you know how much you’ll need to pay in tips when you visit…

Bodrum Travel Guide: A Turkish Gem by the Aegean Sea

Bodrum is a hidden gem along the beautiful Turkish coastline. Before we visited, we knew very little about what Bodrum had to offer, and we were simply blown away by how beautiful it was! Located on the southwestern coast of Türkiye, Bodrum is a stunning destination that combines ancient history and culture with the beauty…

How To Get From Chetumal To Caye Caulker (Belize) 2023 Guide

Looking for the best ways to get from Chetumal to Caye Caulker? You’re in the right place! We travelled from Chetumal to Caye Caulker in 2023 and picked up plenty of tips to share with you along the way. Chetumal (Mexico) is the gateway for most backpackers and travellers to reach Belize. In summary, the…

Where To Stay In Wadi Rum: Best Desert & Bubble Camps 2023

Not sure where to stay in Wadi Rum for the best desert camp experience? No matter your budget, I’ve listed out the best places to stay in Wadi Rum to make sure you have the most *magical* experience. Ever wondered what it’s like to walk on Mars? When I first arrived in the Wadi Rum…

Castlerigg Stone Circle Walk: Routes, Tips & Guide! 2023

Looking for information about the Castlerigg Stone Circle walk? You’re in the right place! Visiting this gem in the Lake District is one of the best things to do for all visitors due to its accessibility and interesting history. Situated just a short distance from the town of Keswick, the Castlerigg Stone Circle can either…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Amazon Tours

Te Amazon region in Ecuador also called The Oriente by the locals is a very big area of rainforest located east of the Andes and makes close to half of Ecuador’s geographical area with only 5% of the country’s population. The wild landscape and indigenous people of the Oriente were undisturbed for centuries until 1542 when one of the main Spanish conquistadors embarked in his ambitious expedition in search of the Inca’s gold “El Dorado”. The legend of the Inca’s gold hidden city has brought countless explorers only to come back empty handed if they ever came back. Nowadays, the Oriente brings the attention of many explorers who want to discover the beauty of the Amazon rain forest, beauty combined with wildlife spotting and cultural experiences. We have chosen the most reliable lodges that offer great accommodation while interesting itineraries where our explorers can enjoy escorted guided expeditions and soft adventure travel experiences, needles to mention that your exploration can also be in one of our featured Amazon cruises available for individuals and charters.

Napo Wildlife Center

Sacha Lodge

La Selva Ecolodge

Casa del Suizo

Siona Lodge

Yacuma Ecolodge

Minga Lodge

Partner sites:

• exclusivegalapagoscruises.com
• machupicchu-inc.com
• Travel Agents
• Cancelation Policies
• Privacy Policies

Contact Us:

• Address: Checoslovaquia E9-95 St., Eveliza Plaza building. Quito-Ecuador
• [email protected]
• TOLL FREE USA & CAN 1-866-454-9060
• TELEPHONE UK +44-2033-724723
• TELEPHONE ECUADOR +593-2-333-3718
• MOBILE ECUADOR +593-99-281-3776

Exclusive-Ecuador Examining New Amazon and Ocean Linked Debt-For-Nature Swaps, Sources Say

FILE PHOTO: A view of the Amazon rainforest at Yasuni National Park in the Pastaza province, in Ecuador, July 29, 2023. REUTERS/Karen Toro/File Photo

By Marc Jones

LONDON (Reuters) -Ecuador is scoping out new debt-for-nature swaps, one to funnel funds into the Amazon rainforest and another for a giant ocean protection zone backed by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, people familiar with the matter have told Reuters.

The South American country is looking to build on the record-breaking $1.6 billion debt swap it arranged for its Galapagos Islands last year. Reuters is reporting details for the first time of the options being considered.

While the government is now focused on tackling drug-fuelled organised crime and securing a new IMF deal, sources said officials have been working with multilateral development banks and conservation groups for months on at least two possible debt swaps in the hope of doing something this year.

The first would be tied to protecting parts of the Amazon rainforest, widely regarded as the world's most important natural ecosystem. The second option concerns funding a groundbreaking Marine Protected Area Ecuador has created along its entire 2,237 km (1390 mile) mainland Pacific coast.

Ecuador will probably need to focus on one for now, one person familiar with the plans said, given the time and effort such debt swaps take to structure.

In a debt-for-nature swap, a country's government bonds or loans are bought up and replaced with new ones paying a lower rate of interest provided the government commits to spend some of the money saved on conservation.

Typically a development bank backs the deal with a "credit guarantee" or "risk insurance", which protects buyers of the new bonds if the country is unable to pay the money back.

Ecuador, considered one of the world's 17 "megadiverse" countries, has also one of the worst deforestation rates in Latin America, according to the United Nations environment arm.

That, combined with its high debt, makes it an obvious candidate for debt-for-nature swaps.

Two out of the four people who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said the swaps being explored were likely to share a number of features with last year's record Galapagos deal.

They would aim to provide tens of millions of dollars a year for the respective conservation targets and could each refinance around $1 billion worth of Ecuador's debt, though the numbers could change depending on the timing, the sources said.

According to two of the sources, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) are again being lined up to provide "credit guarantee" and "political risk insurance" needed to drive down the cost of borrowing and create the savings.

Ecuador's finance minister said as recently as last month that the country was looking to follow up the Galapagos deal. Both the ministry and the IDB declined to comment on the details of plans reported in this story.

A DFC spokesperson said it was "exploring opportunities for debt conversion for nature transactions across the globe," although it could not disclose with which countries.

A tender, or request for proposal (RFP), for the planned debt swap is yet to be sent out to banks, two of the sources said.

UBS which took over Credit Suisse, the bank that managed the Galapogas deal, declined to comment on whether it could be in the running again, as did Bank of America, which facilitated a swap in Gabon last year

While some debt experts argue that complex debt-for-nature swaps do not always save governments as much money as is suggested, countries such as Ecuador or Barbados are looking to do more of them.

Three sources said some of scoping and design work on the possible Amazon-linked swap was being done by The Nature Conservancy.

The non-profit organisation has been instrumental in landmark deals in the Seychelles, Belize, Barbados and July's Gabon one.

In the ocean protection zone-linked option, meanwhile, that role would be played by Re:wild, two of the people said. The conservation group co-founded by actor DiCaprio in 2021 already funds work in the Galapagos.

Re:wild has not replied to a Reuters request for comment.

Ecuador's waters are home and breeding grounds to thousands of species including humpback whales and leatherback turtles. The first-of-a-kind ocean protection zone it set up last year means its coast is now covered 8 nautical miles (14.8 km) out to sea.

(Reporting by Marc Jones in London; Additional reporting by Alexandra Valencia in Quito; Edited by Tomasz Janowski and Jonathan Oatis)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Join the Conversation

Tags: Ecuador , environment , South America

America 2024

Health News Bulletin

Stay informed on the latest news on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

The 10 worst presidents.

U.S. News Staff Feb. 23, 2024

Cartoons on President Donald Trump

Feb. 1, 2017, at 1:24 p.m.

Photos: Obama Behind the Scenes

April 8, 2022

Photos: Who Supports Joe Biden?

March 11, 2020

The Week in Cartoons April 29 - May 3

April 29, 2024, at 3:28 p.m.

Columbia Gives Ultimatum to Protesters

Lauren Camera April 29, 2024

Fed to Meet Amid Inflation Spike

Tim Smart April 29, 2024

RFK Jr.: By the Numbers

Laura Mannweiler April 26, 2024

Biden’s Student Loan Chief to Step Down

Lauren Camera April 26, 2024

What to Know: Bird Flu Virus in Milk

Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder April 26, 2024