From the Andean peaks to the Amazon Rainforest

Kapawi-Ministry of Tourism

Visitors will find that Ecuador offers the easiest access to the Amazon. In just a few hours, visitors can travel from the Andean peaks to the jungle. Volcanoes such as El Sangay and El Altar, with their numerous and sharp peaks, can be seen from the exuberant and dense vegetation of the Amazon. Reserves and national parks are home to hundreds of bird and fish species. They are also home to tapirs, anacondas, boa constrictors, turtles, lizards, armadillos, bears, monkeys, giant rodents and infinite bird species. Ecuador is home to the largest diversity of animals and plants per square kilometer in the world, and it is third in the world for its variety of amphibians, and fifth for butterflies.

Tropical rainforests and immense lakes make up the Reserva de Producción Faunística Cuyabeno (Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve), a unique place that is home to reptiles and pink dolphins alike. In the Reserva Biológica Limoncocha (Limoncocha Biological Reserve) you will find Limoncocha Lake, famous for being home to the black caiman. Another natural beauty is Sumaco-Napo Galeras National Park, which, along with the Yasuní National Park, has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. There, visitors walk along a path that passes through six altitudinal ranges until reaching the Sumaco Volcano.

The hot springs of Papallacta, surrounded by the Andes mountains, possess legendary curative powers. The Ecuadorian jungle, with its numerous medicinal plants, has served as a “natural pharmacy” for indigenous communities for centuries. The local indigenous communities have proudly retained their social practices and ancestor’s beliefs, traditions, and customs.

Sample itinerary for the Amazon: Five days

Lizard-La Selva Lodge

1st day: Quito – Amazon

–Following a short flight (30 minutes) from Quito, arrival at Puerto Francisco de Orellana (El Coca).
–Transfer to river ports for a fascinating canoe trip. Visit to the lodge; introduction, information, and recommendations to take into account. Nighttime walk to observe the wildlife that comes to life when the sun goes down.

2nd day: Amazon – Jungle excursions

– Optional bird watching trip at dawn. After breakfast, the day starts with a canoe trip along the Amazonian rivers to visit indigenous communities and their mystical shamans. Great opportunity to add to the adventure by swimming in a lake or in one of the tropical jungle rivers. After dinner, a nighttime excursion to see the glowing eyes of the caimans that inhabit the riverbanks.

3rd day: Amazon – Jungle excursions

– Tour and excursions through the Amazon jungle. Visitors can see beautiful orchids, huge fallen leaves, platanillos, bromelias, etc., among other attractive species of outstanding flora. In some cases, see different species of monkeys among the green color tones of the Amazon jungle.
Enjoy the songs and colorful plumage of tropical birds, especially unique species such as toucans and parrots.

4th day: Amazon – Jungle excursions

– Walks to indigenous communities to learn more closely about their lifestyles, customs, and traditions, such as “gold washing” on the banks of the Amazonian rivers. Options to buy interesting handicrafts, as well as visits to indigenous museums or wild animal rescue centers to see species of fauna from the zone: reptiles (boas, anacondas) and mammals (capybaras, tapirs), among others.

5th day: Amazon – Jungle excursions

– In the morning, a trip in a wooden canoe to take in for the last time the majesty and diversity of the Amazon, arriving in the city of Coca later on to continue on to Quito.

(Ministry of Tourism)