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Amazon Tours in Ecuador

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44 Ecuador Amazon Rainforest tours with 80 reviews

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Melissa Amazonian Region Ecuador travel expert at TourRadar

5 Days Amazon Lodge Cuyabeno Reserve

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“The accommodation, food, guides and activities are all amazing. I would highly recommend this trip.” ELIOTT SPILLER, traveled in January 2023

• Christmas & New Year
• Prepare traditional yuca bread with locals
• Swim in the Laguna Grande at sunset
• Spot wildlife on a nocturnal river safari

• Hike through the Amazon and learn about flora
• Swim in Laguna Grande at sunset
• Explore the Cuyabeno Reserve by canoe

“The tour itself was amazing!! Very nice lodges, great activities with a nice amount of rest inbetween.” Amy Corner, traveled in September 2022

• Enter Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve at dawn
• Canoe down the Cuyabeno River
• Night hike to see alligators by the river

“Wonderful hosts and a true experience to be remembered.” David Ross, traveled in August 2024

• Local Living
• Explore a waterfall and taste cacao
• Meet your CEO and group upon arrival
• Visit the amaZOOnico Animal Rescue Centre

“The ecuadorian jungle is an Amazing place with an amazing nature and wildlife. Cuyabeno is one of the most bio diverse places I have ever been.” Andres, traveled in February 2018

• Learn about flora and fauna on a jungle hike
• Spot wildlife on a night canoe expedition
• Meet the Siona community and visit a Shaman

• Spot pink dolphins and caimans in their habitat
• Enjoy a sunrise canoe trip for bird watching
• Trek through the rainforest with a guide

“Loved the lodge and the community, you should try the chontacuros!” CarolineFrey, traveled in January 2020

• Participate in the Kichwa 'wayusada' ritual
• Learn to cook traditional Ecuadorian dishes
• Paddle through streams and spot wildlife

“Exploring Ecuador's great nature revealed breathtaking scenic views that left me in awe of this country's beauty.” Sawyer Mirage, traveled in February 2024

• Fly to Coca and canoe to La Selva Lodge
• Participate in a unique yoga retreat
• Visit Butterfly Farm and fish for piranhas

“The eco lodge was comfortable and the chef prepared amazing meals. I would highly recommend this tour.” Harriet Hartman, traveled in September 2021

• Paddle through Laguna Cananguena

• In-depth Cultural
• Shop at the vibrant Otavalo Indian Market
• Discover wildlife on Amazon Jungle trails
• Explore Quito's historic Old City Town

More about Amazonian Region Ecuador

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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.

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

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How to get the most out of a trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon

Apr 15, 2023 • 5 min read

One of the world’s most extraordinarily diverse environments, the Ecuadorian Amazon offers white-water rafting, bird watching, forest walks and more © Bailey Freeman / Lonely Planet

In Lonely Plan-It, we take you step by step through how we put together some of the most complicated travel adventures – so you can recreate them yourself with ease. Here, Bailey Freeman shares the steps to planning an incredible adventure to the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Despite its small size, Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places on the entire planet – and a visit to its Amazon region is the feather in the cap of any person who wants to see the natural world at its most astonishing.

I visited the Ecuadorian Amazon – also known in-country as the Oriente – for my work as a travel writer and was pleasantly surprised how accessible the region was for travelers. Still, there are still several things to keep in mind as you plan your trip. 

Here’s our guide to planning the perfect visit to the Ecuadorian Amazon, an incredible place of cultural and environmental beauty. 

Step 1: Decide what activity you want to do

Plan your route around what interests you the most. 

The Amazon is home to a wealth of adventure: white-water rafting, wildlife watching, forest walks and more. It’s best to decide on your main priorities prior to your arrival, as different access points offer different experiences. 

If you’d like to marvel at the biodiversity of Ecuador’s famous Parque Nacional Yasuní , the town of Coca will be your starting point. Want to go rafting on tributaries to the mighty Amazon River? Start in Tena or Macas instead. Visiting the hot springs at Baños and want to tack on some Amazon adventure? Puyo would be a good place to put on your radar.

Step 2: Choose a home base 

Whether you choose a jungle lodge or a hostel, adventure awaits. 

Accessing the edge of the Amazon in Ecuador is pretty easy, as roads are well maintained and Amazon travel hub towns aren’t too far from Quito . But things get a bit more complicated once you start to head deeper into the forest. If you’re looking for convenience, we recommend choosing a jungle lodge that can serve as an all-in-one adventure coordinator. These atmospheric hotels offer transport to their location, meals and tours, often specializing in experiences unique to their region of forest. For example, I crashed at the Cabañas San Isidro , a launchpad hugely popular with birders. Other great options are Achuar-owned Kapawi Lodge and the Añangu-owned Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge .

If you don’t have the budget for a full lodge experience, don’t worry: you can opt for a wallet-friendly hostel or hotel in towns like Tena and Coca and book individual operators offering experiences à la carte. You’ll have to plan a few more logistics yourself, but you’ll still get to experience the majesty of the Amazon. 

Step 3: Pick the right time of year to go

Find what works best for you, but expect some rain. 

Due to its location along the equator, Ecuador doesn’t really experience substantial swings in weather with the seasons. That said, some months in the rainforest are wetter than others, so it doesn’t hurt to look at the calendar before you hit the road.

The Amazon experiences a rainy season February through September. While the sogginess may put off some travelers, more rain means better waterway navigability, more spottings of water-loving creatures and cooler temperatures. The cons? The potential for washed-out trails and more mosquitos. The term “dry season” is relative as rain is still common – yet the period from October through January does provide some relief from the moisture (and mosquitos), more access to hiking paths and warmer temperatures. 

Step 4: Pack smart

You'll need proper gear for exploring this region. 

In brief: pack for sun, rain and lots of bugs. In addition to staples like good (waterproof) hiking boots, water/adventure sandals and bug spray, we also recommend breathable long-sleeve shirts and long pants: you may be a bit hot, but it’s better than being a walking buffet for biting bugs. You’re going to want to protect your belongings from rain and a potential tumble into the Amazon’s rivers, so a dry bag for electronics or a waterproof daypack will come in extremely handy. Finally – and we can’t emphasize this enough – slather on the sunscreen. Ecuador sits at the equator, the part of the Earth that receives the most intense sun exposure, so those who are prone to sunburning will need to apply hourly. Pick an eco-safe and water-resistant option. 

Step 5: Be respectful

There are many ways to help protect this incredible place. 

The Amazon is one of our planet’s biggest treasures, so visiting with respect is absolutely essential. On the environmental side, make sure you pack out any and all trash, and opt for eco-safe bug spray and sunscreen options. While on your nature walks, remember to look around for – but never touch – all the incredible plants and animals you’ll encounter. 

The Amazon is also home to thousands of Indigenous communities, some of which work with tourism projects throughout the region. When you visit, they are your hosts. While every group is different and we can’t speak for them, here are a few general guidelines. Don’t take pictures of anyone unless permission is given to do so, especially children. Be kind and respectful about the elements of their culture they share with you, and be sure to support their communities in the ways they request (in particular, don’t bring “‘donations” like toys or toiletries unless specifically asked to). 

If I could do it all again…

I’d slow down . While it’s tempting to hop from activity to activity, half the magic is spending time in such a storied and ecologically essential place. Include some time for unhurried wanderings or hammock naps. You won’t regret it. 

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Check Availability of La Selva Amazon Lodge Here

La selva amazon eco-lodge, the spirit of the rainforest.

Located within Ecuador’s Yasuní Biosphere Reserve and on the borders of the famous Yasuní National Park — one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet — La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat was among the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador and today is still regarded as the premier eco lodge in Ecuador’s Amazon basin.

Uniquely located on the shores of stunning Lake Garzacocha, a full 70 km into the rainforest from the nearest urban center, the lodge is a veritable cocoon of comfort and luxury, offering breathtaking views of the incredible life in the Amazon from wherever you are.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat is Golden Experiences & Travel’s latest acquisition, marking its expansion across the four regions of Ecuador as a full-service luxury travel company.

The impeccable reputation of Golden’s products, our commitment to excellence, and our profound understanding of the needs of the luxury sector ensures that our guests enjoy enchanting, distinctive and redefined products and adventures in the most remote and privileged places on our planet.

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A Sustainable Lodge

With premium confort.

Caring for rainforest wildlife species is one of the pillars of Golden Sustainability, our multi-faceted sustainability program that we channel our efforts through to care for the delicate ecosystem and pristine reserve where the Lodge is located. La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat is signed its commitment to carbon neutrality, joining our sister company Golden Galapagos in reducing our carbon footprint and preserving the Amazon rainforest for future generations to cherish.

– Swipe to explore –

Wellness and Spiritual

Our remote location and specialized spa services create a heightened sense of relaxation and connection with the unique wonders of the forest.

Enjoy our yoga sessions with expert teachers, having an invigorating select spa treatment after of day of wonder, or simply relaxing to the incredible symphony of nature in the heart of the Amazon.

Disconnect from the outside world and connect with spirit of the amazon jungle with our ceremonies and spiritual packages overlooking the waters and energy of the lake…

Epicure Cuisine

Amazon flavors and sensations.

Overlooking the glassy waters of Lake Garzacocha, our main lodge and restaurant will become your favorite place to spot birds and other wildlife, exchange stories with other guests or simply relax, cocktail in hand, before enjoying the dishes prepared by our passionate team of talented chefs, a gastronomic experience to remember: international cuisine coupled with the finest Ecuadorian ingredients and influences.

Staterooms in the Jungle

Premium and genuine hospitality.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat offers 16 spacious luxury suites, three scenic premium rooms overlooking the lake, and four sumptuous family staterooms. Our luxury suites and premium rooms have rainforest showers and private balconies, while the family staterooms have extra-large bathrooms, hammock, and large decks equipped with hot tubs.

The design of the lodge is inspired by the architecture native to the area, and the soaring ceilings and unique layout of the rooms and the lodge help to keep everything cool, even when the renowned Amazon sun is at its hottest.

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Connect with Magic Wildlife

Deep in the amazon.

From your base at La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat, set out to explore Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest and its people, accompanied by our English-speaking naturalist guides and indigenous guides, whether paddling by canoe, kayaking on the lake, walking along trails, birdwatching or seeking out incredible wildlife encounters, enjoying fascinating night walks to discover rare nocturnal species, climbing canopy towers and visiting native communities.

See Our Programs

Promotions & Combinations

Enjoy special offers.

Be sure to check out our special promotions for Amazon rainforest tours, as well as the option to combine your journey to our Amazon ecolodge with a cruise to view the fabled wildlife of the Galapagos Islands or a chance to discover the wonders of Peru.

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Ecuador Amazon Highlights

Enjoy unique experiences.

Deep within the Amazon rainforest lies La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat, an extraordinary destination that immerses guests in the wonders of nature.

Towering trees, vibrant foliage, and captivating sounds of birds surround you. Guided by an experienced team, explore the jungle’s marvels through treks, canoe rides, and wildlife encounters. Witness the astonishing biodiversity and raw beauty of the Amazon, forging lasting connections with nature all while being responsible with the environment. Memories of this extraordinary experience will linger with you beyond your departure!

Wildlife Viewing

You don-t have to be an expert! With the help of our specialist naturalist and native guides, you’ll soon be spotting parrots, monkeys, toucans, caimans, frogs and much, much more.

Birding at La Selva

Bird life is exceptionally diverse at La Selva and one of the highlights of our Amazon ecolodge — even if you’re not a serious birder, you’ll soon become a bird-lover of some of our 600+ species.

Responsible Tourism

We believe in responsible tourism and are proud of the mutually-beneficial relationships we have created with local communities. Interact with local wildlife as well as local people in a sustainable way.

comments from our guests

Blog, News & Events

Winner of South America’s Leading Eco-lodge at World Travel Awards 2024

La Selva Eco Lodge & Retreat has proudly achieved the coveted 2024 World Travel Award, a reflection of its extraordinary […]

Romantic experiences in the Amazon Rainforest

Experience an extraordinary adventure where you can rekindle your love in a stunning jungle paradise. La Selva Ecolodge and Retreat, […]

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat is a paradise of natural beauty and cultural richness

• Amazon River
• Galápagos Islands
• Indonesian Archipelago
• Mekong River
• Irrawaddy River
• India Cruises
• Pacific Coast
• Patagonia 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

DEAL FLASH: 2 For 1 On Luxury 4-Day Amazon River Cruise Thanksgiving Departure

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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Why Travel With Adventure Life

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Tailor-Made Programs

Live the magic of the ecuadorian amazon.

All our programs and itineraries are tailor-made and flexible to your needs and interests. Adventure is a given at Sacha Lodge, no matter how intrepid you may be.

SACHA LODGE PROGRAMS ANDES & AMAZON PROGRAMS GALAPAGOS & AMAZON PROGRAMS

4 days, 3 nights program

Delve into jungle life with our 4D/3N adventure. Forest walks, caiman-spotting and the one-of-a-kind Canopy Walk are essentials of the expedition, though we recommend at least four nights to take advantage of our off-site activities, like the Community Encounter.

FIND OUT MORE

Once you have arrived at Sacha Lodge, you are free to create your own itinerary with your guide, choosing from our list of activities. Please note, some activities are dependent on the weather.

*Longer itineraries available.

• Transfer to and from Sacha Lodge from Coca airport
• Local taxes
• Accommodation
• Water, instant coffee or tea
• Activities: Treetop Walk, Kapok Tower, Forest walks, Nighttime caiman spotting, Piranha fishing, Butterfly house, Lake Pool

Does not include:

• Air ticket Quito-Coca-Quito
• Soft drinks, except the ones detailed above
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips for guides
• Visit to Providencia Community of Yasuní
• Gift shop purchases

After making your reservation, Sacha Lodge will book your flight from Quito the Coca. From the moment you set foot at Quito airport you will be in the safe hands of one of our bilingual team members, and will be guided all the way to the Lodge.

After arriving at Sacha Lodge around lunchtime and meeting your guide – who stays with you for the entirety of your trip – you will take your first excursion into the forest. Once you have returned and had dinner, you will set out for your first nighttime adventure.

A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, taking advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest’s animals are most active.

Each group agrees on a wake-up time, when their guide will knock on their door for a rude awakening! Breakfast will begin half an hour after that.

Wherever the destination, our excursions proceed slowly in order to appreciate the fascinating details that our guides point out around you.

You might begin the day paddling dugout canoes along tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, orchids, bromeliads and palm trees thrive, always with the possibility of spotting animals, from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the feared ocelot or puma. Then, you could board the motorized canoe for a short ride along the Napo River to visit the Providencia Community of Yasuní, learning about their jungle way of life and testing out their cooking techniques, stopping to watch the parrot disco of the clay lick along the way.

You will return to the Lodge in the late morning, in time for a 1PM lunch. In the time between lunch and your afternoon adventure, you are free to enjoy the Lodge, lounging on sun chairs with a book on the Balsa, or cooling off in the Lake Pool. Activities begin again between 3:00PM and 4:30PM and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins. An afternoon excursion might see you trekking through pristine Terra Firme forest, where 150-foot kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give trees support, your guide pointing out the crest owl territory and calling to the howler monkeys. You could then climb 94 feet (30 meters) up to the Canopy Walk, a 940-foot (275-meter) bridge across the treetops from where you can spot dozens of animals and birds.

Days at Sacha Lodge do not end with the fading of the light, or even with dinner. Night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight. Caimans (of the alligator family) and giant insects rule the jungle after sunset. Do you dare search for them?

*Please note: activities are subject to weather, though Forest Walks, the Kapok Tower, and Canopy Walk are the keystones of the Sacha Lodge experience.

5 days, 4 nights program

Embrace the complete Amazon experience with this five-day, four-night expedition. Explore the four corners of the Reserve from the jungle floor, the lake and even from the sky, before heading further afield to meet the community and discovering where parrots come to consort…

After making your reservation, Sacha Lodge will book your flight from Quito to Coca. From the moment you set foot at Quito airport you will be in the safe hands of one of our bilingual team members, and will be guided all the way to the Lodge.

After arriving at Sacha Lodge around lunchtime and meeting your guide – who stays with you for the entirety of your trip – you will take your first excursion into the forest. Once you have returned and had dinner, you will set out for your first nighttime adventure: snake spotting in the jungle, or canoeing among caimans on the lake.

A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest’s animals are most active.

Private Birding Package

Experience the ultimate birdwatching adventure with our Private Birding Package. Benefit from personalized tours led by a dedicated birdwatching guide, custom itineraries, and exclusive access to top birding locations. Discover the lush Amazon canopy from unique viewpoints…

Experience the ultimate birdwatching adventure with our Private Birding Package. Benefit from personalized tours led by a dedicated birdwatching guide, custom itineraries, and exclusive access to top birding locations. Discover the lush Amazon canopy from unique viewpoints like the Canopy Walk, Kapok Tower, and Danta Tower. Enjoy private motorized canoe trips for deeper exploration and spot a variety of birds in Yasuní National Park. This package includes binoculars during the program, a complimentary Sacha Lodge Illustrated Birds book, and convenient boxed lunches or snacks.

From the Andes to the Amazon

Ecuador’s finest.

Follow in the footsteps of the Spanish explorer Francisco Orellana in this epic voyage from the Andes to the Amazon.

Yasuní & Imbabura Geopark Tour

Amazon & andes | 6 days – 5 nights.

Spend two nights in Hacienda Piman in the mountain region, discover Imbabura, UNESCO Global Geopark, and explore the depths of the Amazon jungle with a three-night stay in Sacha Lodge.

ITINERARY BOOK NOW

Orellana Expedition Tour

Páramo & amazon | 7 days – 6 nights.

Go deeper into forest exploration with the finer details in the hands of our team. Enjoy the páramo hot springs in a one night-stay in Termas de Papallacta, two nights in La Casa del Suizo and three nights in Sacha Lodge.

Discover The Galapagos & Ecuadorian Amazon

Are you ready to explore.

A seamless journey through the four enchanting worlds of Ecuador, our Galapagos and Amazon packages blend the best of the country’s wildlife with fantastic accommodation and service, ensuring that the finer details are taken care of. Discover the secrets of nature through Ecuador’s astounding biodiversity, both in the rainforest and at sea.

Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour

Galápagos & amazon | 11 days – 10 nights.

Discover the highlights of the natural side of Ecuador in this 11-day, 10-night adventure. The wildlife of the Galapagos Islands can only be matched by that of the Amazon, and luckily, you won’t have to choose between them.

Ecuador Diverse Tour

Galápagos, amazon & andes | 13 days – 12 nights.

This 13-days,12-nights journey of a lifetime takes you to the snow-capped volcanoes of the Andes, the depths of the Amazon jungle, and the breath-taking mini-worlds of the Galapagos Islands, unspoiled by civilization.

• 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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Cuyabeno wildlife Reserve

EXPLORE THE RAINFOREST WITH BAMBOO LODGE,

WHERE EVERY STEP IS AN ADVENTURE,

AND EVERY MOMENT IS A DISCOVERY.

Embark on a Journey through the Amazon Rainforest

3 days & 2 nights jungle short trip, 4 days & 3 nights rainforest tour, 5 days & 4 nights amazon journey, 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.

what’s included in our tours

Transportation.

By shuttle bus and canoe from and back to Lago Agrio

Meals & Drinks

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, non alcohlic drinks

Accommodation

In our beautiful suites or our comfortable standard rooms

Tour program

All activities with a professional amazon guide

Jungle equipment

Rubber boots, rain poncho & life jacket for the duration of the tour

In all rooms and common areas

To ensure the highest level of personalized service, we limit our accommodations to a maximum of 28 guests at any given time. Explore our range of room options to select the perfect fit for your preferences and needs.

top tower suite

Matrimonial, family suite, standard room, what we’re all about, top notch 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.

Best 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.

Value for money

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.

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.

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.

[email protected]

  +593 98 822 4044

get in touch

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Bamboo Amazon Tours – 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.

included in our tours

Our room feautures

Balconies with jungle view

Suites with king size beds and handmade furniture

Luxury bathrooms

Your accommodation in the jungle.

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.

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. 

Get In Touch

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 contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links. I may receive a small commission from them at no extra cost to you.

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.

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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.

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Book With Leading Tours While Protecting Habitat

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

About The Sacha Lodge

The Sacha Lodge was founded in the 1970s when Swiss founder Benny visited Ecuador and started his first lodge on the Upper Napo River until civilization and residential development approached. To satisfy the thirst for adventure, another lodge was founded deep in Ecuador’s Amazon far away from development.

In 1992, the Sacha Lodge was completed, perched on the banks of the Pilchicocha Lake surrounded by incredible wildlife. In later years, a 5,000 acre private reserve was established surrounding the lodge to protect this incredible section of Amazon Rainforest.

The Sacha Lodge has become one of the leading tour operators in the rainforest. They consistently receive high praise from guests. And the lodge is regularly featured in international publications, including Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Vogue, NY Times, Boston Globe and Luxury Travel Magazine.

What's Next?

We hope you're already looking forward to your Sacha Lodge experience . Karina from The Sacha Lodge will send you your availability and booking information soon. Your tour advisor from TourTheTropics will then send you a follow-up to make sure you have received everything. For more information about The Sacha Lodge, please see below. And don't forget to check your junk folders over the next few days just in case.

• Founded: 1992
• Offices In: Ecuador
• Tour Types: Wildlife, Adventure
• Notable Awards: Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice 2022
• Featured In: Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Vogue, NY Times, Boston Globe, Luxury Travel Magazine
• Environmental: Private 5,000 acre reserve
• Founded By: Benny (Swiss adventurer)
• Sales Agents: Karina Cisneros

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The Sacha Lodge

Located in a 5000 acre private ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge provides a safe and comfortable base for you and your family to enjoy the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest.

– Jodi Plus

On our Sacha Lodge Amazon tour, explore the forest on rainforest walks, canoeing the lake, visiting the Yasuni parrot lick, and walking high in the trees on our 940-foot (275-meter) long canopy walkway. The walkway is a great place to spot some of the thousands of colorful birds.

As this is a private reserve, the wildlife is well protected. It’s not uncommon for different monkeys to even play on the boardwalk or cross through the canopy over your comfortable accommodation.

Enjoy delicious food with both restaurants available, the Sacha Lodge butterfly house, and miles of trails to show off the best areas of this incredible section of Amazonia.

• Accommodation

- James Thornton

The Sacha Lodge was carefully constructed to blend in with the environment yet offer a little comfort in the rainforest. Sacha Lodge cabins are designed in a traditional style with thatched roofs and shaded terraces nestling in with the Amazon Rainforest.

Sacha Lodge has 26 rooms, including single, double and (upon request) triple accommodations. All bedrooms contain a private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower. The cabins are protected with insect netting and come with ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds to keep you comfortable on your stay. During free time, visitors often report seeing toucans, agoutis and monkeys from their own cabin.

Guests may also enjoy a raised lookout above our main bar and lounge, which offers a scenic view of Pilchicocha Lake and excellent opportunities to birdwatch.

Food & Drink

- Ron Thomas

Meals at Sacha Lodge are designed for international visitors with three buffets served each day offering a diversity of different food. We can cater to vegetarians and special diets can be accommodated with prior notice. And for those who would like a drink, our bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, liquors, wine and beer to enjoy after an active day

On your tour, you will explore the Amazon Rainforest with your group and naturalist guide. Enjoy finding and learning about the animals, plants and trees of Amazonia on forest walks, canoe tours, walks across our canopy walkway, and visits to the Yasuni clay lick.

One of the favored features of the lodge grounds is our 940-foot (275-meter) long canopy walkway, which stands 94 feet (30 meters) above the ground. Here you can explore the rainforest from a unique perspective and spot colorful birds of the canopy.

Another of our favored activities is a visit to the Yasuni parrot lick. This is an exposed area of clay where hundreds of parrots come to feed on the medicinal clay to help detoxify foods they have eaten in the forest.

In addition to the canopy walkway, you can also enjoy the 135 foot (43 meter) observation tower to see the rainforest from a different perspective. Built around a large kapok tree, the tower gives magnificent view of the surrounding area. You can see many different animals and birds, and a visiting ornithologist spotted 80 species in a single morning.

Of the incredible 1600 bird species registered in Ecuador, 587 (37%) have been seen at Sacha Lodge. That’s almost 7% of the species found in the entire world! If you have a particularly passionate interest in birds, we can offer our Sacha Lodge birdwatching program.

Getting To Sacha Lodge

The journey to Sacha Jungle Lodge begins in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. From here, a 25-minute flight takes you over the Andes Mountains’ majestic snow-covered peaks and down over 8500 feet (2600 meters) into the Amazon Region. The flight destination is the port town of Puerto Francisco de Orellana, locally known as Coca, where you will be met by a bilingual guide and taken to a private dock. Here we will pause for a snack and to use the rest rooms before boarding our covered motorized canoe for a 2-hour, 50-mile (80-kilometer) trip down the sediment-rich waters of the Napo, the largest river in Ecuadorian Amazonia.

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Rates | 2024

4 Days / 3 Nights:

• $ 1,690 Standard (Double Occupancy)
• $ 2,028 Suite (Double Occupancy)
• $ 2,197 Standard (Single Occupancy)
• $ 2,636 Suite (Single Occupancy)

5 Days / 4 Nights:

• $ 2,050 Standard (Double Occupancy)
• $ 2,460 Suite (Double Occupancy)
• $ 2,665 Standard (Single Occupancy)
• $ 3,198 Suite (Single Occupancy)
• Prices Per Person
• Flight not available Sundays
• Welcome Drink Water, tea and coffee in all meals
• Aquatic transportation
• Excursions with native and bilingual guides

Doesn't Include

• Other alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
• $20.00 per person Parrot Lick entrance fee (paid locally)

Children under 12

• 30% discount on lodge prices
• 50% discount on airfare

Children under 5

Check availability.

Facilities: A/C, Floor to ceiling windows, High speed Wi-Fi for free, Private bathroom, Private terrace with hammock, Ceiling fan, Hot water, Windows screened against insects, Safe deposit box, 24 hour electricity, In-room 24-hour emergency contact button, Bathroom amenities, Glass bottled water, complimentary Hair dryer, Bed mosquito net (upon request),

Bed size: 2 full size beds

Room size: 36 m2

The Standard Cabins provide high ceilings and private terraces with hammocks. Each cabin is built in a traditional manner and blends with the surrounding rainforest. The cabins include single, double and (upon request) triple accommodation options. They offer a private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower. Each cabin contains ceiling fans and a/c above two comfortable double beds. There are 10 Matrimonial and 13 Double cabins.

Note: Family Cabins provided for families of 5 to 6 guests.

Bed size: king beds

Room size: 40 m2

The Suites offer 40 m2 of space and include a king bed and exclusive living room. They provide high ceilings and private terraces with hammocks. Each cabin is built in a traditional manner and blends with the surrounding rainforest. They offer a private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower. Each cabin contains ceiling fans and a/c. There are only 3 Suites as the most exclusive accommodation option.

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Use the calendar below to select your preferred dates.

Minimum days stay 4

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• (00 593 2) 254 - 7286

WELCOME TO CUYABENO LODGE

Recommended by lonely planet in 2018. according to tripadvisor, 75% of reviews are excellent and 21% very good..

Cuyabeno Lodge is the first eco-friendly lodge built in the Cuyabeno National Park (1998). This project is the pioneer in offering Cuyabeno tours to visitors from all over the world. Cuyabeno Lodge knows that the rainforest traveler should be accommodated in conditions harmonious with the surrounding environment. That’s why the lodge is built from ecological materials and fits perfectly in the jungle landscape.

The Cuyabeno Reserve and the Cuyabeno Lodge are unique places in the Amazon rainforest. Travel with us and experience the wonders of the rainforest from the best location at the Laguna Grande.   

Lodge facilities consist of a restaurant, a reading and information room, and a bar. Meals served are international dishes, as well as traditional Ecuadorian specialties. Special diets can be catered to at no additional cost if your travel agent is informed during booking.

As an ecolodge, the installations and activities comply with strict procedures designed to conserve and protect the rainforest and to reduce any potential impact from tourism.

Electricity is provided by solar energy and our canoe transportation is provided by local Siona Natives.

Easy and medium intensity walks and hikes in the rainforest to spot wildlife and the nature of the area; more difficult hikes longer and special interest programs can be arranged.

Forest trails offer a great variety of wildlife such as insects, spiders, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals., canoe riding on board a motorized canoe in the river, hundreds of different aquatic animals such as fish, caimans, turtles, piranhas, and giant otters can be found., birding more than 5000 bird species inventoried gives visitors the best experience in bird watching, an unforgettable adventure in one of the most biodiverse places on earth., visiting the siona community and observing the traditional casaba preparation., swimming in the lagoon while the sunset appears., 5 d - adventure, 4 d - adventure, 5 d - paddle, 4 d - paddle, your contact information.

Use the form below to fill in your CUYABENO LODGE interests. An advisor of Responsible Travel will get in touch with you via email and/or phone with guidance and deals.

• Wilson OE 7-56 y Diego de Almagro, Quito - Ecuador
• Office hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00h to 17:00h
• (+593) 99 158 1574
• Email: [email protected]

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Ecuador Amazon Tours & Jungle Lodges

Amazon Rainforest Trips

Ecuador Amazon Tours & Jungle Lodges

Ecuador Amazon Tours & Jungle Lodges will take you on a journey deep into the evergreen, pristine jungle. Additionally, check out these 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. Furthermore, most activities are planned on the spot to ensure the best experience. This selection includes what we consider the best jungle lodges in the 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. As a result, they all meet in the most diverse and incredible areas of the Ecuadorian Rainforest.

Experiences include daily excursion

Moreover, Ecuador Amazon Rainforest Lodges experiences include daily excursions in jungle trails, canoe rides, birding, wildlife observation, and close encounters with the local community. Ecuador Jungle tours can last for 3, 4, 5, or 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

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..

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