Traveling through Ecuador is an unparalleled experience. is to discover the attractions of their cities and explore the beautiful and rich landscape. If you do not leave the country and in a few hours, the tourist of the bucolic Andy can leave. A trip to Ecuador is a unique experience.. It is to discover the attractions of its cities and to explore the wonderful and abundant landscapes. Without leaving the country and in a matter of hours, the tourist can change the landscape. Tourists can go from the bucolic Andean valleys located along the Andes Mountains to the paradisiacal beaches of the Pacific coast. They can also move from the charms of the Galapagos Islands to the exuberant greenery of the tropical jungle. In this article, you will find out how much an Amazon Jungle tour in Ecuador costs.
Is Ecuador Smaller than other countries?
Ecuador is the smallest Andean country in terms of extension; however, it has the densest bird population per square kilometer in the world. The natural beauty of its landscapes together with the cultural richness of its cities and the climatic contrasts make Ecuador the perfect place to take a wonderful vacation.
Some Geography
Thanks to its geographical position and the Andes Mountains, Ecuador has four natural regions that have their own characteristics and are distinguished by their climate, fauna and flora.
Located to the east of the eastern branch of the Andes Mountains, the Oriente or Amazon Region extends over an area of 120,000 km2. Here it is possible to venture, with experienced native guides, through the dense rainforest and navigate the Napo River to observe the richness of the Amazonian ecosystems. There are many things you can do on an Amazon Jungle tour in Ecuador.
Amazon Jungle
Particularly rich in biodiversity the Amazon in Ecuador offers an excellent opportunity to explore the virgin rainforest. Although small compared to land giants like Brazil and Argentina Ecuador has a big draw when it comes to natural wonders.
The fourth smallest country in South America is home to snow-capped peaks and coastal deserts; smoking volcanoes and crater lakes, and of course the Galapagos Islands. Then there is the Amazon Jungle, with more than 5,500,000 km2 of which thrives within the country’s borders. It may seem small compared to the millions of square kilometers of Brazils jungle but the Ecuadorian Amazon is full of life and thanks to its underdevelopment is a great place to experience the jungle in its pristine state its primitive. It is also easily accessible just a short drive – or a very short flight – and boat ride from the capital Quito.
What are a few characteristics of the Ecuadorian Amazon Jungle?
Thanks to its geographical position and the Andes Mountains, Ecuador has four natural regions that have their own characteristics and are distinguished by their climate, fauna and flora.
Located to the east of the eastern branch of the Andes Mountains, the Oriente or Amazon Region extends over an area of 120,000 km2. Here it is possible to venture, with experienced native guides, through the dense rainforest and navigate the Napo River to observe the richness of the Amazonian ecosystems.
Other important facts
The Ecuadorian Amazon region is home to thousands of indigenous peoples comprising approximately 200 different nationalities. Some of the best known are the Siona, Secoya, Cofan, Shuar, Zaparo, Huaorani and Quichua.
The indigenous peoples of the Amazon are the ancestral guardians of the biological heritage of this biodiverse region of the world. The period of stay of these tribes is approximately 10,000 years.
Many of the typical ingredients used in Ecuadorian gastronomy come from the Amazon region, such as avocado, black and red pepper, cocoa, cinnamon, figs, eggplant, ginger, sugar cane, sweet potato, vanilla, among others.
Protected areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon:
The Ecuadorian Amazon there are some areas declared as protected areas, these are:
Yasuní National Park
This park represents the largest protected area in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, which provides protection to one million hectares of tropical forests rich in biodiversity and wildlife. This area was cataloged as one of the most important protected areas in the world in terms of biodiversity that has in its flora and fauna, also studies and research conducted within this park have established world records for several species.
In this park visitors can find different habitats. For example, you can appreciate highland forests known as “terra firme”, that is, not flooded; there is also the so-called várzea forest that is flooded at certain times of the year, and the igapo forest, which is characterized by remaining partially flooded throughout the year. The combination of these different types of forest provides shelter to countless plants and animals.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
The Cuyabeno Reserve is located next to the Napo River and extends to the Yasuní National Park, and also represents one of the largest protected areas in the country. Its extension is 600,000 hectares within the Amazon rainforest. In this area you can perceive the gentle slope of the mountains that make up the Andean Cordillera.
It has a similar forest and a similar diversity of animals and plants to the Yasuní, but with the subtle difference that the Cuyabeno has a little more flooded and semi-flooded forest. This allows for more frequent sightings of species such as caimans, pink dolphins and anacondas.
How much does an Amazon Jungle tour in Ecuador cost?
There are many options for tours of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, including those run by independent tour companies and those booked in Amazon lodges. Usually when booking a stay at one of Ecuador’s many Amazon lodges travelers choose a day and night package that includes activities and excursions organized at the lodge. When booking a tour with a travel agency the companies specify where the traveler will stay but organize their own activities and excursions often through different parts of Amazon.
Tours in the Cuyabeno wildlife sanctuary are generally cheaper than those in Yasuní, but allow tours to still encounter a lot of wildlife. Multi-day tours are usually around $100 per day all-inclusive although they can be more expensive depending on the accommodation provided for the tour.
Some Cuyabeno tours also depart from the town of Lago Agrio rather than Nueva Loja. While not usually popular, it is still quite convenient as there are regular uses and flights from Quito to Lago Agrio. Tours Guided tours in Yasuní National Park are usually the most expensive you’ll find in Ecuador, as they are remote and protected. However the lodges here are absolutely beautiful and will provide the best experience you can find along the Amazon River in Ecuador.
