With so much to see and do in Ecuador sometimes, you just cannot squeeze into a jungle excursion. Amazon is often left out of a journey because of the cost of time money or lack of information; Tourists simply do not know their options for exploring the area. In this article, you will know what activities you can do on an amazon jungle tour in Ecuador.
Amazon Jungle
In Ecuador, the Amazon is relatively small compared to other countries like Peru and Brazil. However, it still occupies about a quarter of Ecuador’s land area. The deep Amazon begins where the road ends; you will likely need to travel y canoe from this point on. Excursions into the Ecuadorian jungle in this Amazon region are likely to take place in one of the following areas:
- The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve (northeast along the Colombia Ecuador order) in Sucumbíos Province
- Yasuní National Park (south of Cuyabeno extending east towards the Peruvian order) in Orellana Province
- Pastaza Province
- Morona-Santiago Province Of note are the variety of experiential tourism opportunities in this part of Ecuador.
Pastaza province to the east of Ecuador is known to be home to seven of the indigenous peoples. Ecuadorian tribal colony: Kichwas river of Amazon, Andoas, Záparas, Huoranis, Achuar, Shiwiar, and Shuar.
Just like the case in much of the Amazon region, to visit those communities located deep in the jungle within this extensive territory one may need to travel along the Pastaza River by canoe. Getting there as they say is a part of the experience. In addition, what you can see and observe along the river is vastly different from what you might see from any sort of road or highway.
What can you expect to witness?
Biodiversity
The most visited area of the Amazon in Ecuador is Yasuní National Park. It is a biodiversity paradise! The most biologically diverse place on the planet considered by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. It has more than 200000 species of animals. Alternatively, you can enjoy the views or schedule a visit to Sangay National Park and the nearby Altar Volcano. The main river in the area is the Napo.
Sloths, capuchins, tapirs, jaguars, and various amphibians such as emeralds or belted boas, anacondas, deer, elk, and armadillos are part of a fauna that includes more than 900 bird species and 600 fish.
Biodiversity
One of the main activities in the area is to visit the locally famous Lamedero de loros. Loro in English means parrot. At certain times of the day, visitors can watch how the birds lick the clay. It is a beautiful sight of color.
Some of the best lodges in the area are Napo Wildlife and Sacha Lodge. Some have separate observation towers for bird watchers. Up there you can see incredible views of the forest and even see the Andes on the horizon. It is a perfect activity for bird watchers. There are many species of birds such as parrots orange-cheeked macaws white-eyed macaws scarlet macaws and others.
Navigating the Amazon River
Some of the lodges mentioned above allow visitors to kayak on the river. River crossing is an incredible experience of plant life. Vanilla is a typical tree of the region very beautiful and colorful.
Another option for sailing along the Amazon is to navigate the river. The best are Anakonda River Cruise and Manatee River Cruise. This option also allows guests to kayak or go for a walk in the rainforest.
Butterfly lodges
Another tourist activities in the amazon jungle in ecuador are the butterfly lodges. These are a breathtaking experience that kids really enjoy. Visitors can observe a magical moment in nature the process by which a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.
Interact with local cultures
You can have a cultural experience learning about the indigenous communities in the area where tourists have a chance to come in contact with ancestral traditions. Shamanic activities are one of these traditions or Quichua Añagu along with those of a community called Sani Sani. Experiencing with locals allows tourists to learn about traditional crafts distinctive cultures and enjoy local cuisine.
Other Activities
It is possible for tourist to find amusing other activities tourists can do on an amazon jungle tour in Ecuador. These activities, of course, have guidance throughout the whole time.
Jungle Excursions
Hiking in the Amazon rainforest is one of the best parts of the adventure. As you walk through the jungle, remember that you are walking in the “lungs of the earth”. Much of our planets oxygen supply is produced right here right where you are. During the day hike, you can spot plants and animals of all shapes and sizes including birds, snakes, primates, and insects.
Bird and wildlife viewing excursions
They go on foot or by canoe. A local guide will know exactly where to take you to discover some of the world’s rarest tropical birds and mammals such as the Amazon pink dolphin.
Cayman Sighting
A night boating activity caiman watching can be a lot of fun! While these towering carnivorous reptiles can be spotted during the day it’s an entirely different experience to drift in the dark and watch thousands of caiman eyes jutting out of the water.
Piranha Fishing
A popular activity on most circuits in the Ecuadorian jungle fishing allows you to get up close to one of the Amazons most feared predators: the piranha (or piranha). Make sure to carefully remove them from the ropes before placing them back into the water
Night Walks
Surprisingly, you can spot more inhabitants of the rainforest at night than during the day. As the sun sets on the horizon, countless nocturnal creatures appear to play including various lizards and snakes, hounds, bats and more.
Cultural and culinary activities
The Amazon region is home to the guayusa tree a natural source of energy and nutrition. Tours and workshops can be easily found around this particular plant, which contains powerful antioxidants vitamins and minerals in its leaves. Ecuadorians enjoy guayusa as a tea hot or cold. This is one of the best supplements for heart health.
Another thing to try on your trip through the Amazon is hookah. This drink dates back to pre-Inca times. It can be made with corn rice or quinoa although its preparation in this region requires yucca (or cassava root) as the main ingredient. Because it involves fermentation, the product has a high alcohol content. It is a strange pleasure not to be missed.
