AMAZONIA
From the Andean Heights to the Tropical Jungle

The Ecuadorian Amazon Region covers almost one half of the entire land surface of the country, extending from the slopes of the eastern Andes to the tropical plains of the world’s largest rainforest, crossed by the major tributaries of the mighty Amazon River as well as by many smaller rivers, lakes and waterways. Emitting vast quantities of oxygen, the region can be considered as the world’s principal lung, while seen from above it resembles a gigantic green ocean, exuberant and exotic, full of magic, mystery and adventure…

Ecuador is home to the greatest diversity of plants and animals per square kilometer in the world. It occupies third place with respect to varieties of amphibians and fifth place for butterfly species. It encompasses thousands of species, many of them endemic to the region: orchids, hummingbirds and avifauna in general. Much of this outstanding biodiversity is found only in the Amazon Region, one of the principal reasons why it has become a preferred destination and paradise for nature lovers, scientists, researchers and travelers seeking that matchless experience. Stay long enough and you’ll encounter hundreds of species of birds as well as numerous varieties of monkeys, turtles, caimans, tapirs, armadillos, deer, insects, fishes and all kinds of snakes, including the giant constrictor boas and anacondas.

This wild natural environment is also home to some of Ecuador’s most important cultures and ethnic groups, who maintain their traditions, dresses, body paintings, typical foods and drinks, as well as enchanting and ingenious handicrafts. Living in total harmony with the rainforest, this is their home and universe. The most important ethnic cultures within the area include the Shuar and Achuar, the Amazonian Quechuas, Cofanes, Huaoranis and the elusive Tagaeri and Taromenane peoples.

The Amazon Region is accessible by land or air from several points within Ecuador and offers a vast array of interesting natural and cultural attractions. The growing tourism infrastructure offers constantly improved facilities for explorers and travelers seeking the unique experience of the world’s most exciting rainforest. Within 30 minutes by plane or a few hours by land, you can either be in the dizzying heights of the Andes or deep in the heart of the Amazonian jungle…..

EXTREME SPORTS
Kayak, Rafting, Mountain Bilking
The slopes of the eastern Andes and the Amazonian rivers and their tributaries provide ideal conditions for practicing numerous adventure sports, such as kayak, rafting, canopying, rock climbing and more. In 2005, Ecuador hosted the World Rafting Championship. Class III and IV rivers include the Anzú, Alto Napo, Quijos, Misahualli and the Upano (IV +). A thrilling, adrenaline-inducing descent on a mountain bike will take you past waterfalls and other spectacular sights en route from the delightful tourist town of Baños de Agua Santa to El Puyo, in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

NATIONAL PARKS
Large extensions of the Ecuadorian Amazonian are protected under the national system of Protected Areas, National Parks and Ecological Reserves. The most important are Yasuní National Park and Sumaco-Napo Galeras National Park, both declared by UNESCO as World Biosphere Reserves, Sangay National Park (World Natural Heritage Site), the Fauna Production Reserve of Cuyabeno and the Biological Reserve of Limonccocha. With patience and a little luck, the fascinating pink river dolphins, the mythical jaguar together with hundreds of colorful birds, butterflies and giant trees can be spotted in these Natural Sanctuaries.

CUYABENO RESERVE
Accessible by road from Quito, via the Baeza-Lago Agrio route, or on a short 30-minute flight to Lago Agrio airport, this area together with the fascinating lake complex of Cuyabeno can also be reached in a dugout canoe down the Aguarico. Numerous options exists for visiting this area, including Jungle Lodges with varying levels of comfort or community-oriented experiences offered by the Cofan ethnic group which inhabits the zone. All expeditions include walks along jungle trails, canoe paddling on hidden lagoons and waterways, bird-watching, nocturnal trips to observe the elusive caimans and a taste of the rich local cuisine.

UPPER AND LOWER NAPO
The Upper Napo is within a few hours of Quito on the Baeza-Tena route, or from Baños via El Puyo. The town of Tena and the nearby river port of Misahuallí are the starting point for rainforest excursions, guaranteed to provide excitement and discoveries, both of the magnificent natural world of the jungle as well as the ancestral traditions of the indigenous groups inhabiting the area. The Lower Napo is accessed mainly by air, through the airport of Francisco de Orellana (El Coca). Within a few minutes of leaving the town, you are plunged into the fabulous world of the tropical forest.

PASTAZA, MORONA SANTIAGO AND THE SHUAR WORLD
The provinces of Pastaza and Morona Santiago are home to the awesome jungle in its most pristine condition, combining the magic and fascinating world of the Shuar with the Achuar indigenous cultures. Here, nature and culture combine in excursions guaranteed to provide the most exciting of experiences. The towns of El Puyo and Macas are the main gateways to this wonderfully remote yet accessible part of Ecuador’s Amazon Region.