The Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest in Ecuador covers an area of nearly 125.000 sq. km. and is home to more species of birds than the whole of North America. There are many tracts of unspoiled virgin forest where you may see tapirs, monkeys, freshwater dolphins, caimans, butterflies and snakes, toucans, parrots and many other species of birds which exist within an incredible biodiversity of plants. The best way to experience the jungle is by staying at a lodge, which offers regular departures for stays of two, three, four or five nights and includes all food and accommodation. At the Amazon lodges all excursions with English-speaking naturalist guides are included. Lodges generally provide basic but reasonably comfortable facilities.

 

Sacha Lodge - 4 days/3 nights
A very comfortable 10 cabin lodge set within a private reserve of 3200 acres of primary rainforest, right beside the Pilchicocha Lake, near the Napo River. Offering a good range of activities with experienced guides, the Lodge never allows more than 40 guests at a time. It is three hours from Coca by motorised covered canoe, getting there is an adventure in itself. Sacha has a 135 foot observation tower, allowing guests to get up close to the rainforest canopy where monkeys are playing and toucans and parrots can be spotted. It also has a Butterfly House and Parrot Lick nearby, and is a great choice for a first time visitor to the jungle.

 

Kapawi Lodge - 4 days/3 nights
A unique project run in conjunction with the Achuar tribe to promote sustainable resources and ensure minimal environmental impact. There are 20 double cabins with hot water showers. Power for the entire complex is by solar panels. This is a very remote site accessible only by private plane. The journey is long but compares well with transfers times to other lodges. Trails are graded from easy to difficult. There is no logging or oil drilling in the area and the nearest town is 10 days walk away. Because it is located deeper into the rainforest the chances of spotting more wildlife are good. Estimated bird species - 520.

 

Napo Wildlife Centre Lodge - 4 days/3 nights
The Napo Wildlife Center offers the chance to spot wildlife in the pristine rainforest of Yasuní National Park. It is a community-based ecotourism project, the only reserve within the National Park. Ecuador's two most accessible parrot clay licks are located here and Giant Otters inhabit the lake in front of the lodge. Situated on a blackwater lake near the Napo River, the lodge features 10 private cabanas with lake views, a dining room, bar and lounge and an adjacent observation tower. Community members staff the lodge and work as specialised, bilingual naturalist guides.