Spectacular experience in the Amazon Jungle, Ecuador
The Ecuadorian part of the Amazon Rainforest has more than 9 reserves and national parks. It encompasses more than 11 % of Ecuador’s landmass.
It’s by far the most biodiverse area in Ecuador with more than 800 species of birds, more than 2500 species of insects, and more than 450 endemic flora. The Amazon Rainforest is a place to be visited during a trip to Ecuador.
From my visits to the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, I would choose megadiverse Yasuní National Park.
It is the best place for adventure and one of the most biodiverse areas on earth. The park is located 250 km east of Quito in the provinces of Napo and Pastaza and was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1989.
If you are in South America I would love to see your pictures.
How to get to Yasuni
Our journey to Yasuní, located in the Amazon jungle starts at Coca. You can get to Coca by car or by air.(Flight Quito/Coca/Quito) The city is often known as the oil capital of Ecuador and is the place where all tours to the different lodges start. We got on board a motorized modern canoe and traveled for 2,5 hours along the wide Napo river
What to do and see
I really like the wide range of activities available in Yasuní. You can climb an observation tower to enjoy the rainforest canopy with all its bird species and lush green vegetation. Or experience gorgeous, brightly feathered parrots come to feed at the parrot clay-licks.
The most rewarding way to explore the biodiversity of the Amazon jungle is on board a small canoe along the river to admire thick vegetation of all kinds and sizes providing a home to reptiles, birds such as hoatzin, toucans, monkeys, and other species, trek to spot rainforest flora and fauna of all sizes and, if you’re lucky, spot a caiman resting on the side of the river.
Enjoy this short video with the highlights of Yasuní, a top flora and fauna hotspot in the world
Where to stay
Now if you ask me from the lodges available in Yasuni, which one I recommend: I would suggest The Napo Wildlife Center or the Yasuni kichwa lodge (The community runs all operations and all profits immediately benefit the development of this local indigenous tribe descending from the Incas).
Parrot clay licks
Near both, you will find clay licks you can visit during your trip to the Amazon jungle in Ecuador. What are clay licks?
A place where hundreds of parrots and macaws of up to 15 species gather after eating. Why? The minerals in the clay lick help them digest their food, here is a sneak peek at what you can experience there:
Enjoy these short videos:
Visit Yasuní and you will definitely create some long-lasting memories surrounded by amazing natural landscapes in the Amazon jungle. Are you planning a trip there soon?
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If you want more in-depth information and also a guide that you can bring along during your trip, I recommend the travel guide Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
.
This is a great source of information and tips, maps, and all you need if you plan on visiting Ecuador. I personally like the option of having a hard copy version where I can take notes and have them at hand.
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