The Amazon

One of the wonders of our planet, contributing 60% of the fresh water, and 20% of the oxygen which exists in the Earth’s atmosphere. 2% of the total area of this natural marvel is Ecuadorian territory. Situated on the Equator, it contains an incredible diversity of species of plants and animals, beyond comparison elsewhere in the world.

 

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is found in the North-Eastern Ecuador. The reserve encompasses over 602.000 hectares of primary rainforest and boasts an incredible variety of Neotropical wildlife including river dolphins, tapirs, capybaras, caimans, anacondas, ocelots, monkeys and the infamous piranha. The bird life is particularly spectacular: over 515 species have been recorded such as the prehistoric-looking hoatzin, the umbrella bird, blue headed parrot, the white eared jacamar, the scarlet macaw and the awesome harpy-eagle with its eight-foot wingspan. Additionally, over 12.000 species of vascular plants have been identified.

 

Along the Southern border of the Napo River, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, stretches the vast Yasuni National Park. Here, the biodiversity will amaze you! This pristine rainforest gallery is home to 1,500 species of trees, hundreds of climbing vines and exotic flowers, as well as 550 species of tropical birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1,000 species of beautiful butterflies.

 

The Quechua, Waorani, Siona, Secoya and Cofan, indigenous inhabitants of the Amazon basin for thousands of years, also call the tropical rainforest their ancestral homeland.

 

One of the best ways to explore the rainforest is by canoe; Napo and Cuyabeno rivers with their maze of waterways provide you with ample opportunities to experience this wet and wild green world in a way that is intimate and highly rewarding.

 

You are guided through the Amazon region by an indigenous guide in his canoe, as well as a bilingual naturalist. Activities include canoeing in motorized and dugout crafts, hiking, bird watching, night walks and swinging in your hammock.