Although only a relatively small portion of Amazon basin lies within Ecuador, roughly one third of its biodiversity is found here. Exploration is by boat or canoe on the network of rivers, steams and lakes.
One hectare of rainforest contains many varieties of trees, some reaching 40 metres in height, and hundreds of plants. The forest is home to an astonishing repertoire of wildlife: bird species, including harpy eagle, blue-and-yellow macaw, cobalt-winged parakeet, oropendolas and tanagers. Amongst the mammal species are three-toed sloth, black-mantled tamarin, nine-banded armadillo, capybara, agouti, coati, tapir, and the elusive jaguar.
The Ecuadorian Amazon’s rivers, streams and lakes are home to two species of freshwater dolphin, four species of caiman and over 300 species of fish. And that’s not to mention the ten species of monkey, 1,000 species of butterfly and innumerable exotic flowers. Access to the different Amazon regions is via handful of small and unremarkable towns such as Coca and Puyo, the provincial capital.
Ideal for viewing: blue and yellow macaw, harpy eagle, jaguar, three-toed sloth, capybara
Where: Amazon, Ecuador
Wildlife trips
This
wildlife location
is featured in the following itineraries:
Take a journey through Ecuador’s varied topography to see the best of the country’s wildlife. Immerse yourself in the cloud forests of Mindo and follow hiking trails to see colourful tanagers and hummingbirds, before spending a few days in the Amazon jungle, home to an astonishing repertoire of wildlife.
Find out more about Ecuadorian Odyssey
Destination: Ecuador
Price
(inc. flights): 12 days
from £4,895
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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Combine two of South America’s finest wildlife destinations – the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. View the outstanding variety of wildlife on walking trails and by boat from a luxury eco-lodge in the Amazon jungle, and cruise the unique Galapagos archipelago for close-up wildlife encounters.
Find out more about Wildlife of Ecuador & the Galapagos
Destination: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Price
(inc. flights): 12 days
from £7,275
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
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Take a look at the fantastic wildlife of Ecuador with three days in the Amazon jungle in a private reserve, taking guided boat trips and enjoying bird’s eye views from the canopy walkway. A week’s cruise around the Galapagos Islands tops off the trip with close bird and marine life encounters.
Find out more about Amazon & the Galapagos
Destination: Ecuador, Galapagos Islands
Price
(inc. flights): 16 days
from £9,195
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
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Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest, the Amazon Rainforest and the rugged landscapes of the Andes in company of wildlife photographers Nick Garbutt and Alex Hyde in search of the varied wildlife and macro photography opportunities that the diverse country of Ecuador has to offer.
Find out more about Z) Andes to Amazon Rainforest Photography Workshop
Destination: Ecuador
Price
(inc. flights): 19 days
from £10,995
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
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Suggested accommodation options are shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
This award-winning ecolodge, located on the shores of Lake Garzacocha, has operated for nearly 30 years and consists of 18 spacious suites inspired by local tribes' homes. There are many trails to explore from the lodge, plus a 45-metre observation tower, and a butterfly farm.
Find Out More about La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa
Located in a 2,025 hectare private reserve of pristine rainforest, Sacha Lodge has been carefully designed to offer comfort whilst preserving the environment in which is sits. Its 26 en suite cabins are constructed from local materials using traditional methods and there is a spectacular 275-metre canopy walkway.
Find Out More about Sacha Jungle Lodge