Ecuador Travel

Climate

No matter what time of year one journeys to the region, it is almost guaranteed that it will rain in the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest. The months of August through December are the driest months of the year, and this is the best time for safe roads, and the rivers will be much calmer. While these months are significantly drier than the others, the region still experiences frequent rainfall in the late afternoon and evening hours of the day. In April through July, the rain falls consistently throughout the day, which makes the rivers much wilder and the roads much less drivable.

Packing List

Even though the Ecuadorian Rainforest is comparatively quite developed, it’s still much more remote than most places typical travelers have visited, and it can be very difficult to find the proper supplies and amenities once you’re there. The following is a suggested packing list for Ecuador’s Amazon basin:

Insect repellent with DEET, binoculars, sun block, a bathing suit, quick-drying clothing, long-sleeved shirts and lightweight pants, raingear (Gore-Tex recommended), a light sweater or jacket, extra socks, hiking boots, Chaco sandals, a flashlight, hand sanitizer, extra batteries, sunglasses and plenty of plastic bags to protect any electronic or paper products from the humidity. Rubber boots are also highly recommended, but many lodges and tours provide them.

A very good digital camera with a long distance lens is recommended, since the Amazon Rainforest supports a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. The opportunities to see and photograph the flora and fauna are very good.

Health

One of the biggest threats in the jungle are the mosquitoes, because insect-borne diseases and viruses are still a problem in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador, as with other parts of the Amazon Rainforest in other countries. Although Malaria and Yellow Fever have not been found in all parts of the jungle, both conditions are still a risk and it is recommended that all visitors to the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest, especially those traveling deep within the jungle, take the proper preventative measures against them. Prescription anti-malarial drugs can easily be obtained from your doctors at home, but you’ll need to plan ahead and figure out how long you will be in the jungle in order to ensure that you have the proper amount of medication, because most pills are meant to be taken daily. One dose of the yellow fever vaccine will last up to ten years. It is also recommended that visitors to the region bring a first aid kit.

Hostels Lodges and Tours

There are jungle tours and lodging options available that cater to varying interests and different budgets. Jungle lodges are a great way to experience the jungle, and often offer package deals including guides, tours, transportation, meals and accommodation. Visitors can make reservations through the internet, telephone, or office visits. Most jungle lodge offices are based in Quito, and agencies can usually get you out there within a few days. Those on a budget can stay in one of the local jungle hostels and set up day tours from there, but it will be hard to find English-speaking guides. Community tours, which offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of local indigenous cultures, can be arranged through various lodges or at independent agencies in major jungle towns.