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The Ecuador Amazon rainforest region, or “El Oriente” to Ecuadorians, is the biggest region in Ecuador, with more than 9 reserves and national parks. It encompasses more than 11% of Ecuador’s land mass. Its by far, the most biodiverse area in Ecuador, with more than 800 species of birds, more than 2500 species of insects and with more than 450 endemic flora, Ecuador´s Amazon Rainforest is a place to be visited during a trip to Ecuador. The 9 parks make up 33% of the total area of the region. This shows the country’s strong commitment to conservation.
The Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest region is home to hundreds of indigenous communities, forming more than 250 nations, including Siona, Secoya, Cofan, Shuar, Zaparo, Huaorani and Quichua. These cultures are live. Travelers can visit different Amazon lodges that they manage. These are a source of sustainable income for their communities, health and education investments and operations.
Amazonia has an allure that fascinates and attracts outsiders who come to the region just as it intrigued the Spanish conquistadors who arrived here in the 1500s. They believed that the area would be full of precious fruits and spices that would bring them riches back in their European homelands. Many Spanish conquistadors believed the rumors of El Dorado, the city of gold, concealed from the outside world by giant trees and hanging gardens. The reality was obivously different. Filled with lethal snakes, poisonous frogs, burrowing insects, violent tribes and giant spiders, the jungle quickly went from being thought as a paradise to the green inferno.
Luckily, modern day tourists have insect repellents, proper hiking equipment and vaccines to help defend themselves against the once perilous jungle, making the region a fun and exciting Ecuadorian destination. Following the rubber boom of the 1900s, many of the once untamed areas of the jungle have transformed into busy towns and cities where it’s easy to find dining and lodging options as well as guided tours into the jungle.
The Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest region is home to hundreds of indigenous communities...
The Oriente is relatively accessible from almost anywhere in the country, because it covers the entire eastern edge of Ecuador. A bus trip from Quito can take as few as five hours. An air flight takes just 45 minutes from Quito to Coca or Lago Agrio. Even though much of the rainforest is quite remote, there is no shortage of opportunities to explore and experience the region on your own or with a guided tour. The Parque Nacional Yasuní, Llanganates National Park, Podocarpus National park and The Reserva Faunística Cuyabeno are some of the largest protected areas in the country, and represent only a fraction of the nine reserves in the region.
Visitors can choose to base themselves in one of the many jungle towns or at one of the country’s famous jungle lodges-some of which are quite luxurious-where guides, tours, meals and lodging are included in combined package deals. Some tours may offer day trips to local water walls, afternoon rafting adventures or weeklong treks through the thick forest, which makes it easy to enjoy the jungle for any desired length of time at any budget.
Despite the existence of a number of parks and reserves, today’s jungle continues to be threatened by the logging and oil industries, as well as the smaller poaching rings that contribute to the extinction of already dwindling animal populations.
