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Ecuador Amazon rain forest lodges are located in one of four major regions (or centres), these being:
- Lago Agrio (or Cuyabeno)
- Coca
- Tena / Misahualli
- Kapawi
HOW TO GET THERE
You can reach the logistic centers (i.e., Lago Agrio, Coca,
Tena and Misahualli) of each region by land (with the exception of
Kapawi - which is ONLY accessible by airplane).
Most people, however, fly in and out of both Coca & Lago Agrio as it
is not uncommon to have the access roads in the rain forest temporarily
blocked due to unforeseen landslides.
Although there is an airport in Tena, it is not currently used for
commercial flights, so those travelling to this region can only do so by
land (i.e., public bus or private vehicle).
For those considering Kapawi, you need to plan in a few
days on either side of the trip for unforeseen weather-related factors
that may adjust the trip schedule.
Please keep in mind that the majority of lodges include the round trip airline arrangements as part of thier packages.
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JUNGLE TOUR ACTIVITIES
In general, all jungle lodge programs include the following activities:
- Day hikes
- Night hikes
- Contact with local indigenous communities
- Canoe rides
- Swimming
- Birdwatching
A limited number of jungle lodges also provide the following:
- Observation Tower
- Fishing
- Gold panning
- Animal rehabilitation center
- Parriot lick
- Butterflies observation
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JUNGLE TOUR DETAILS
The vast majority of Ecuador's Amazon jungle tours (espcially those that
involve flights to/from Quito to either Coca or Lago
Agrio) have the following schedule:
Monday to Friday: 5-day/4-night package
Friday to Monday: 4-day/3-night package
Amazon lodges based in Tena/Misahualli region usually offer
tours starting and ending any day of the week (as they are not subject
to flight schedules). These include Liana Lodge, El Jardin Aleman.
Generally, Amazon tour packages INCLUDE the following:
- Private transportation (land/fluvial) from main pick-up point (i.e., Coca, Lago Agrio, Misahualli)
- Canoe rides (with life jackets)
- All meals
- Daily excursions with naturalist guide
- Accommodation
- Rubber boots & rain jackets
Extra costs not included in packages:
- Airline ticket (or bus ticket) to/from Quito
- National Park entrance fee (i.e., Cuyabeno) where applicable
- Alcoholic & bottled beverages
- Tips & personal expenses
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SUCUMBIOS
Sucumbíos
is located to the north, along the Colombian border, and contains some
of the most expansive ecological reserves, such as Cuyabeno. The capital
is Lago Agrio, the main starting point for tours in this region.
NAPO
Napo is located in the northeast, with Tena as its capital. Many indigenous groupos, such as the Quichuas, live in Napo region.
PASTAZA
Located in the east, its capital is Puyo. Lush & dense forests and large variety of animal and plant species are its principal attractions.
MORONA-SANTIAGO
Located in the south east, its capital is Macas.
This region is rich in natural beauty, with many rivers and a variety
of trees species such as cedar, mahogany, canelón, and laurel.
ZAMORA CHINCHIPE
Located in the south east, with Zamora as
its capital. The most spectacular National Park is Podocarpus National
Park. The geography here is extremely varied due to the influence of the
Eastern and Condor highland areas.
ORELLANA
Orellana, Ecuador’s newest province, whose capital is Francisco de Orellana (or Coca).
Orellana is rich in oil and wood reserves and has beautiful scenery and
a wealth of flora and fauna. The principle indigenous inhabitants are
the Huaorani, Schuar, and Quichua communities. | |
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