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Amazon

The Amazon Region of Ecuador, also known as Amazon or East, is made up of an approximate area of 120,000 km², divided into 6 provinces (Sucumbíos, Orellana, Napo, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora). It is characterized by being largely composed of tropical rainforest and by a high degree of rainfall, in addition to hosting an impressive diversity of endemic and native fauna and flora of Ecuador.

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Our top 5 things to do in Amazon

Home of several indigenous tribes with little contact with the outside world and a prodigious variety of fauna and flora unique on the planet, the Ecuadorian Amazon is a very attractive destination for national and international tourists thanks to the fact that the weather is practically the same all the year, warm and rainy, and also, for its varied offer of activities and tourist attractions related to nature and culture. Now we’ll show you some things that you can do there.

Papallacta

It is the first point of contact with the Ecuadorian Amazon if you arrive from Quito. It is a magnificent thermal complex surrounded by mountains that house beautiful and perfectly maintained public baths. Here you can alternate between hot springs and dips in icy pools. In this area, there are around 40 swimming pools, part of the public and private hot springs that there are. Without a doubt, the best thermal waters offer in the country.

Yasuní National Park

Is a protected natural area located in the provinces of Pastaza and Orellana, right in the middle of the Amazon basin and protects the impressive biodiversity of the heart of the Amazonian tropical rain forest and protects part of the territory of the Waorani nationality. The Yasuní National Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1989. In addition to the great variety of fauna and flora, the Tagaeri and Taromenane, Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation, inhabit the park. To protect them, the Ecuadorian government created in 1999 the Tagaeri-Taromenane Intangible Zone through a presidential decree.

Limoncocha Biological Reserve

Its abundant fauna and flora, especially that of the shores of the lagoon and that of the swamp areas, have drawn the interest of scientists and tourists as they are unique since they have adapted to live in permanent water-water interaction. forest. In 1998, this area was declared a Ramsar Wetland, international recognition for wetlands of great importance. In this place, you can do activities such as waterfowl photography, excursions and canoe rides.

Cave of the Tayos

It is located in the province of Morona Santiago, in the irregular mountainous area called Condor Mountain Range. To enter in this very interesting cave, you must have an official permit, but primarily with the guidance of a Shuar indigenous person and with the security teams. Upon reaching the mouth of the cave, there is a 70-meter-deep hole through which you can only rappel down. From the first descent, the cave opens into caverns, large halls and narrow galleries, places with holes and spaces full of stalactites and stalagmites. Inside, although there are many routes, only a few are open to the public.

Rafting

The Ecuadorian Amazon is full of rivers with large flows of brave water to enjoy rafting. There are a wide variety of rivers to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty, like Río Quijos (high degree of difficulty, class IV - V); Pastaza River (class III - IV); Palora River (class III - IV); Napo River (low degree of difficulty, class II - III), among others.

Best food in Amazon

Most of the typical dishes of the Amazon Region are made with local species. For this reason, in some remote areas of the Amazon, it’s very common to consume animals such as monkeys, guanta, tapirs, piranhas, catfish, among others. Accompanied by yucca, chinese potato, green banana or hearts of palm. Here are some of the typical dishes of the region:

Chontacuro or roast mayon

They are worms that grow in the Chonta Palm, their approximate size is 7 cm and they have a high content of natural fat. Chontacuros are part of the diet of the ancient Amazonian people because they are nutritious and have a pleasant flavor, many people describe that their flavor is very similar to pork rinds or chicken. They are usually eaten roasted on skewers but are also sold alive and processed as butter of mayon.

Maito

It is a wrapper cooked in bijao leaves that contains fish, usually, tilapia, and seasoned with some spices. It's accompanied by a portion of yucca, green plantain or heart of palm.

Uchumanka

It's a spicy soup that contains smoked fish or chicken, chili, hearts of palm, muyu paws (white cocoa) and wild mushrooms. And is accompanied by a portion of yucca and green plantain.

Guayusa tea

Guayusa is a native plant native of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. This drink is very popular because the infusion of its leaves has stimulating, energizing and antioxidant properties. In addition, it is consumed daily by the local people to combat fatigue and stress.

Chontaduro or cassava chicha

It’s a fermented drink made from the fruits of chonta or cassava. This is one of the most consumed beverages by the inhabitants of the Amazon and is very important to the indigenous communities. That’s why it is offered by the members of the communities to the visitors as a symbol of friendship.

What to pack for Amazon

Hiking shoes

You will walk a lot during the excursions in the Amazon jungle, so it’s very important to feel comfortable in your shoes.

Wind and waterproof coat

The Ecuadorian Amazon is generally characterized by having a very humid tropical weather and a high degree of rainfall all the year. So, it’s important to have a waterproof coat, to be fresh and protected from the rain and from mosquito bites.

Reusable water bottle

During your visits to the different places of the Ecuadorian Amazon, you will walk a lot so you easily can feel thirsty, especially because of the humid tropical weather. For that reason, is necessary to bring with you a reusable water bottle that will help you to stay hydrated.

Sunscreen

Sun exposure can be high during the day. And despite the humid tropical climate, keep lipstick in mind to avoid dry lips.

Tropical - humid weather clothes

During your visit to the Ecuadorian Amazon, it is necessary to dress in comfy and fresh clothes that help you to feel fine in the humid tropical climate.

Cash

It’s very important to have cash if you want to buy handicrafts or other things from the Ecuadorian Amazon indigenous people.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you’ll need a valid passport and may also need visa to enter Ecuador. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date. Also, people over 16 years have to present the vaccination card against COVID-19 with at least 14 days of validity after completing the schedule. In addition, the negative result of a qualitative RT-PCR test in real-time, carried out up to 72 hours prior to shipment to Ecuador. The country’s entry requirements may vary depending on the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, so please check them in advance before your trip.

Additionally, it’s recommended to get the following vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria and yellow fever between 10 and 15 days before your trip.

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Our Amazon destinations

Yasuni

1 Tours

Tena

1 Tours