Explore Ecuador: Top Amazon Experiences

Into the Wild: Top 5 Amazon Experiences in Ecuador You Shouldn’t Miss

The Ecuadorian Amazon is a fascinating destination, full of biodiversity, ancestral culture and spectacular landscapes. Each Amazon province offers exclusive experiences for travelers seeking adventure, connection with nature and cultural discovery.

Canoeing on the Napo River

Napo Province

The Napo River is one of the main arteries of the Ecuadorian Amazon and canoeing along it is an essential experience for those who wish to explore the jungle from an authentic perspective. The journey allows you to enter landscapes where lush vegetation and wildlife create a magical atmosphere. On the tour it is possible to observe capuchin monkeys in the treetops, macaws flying overhead and, with luck, pink dolphins. In addition, some excursions include visits to indigenous Kichwa communities, where travelers can learn about their customs, taste yucca chicha and learn about traditional jungle medicine.

Hiking and Waterfall

Pastaza Province

A few kilometers from the city of Puyo, several natural reserves serve as refuges for biodiversity, featuring jungle trails, crystal-clear rivers, and stunning waterfalls over 20 meters high. These tours offer an immersive experience in nature, where the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds create a unique atmosphere. One of the main attractions is a Hola Vida waterfall, a perfect place to take a refreshing dip in its natural waters. Along the way, local guides explain about the medicinal flora of the area and share stories about the relationship between the Amazonian communities and their environment.

Birding in the Laguna Grande, Cuyabeno

Sucumbios Province

Cuyabeno National Park is one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Ecuador and a key destination for birdwatchers. The Laguna Grande is a strategic point within the reserve, where from a canoe it is possible to spot species such as hoatzins, grey herons, kingfishers, toucans and macaws. The best time for observation is at dawn or dusk, when bird activity is most intense and the colors of the sky are reflected on the water, creating an unforgettable scene. The lagoon is also home to black caimans and anacondas, adding a touch of excitement to the experience. At the end of the tour, many expeditions offer the possibility of swimming in the serene waters of the lagoon while enjoying a sunset over the jungle.

Trekking to the Shuar community and bathing in sacred waters

Province of Morona Santiago

The indigenous communities of the Amazon preserve millenary traditions that are part of the cultural attraction of eastern Ecuador. In the province of Morona Santiago, a hike to a Shuar community allows visitors to immerse themselves in a world of ancestral knowledge and landscapes. During the tour, local guides share stories about their cosmovision, their relationship with the jungle and the spiritual significance of certain places. One of the most impressive experiences is bathing in a sacred waterfall, where the waters are said to have energetic and healing properties. In addition, travelers can participate in a guayusa ceremony, a traditional drink used by the Shuar for concentration and connection with dreams.

Excursion to the Pañacocha Lagoon

Orellana Province

In the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Pañacocha Lagoon is an original ecosystem where water and jungle combine in an environment of unparalleled beauty. Its name, which in Kichwa means “lagoon of the piranhas”, refers to the fauna that inhabits its waters. Contrary to what its name suggests, the lagoon is a safe destination for activities such as kayaking, artisanal fishing and wildlife observation. In its surroundings, it is common to see caimans, giant otters and various species of aquatic birds. This destination is ideal for those looking to disconnect from the modern world and enter an environment of absolute tranquility, surrounded only by the sounds of the jungle.

The Ecuadorian jungle is a destination that offers adventure, nature and culture in each of its provinces. Exploring it through these experiences allows you to discover the diversity that makes it one of the most amazing regions of Ecuador. Depending on the activity that travelers wish to do, Andean Travel Company can organize guided tours to the main destinations in the Ecuadorian Amazon, ensuring authentic and safe experiences with local experts.

Travel Tip:

The best time to visit the Ecuadorian Amazon is between November and April, when there is less rain and trails are more accessible.