Amazon

The Amazon region of Ecuador, located to the east of the Andes, is one of the most accessible and travel-friendly areas of the upper Amazon basin and, biologically, the richest area of anywhere else on earth. 

There are innumerable varieties of flora, including some of Ecuador's 4,500 species of orchids, and many plants which hold medicinal value.  Wildlife such as butterflies, bats, monkeys, sloths, parrots, macaws, river dolphins and caimans are all relatively easy to view. 

The Ecuadorian Amazon offers a wide range of activities including swimming, canoeing, rain forest walks, bird watching and not forgetting some of the finest white water rafting routes in South America. 

The Amazon accounts for little more than 5% of the total population of the country, but here there are small communities of Indians such as the Huaorani, Cofan, Shuar, and Siona-Secoya who live in jungle villages and carry on with many of their ancient traditions.  A visit to these communities will be a highlight of your holiday to Ecuador.

There are some truely stunning lodges and camps in the Amazon, including Napo Jungle Lodge.