ECUADORIAN AMAZON JUNGLE

There is a tourist Amazon that can be easily reached, even by cruise ship. But there is another Amazon, the most unknown, which requires being prepared for adventure. It is the Ecuadorian east, the wildest area of the country, an immense region and one of the least altered on the planet. It occupies more than a third of the territory of Ecuador and very few human beings live there, almost all of them belonging to indigenous peoples under threat of extinction, such as the Achuar, the Secoya, the Shuar, the Siona, the Huaorani or the Zaparo, who they struggle to preserve their traditional way of life in the face of the temptations (and pressures) of modern life.

But the real wealth of the region is its overwhelming biodiversity. 50% of the country's mammals and 5% of the Earth's plant species live inside the jungle. Travelers can reach the remotest jungle hideaways, fish for piranhas in silent lakes, hear the menacing cry of howler monkeys, see the glowing eyes of alligators at night, admire colorful parrots feasting, and with luck, catch a glimpse of a large mammal such as the tapir or the jaguar. But this region is not only jungle: it also offers the best thermal baths in the country, the most spectacular waterfall, the most active volcanoes and formidable white waters. It is not easy to enter it, much less to know it in its entirety, but below we offer options to live a true Amazonian experience full of adventure. 

Weather in Amazon Rain Forest

Any time of the year is perfect for visiting the Ecuadorian Amazon since the weather varies only slightly from month to month in both rainfall and temperature. Expect some rain (it is the rainforest after all!) but you’ll likely have similar periods of bright sunshine. In general, it’s hot and humid, but not as much as many people imagine.

Are there any vaccinations required?
Most lodges don’t go any further then recommending certain vaccinations, it is not a requirement for the majority of them to enter their lodge, we do however recommend you to consult with your local physician back home and explain you will be visiting the Amazon Basin of Ecuador. The most common vaccinations are Yellow Fever, Typhoid Fever, Rabies & Hepatitis A & B. Do keep in mind that this is only a cautionary measure to be handled at your own discretion, as it is extremely rare to hear of any tourist visiting any amazon lodge in Ecuador to contract any of the aforementioned diseases.

What is primary & secondary Rainforest?
Primary Rainforest makes reference to a more pristine and untouched forest, with thick vegetation and a full ceiling canopy, it is usually found deep in the amazon basin. Primary rainforest is considered to be the most diverse type of forest, biologically speaking. Secondary Rainforest also known as jungle, is characterized by a thin ceiling canopy, (lower amount of foliage in higher branches), ground vegetation absorbs more sunlight allowing thick & lush vegetation to blossom. Secondary Rainforest is not as pristine nor as diverse as Primary Rainforest and is usually found in the outskirts of Primary Rainforest.