Amazon Rain Forest - Ecuador Nature

You'll explore the exquisite rainforest, where you can find pristine landscapes, unique microclimates, exotic flora and fauna and learn about traditional aspects of the indigenous communities of the area.

Weather Information
Animals
Recommended Packing List

In the Amazon it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather at all times... July is usually the rainiest month of the year, but in August what's known as "fluctuation season" begins. In other words, no one can make heads or tails of the weather patterns between August and early December - One minute it can be hot and sunny and the next it will be pouring rain! Then, In January the "dry" period begins. However, in the rainforest the "dry" period is sometimes wetter than some people are used to at home!

The question about dry and rainy seasons is a common one, but it is best not to trust such generalizations to plan a trip. We provide all of our guests with rubber boots for walks as well as rain ponchos so they'll be ready at all times.

So, in late March, April and May, trees tend to produce more fruit. In response to the production of food, in turn, many species of monkeys and fruit eating birds begin their reproductive cycles and are more active. So, sightings of these animals can be a bit more common during those months.

However, the main factor in spotting animals is just pure luck, and as nature is unpredictable anything may happen at any time of the year - just like with the weather. We'd hate for you to plan a trip based on this trend and then have bad luck with the fauna... And some rare animal sightings have been made when we least expected it!

Passport
Binoculars
Flashlight (Torch)
Camera, film (high speed film is good for shady walks), and flash
Insect repellent (preferably a cream)
Sun protection (sunblock / sunglasses / hat)
Lightweight *breathable* long pants and long sleeved shirts
Shorts and short sleeves for the Lodge
Bathing suit
Comfortable shoes and extra long socks
Plastic bags to protect electronics from rain

Notes: The lodge provides rubber boots up to men’s size 14. Rain ponchos are available if you do not have your own. Please limit checking baggage to 44 pounds for the flight from Quito to Coca.

Mashpi Lodge

Description
Sample Itinerary

The adventure begins in Ecuador’s heritage capital, Quito, at our 8 AM pick-up time for guests staying in Quito’s main hotels. Mashpi Reserve, a 1,300 hectare (3,200 acres) conservation property located within the Metropolitan District of Quito, forms a part of the Ecuadorian Choco rainforest, known as one of the world’s greatest biodiversity hotspots.

The sudden shift in altitude will allow us to discover the spectacular natural diversity of the Andean landscape as we travel into lush, misty cloud forest, and finally reach Mashpi. On our way to Mashpi, we visit the archaeological ruins at Tulipe, said to have belonged to the ancient Yumbo civilization of pre-Inca Quito.

Itinerary (3-Day / 2-Night)

Day 1: Departure is 07:30 to 08:00am from the main hotel in Quito. Stop at Pululahua Crater and Tulipe archaeological site. Arrive at Mashpi Reserve by 12:30pm for lunch and afternoon activities. Optional night walks available.
Day 2: Early morning activities are organised before breakfast to enjoy dawn in the forest. Explore the surroundings, returning for lunch and a rest, before enjoying an afternoon amid Nature.
Day 3: Early breakfast, followed by a morning activity. Check out and early lunch before departure at 1:30pm, arriving at Quito hotels between 4 and 5 pm.

Sacha Lodge

Description
Sample Itinerary

DEEP AMAZON EXPERIENCE

Imagine yourself drifting down a narrow, winding creek surrounded on all sides by lush, endless sea of tropical greenery, and all that separates you from the deep black Amazon waters is a canoe hand-carved out of single tree trunk.

*All Amazon trips are subject to weather conditions and passenger interests

Day 1: Quito – Coca. After a forty five minute flight from Quito we reach the town of Coca. Private ground transportation and canoe ride to the jungle lodge. Refreshing swim in the lagoon. Short nocturnal walk.
Day 2: Amazonia. Breakfast. Early bird watching walk inside terra-firme forest to observe huge kapok trees. Two optional hikes after lunch: a walk along the Napo River or a demanding hike to observe squirrel monkeys.
Day 3: Amazonia. Hike along Laguna trail. Navigate down a river to search for anacondas and caiman. Afternoon piranha fishing or canoe rides to observe sloths and otters. Climb up to the canopy tower to observe birds.
Day 4: Amazonia - Quito. Early departure and a final opportunity to spot other monkey species. Return to Quito.

La Casa del Suizo

Description
Sample Itinerary

UPPER NAPO JUNGLE EXPERIENCE

Experience Ecuador's Amazon in a different way, a closer rain forest within 5 hours by car from Quito, with Amazon Lodges located in the upper Amazon basin overlooking the majestic Napo River. Perched comfortably above the river bank and the small Quechua indigenous village of Ahuano.

*All Amazon trips are subject to weather conditions and passenger interests

Day 1: Quito - Jungle Lodge. Depart from Quito for a five-hour drive crossing extended valleys and lush green forests. Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon. Take an optional night hike to explore the depths of nature.
Day 2: Misahuallí. Canoe ride inside the Amazonian rainforest, along the Napo River. Arrive in Misahualli. Visit "AmaZoonico", an animal rescue center (toucans, parrots, monkeys, jaguars). Visit a Kichwa family to learn their ancient customs.
Day 3: Jungle Lodge – Quito. Drive back to the city or extend your stay to enjoy an exciting walk in the jungle forest finding amazing plant species with medicinal properties. Observe curious colourful birds and monkey groups.

La Selva Eco Lodge

Description
Sample Itinerary

Located within Ecuador’s Yasuní Biosphere Reserve and on the borders of the famous Yasuní National Park — one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet — La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat was among the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador and today is still regarded as the premier eco lodge in Ecuador’s Amazon basin.

Uniquely located on the shores of stunning Lake Garzacocha, a full 70 km into the rainforest from the nearest urban center, the lodge is a veritable cocoon of comfort and luxury, offering breathtaking views of the incredible life in the Amazon from wherever you are.

*All Amazon trips are subject to weather conditions and passenger interests

Day 1: Quito - Jungle Lodge. Depart from Quito for a five-hour drive crossing extended valleys and lush green forests. Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon. Take an optional night hike to explore the depths of nature.
Day 2: Misahuallí. Canoe ride inside the Amazonian rainforest, along the Napo River. Arrive in Misahualli. Visit "AmaZoonico", an animal rescue center (toucans, parrots, monkeys, jaguars). Visit a Kichwa family to learn their ancient customs.
Day 3: Jungle Lodge – Quito. Drive back to the city or extend your stay to enjoy an exciting walk in the jungle forest finding amazing plant species with medicinal properties. Observe curious colourful birds and monkey groups.