Excellent jungle lodges make for one of the most comfortable ways to discover the treasures of the Amazon. One of the best ecotourism destinations in the world, Ecuador’s Oriente (East) region is dominated by rainforest, and with more bird species per square kilometre than any other place in the world, it is a nature-lovers’ paradise.

Good time to visit: September to March

Sights

Covering over half the country but with only 5 percent of its population, the Oriente is Ecuador’s land of placid rivers and swathes of dense rainforest filled with an incredible variety of flora and fauna. One of the best and safest ways to explore the Ecuadorian Amazon is on one of the many guided tours organised by the various world class lodges located deep in the jungle.

Once in the jungle, you will have the chance to visit an indigenous community and experience tribal life for yourself. For the sports enthusiast you can raft down the rapids around Tena, at the base of the Andes. But of course, the primary reason for visiting this tropical area of Ecuador is the extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. No other place in the world holds such a variety of bird life that will enchant, amaze and surprise whoever visits there. You will find a wide selection of fantastic jungle lodges to choose from, including the award-winning Yachana and Kapawi lodges located on the river banks of the Amazon River’s tributaries.