The Ecuadorian Amazon holidays
The Ecuadorian Amazon holidays at a glance
The Ecuador Amazon rainforest occupies around half the country, yet only around 5% of the population lives here, leaving much of the region undeveloped and, in places, still unexplored. Despite its size, Oriente Ecuador is remarkably accessible from Quito, with jungle lodges and river expeditions reachable by short flight, overland journey or river transfer.
Wildlife is the region’s greatest attraction. Rainforest trails, rivers, oxbow lakes and canopy towers reveal extraordinary biodiversity, while indigenous communities offer a genuine glimpse into life within one of the world’s most important ecosystems.
The Oriente faces real pressure from logging and the oil industry, but many local communities are fiercely protective of their environment, and some have opened their villages to visitors as a way of supporting conservation. Between the accessibility and the depth of experience on offer, this is one of the easiest ways anywhere in South America to properly experience the rainforest, and one of the best Ecuador wildlife holidays going.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to The Ecuadorian Amazon
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Occupying half the country, the Ecuadorian Amazon is a true wilderness of exuberant rainforest and remote indigenous communities.
When to visit The Ecuadorian Amazon
The Ecuadorian Amazon has a tropical equatorial climate, with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year.
In the Amazon it is always hot and humid, with average temperatures likely to exceed 28°C. January and February is a time when it rains less (although still plenty!) so levels are lower and river navigation trickier. Forest trails are easier to explore and exposed riverbanks or lake shores become the best place to spot wildlife. Most excursions will be on foot in these months.
Rains tend to pick up in March with the onset of the rainiest time which lasts throughout these months. Ever hot, this is when average temperatures are more likely to exceeding 30°C and humidity levels are at their highest. With the increase rains water levels rise significantly, flooding the lower lying forest and making river navigation into the forest easiest. Most excursions will be by river with the majority of the wildlife spotting opportunities taking place in the canopy and in the skies.
Days exceeding 32°C are common in Jun, the hottest and wettest month of the year and river levels at their highest making for easy river navigation and most wildlife observation opportunities in the canopy or the skies above. The rains ease off in Jul and into Aug, as does the average temperature (to around 29-30°C). Water levels drop significantly and the riverbanks and forest trails once again become the place where most wildlife will be spotted.
After the previous less wet months, the rains intensify from Sep with high rainfall during these months. Once again the water levels rise significantly and the forest floods once more. Expedition cruises and motorised canoes can more easily penetrate deeper into the forest and so with the trails and riverbanks under water, the blooming forest canopy and huge open sky become the place to look out for the wildlife.
Top Things to do in The Ecuadorian Amazon
Between camping, cruising and wildlife-spotting from a canoe, there’s an extraordinary range of things to do in Ecuadorian Amazon lodges and reserves.
Spend a night glamping in the Amazon jungle with opportunity to discover the secrets of the rainforest up close ant dusk and dawn.
Journey by boat to the heart of the jungle, exploring the Amazon rainforest on a variety of land and water based excursions.
Keep your eyes peeled for magical glimpses of jungle wildlife while exploring the Amazon on land and water.
Accommodation in The Ecuadorian Amazon
Accommodation ranges from luxury river cruises to wildlife lodges set deep within protected rainforest reserves, letting you experience the Amazon’s biodiversity at close quarters. Many of the best Ecuador rainforest lodges sit along the Napo River Ecuador built much of its Amazon tourism around.
More like a floating boutique hotel than a typical Amazonian riverboat, the sleek and stylish MV Anakonda is a first-class luxury ship operating in the Ecuadorian rainforest.
Purpose-built, luxury Amazon cruise vessel offering exciting on-shore excursions and a warm Ecuadorian welcome.
This community-run lakeside lodge is the most inviting and charming in the region, a peaceful haven to see Ecuador’s rainforest wildlife.
Rustic, cheerful and easily accessible lodge of thatched wooden bungalows, with an observation platform and canopy walkway.
Waterside Sani Lodge, shrouded by tropical foliage, is a remote eco-lodge in the Ecuadorian jungle.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
FAQs about visiting The Ecuadorian Amazon
The Ecuadorian Amazon is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit the Ecuadorian Amazon?
The Oriente has a stable temperature of about 30°C throughout the year. It can rain – often in tropical intensity – at any time but Jul-Sep and Jan-Feb are slightly drier months.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in the Ecuadorian Amazon?
The main language spoken in the Ecuadorian Amazon is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in the Ecuadorian Amazon?
The US dollar is the main currency used in the Ecuadorian Amazon. There’s an ATM in both Coca and Lago Agrio but better take out cash in advance in Quito where there are many banks, and ATMs (bearing in mind that the amount you can withdraw may be lower than your UK allowance).
- What is the time difference between the Ecuadorian Amazon and the UK?
The time difference between the Ecuadorian Amazon and the UK is GMT -5 hrs.
- What places combine well with the Ecuadorian Amazon?
Mindo cloud forest reserves, 2/5hrs drive from Quito; the Galapagos Islands, 2-3hrs flight from Quito.
- How do you get to the the Ecuadorian Amazon?
Fly from Quito to Coca or Lago Agrio (1hr). You can also access the region by paved road climbing over a 4,200m (1hr) Andean pass and descending 100km; continue to your lodge by boat.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.