Ecuadorian Amazon

Ecuador’s section of the vast Amazon rainforest is astonishingly rich in both flora and fauna, with around 25,000 plant species, including hundreds of orchids. As you travel along the many winding waterways, it’s common to spot caiman basking on riverbanks and flocks of colourful macaws soaring overhead.

With a bit of luck, you might glimpse the rare pink river dolphin, uniquely adapted to hunt in murky waters, or even catch sight of the elusive jaguar, the region’s apex predator. This rainforest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, home to hundreds of bird, mammal, reptile, fish and insect species all thriving in this complex habitat.

For wildlife watching, the Ecuadorian Amazon is second only to the Galapagos, and many visitors choose to combine both destinations for a truly immersive experience in nature.

In some parts of the forest, travellers also have the opportunity to visit remote indigenous communities and learn about their customs, traditions and way of life.

While staying in such a remote and wild environment once meant sacrificing comfort, today there are exceptional luxury eco-lodges and small, high-end cruises available. These options make it entirely possible to enjoy the wonders of the Amazon in comfort and style on a luxury holiday to Ecuador.