The Amazon Rainforest

East of the Andes, the Amazon Basin is one of the biologically richest areas on Earth. There are innumerable varieties of flora including many of Ecuador's 4,500 species of orchids, as well as many plants with medicinal value. Wildlife such as butterflies, sloths, monkeys, parrots, river dolphins, and caimans are relatively easy to see. Ecuador is a paradise for birdwatchers as it offers 1600 species of birds (twice as many as those found in all of Europe).

Ecuador offers some of the best lodges and wildlife viewing anywhere in the Amazon basin. Combining a trip to the Galápagos with a journey into the diverse rainforest ecosystem of the upper Amazon Basin is a dream trip for wildlife lovers. You have the option of combining your Galápagos cruise with a stay in world-renowned lodges. These lodges are run by friendly staff known for great service and food. Though deep in the rainforest, accommodations are comfortable and designed with amenities including private bathrooms, hot showers and electricity. You can enjoy naturalist-guided rain forest hikes, canoe trips and bird watching. Meeting the native families of this wilderness is an experience to treasure.

Lodges

SACHA LODGE
Accomodation Rating: 5 Widlife Rating: 5

Located in the Amazon Basin of Ecuador, Sacha Lodge is made up of 5,000 acres of private rainforest reserve. The main lodge sits on Pilchicocha Lake, a black water lake offering sharp contrast to the nearby waters of the Napo River. Sacha is home to the longest canopy walk in all of Ecuador. (read more)

NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER
Accomodation Rating:5 Widlife Rating:5

The Napo Wildlife Center, is the newest and ultimate alternative luxury eco-hotel in Amazonian Ecuador. This ecotourism project includes the conservation of approximately over 52,000 acres (over 21,400 hectares) of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasunì National Park, an important Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador. (read more)

See the Napo Wildlife Center Slideshow

LA SELVA LODGE
Accomodation Rating:4 Widlife Rating:5

Occupying two and a half acres, and protecting 24,000 acres of surrounding primary forest, La Selva Lodge lies deep in a virgin forest where you may encounter 750 species of trees, 125 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 100 reptiles, 150 species of butterflies, 1500 species of flowering plants and 42,000 species of insects. La Selva is the perfect place to experience the Ecuadorian rainforest and Amazon jungle. (read more)

Learn about the Amazon region, the world's largest rainforest!