Luxury Travel to the Ecuadorian Amazon made for you
Start PlanningEcuador's slice of the mighty river
One of the world’s last great natural areas of wilderness, the Amazon is a truly awe-inspiring location that has to be experienced to be fully understood. Home to one fifth of the world’s fresh water, the sheer scale of the Amazon River is breathtaking, with new fish, bird and animal species constantly being discovered amid its wild landscapes.
While many associate the Amazon purely with Brazil, this significant area of lowlands in Ecuador is part of the basin that feeds and forms the Amazon River, spreading across six of the country’s provinces. Consisting primarily of tropical rainforest environment, the wildlife that inhabits the Ecuadorian Amazon is incredibly diverse and abundant, particularly in birdlife of which there are thought to be over 1,000 species. Add to this the countless trees, endless types of butterfly and numerous monkey species, indicating just a flavour of the incredible biodiversity centred within this area of Ecuador.
There are countless wildlife trails to be explored during a stay here, supported by our Amazon lodges which are located away from development and deforestation, so that you experience the most pristine natural wilderness. Tailored night walks and birdwatching experiences also allow visitors to maximise their chances of encountering all the colourful inhabitants of this tropical environment, while the likes of hiking, kayaking and cultural community visits add even more adventure and discovery to a stay in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Experiences picked by our Ecuador specialists
Head into the outdoors
Trek through the dense forests accompanied by a naturalist guide.
Experience local culture
Learn about ancestral traditions from the Kichwa community.
Spot nocturnal wildife
Embark on a nightwalk to spot the creatures who only emerge under the cover of darkness.
Explore by boat
Canoe through the black waters of the Añangucocha lagoon.
Observe natural spectacles
See parrots and parakeets at a clay lick during a stay at Napo Wildlife Center.
A word from one of our experts
One of my favourite experiences in the Ecuadorian Amazon is canoeing across the Añangucocha lagoon, deep inside Yasuní National Park. Guided by a naturalist, you'll paddle alongside giant otters while keeping an eye out for spider monkeys in the trees and tapirs wading through the shallows.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in the Ecuadorian Amazon
There are many incredible places to stay in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our specialists:
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Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Ecuador example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Where to go
Baños
Shortened from Baños de Agua Santa, meaning Baths of Sacred Water, it will come as no surprise that the town’s greatest attraction is the hydrothermal springs of the Cascada de la Virgen (The Virgin’s Waterfall). Baños is also known by the moniker ‘The Gateway to the Amazon’, for it is the only city located in the mountain region found just before the start of the Amazon jungle.
Cotopaxi
The central sierra of Ecuador is a beautifully scenic highland area and it’s here you’ll find the aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Cuenca
A vibrant colonial city set in the south of Ecuador, Cuenca is the country’s third largest city and is packed with historic landmarks and rich heritage.
Guayaquil
What started out as a small port town has impressively developed into a vibrant, bustling city; the largest in Ecuador in fact.
Midwest Lowlands
Heading east of Guayaquil, and just before you hit the mighty Andes mountains, you’ll find yourself in Ecuador’s midwest lowlands. Despite being just 74km from the country’s biggest city, it is a quiet and secluded region and perfect for exploring Ecuador’s natural beauty.
Otavalo Area
The heart of Ecuadorian craftsmanship and folk traditions, Otavalo is the place to experience authentic Ecuadorian culture. The handicraft market here is world renowned and a good place to pick up some excellent souvenirs, as well as learn more about the indigenous identity of Ecuador.
Quito
Squeezed between mountain peaks amid the dramatic Andes, Quito’s setting is just as dramatic and inspiring as its character and identity, which can be discovered in everything from historic streets and bustling markets, to vibrant restaurants and awe-inspiring nature.
Riobamba
Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Chimborazo volcano, Riobamba is primarily used as a base for excursions into the surrounding wilderness, although there are a handful of attractions within the city to keep you occupied, even if your stay is a brief one.
The Cloud Forests
Encountered where the Andean highlands run down to the Pacific coastline, set amid tumbling hills blanketed in exuberant rainforest and home to diverse and abundant wildlife, hidden here are some of Ecuador’s most stunning and delicate cloud forests.
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When to visit
Though often used as a gateway for the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador is home to so much more. There are different highlights year round, so the best time to visit Ecuador depends on when you want to go.
The country has two main seasons – a wet, warm season which runs from January to April and a dry, cool season from May to December.
Wet season
January–April
Dry season
May–December
Trekking
All Year
Ecuador travel guides
Plan your trip to the Amazon
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Amazon, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
