Hosting only a 2 percent share of the Amazon, known as the Oriente, Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest boasts the largest biodiversity on the planet.
Yasuní National Park and Biosphere Reserve (Ecuador’s best-known park in the region) is widely believed to be home to the most diverse set of species on Earth.
Yasuní National Park
In just a single hectare in Yasuní’s park, one would find more tree species than anywhere else in the world, an astounding 100,000 insect species, and 596 documented bird species, Yasuní is a true birder’s paradise to rival any destination in the world.
Perhaps even more spectacular is the environment’s natural ability to sustain this extraordinary scope of flora and fauna for the long term.
Sumaco-Napo-Galeras National Park and Llanganates National Park are some of the other national parks that, along with Yasuní, protect parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon, in addition to refuges for Amazon wildlife such as the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve—both much-needed establishments in the face of widespread exploitation of the region’s oil-rich ground.
The industrial-scale oil extraction (a vital economic source for the Ecuadorian state) continues to pose a serious threat to the environment and to the indigenous communities that call it their home.
Note that Ecuador has one of the best developed ecotourism infrastructures in South America, the country providing the easiest access to the Amazon basin (which occupies about a third of Ecuador) on the continent. If you’re looking for a luxury lodge experience or a true outdoor adventure, Ecuador has a program for you.
One of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador, the award winning La Selva was completely remodeled and reopened in July of 2012 and has since become the premier eco lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon. La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa is located in a rainforest paradise bordering Yasuní National Park in one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet. As a firm believer in responsible ecotourism and mutually beneficial relationships with local communities, guests of the lodge have the unique opportunity to interact with local wildlife as well as local people in a responsible, sustainable way.
Overlooking the glassy waters of Lake Garzacocha, the new main lodge and restaurant are guest favorites. When night falls, you’ll enjoy fine cuisine prepared by La Selva’s famous chefs in the large, airy restaurant and lounge, with a complete bar and wraparound window over the lagoon, as the birds and animals of the Amazon serenade you with their unique song. Following their innovative spirit, new spa facilities are also underway at the lodge, a unique concept which will blend the beauty and tranquility of the rainforest with the most relaxing therapies. (Until then, massage services will continue to be offered in the privacy of your suite.)
Accommodation at the lodge is in 19 spacious suites, including 3 Scenic Suites with a view of Lake Garzacocha and roomy Family Suites. The Scenic and Superior Suites include exclusive rainforest showers, private balconies and great panoramic views, while the Family Suites include extra-spacious bathrooms, hammocks and a tub on a private porch. The design of the suites is inspired by local homes used by the natives for generations: the airy, shady layout keeps things cool even in the hottest hours of the day. In the bathrooms, amenities such as hairdryers and shampoo, conditioner, and soap are included. Hot showers, ceiling fans and electricity are provided in each suite.
Most people visit La Selva on a 4-day or 5-day all-inclusive tour, the days centered on excursions in which you and your group, accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist guide and indigenous guide, explore the trails, lagoon and rivers of the Amazon rainforest outside the doorstep of the lodge. There are literally thousands of plants and animals that you can see near the lodge and lagoon, parrots, monkeys, toucans, caimans, frogs and much, much more being common sights for guests. Hike on the myriad trails surrounding the lodge, or explore by canoe or kayak. Your indigenous guide will find the wildlife and explain.
Special birdwatching tours are also available. Bird life is exceptionally diverse at La Selva. Located in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, the area around the lodge has been shown by ornithological studies to contain more species of birds than any other region in Ecuador, and more than both the entire USA and Canada combined. Birdwatchers come from all over the world to see tanagers, parrots, toucans, parakeets, woodpeckers, hoatzins and countless other species.
Napo Wildlife Center
Peuma Hue´s 500 acres of wilderness are located at the southern end of Lake Gutiérrez, only 25 minutes south from the town of Bariloche, 35 minutes from Mt Catedral and 45 minutes to 1 hour from its international airport. Bariloche is the gateway to the northern Patagonian Andes and an internationally renowned mountain resort, famous for its wonderful skiing in winter and its unique beauty in spring, summer and fall.
Estancia Peuma Hue is easily accessible, but still maintains a peacefulness and majestic nature found in few other locations. The estancia and boutique hotel provides a gorgeous setting to explore this slice of heaven on earth. Explore the impressive mountain scenery on horseback, or hiking on one of numerous mountain trails that rise high above the estancia into the mountain, creeks, waterfalls, majestic forests, meeting a variety of fauna that call our estancia home while lodging in its cozy hotel!
The Mountain Lodge comprises 2 houses with 4 independent rooms each and 3 private villas for accommodations; a boardroom, a non-denominational Temple, an organic vegetable garden and greenhouse, boathouse, stables and pastures for the horses and cabins for our wonderful staff. With a capacity for 28 guests and staff living on-site, the eco-lodge offers a highly personalized experience and an inviting atmosphere for all.
The Anakonda
The Anakonda Amazon River Cruise is the only luxury ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. It was built to make the experience of the Amazon the most comprehensive and unique adventure possible! Its capacity of a maximum of 40 passengers makes the Anakonda Amazon Cruise the ideal size for both people seeking evasion and privacy, and those open to making friends during their adventure. Its 18 suites feature ample sitting areas, and large and comfortable beds. The vessel comes complete with an expansive observation deck, outdoor Jacuzzi and an al fresco lounge, ideal for cocktails, relaxation, reading or simply enjoying the spectacular view. The vessel also features 3 canoes for guest transportation to land excursions and activities and 10 kayaks, as well as hammocks, naturalist tour leaders and a travel concierge, who will go out of his way to personalize your experience, making the Anakonda Amazon River Cruise a savory, unforgettably-exciting treat!
Manatee Amazon Explorer
Peuma Hue´s 500 acres of wilderness are located at the southern end of Lake Gutiérrez, only 25 minutes south from the town of Bariloche, 35 minutes from Mt Catedral and 45 minutes to 1 hour from its international airport. Bariloche is the gateway to the northern Patagonian Andes and an internationally renowned mountain resort, famous for its wonderful skiing in winter and its unique beauty in spring, summer and fall.
Estancia Peuma Hue is easily accessible, but still maintains a peacefulness and majestic nature found in few other locations. The estancia and boutique hotel provides a gorgeous setting to explore this slice of heaven on earth. Explore the impressive mountain scenery on horseback, or hiking on one of numerous mountain trails that rise high above the estancia into the mountain, creeks, waterfalls, majestic forests, meeting a variety of fauna that call our estancia home while lodging in its cozy hotel!
The Mountain Lodge comprises 2 houses with 4 independent rooms each and 3 private villas for accommodations; a boardroom, a non-denominational Temple, an organic vegetable garden and greenhouse, boathouse, stables and pastures for the horses and cabins for our wonderful staff. With a capacity for 28 guests and staff living on-site, the eco-lodge offers a highly personalized experience and an inviting atmosphere for all.