When in Ecuador, a trip to the Amazon rainforest, known as the Oriente, is an absolute must! Ecuador only covers a small part of the Amazon but its rainforest has the most diverse ecosystem. 🌿🐍 This makes Ecuador one of the best and most affordable countries to visit the Amazon and experience a stay in the jungle.
There are 3 places to access the rainforest from: Cuyabeno Reserve, Yasuni National Park and Tena. We opted for the Cuyabeno Reserve, since it’s very remote and still easy to access, and has more lodging options.
Most lodges in the Cuyabeno offer multi-day tours and ask for the same price. The difference is in the level of service and what’s included in the trip. I would definitely recommend Nicky Amazon Lodge! They offer packages of 3, 4 and 5 days. For the best experience, stay at least 4 days. They put together an excellent programme that introduces you to the fantastic flora and fauna of the Amazon: night walks, swimming in a lake, canoe safaris, forest walks, paddling on the river and visiting an indigenous tribe. All these activities are included in your stay.
You can easily book with them through WhatsApp and they can even arrange transport (night bus) from Quito to the entrance of the reserve. At the entrance, you get breakfast which people from other lodges didn’t get. After breakfast, you continue for another two hours by canoe to reach the lodge. 🛶 Upon arrival they serve a tasty two-course lunch and also the three-course dinners are delicious!
