Things to Do in Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador

The Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador offers one of the world's most accessible and biodiverse rainforest experiences, covering nearly half of the country's territory. This pristine wilderness is home to indigenous communities, incredible wildlife including jaguars, pink river dolphins, and over 1,600 bird species, plus towering cecropia trees and ancient kapok giants. The Ecuadorian Amazon provides visitors with authentic jungle experiences while supporting conservation efforts and local communities. Unlike other Amazon regions, Ecuador's rainforest can be reached relatively quickly from major cities, making it ideal for travelers with limited time. The region encompasses several protected areas including Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and offers everything from luxury eco-lodges to community-based tourism experiences. Visitors can explore primary rainforest, navigate winding rivers, and learn from indigenous guides who share generations of traditional knowledge about this extraordinary ecosystem.

Top Things to Do in Amazon Rainforest

Wildlife Spotting Tours

Embark on guided excursions to spot monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, and if you're lucky, elusive jaguars and river dolphins. Early morning and late afternoon tours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active. Professional naturalist guides help identify species and explain the complex rainforest ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Book through established eco-lodges or reputable tour operators for $150-300 per day including meals and accommodation. Best wildlife viewing is during dry season (December-March). Look for operators with certified naturalist guides and small group sizes (maximum 8 people).

Indigenous Community Visits

Experience authentic Amazonian culture by visiting Shuar, Achuar, or Kichwa communities to learn traditional practices like blowgun hunting, medicinal plant use, and handicraft making. These cultural exchanges provide insight into sustainable rainforest living while directly supporting local communities. Participate in traditional ceremonies and share meals prepared with forest ingredients.

Booking Tip: Community visits cost $50-100 per person per day and should be arranged through ethical tour operators who ensure fair compensation to communities. Best to book 2-3 weeks in advance. Choose operators certified by indigenous tourism organizations for authentic experiences.

Canopy Walks and Observation Towers

Explore the rainforest from above via suspended walkways and climbing towers that reach 100+ feet into the canopy. These elevated perspectives offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning forest vistas impossible to see from ground level. Many locations feature both day and night canopy experiences to observe different species.

Booking Tip: Canopy experiences range from $30-80 per person depending on location and duration. Book during dry season for best visibility and safer conditions. Look for operators with well-maintained equipment and safety certifications. Some eco-lodges include canopy access in their packages.

River Expeditions and Fishing

Navigate the Amazon's tributaries by motorized canoe or kayak, exploring hidden lagoons and spotting caimans, river otters, and diverse bird life. Try traditional piranha fishing or learn indigenous fishing techniques from local guides. River trips often include visits to clay licks where colorful parrots gather to feed.

Booking Tip: River tours cost $80-200 per day including transportation and guide. Dry season offers easier navigation but wet season provides access to flooded forests. Choose operators with life jackets and emergency equipment. Multi-day river expeditions offer better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Medicinal Plant Tours

Discover the Amazon's natural pharmacy on guided walks with shamans or traditional healers who explain the medicinal properties of rainforest plants. Learn about traditional healing practices and the scientific research being conducted on Amazonian flora. Many tours include demonstrations of plant preparation and traditional healing ceremonies.

Booking Tip: Medicinal plant tours cost $40-120 per person and are best booked through eco-lodges with resident shamans or certified ethnobotanical guides. Respect cultural protocols and ask permission before photographing ceremonies. Some experiences may include traditional cleansing rituals.

Getting There

Most visitors fly into Quito and then take domestic flights to jungle towns like Coca (Francisco de Orellana), Macas, or Puyo, with flight times of 30-45 minutes costing $80-150. Alternatively, scenic bus journeys from Quito take 4-8 hours depending on your destination, offering spectacular views as you descend from the Andes into the rainforest. Many tour operators provide ground transportation from Quito as part of their packages, which can be more convenient for first-time visitors.

Getting Around

Transportation within the Amazon relies primarily on motorized canoes for river travel and walking for forest exploration, as there are few roads in the deep jungle. Most visitors stay at eco-lodges that provide all transportation via boat and on foot with experienced guides. For areas accessible by road like Puyo or Tena, local buses, taxis, and tour operator vehicles are available, but hiring a guide is essential for safe forest exploration.

Where to Stay

Coca (El Coca)

Tena

Puyo

Macas

Kapawi Ecolodge Area

Yasuní National Park Lodges

Food & Dining

Dining in the Amazon focuses on fresh river fish, tropical fruits, and traditional preparations using forest ingredients like hearts of palm, plantains, and yuca. Most eco-lodges provide excellent meals featuring local specialties such as grilled fish wrapped in bijao leaves, exotic fruit juices, and traditional dishes prepared by indigenous cooks. In jungle towns like Tena and Puyo, local restaurants serve Amazonian cuisine alongside standard Ecuadorian fare, with many establishments offering unique ingredients like chontacuro (palm weevil larvae) for adventurous eaters.

When to Visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to March when rainfall is lower, trails are more accessible, and wildlife viewing is optimal as animals concentrate around water sources. However, the Amazon can be visited year-round, with the wet season (April-November) offering lush vegetation, better river navigation, and unique experiences like exploring flooded forests. Temperatures remain consistently warm (75-85°F) throughout the year, but rain gear is essential regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing in earth tones, waterproof bags for electronics, and bring extra batteries as charging opportunities are limited in remote lodges

Book eco-lodges well in advance during peak season (December-February) as the best properties fill up quickly, and consider staying minimum 3-4 days for meaningful wildlife encounters

Bring cash in small bills as ATMs are scarce in jungle areas, and tipping guides and lodge staff in USD is appreciated and helps support local communities

Things to Do in Amazon Rainforest