Home › Destinations › Amazon Rainforest
Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador - Things to Do in Amazon Rainforest

Things to Do in Amazon Rainforest

Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador - Complete Travel Guide

The Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador offers one of the world's most accessible and biodiverse jungle experiences, covering nearly half of the country's territory. This pristine wilderness is home to indigenous communities, thousands of plant and animal species, and some of the most untouched primary rainforest on Earth. The Ecuadorian Amazon, known locally as 'El Oriente,' provides visitors with authentic jungle experiences ranging from luxury eco-lodges to community-based tourism initiatives. 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 the planet, and offers opportunities to spot jaguars, pink river dolphins, hundreds of bird species, and countless insects and reptiles while learning about indigenous cultures that have thrived here for millennia.

Top Things to Do in Amazon Rainforest

Multi-day Amazon Lodge Stay

Experience the rainforest through immersive 3-7 day stays at eco-lodges deep in the jungle. These comprehensive packages include guided nature walks, canoe trips, wildlife spotting, and cultural interactions with indigenous communities. Most lodges offer naturalist guides, comfortable accommodations, and all meals while maintaining sustainable tourism practices.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 months in advance, especially for dry season visits. Prices range from $200-800 per person per day depending on lodge luxury level. Look for operators with certified naturalist guides, sustainable practices, and partnerships with local communities.

Wildlife Watching and Bird Spotting

The Ecuadorian Amazon hosts over 1,500 bird species, making it a world-class birding destination. Early morning and late afternoon excursions offer the best chances to spot toucans, parrots, harpy eagles, and hundreds of other species. Many tours also focus on mammals like monkeys, sloths, and if lucky, jaguars or ocelots.

Booking Tip: Best wildlife viewing is during early morning hours (5-8 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM). Bring binoculars and book with guides who specialize in wildlife photography. Costs typically range $50-150 per day for guided wildlife tours.

Indigenous Community Visits

Connect with Shuar, Achuar, or Kichwa communities to learn about traditional Amazonian life, including ancient hunting techniques, medicinal plant knowledge, and spiritual practices. These cultural exchanges often include traditional meals, craft demonstrations, and storytelling sessions. Many communities offer authentic experiences while benefiting directly from tourism revenue.

Booking Tip: Book through community-based tourism operators to ensure visits are respectful and beneficial to locals. Expect to pay $30-80 per person for day visits. Bring small gifts like school supplies or basic medical items, but ask your guide what's appropriate first.

Canoe Expeditions and River Navigation

Navigate the Amazon's waterways by traditional dugout canoe or motorized boat to access remote areas unreachable on foot. These river journeys offer unique perspectives of the rainforest canopy, opportunities to spot river dolphins and caimans, and access to hidden lagoons and tributaries. Night excursions are particularly magical for experiencing jungle sounds and nocturnal wildlife.

Booking Tip: Combine with lodge stays for best value. Day trips cost $40-100 per person. Choose operators with experienced local boat pilots and life jackets. Waterproof bags are essential for cameras and electronics.

Medicinal Plant Walks and Shamanic Experiences

Learn about the Amazon's incredible biodiversity through guided walks focused on medicinal plants and their traditional uses. Many tours include meetings with local shamans or healers who share knowledge about plant medicines, though authentic ayahuasca ceremonies require careful research and preparation. These experiences offer deep insights into indigenous spiritual practices and ethnobotany.

Booking Tip: For plant walks, expect $25-60 per person for half-day experiences. For shamanic ceremonies, research operators extensively, ensure proper preparation protocols, and budget $100-300. Only participate with reputable shamans and proper medical screening.

Getting There

Most Amazon adventures begin from Quito, Ecuador's capital, with domestic flights to jungle towns like Coca (Francisco de Orellana), Macas, or Puyo taking 30-45 minutes and costing $80-150. Alternatively, scenic bus journeys from Quito take 4-8 hours depending on the destination, offering dramatic views as you descend from the Andes into the rainforest. Many tour operators include transportation from Quito as part of their packages. Some visitors also access the Amazon via Baños, a popular adventure town that serves as a gateway to the jungle region.

Getting Around

Transportation within the Amazon relies heavily on boats, canoes, and small aircraft for reaching remote locations. Most visitors join organized tours that handle all transportation logistics. For independent travel, local buses connect jungle towns, but roads can be challenging during rainy season. Many lodges provide their own transportation from airstrips or towns. Walking trails and elevated boardwalks are common for forest exploration, while rivers serve as the primary highways deeper into the jungle.

Where to Stay

Coca (Francisco de Orellana)
Puyo
Macas
Tena
Baños (gateway town)
Remote eco-lodges

Food & Dining

Dining in the Amazon focuses on fresh river fish, tropical fruits, and traditional indigenous ingredients like yuca, plantains, and exotic game when culturally appropriate. Most eco-lodges provide all meals featuring local specialties such as grilled fish wrapped in bijao leaves, heart of palm salads, and fresh fruit juices. In jungle towns, simple restaurants serve typical Ecuadorian fare alongside regional dishes. Many cultural experiences include traditional meal preparation, offering chances to try dishes like chicha (fermented yuca drink) and various preparations of river fish and jungle vegetables.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ecuador

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

La Briciola

4.7 /5
(3424 reviews) 3
meal_delivery

Carmine

4.6 /5
(1527 reviews) 4

Trattoria Piccolo Mondo

4.5 /5
(1337 reviews) 3

Riviera Restaurant in Guayaquil

4.6 /5
(1040 reviews)

Benvenuti Da Mauro

4.7 /5
(723 reviews) 2

La Caponata

4.6 /5
(641 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ecuador's Amazon is during the relatively dry season from December to March, when rainfall is lighter and wildlife viewing is optimal as animals gather near water sources. However, the rainforest can be visited year-round, with each season offering different experiences. The wet season (April-November) brings lush vegetation, better bird activity, and higher water levels for boat navigation, though more rain and mud. Temperatures remain consistently warm (75-85°F) year-round with high humidity.

Insider Tips

Pack light, quick-dry clothing in earth tones and bring extra socks - your feet will get wet frequently
Bring a good headlamp and extra batteries as jungle nights are pitch black and evening activities are common
Download offline maps and bring a satellite communicator for emergencies as cell service is nonexistent in remote areas

Explore Activities in Amazon Rainforest