Things to Do in Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador offers one of the most accessible yet authentic rainforest experiences in South America. Unlike other Amazon regions that require lengthy river journeys, Ecuador's portion can be reached relatively easily from Quito, making it possible to be surrounded by pristine jungle within hours of leaving the capital. The Ecuadorian Amazon, known locally as El Oriente, encompasses about half the country and contains some of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. You'll find yourself in a world where pink river dolphins surface in oxbow lakes, indigenous communities maintain centuries-old traditions, and the canopy overhead teems with more species than scientists have managed to catalog. The region stretches from the cloud forests of the eastern Andes down to the lowland rainforest, creating distinct ecosystems that support jaguars, giant otters, hundreds of bird species, and an overwhelming variety of plant life that forms the foundation of countless medicinal discoveries.

Food in the Amazon Rainforest tends to revolve around fresh river fish, yuca, plantains, and tropical fruits, with many lodges incorporating traditional preparation methods into their meal programs. You might find yourself eating fish wrapped in leaves and cooked over open fires, sampling exotic fruits like cacao pods or guaba, or trying traditional beverages made from fermented yuca. Gateway towns like Coca and Tena offer more conventional restaurant options, but the real culinary adventure happens in the jungle where meals often include ingredients foraged from the forest. Many visitors are surprised by how flavorful and varied jungle cuisine can be, though it's worth noting that dietary restrictions can be challenging to accommodate in remote locations.

The Amazon Rainforest can be visited year-round, but the dry season from June through September offers easier trail access and more comfortable conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing. That said, the wet season from October through May brings its own advantages - higher water levels make boat travel easier, and wildlife tends to concentrate around remaining dry areas, potentially improving your chances of sightings. Temperatures remain fairly constant (75-85°F) throughout the year, but humidity varies significantly. Many experienced visitors actually prefer the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October when you get some benefits of both seasons without the extreme conditions.