Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andes highland region. Among its many natural beauties is its dense rainforest region. Tourists to the rainforests will find themselves vanishing in the depths of the giant trees that are hundreds of years old. The canopy of the rainforest is made up of vines, moss, and nests, and the trees are joined together by the trees’ giant root systems. The rainforests of the Amazon Basin are home to one of the most species-rich areas in the world. In 1999, the Ecuador president banned logging and oil exploration in the rainforest areas.

General Travel Information for Ecuador

The climate of Ecuador is pleasant throughout the year. The school vacations are between January and May, so there might be more tourist activity during that time. Visitors can stay for up to 90 days before requiring a visa. When traveling, visitors should always carry their passports with them, as there are frequent transit police checks on the outskirts of the larger towns. Tourists would be wise to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date because there are health risks of hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, rabies, and other viruses.

Visiting the Rainforest

The area where Ecuador’s rainforest is located is known as El Oriente, or the East. It is an area that has kept a wilderness feel to it, with both the rainforest and mountain ranges. Here, tourists find excellent kayaking and rafting opportunities, as well as bird watching throughout the Amazon Basin.

Tourists who want to visit the rainforests use the cities of Lago Agrio and Coca as a base for rainforest expeditions. Visitors to Ecuador who plan to go to into the rainforest are recommended to go with a tour or at least they should hire a guide. When looking for a guide, tourists want to have someone who is both knowledgeable and can provide safe routes. Guided tours should be kept between four and six people. Too many people in a tour can ruin the experience.

Lodging is available in the rainforest. The buildings that act as lodging are up on five-foot stilts, with no walls, bamboo floors, and palm tree roofs. The rainforest is warm and humid during the day, but cold at night.

Most of the travel will take place in boats down the Amazon River. Birds are most plentiful in the rainforest. Tourists will have the opportunity to do some fishing. Hiking is another popular activity in the rainforest.