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 Ecuador’s share of the Amazon provides unparalleled easy-access
opportunities for experiencing the magic of the rainforest. These
tropical lowlands in the east of Ecuador cover an area of nearly 40%
of the country. The rainforest is home to a wide range of species,
travelers can look forward to an exotic paradise teeming with life
where almost half of the planet's 8,500 bird species, more than 1,200
butterflies, and thousands of reptiles and mammals thrive amidst a
primordial setting of black-water lagoons, winding creeks, and
towering trees. The Ecuadorian Upper Amazon Basin is home to several
indigenous nations such as Secoyas, Huaorani, Shuaras, Sionas, Cofanes
and Quichuas, each one with its own characteristic features such
as language, customs and own Cosmo vision.
To truly take advantage of the rain forest, one must awaken all five
senses to discover how exotic life forms have evolved to live together
in a minimal extent of land. The embracing sounds tell of the various
birds and insects that keep this living forest in constant change. The
many other animal and plant species need of careful observation
 to be
found as they have amazing color and texture adaptations to be
confused with the scenery.
Many hypotheses have been raised to explain the impressive high
diversity in tropical rain forests, and each provides an insight to
understand this complex ecosystem better. The competition for
resources has lead organisms to adapt to unique niches and thus result
in a number of specialized and interdependent organisms.
You can access to the jungle through one of the three roads from the
Andes. In the north from Quito. Another road in the south from Baños
to Puyo, which is considered to be the best and most reliable one and
the third southern road with access from Cuenca to Macas. There are
airports in Lago Agrio, Coca and Macas, all with scheduled flights
from Quito. These services are notoriously unreliable and the weather
can also cancel the flights, so be prepared for delay.
 There
are jungle lodges, deep in the forest where visitors can experience
the rainforest and have their best chance of seeing monkeys and other
mammals. Also canoe expeditions are an option, combined with camping
or basic accommodation, usually these include something cultural from
the area often with a community or family visit. There are both
indigenous families and communities who welcome visitors and are
usually as interested in your culture as you are in theirs. continues...
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