Amazon Holidays and Lodges in Ecuador

A collection of our favourite jungle lodges in Ecuador

The moorlands of upland Ecuador fall away through cloud forested slopes down to the jungles of the Amazon basin, which occupies half the country but, still undeveloped and even unexplored, is home to only 5% of the population.

The rivers of the Ecuadorian Andes flow down into the Amazon basin, here known as the Oriente. It's a true wilderness of exuberant rainforest and remote indian communities. 

One of the greatest advantages of a jungle holiday in Ecaudor is the region's easy accessibility: most lodges are a riverboat trip from the airport at Coca, 1 hour's flight from Quito. Some of these boat journeys are adventures in themselves, you travel by canoe for between one and several hours. long.If you don't fancy a flight, you can get to some of the lodges by land - such as ,La Casa del Suizo.
This is not an option in other countries with Amazonian regions.  

Lodges are mostly of a high standard of infrastructure, with comfortable rooms, decent bathroom facilities and good food. There is a tendency for them to be owned and managed by members of the local community. They are very eco-consious and sensitive to the presservation of the rainforest environment.

Wildlife-spotting opportunities are good (less so at Huarouani Lodge, where the attraction is meeting the local community) - here you may well have the privilege to see a school of pink dolphins at play.  

Overall, Ecuador is a great choice for wildlife holidays, jungle river cruises, birdwatching and adventure holidays; choose between tailor-made holidays to Ecuador and small group holidays to Ecuador.

Jungle Lodges

Sacha Lodge:  A comfortable lodge with thatched bungalows, great for birdwatchers and families
Napo Wildlife Centre:  Part of a community ecotourism project, it offers comfort from its lakeside location on a private reserve
Kapawi Lodge: Built on stilts on the edge of Kapawi Lagoon, this eco-aware lodge works with the indigenous Achuar Indian community
La Casa del Suizo : Accessed by land it’s not a deep jungle experience but offers a taset of jungle life, village visits and has a swimming pool.
Huaorani Lodge: There’s wildlife on show here but the main attraction is getting to know and share the lifestyle of the friendly Huaorani people.

River Cruise

The cruise we have singled out in Ecuador offers a relaxing journey but also some excellent on shore excursions, including the chance to spend a night camping under the stars.

MV Manatee

Other South American countries with Amazon lodge holidays and cruises are Brazil and Peru.
Amazon Holidays and Lodges in Brazil.
Amazon Holidays and Lodges in Peru.