Paul Bird
From quaint Andean villages and colourful markets to staggering volcanic landscapes and the Amazon Rainforest, Paul has explored the length and breadth of Ecuador.- 01285 601 784
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In stark contrast to the cool snowcapped Andes mountains are the humid lowlands known as El Oriente. This is an area of tropical rainforest to the east of the majestic Andes mountain range.
Within this vast green wilderness are numerous national parks and forest reserves sparsely populated with indigenous communities where you can experience the rainforest, its people, and myriad of wildlife. River dolphin, tapir, capybara, caiman, monkeys plus countless species of birds are just a few of the magical animals that hide in these forests.
Mostly unexplored and more biologically diverse than the enchanting Galapagos Islands, the opportunity to stay in one of Ecuador’s world-renowned jungle lodges, lost deep in the rainforest, is a life-enriching experience.
Head out to try and find the elusive and magnificent pink river dolphins, which only live in the fresh waters of the Amazon Rainforest.
Consider exploring the Amazon in more than one country, moving between Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Colombia or Bolivia to experience the remotest corners of the Amazon Basin.
After a morning of adventure, head back to your cabin to swing in a hammock to read a good book (or simply for a siesta).
Weave through the rivers of the Amazon Rainforest in a guide-steered canoe, looking out for hundreds of species of birds as well as giant river otters and lurking caiman.
Visit one of the local Amazon communities, learning about the preparation of food and children’s education programmes.
Trudge to the top of a tall canopy tower for up close encounters with magnificent birdlife, listening for approaching monkeys.
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Below you can see some of the wonderful places we recommend you stay on your journey.
Perched on the edge of Lake Garzacocha within the Amazon Rainforest, hours removed from the nearest town, La Selva Jungle Lodge offers a unique experience within an extraordinary habitat that houses more than 500 raucous species of birds including a variety of macaws, toucans and the recently discovered cocha antshrike. Made up of 19 spacious suites, each with private porches or balconies and some with rainforest showers and lake views, the accommodations at La Selva Jungle Lodge are set within traditionally constructed and locally-inspired cabins. Large gauze-covered windows provide a steady flow of fresh air in the absence of air-conditioners, and the rooms are pierced with memorable sounds of the ever-awake jungle.
Burrowed in the very core of the Ecuadorean Amazon, Napo Wildlife Centre is a lodge owned and run by the local Kichwa Anangu community. Its privileged location within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Yasuni National Park is granted as a result of the lodge is 100% community based – these are sacred lands and waters owned by the indigenous people who call the Amazon home. The accommodations are spread between 20 rustic cabins, most of which are set slightly inland from the lake, built and decorated in a traditional style. Do not expect air conditioning, locking doors or glass windows at Napo Wildlife Centre – visitors will receive a truly authentic Amazon experience where luxury lies in the exquisite location, world-class guiding and an unimaginable abundance of raucous wildlife.
Offering a rainforest lodge experience on the banks of Pilchicocha Lake, Sacha Lodge is nestled deep within a private 5000-acre reserve. Arriving at the lodge is an adventure in itself, reached by a combination of motorised river boats, canoeing and hiking. An elevated boardwalk leads to 26 individual thatched cabins, each with a shady terrace and personal hammocks, which are decorated in a bright and spacious style with sustainable wood furnishings. An incredible base for explorations of the jungle and swims in the lake pool, guests can join birds and monkeys on the delightful canopy walkway.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
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01285 601 784As usual all aspects of this trip went like clockwork, even thought we were in South America where timings can be different to other parts of the world! This we put down to the work done by Paul and his knowledge of the country.
Destination: Ecuador
Travel Expert: Paul
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