Sloth, Amazon

Ecuadorian Amazon

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.

Bug, Ecuadorian Amazon
Bug, Ecuadorian Amazon

A little more about the Ecuadorian Amazon

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.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Negro River, Amazon, Brazil
Ecuadorian Amazon

Swing in a Hammock

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).

Suggested Holiday Idea

Canoeing, Amazon, Ecuador
Ecuadorian Amazon

Canoe the Amazonian Rivers

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.

Huaorani Children, Amazon, Ecuador
Ecuadorian Amazon

Meet Indigenous Communities

Visit one of the local Amazon communities, learning about the preparation of food and children’s education programmes.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chorongo Monkeys, Ecuador
Ecuadorian Amazon

Climb a Canopy Tower

Trudge to the top of a tall canopy tower for up close encounters with magnificent birdlife, listening for approaching monkeys.

Frog, Amazon Ecuador
Ecuadorian Amazon

Become a Junior Naturalist

Children can learn bird calls and take lessons in paddling a canoe when partaking in a Junior Naturalist Programme.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Amazonian Boat, Brazil
Ecuadorian Amazon

Cruise the Amazon

Sail on the world’s mightiest river during an authentic Amazon cruise that navigates far off the beaten track.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Pink Dolphins, Samiria National Reserve, Amazon Rainforest, Peru
Ecuadorian Amazon

Search for Pink River Dolphins

Head out to try and find the elusive and magnificent pink river dolphins, which only live in the fresh waters of the Amazon Rainforest.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Pastaza River Basin, Amazon Rainforest
Ecuadorian Amazon

Amazonian Country-Hopping

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.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Ecuador holiday ideas.

Our Ecuador experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

La Selva Jungle Lodge £££££

  • Ecuador
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

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. 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 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 jungle.

View Property

Napo Wildlife Centre £££££

  • Ecuador
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Burrowed in the very core of the Ecuadorean Amazon, Napo Wildlife Centre is a lodge owned and run by the local Kichwa Anangu community. 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. Eight of the cabins are suites, each built on stilts over the lagoon and complete with private jacuzzis and an enviable lakefront location.

View Property

Sacha Lodge £££££

  • Ecuador
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Offering a rainforest lodge experience on the banks of Pilchicocha Lake, Sacha Lodge is nestled deep within a private 5000-acre reserve. 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.

View Property

Meet our experts

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.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

John Faithfull

John rode the railways of Ecuador on the carriage roof before it was outlawed, but still recommends a jaunt along the Devil’s Nose – an engineering marvel that can still be enjoyed from inside a carriage.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

I love to squeeze as much out of my day as possible. An outdoors fanatic, I love to delve into harsh environments having summited numerous mountains and trail running into the unknown whenever I get the chance – whether at home or overseas. Funnily enough, it didn’t start like that. It took a few years for the burning fire of adventure to truly take light with my eyes opened by the adventures travel could afford.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Start planning your trip


Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Name(Required)
Hidden

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E