Ecuador’s Amazon Basin is a living masterpiece, considered the most biodiverse region on Earth. In every square meter, life flourishes with a dazzling array of plants, mammals, trees, reptiles, fish, and amphibians—many species are discovered anew each year. From needle-sized orchids to towering trees, the rainforest is a wonder. The Amazon can hold more tree species in one hectare alone than the entire United States.
This lush realm teems with life: pink river dolphins, prehistoric paiche fish, jungle cats like the elusive jaguar, and over 600 bird species, including the hoatzin, a bird seemingly plucked from the age of dinosaurs. Towering forests rise over 50 meters tall, harboring a network of life more intricate than anywhere else on the planet. Here, you’ll journey through emerald canopies, listen to the symphony of macaws and monkeys, and glide across black-water lakes under a star-studded sky. Visit clay licks to witness thousands of vibrant parrots in action or climb observation towers for breathtaking views of the endless green horizon. The Amazon is not just nature at its peak but also a cradle of human innovation. Long before modern civilization, ancient communities shaped this land. The first cacao cultivation, early pottery, and advanced farming techniques emerged here thousands of years ago. Even today, its diverse cultures thrive, preserving ancient wisdom and languages like Wao, where the word for “five” is synonymous with “right hand.” Exploring Ecuador’s Amazon is to step into a world both ancient and alive, where every sound, sight, and story deepens your connection to the heart of the Earth.