A visit to the Amazon can take the form of a trip to a local town, a boat ride down a river, a stay at a lodge where the primary rainforest has been cut down, or an authentic experience that includes local Amazonian native peoples and wildlife in primary Amazonian rainforest. The latter experience is the exception because although general ideas about the Amazon basin often involve stories of deep, dark forests haunted by Jaguars, Anacondas, and other exotic jungle animals, this is pretty far from the truth. Yes, big cats and large snakes do occur but they are shy, difficult to see, and only live in remote areas. Most areas along roads and other easily accessible sites have been deforested, and few animals can be seen there.

A river flows through the Amazon rainforest.

An authentic Amazonian experience is possible but involves some travel, and a stay at a unique ecolodge. This is what we find at the Huaorani Ecolodge, and getting to and from this award winning lodge is part of the adventure. For example, after a short plane ride from Quito, Ecuador to the Amazonian lowlands, guests board dug-out canoes and travel down a river through intact Amazonian rainforest. There aren’t any roads to the lodge and it shows with wildlife being seen on the trail cams at the ecolodge and by guests hoping to spot toucans, monkeys, and, for lucky ones, a Tapir. After a few exciting days of hikes through primeval jungle, learning about Huaorani culture, and learning some jungle survival tips from people who actually use such skills to survive, guests leave the lodge with another boat ride along a remote jungle river.

A trail cam at the Huaorani Ecolodge captures a view of an Amazonian Tapir.

Visit the Huaorani Ecolodge for a true Amazon experience.