Ecuador Amazon Jungle Travel - In the eastern part of the country, commonly known as the Amazon Basin, heavy rainfall and high humidity are constant features. The vegetation of the Ecuadorian Amazon is exuberant as is its fauna. Within and around the huge protected areas of the Amazon Rain Forest several indigenous ethnic groups live side by side, still living traditionally, each group maintaining its distinct customs and traditions.

The most popular sports in the region are rafting and kayaking, chosen by those looking for the maximum in adventure in the middle of a paradise of pure and crystal waters. In the Napo, Misahuallí, Hollín, or Calmitoyacu, near the 16th century town of Archidona, you can find underground rivers, cracks, passageways, and caves among the waters that run through the Amazon jungle.

In Tena, the capital city of the province of Napo, there is a large concentration of rivers with many facilities for practicing water sports. You can choose between calm routes and the excitement offered by heavy rapids. Another popular trip made by tourists is along the Upano River in southern Ecuador in the province of Morona Santiago. Ecuador offers schools and instructors to help facilitate these activities. In the Casanga and Quijos Rivers of Baeza (Napo) or in the Lake of Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja, Sucumbíos), you can do some great fishing. The main travel agencies in the country’s major cities, including the capitals of the Amazon provinces, will help to organize any trip or tour desirable. To participate in any high risk sports such as kayaking or rafting, you need to have a specialized guide who knows the river and jungle territories.

The eastern lowlands are part of the Amazon basin. An undulating plain slopes gently eastward and is drained mainly by the Putumayo (which flows along part of the boundary with Colombia), Napo, and Pastaza rivers and their tributaries. This region is covered almost entirely by dense tropical rain forest.

One of the southern Ecuadorian Amazon’s principal attractions is Condor National Park, in the province of Morona Santiago. Rich in biological diversity, the Park is home to 127 mammal species and countless species of flora. The park is situated to the west of the eastern range of the Andes and to the east of the Huaracayo Range.

Podocarpus National Park arises imposingly, giving way to cloud forests, rivers, and numerous species of birds. There are also waterfalls, canyons, and various kinds of mammals and plants. This reserve was established with the mission of protecting the Podocarpus trees that grow in the park. Among the main activities available, to better experience the area’s natural setting, are walks and treks during which one can admire the spectacular scenery filled with orchids and multi-colored birds.

There are innumerable varieties of flora, including many of Ecuador's 4,500 species of orchids, and many plants with medicinal value.  Wildlife such as butterflies, bats, monkeys, sloths, parrots, macaws, river dolphins and caimans are all relatively easy to view.  The Ecuadorian Amazon offers a wide range of activities including swimming, canoe journeys, rain forest walks, bird watching, animal spotting and visits to local jungle communities.  The Amazon accounts for little more than 5% of the total population but here there are small communities of Indians such as the Huaorani, Cofan, Shuar, and Siona-Secoya who live in jungle villages and carry on with many of their ancient traditions.  The Amazon also has some of the finest white water rafting and kayaking routes in the country.