The Ecuadorian Andes fall sharply and in less than 150 km you can travel from the high altiplano in the centre of the country to tropical jungle. To the east of the Andes, the area known locally as the Oriente, is the vast rainforest region of the upper Amazon basin. The dozens of rivers and tributaries eventually all flow into the Amazon River. This is a huge area of rainforest, the great majority of which is pristine primary forest. It is a perfect place to take a jungle trip and get to know something of the fragile ecosystem and the people who depend on it.
Tribes offers holiday accommodation at a range of excellent jungle lodges where you can take walks, treks and boat trips into the Amazon rainforest, and learn about local traditions and culture. Some of these are remote but comfortable lodges where the wildlife watching and birding is fantastic, and others are more accessible and less expensive, but still give a true insight into the Amazon rainforest environment and the traditions of the people who inhabit this region.
On the western side of the Andes the slopes also descend to lowland rainforest along the coast. Here too there are some great opportunities for excellent holidays. The biodiversity in either of these Ecuador rainforest regions is exceptional and the sheer size and variety of vegetation is awe-inspiring. You might like to go fishing for piranha, learn about the traditional use of plants for medicine, food and shelter, visit a local shaman, go birdwatching or try to spot a jaguar or giant river otter.
If your interests are specifically people-based, we are delighted to be able to offer a really exciting trip to the Huaorani community. The Huaorani rainforest community project offers something completely different from a normal lodge-based jungle trip. You will gain a deep and rewarding appreciation of the rainforest and how man has for centuries been able to live in harmony with his surrounding. You will also gain an understanding of the difficulties now facing this community and the impact that modern development is having on the Amazon rainforest ecosystem and the people alike.
