Wondering what is the best time to visit Ecuador Amazon region and plan the trip of your dreams? I have the answer for you, along with everything you need to know… So keep reading and start planning!
Here I am to unlock my secrets and share with you the best time to visit Ecuador Amazon region.
From the perfect season to explore to the different places of interest and what you should bring with you… You are going to learn everything you need to know to plan the best trip possible!
The Amazon region of Ecuador feels like another world… I hope you are ready to be wowed and to make unforgettable memories!
This article is all about the best time to visit Ecuador Amazon region, the places you should consider adding to your itinerary and what you need to bring with you on your Amazonian trip!
BEST TIME TO VISIT ECUADOR’S AMAZON
Even though the different seasons in Ecuador are not as distinct as those experienced in Europe or North America, certain periods are rainier than others in the “Country of the Four Worlds.” And we all know that the Amazon is renowned for its humid and rainy climate… So why not try to avoid the rainiest days and find the best time to visit Ecuador Amazon?
If you are here, it is because you are looking for the best time to visit the Ecuadorian Amazon. And as tricky as the question is, I have an answer for you! But first, keep in mind that the Amazon Rainforest is never really dry.
Meteorologically speaking, the rain season in the Amazon starts end of February/beginning of March until the month of July. So, looking at these data, the best time to visit the Ecuadorian Amazon would be from August to January.
If I were you, I wouldn’t stress too much about it though, as it will probably be raining when you visit, no matter the month of the year.
The humid climate present there is what make this place so special, as it allows for such an amazing biodiversity. So just try to enjoy it!
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON?
If your plan is to visit the Amazon Rainforest, you have various options.
You could go to Brazil (where 60% of the Amazon Rainforest is) Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and French Guiana.
So why should you visit the Ecuadorian Amazon, you might ask? Here is why!
- Ecuador is considered as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with 6.1% of the reported species worldwide.
- Ecuador is a less touristic destination than the other countries surrounding it. I am a firm believer that “the fewer tourists, the more authentic the experience”!
- Ecuador is also known as the “Country of the Four Worlds”. And let me tell you, this nickname is a perfect fit! Galápagos Islands, Coast, Andes and Amazon, the diversity of landscapes you can see there will blow your mind away!
- Ecuador is a rather small country. Which means that when you are done visiting the Ecuadorian Amazon, it will be really easy and quick to travel to other regions and explore more of it.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON
There is a difference between the Amazon region of Ecuador and the Amazon Rainforest. Both are incredible and both deserve to be visited during your trip.
THE AMAZON REGION
The Amazon region of Ecuador is the closest eastern part to the Andes region. Also called “El Oriente” by Ecuadorian people. There you will be able to see small villages and bigger cities, and experience the culture of the locals, which, believe me, is different from the culture of the rest of Ecuador.
Here is a quick list of the places you should take into consideration when planning your trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon.
- Limón Indanza: Located less than three hours east of the beautiful city of Cuenca, I discovered this place this year and believe me, it is WORTH IT! The small village of Limón might not look pretty, but the nature surrounding it is mind-blowing! While you are there, you should visit Las Cascadas Coloradas (The Colored Waterfalls) and spend the day swimming in Amazonian waters.
- Mirador Indichuris: The place where Ecuadorian Amazon meets Ecuadorian Andes. This viewpoint is BY FAR my favorite in the entire country. When the sky is clear, you will be able to see the Pastaza River crossing a lush forest, with in the background the majestic Andes and the Sangay Volcano. Stay there for sunset, you will thank me later.
- Tena: Tena is a rather big city and honestly, the city itself is neither pretty nor interesting touristically speaking. Why should you visit then? Once again, the beauty of the surroundings is 100% worth it. My favorite place there is the Laguna Azul. Make sure you visit if you are staying in or near Tena, and if you have more time, there are a ton of waterfalls to see in the surrounding area.
THE AMAZON RAINFOREST
If you want to visit the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest, I highly recommend you to get a guide and book a multiple day tour. These trips can be expensive, but it will be a once in a lifetime experience, and will be worth every penny.
The two major reserves in the Ecuadorian Amazon are Cuyabeno and Yasuni. I have only been to the Cuyabeno Reserve, but I’ve heard it works the same way to enter the Yasuni Reserve.
You will have to book your tour in advance (I suggest at least a week so you can make the necessary arrangements). Then on the day of the trip, you will have to get to the entrance of the reserve and wait for your guide to pick you up and take you to your camp. There you will leave your belongings, sleep and have all your meals.
The program of the tours depend on the one you book, so make sure to read it before making the reservation to make sure you are going to have the experience you are looking for!
Best tip to save money on your tour: Do your research in Spanish! English written tour operator’s websites target foreigners tourists and tend to be way more expensive!
WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON?
Now that you know everything regarding the best time to visit the Ecuadorian Amazon and the best places to visit, let’s talk about what you should pack.
The Ecuadorian Amazon is hot. But the humidity of the area brings A LOT of insects, so you might want to cover your skin as much as you can.
- Clothing: The best clothes you can bring are long sleeves shirts and long pants. You won’t be that hot if you buy the breathable ones. (You can get them in any sport shop or even from Amazon!) If you own a pair of rubber boots, I highly suggest you take them with you! If you don’t, your guide will land you some.
- Care products: You will definitely need insecticide. The most popular one in Ecuador is called “Detan” (and that’s how it looks). You can purchase it from any pharmacy before leaving for your Amazonian trip. You should also bring basic medication, as you will not be able to purchase anything once you are there. And what’s worse than feeling sick on such a unique trip?
- Toiletry bag: You are only going the basics toiletry items that you use every day. Soap, tooth brush, toothpaste, hydrating cream, sunscreen… Nothing fancy here, you are going on an adventure!