
Galapagos Wildlife Guide
Spot these amazing animals on your next adventure
The single largest tropical rainforest in the world, not to mention one of the most iconic, the Amazon is a nirvana of wildlife, plants, and pure, untouched wilderness. Occupying almost half of the country, Ecuador’s section, el Oriente, is in fact only a sliver (around 2%) of the entire forest yet home to 1600 species of birds, 350 reptiles, 300 mammals and 800 fish. Raging, chocolate-pot rivers hide pink river dolphins and giant river otters, whilst the canopies are alive with the twitterings and chatterings of monkeys, sloths, toucans, capybaras and more magical wildlife than you could shake a pair of binoculars at. For visitors, there are several national parks and forest reserves in the wilderness, each offering total immersion into the rainforest. In many places, local guides are becoming more common as they become involved with eco-tourism, and their knowledge of the flora and fauna is truly unrivalled. For you, that means sightings of rare kingfishers, swooping between the trees, explorations of untouched corners by dugout canoe, and the best spots to see the iconic caimans.
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Occupying almost half of Ecuador and famous the world over for its unfathomable biodiversity, the Amazon needs no introduction. First up is the surreal journey you'll make to get to your lodge tucked deep into the forest. From there, explore on foot (day and night), fly through the canopy, or take to the water on a canoe. In the trees lurk everything from red howler monkeys and pygmy marmoset to the three-toed sloth, and in the water, there are caimans, giant otters and pink river dolphins. Ever-present is the Ecuadorian Amazon's 1,600 species of birdlife, and a real highlight is watching a colourful bunch of parrots and parakeets munching at a clay lick. Before you leave, learn a thing or two about living in the Amazon from the local communities who have done so for decades.
The chance to stay in one of the world-renowned jungle lodges is a life-enhancing experience. Lost deep in the rainforest, like the lairs of Bond villains, they offer incredible experiences whilst also giving back to conservation.
With threats from logging and the oil industry rife, some local community members have opened their villages to welcome visitors and raise awareness. If you can, take the opportunity and learn a little about this incredible area from the heart of those who call it home.
It’s probably true to say that the further you travel from civilization and roads, the more wildlife you'll see. But the more remote the lodge, the longer it will take to get to, so make sure to leave ample time for everything you want to see and do.
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