Threats to the Ecuadorian Amazon, and the Battle for Conservation

While it is estimated that humans have populated the Amazon region for over 10,000 years, reaching a population in the millions, it is only in relatively recent history that the entire Amazon region has been threatened by exploitation of resources. From the search for gold in the 15th century to the rubber boom of the 19th and early 20th centuries, foreign invaders have viewed the Amazon as a source of valuable materials to be extracted and sold for rapid profits. During this time period, the native cultures have been used as slaves, mistreated, and often killed when they got in the way of the process.

Indigenous Groups of the Ecuadorian Amazon

The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to nine different indigenous nationalities, each with its own language and culture, traditionally living in harmony with their tropical rainforest environment. In the past, each group lived on its ancestral territory and contact between groups was often perilous. However, today, contacts between tribes are common and many intercultural marriages have taken place, and many indigenous communities welcome tourists.

Flora and Fauna of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Tropical rain forests are exceptionally diverse and complex ecosystems; occupying only about seven percent of the earth’s land area, they are home to about half of the world’s plant species. More than 300 tree species can be identified in just one hectare of Ecuadorian lowland forest, and the Amazon region is home to around 800 bird species. Hundreds of species of reptiles, mammals and amphibians also call the Amazon home; with some luck, many of these can be observed during a visit to the region.

A (Very) Brief History of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Accounts of Amazonian history in Ecuador often begin with the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th Century, but the Amazon basin is considered to have been home to some of the oldest cultures on the planet, surviving in some cases for over 10,000 years in the tropical rainforest regions of Ecuador and other countries of Latin America. Indeed, in 1996, remnants of a previously unknown culture in the Brazilian Amazon were discovered…a culture that existed 14,000 years ago.

The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest area on earth, covering large portions of eight South American countries including Ecuador. Ecuador, although a small country, is considered to be the eighth most biodiverse country on earth, with almost 20,000 species of plants, about 1500 species of birds, 840 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 340 species of mammals. Many of these species call the Amazon region home, with over 500 species of birds found in certain areas and as many as 400 species of plants in a single hectare. The Amazon rainforest is also essential to humans, providing about 20% of the earth's oxygen and containing over two-thirds of the world's fresh water in its rivers and lakes.

The Ecuadorian Amazon is relatively accessible, allowing tourists to experience the amazing beauty and tranquility of the region and to see a variety of unique plant and animal species. A visit to this region should not be missed; it is an experience no one will ever be able to forget.

Eos Ecuador offers lodges and tours in the Cuyabeno Reserve and the Yasuni National Park, among the most biodiverse regions on earth, along with other options deep in pristine rainforest. For those with less time or simply looking for a few days of tranquility and recreation, our section on accessible lodges offer beautiful lodges closer to populated areas offering plenty of activities, although with less diversity in flora and fauna. And for an authentic cultural experience, we can arrange visits to traditional indigenous communities for an Amazon visit you will never forget.

Ecuador contains only about two percent of the Amazon basin, which covers the eastern part of the country. Commonly referred to as the “Oriente”, this region is characterized by exceptional biodiversity of both flora and fauna, with areas such as Yasuni National Park receiving international recognition as a world biosphere reserve. Several parks and reserves have been established to protect the ecosystem, each offering its own unique attractions and a variety of options for the tourist.

These pages are coming soon, with complete information about selected hotels and haciendas in Ecuador. Until this section is complete, please contact us with any questions or needs you may have.

Live Aboard Diving Cruises

Eight day cruises on board specially equipped yachts designed specifically for diving. Visits include some of the best diving sites in the Galapagos with multiple immersions nearly every day, including visits to the islands of Wolf and Darwin, considered among the best diving sites in the world.

Galapagos Yacht Cruises

Perhaps the best way to really experience the Galapagos, we offer cruises from simple and economical (tourist superior class) to the most comfortable and luxurious yachts cruising the islands. Tour the Galapagos Islands on the best yacht cruises in their categories, at the best prices we think you'll find anywhere.

• Tourist Superior Yachts - Simple and basic, very good service and economically priced.
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