Amazon Adventures
in Ecotourism

The Amazon is one of the richest remaining biodiverse regions, making it an amazing ecotourism destination, and vast--stretching over 2.1 million acres, spanning nine South American countries. The second longest river, the Rio Amazonas is home to over 3,000 aquatic species. Over one-third of all the species on the planet live in this wilderness, and we discover new plants and animals every year. Sometimes referred to as the lungs of the planet, the Amazon basin is the largest freshwater reservoir in the world and produces one-fifth of the world's oxygen. Rain falls on average 250 days a year and temperatures generally hold between the 70's to the 80's.

Despite its historical impenatribility, the rainforest is undergoing radical transformations. The indigineous populations have decreased to 10-15% of what they were before Europeans came to settle in South America.
A dwindling number of Amazon Indians still hunt and live much the same as they have for centuries.

Pharmaceutical companies are keenly interested in the plant resources and indigenous healers' knowledge about medicinal and curative properties from the native flora. And logging companies, cattle ranches, and pipelines destroy countless precious rainforest acres every day. And with such significant destruction to the water cycle that has kept the rainforest and all its vegetation and animal life in balace, it remains to be seen how it will be able to survive.

Traveling Green in the Amazon Rainforest

Lodging in the rainforest is often rustic, but can range from lovely jungle lodges to local Indian homes to hammocks in the trees. Jungle breezes replace air conditioning, and rainforest medleys make you forget what the city ever sounded like.

If active adventuring is your calling--canoeing, hiking in the jungle and on an extinct volcano, rafting a Class III, and learning from a traditional healer--an Aventouras-guided trip to Ecuador offers something amazing for everyone from cultural immersion to exploring the Andes to the Amazon. And, dubbed the best ecotourism project in Ecuador, part of your stay will be in not-to-be-missed Yachana Lodge. Yachana, which means "a place for learning" in the native Quichua language, is a rare and magical jungle experience with the indigenous culture.

In Peru, an award-winning ecolodge co-owned by the Ese'eja Native Community of Tambopata is happy to arrange multi-day tours with local naturalists to saturate your senses with their native wonderland.

In Bolivia, in the Madidi National Park, the Quechua-Tacana community owns and runs the Chalalan Ecolodge. Built with minimal impact to the environment, the community hopes to share and preserve the land of their ancestors. Staying here, you will hike to your heart's content, learn local crafts, and observe some once-in-a-lifetime wildlife.

Rainforest-Ready

Based on your planned activities, your tour operator will provide you with a list of suggested specifics in terms of clothes and gear. But think drip dry, and leave your finery at home.

• Generally, technical gear that wicks moisture away from your skin and that dries quickly is ideal.

• Shirts and pants that are versatile--with sleeves and legs that can roll up and down or zip on and off are handy.

• Hiking shoes, water shoes, plenty of extra socks and underwear (stored in waterproof bags--plastic resealable bags are great), a hat, a rain poncho, flashlight, sunscreen and bug repellant are must-haves.

• As much as we plan carefully and attend to our health and physical well-being, inevitably, I always need something from the medical kit when I travel--blister treatments and Imodium are the items I most often have to reach for--and so we would be remiss if we did not mention bringing first-aid necessities.

• And of course, your camera! For tips on traveling with your camera gear and on snapping a fabulous travelogue, please check out our photo tips page.

And enjoy your green getaway!!

Traveling to the Amazon? Check out Ecotravel Packing Essentials.