Ecuador's Amazon Rainforest has broken world records for animal life. And this is one the best places on Earth to visit if you're even a little bit interested in nature.
As you walk through the lush jungle, it's as if every section is alive with fascinating animals and plants. Brightly colored macaws fly over the canopy, curious monkeys follow you through the trees and lightning blue butterflies hover above the waterways.
In the following post, you can find a guide to the top Amazon tours from Quito — including short video intros to the experiences and detailed tour summaries.
Jump straight to the Top Amazon Tours from Quito
Introduction to Quito & El Coca, Ecuador
Quito is Ecuador’s capital city. And this is where you will arrive when first setting foot in the country.
Home to fascinating museums, different galleries and high-rated restaurants, it's also where you travel from to visit the Amazon.
The following Amazon Rainforest lodges and Amazon River cruises can all help with your flights from Quito. And from this large city, they will arrange your short flight to the jungle town of Puerto Francisco Orellana, known locally as ‘Coca’.
This jungle town is where you can enjoy high-rated Amazon tours. And you will experience one of the highest levels of animals and plants in Amazonia. Ecuador's Amazon frequently wins records for wildlife.
Combined with the Amazon tours, this offers you a fantastic experience.
Amazon Cruise or Rainforest Lodge?
The Amazon tours you can enjoy include comfortable wildlife lodges and deluxe cruises. Both offer professionally guided tours, comfortable accommodation and delicious meals.
An advantage of a cruise is that they offer a more hotel-like base to return to after your jungle expeditions. You will also travel deep into Yasuni National Park and visit different rainforest sections. A lodge, however, can offer more connection to the rainforest. See the animals walking below the lodge walkways and hear the troops of monkeys crossing through the canopy above.
A recommended cruise to take you into the incredible Yasuni National Park is the Manatee Amazon Cruise. For a quick intro, click the video below.
El Coca, Ecuador
The Manatee Amazon Cruise
El Coca, EcuadorThe Manatee Amazon River Cruise is a fantastic cruise for adventures into the wonderful Yasuni National Park, one of the world’s richest areas for ani...
- Deluxe Amazon Cruise
From $ 2,865
/ personEcuador’s Amazon Rainforest
There are two main protected areas in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. These are the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and Yasuni National Park. There are also different private reserves. And these are in connected rainforest providing fantastic wildlife sightings.
The Yasuni National Park
The Yasuni National Park has become world famous. This is because it has one of the world’s highest levels of Amazon Rainforest animals and plants.
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covers just under 1 million hectares of tropical forest. And it contains an incredible richness of plants and animals. The park protects around 600 bird species and several different monkeys. There are also a record breaking diversity of reptiles and amphibians.
The Top Amazon Tours from Quito - Introductions
The following lodges and cruises can help with your flights from Quito to the Amazon Rainforest.
And here is our selection of the top rainforest tours from Quito, Ecuador.
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The Sacha Lodge
The Sacha Lodge offers a fantastic experience of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. And the comfortable lodge provides an incredible canopy walkway, which has to be seen to be believed (video below).
Because the lodge has been here for a long time, the wildlife is familiar with people on the walkways. This means you can enjoy incredible wildlife from the comfort of the lodge itself, before you even head out with your guide to explore the trails.
From the lodge, enjoy guided tours in the surrounding rainforest. You will find many different plants and animals.
Enjoy the canopy tower to see colorful birds. And your guide will bring the bird spotting scope to find many different species. You will also enjoy the canopy walkway for an incredible rainforest experience. The canopy walkway is 94 feet (30 meters) above the forest floor. And it extends 940-feet (275-meter) through the rainforest. This is a great place to spot different birds and monkeys.
View The Sacha Lodge video
El Coca, Ecuador
Rooms at the Sacha Lodge have been positioned between the trees. And you can see troops of capuchins and squirrel monkeys crossing in the canopy above the lodge.
There are 26 rooms in total, which are composed of single, double and triple rooms.
Each accommodation has private bathrooms with hot water. The other buildings at Sacha Lodge include the restaurant and bar. There is also the lounge area where you can sit while enjoying a cocktail, tea or coffee.
In addition to monkeys and reptiles, the Sacha Lodge is a great place to see rainforest birds. For example, 587 species have been recorded on guided tours. This is an impressive 37% of all the birds you can find in the country.
To check availability for your travel dates, send the lodge a request using the button below.
4, 5 days+The Sacha Lodge
El Coca, EcuadorLocated in a 5000 acre private ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge provides a safe and comfortable base for you and your family to enjoy the Ecuadorian Am...
- Luxury Lodge, Canopy Walkway
From $ 1,690
/ person -
The Manatee Amazon Cruise
The Manatee Amazon Cruise is a deluxe cruise for Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. Not only confined to the cruise vessel, enjoy guided exploration of the Amazon. Head out on forest walks and skiff expeditions to see a diversity of animals and plants.
In addition to wildlife walks, visit the canopy tower to see over the rainforest. And you will also see the Yasuni Claylick to watch parrots gathered at the clay.
On your tours, enjoy seeing a diversity of wildlife. The animals you will find include several different monkeys and different birds. See toucans, colorful parrots and caiman crocodilians. The cruise also offers kayaking and camping opportunities.
View The Manatee Amazon Cruise video
El Coca, Ecuador
The vessel itself offers 10 Standard Cabins and 4 Deluxe Cabins. The Deluxe Cabins are at the front of the vessel. All of the cabins are air-conditioned to keep you comfortable on your stay.
You will then enjoy delicious meals in the fantastic restaurant and bar. This provides beautiful panoramic views of Amazonia. In addition to the dining room and suites, the Manatee features an observation deck and outdoor Jacuzzi.
For more information and to check availability for your travel dates, send the Manatee cruise a request using the button below.
4, 5, 8 daysThe Manatee Amazon Cruise
El Coca, EcuadorThe Manatee Amazon River Cruise is a fantastic cruise for adventures into the wonderful Yasuni National Park, one of the world’s richest areas for ani...
- Deluxe Amazon Cruise
From $ 2,865
/ person -
The Anakonda Amazon Cruise
The Anakonda Cruise is the sister vessel to the Manatee above. The Anakonda provides a fantastic experience of the Amazon as you travel down the Napo River.
Enjoy exploring the rainforest of the Yasuni National Park region. And you will be led by professional guides through the rainforest. Enjoy forest walks to see a diversity of different monkeys, toucans, parrots and more.
You can choose from 4, 5 and 7 night itineraries aboard the Anakonda Cruise. Of course, the longer you spend in the Amazon the more wildlife you will see.
In addition to guided walks and skiff expeditions in Amazonia, enjoy other attractions. Visit the Yasuni claylick to see parrots, climb a tall canopy tower to fantastic views. And you can also enjoy an optional glamping experience. There are also kayaks on the vessel to paddle around Amazonia led by your guide.
The Anakonda offers 18 very comfortable suites with en-suite modern bathrooms. These then include 4 Deluxe Suites, which have their own private balcony.
Click the video below for a quick introduction.
View The Anakonda Amazon Cruise video
El Coca, Ecuador
In addition to the suites, the Anakonda features a spa room, al fresco lounge, indoor dining hall, bar-salon and a Jacuzzi. If you would like to purchase souvenirs from your travels, the vessel also has a small boutique store.
Throughout the vessel, you will find large floor-to-ceiling windows. This means you don’t miss any wildlife as you’re relaxing onboard.
4, 5, 8 daysThe Anakonda Amazon Cruise
El Coca, EcuadorThe Anakonda Amazon Cruise provides an immersive and unique experience of the Amazon Rainforest. Enjoy large and comfortable beds, a spa room, outdoo...
- Deluxe Amazon Cruise
From $ 2,845
/ person -
La Selva Lodge
La Selva Lodge & Spa is one of the most luxurious Amazon lodges in the rainforest. The lodge offers luxury accommodation and fantastic guided tours of Amazonia.
Enjoy exploring the rainforest on rainforest walks and boat tours. Spot several different monkeys, colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, tree frogs and more.
La Selva Lodge itself is composed of nineteen spacious suites. And these include Family Suites, Scenic Suites and Superior Suites. These are assigned according to group size and availability.
In addition to the suites, La Selva Lodge features a restaurant and bar. There is also the canopy tower, lounge area, small shop and spa. The entire lodge is then nestled on the beautiful Garzacocha Lake.
View La Selva Lodge video
El Coca, Ecuador
The Family Suites are the largest suite option. These differ from the other categories with the addition of a hot water tub on the private deck. Enjoy the extra spacious bathrooms, hammocks and very comfortable king-sized bed. The suite then includes two additional beds.
The Scenic and Superior Suites are then very similar. Both categories feature a king bed or two double beds with luxury linen. They also offer a private bathroom with a rainforest shower. The Scenic Suites have beautiful lake views. And the Superior Suites are slightly larger.
Your bathroom includes a rainforest shower with hot running water and toiletries. There are then bathroom amenities, such as hairdryers and towels.
In La Selva Lodge restaurant, you will enjoy delicious meals. Your meals will be ready for when you return to the lodge from your guided rainforest excursions.
In addition to the wildlife trails and boat tours, you will also visit the Yasuni Claylick. See different colorful parrots gathered at the clay.
The many trails take you past giant trees, lakes and see many animals. The trails have been designed to take you past the best areas for rainforest wildlife and scenery.
La Selva is committed to responsible tourism and is Rainforest Alliance certified.
To check availability for your dates, send La Selva Lodge a request using the button below.
4, 5 days+La Selva Lodge
El Coca, EcuadorLa Selva Lodge is an award-winning Amazon Rainforest lodge in the Ecuadorian jungle and is regarded as the premier eco-lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon....
- Luxury Lodge, Canopy Tower
From $ 1,570
/ person -
Amazon & Galapagos Combination Tours
Imagine a journey where the wonders of nature unfold before your eyes in two of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. This isn't just a vacation; it's an expedition into the heart of Ecuador’s wild, where every step is an adventure, and every moment is a memory in the making.
Ecuador offers you two incredible wildlife-rich destinations, both the Amazon and Galapagos Islands, where you can see the wild world before human influence.
We have selected two experiences to give you the best experience on a combination Amazon and Galapagos tour. One is land-based with a day aboard a yacht of island exploration and one is a luxury island-hopping cruise to different Galapagos islands. You will then visit one of the premium rainforest lodges in Ecuador for an incredible guided expedition into Amazonia.Land-based ExperienceExplore the Amazon and Galapagos on the Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour. This journey combines the Sacha Lodge for the Amazon Rainforest & Scalesia Lodge on Isabela Island in the Galapagos.
Your adventure begins on the enchanted shores of Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos archipelago. Here, amidst the playful sea lions and the majestic tortoises, you'll discover a forgotten world where nature reigns supreme.
From the azure waters of the Galapagos, you'll transition to the emerald depths of the Amazon Rainforest. Imagine waking up at the comfortable Sacha Lodge to the symphony of the jungle before enjoying delicious food and heading off to explore the incredible wildlife.
Click on the Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour bubble below to learn more.
Luxury Galapagos Cruise & Rainforest LodgeIf you prefer a cruise to travel from island to island exploring the Galapagos, we recommend combining the luxury Ocean Spray catamaran or the even more luxurious Elite vessel with your rainforest experience at La Selva Lodge & Spa. The lodge and vessels are owned and operated by the same umbrella company and can help you create an incredible luxury Galapagos & Amazon combination tour.
11 daysThe Darwin & Orellana Discovery
Quito, EcuadorEnjoy a seamless journey to combine two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions. And over 11 days, you will explore Ecuador’s incredibl...
- Amazon Rainforest & Galapagos Islands
From $ 6,915
/ person
View The Elite Galapagos Cruise video
Baltra Island, Ecuador
To learn more, send your request to either La Selva Lodge, the Ocean Spray or the Elite using the tour bubbles below.
4, 5 days+La Selva Lodge
El Coca, EcuadorLa Selva Lodge is an award-winning Amazon Rainforest lodge in the Ecuadorian jungle and is regarded as the premier eco-lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon....
- Luxury Lodge, Canopy Tower
From $ 1,570
/ person
4, 5, 6 & 8 daysThe Ocean Spray Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorAboard the Ocean Spray Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger luxury catamaran of...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ person
4, 5, 8 daysThe Elite Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Elite Cruise invites you on an extraordinary exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With modern luxury, the Elite had its maiden voyage in 2019 and...
- High Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,690
/ person
Ash
Tour Advisor at TourTheTropics.comAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.