What to do in The Ecuadorian Amazon

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.