Best hotels in The Ecuadorian Amazon

Mysterious? Yup. Magic? Oh yes. Ecuador's slice of the Amazon Basin has to be seen to be believed. The biodiversity is staggering, with thousands of weird and wonderful creatures from pink freshwater dolphins to tiny neon frogs hidden under the leaves. Within the incredible Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, La Selva is a jungle oasis on the shores of Lake Garzacocha. A leading eco-lodge, its design was inspired by authentic thatched bamboo cabanas, which are sprinkled amongst the trees and have tranquil views over the water. Speaking of which, you'll have ample chance to explore on kayaking adventures and hikes into the forest - day or night!

Having occupied adventure films for decades, the Amazon needs little introduction. Ecuador holds only 2% of this vine-entangled wonderland but its biodiversity is astounding. Housed in a 5000-acre ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge taps into this untamed spirit. Here, giant sloths dangle from branches outside your cabin and you'll enjoy barbecues on the Balsa - an on-the-water deck where caimans peep over the inky surface and otters dive below. Armed with a lifetime of knowledge, your guide will introduce you to the forest wildlife on walks and canoe trips down sequestered waterways. With all the creature comforts, the lodge is a restful spot to return to after a day of exploring.

One of the most astoundingly biodiverse areas on the planet, one-hectare of Yasuni National Park contains more living organisms than all of Europe. Nestled amidst the tangle of mahogany trees and jungle vines, Napo Wildlife Centre is entirely managed by the Anangu Kichwa community, offering a unique chance to see the Amazon through their eyes. Sitting beside the inky black waters of Anangu Lake, you'll spot a menagerie of birdlife (there are over 600 species in Yasuni alone) and on canoe rides down sun-dappled creeks, you'll learn to decipher the call of a howler monkey or the playful splash of a giant otter. Pure magic? Absolutely!

Sani Lodge delivers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in this primary rainforest. This lush landscape is home to vast varieties of wildlife including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Guests can encounter this breathtaking biodiversity and incomparable scenery through the low-impact trails built with environmental safety in mind.