Ecuador is a country known for its unique landscapes. Whether you prefer the mountains, beaches, rainforests, (or all three!), there’s something here for everyone. And, one of the best ways to see a good blend of everything is by taking a tour of these different places.
When I went to Ecuador to visit my boyfriend’s family, we were lucky enough to be taken to many of the sights. We went shopping in Otavalo, relaxed in the hot springs in Banos and stood on the equator in Quito. But, nothing was quite as cool as our trip to Lago Agrio; a city at the foothills of the Amazon Rainforest. Our family lives in this unchartered part of the country, and they took us to experience it in all its authenticity.
Now, when you go to Ecuador, you might not be able to do this exact tour. But, you might be able to do something like it! So, here was my experience and how you can do something more or less the same.
Understand the Amazonian Areas
If you want to make a trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon, there are some things you should know. First off, there are three many cities that stand as the entrances to the Amazon. A few of the well-known ones, though, are Coca, Tena, and of course, Lago Agrio. These cities are in the Amazon Basin and are the gateway to this mysterious and exotic jungle.
Beyond the Basin lives indigenous Amazonian tribes. Most of them are well integrated into Ecuadorian society and speak Spanish fluently. Others are not so accustomed to having visitors and may approach you how they see fit. Typically though, you don’t have to worry about exercising caution, as your tour guide will make sure you’re taken to safe areas. When we went, we met the Cofán tribe. They lived in huts, wore their custom dress, ate their traditional food, and lived much like their ancestors did…except now, with cell phones.
Getting There
Another benefit of going on a tour of the rainforest is that your transportation will be organized by your tour guide. No need to worry about navigating the roads into the depths of the jungle. They’ve got you covered.
To get to Lago Agrio, you can book a flight with TAME from cities like Quito, Cuenca, or Guayaquil. This airline also flies to other Amazonian cities like Coca. Though the flights are rather cheap and run frequently, keep in mind that there are often delays.
Once I arrived in Lago Agrio, I was able to hitch a ride with my boyfriend’s aunt and uncle. As we drove down the dirt roads covered with trees, I noticed how many oil rigs were operating right in the rainforest. This has, of course, played a role in the destruction of the Amazon, but has also significantly helped the economy in this part of the country and Ecuador overall.
As we drove along, we stopped along the side of the road. My boyfriend’s uncle hopped out to grab a large cocoa bean off one of the trees. We sucked the sweet fruit on the inside and made our way to the river to continue our journey.
Before we took a boat over to where the tribe lived, we stopped at a museum. This museum talked about the history and customs of the Cofán tribe, as well as other tribes in the area. You can’t even find this museum on Google because it’s that hidden. In the museum, we saw a large photo of the shaman that would later give me a traditional “healing.”
What To Expect
Once we took boats over to the tribe, things were a little surprising at first. Seeing how they live and how they’ve managed to keep their way of life in today’s times was amazing. One of the matriarchs told us she even studied in Cuenca. After she got her degree, she came back to live in her community. Though they are acclimated to modern society, they still keep their traditions alive.
Our day here was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We couldn’t swim in the river. But, we ate delicious food, spoke with them about life, listened to their indigenous language, and eventually met with the shaman. Earlier that day on our way to the river, we had seen a boy fishing for his family. On the way back, we saw him again and asked if he caught a fish. He had, and we bought it off of him for a generous amount.
Though no two people have the same experience when they travel, my authentic Amazonian adventure isn’t too far off from what you can see on a tour. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity when you come to Ecuador.
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
