Deep Amazon vs Tena Region

There are few experiences as unique as those you can have in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This magical region has the greatest biodiversity on the planet and its uniqueness and exuberance is reflected in the widest variety of flora and fauna. Many people consider Ecuador to be the perfect place to discover this unique treasure because it has three different regions: the Tena Region, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, and the Yasuni National Park. There are many Ecuadorian amazon rainforest tours in these three regions.

The Tena region is an ideal starting point for exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon and meeting amazing ancestral communities. However, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and the Yasuni National Park can take you deep into the Amazon, where you can come into direct contact with unique animals and experience nature up close at its purest level. In this blog post, Expedition Ecuador tells you everything you need to know before traveling to this magical place, so you can decide whether to go to the Tena region or to the deep Amazon.

How to reach each region

Getting to the Tena region is relatively easy. You can choose to travel by public transport from the city of Quito. In the southern part of the city, you will find the Quitumbe bus station where you can buy your tickets for $10. Buses run several times a day! The second option would be to book private transport, depending on your location and the number of travelers.

On the other hand, it is important to understand that the best located lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon are far from “civilization”, as the most abundant flora and fauna are far from any human settlement. You can find several tours that meet at the Cuyabeno bridge in the province of Lago Agrio. You can get there by public transport from the Quitumbe bus station in the south of Quito. Tickets can be bought at the station for $12. You can take the last bus, which leaves at 23:00 and arrives early in the morning. You can also get to this meeting point on a shared tourist bus, which you can book for $22 per person. This is the safest way to get to the Cuyabeno bridge!

The Yasuni National Park is known for having the deepest located eco-lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon. To get to these Yasuni National Park lodges, you first need to get to the Coca region. You can take public transport from the same bus station in the city of Quito. On arrival, you can take a taxi to the meeting point each eco-lodge has. The other option is to take a 45-minute flight from Quito. The cost of the flight is $270 approximately. Finally, you can get to the different eco-lodges by canoe! Remember that we can help you with any requirements you may have to get to this beautiful region!

Comfort in the middle of the rainforest

No matter where you go, you will find comfortable eco-lodges where you can enjoy a unique experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. You can find different types of eco-lodges to suit your travel style, preferences, and budget. Immerse yourself in the magic of the rainforest while enjoying excellent amenities and activities that will awaken your adventure and exploration spirit. Depending on the region and lodge you choose, you can hike, birdwatch, visit indigenous communities, and much more. Either way, we can assure you that you will find comfort in the middle of the rainforest! Check out our amazon eco-lodges here!

Comfort in the middle of the rainforest

While both the Tena region and the deep Amazon offer unique experiences, there are some differences to consider. Broadly speaking, pristine nature is the main protagonist in the deep Amazon, while in the Tena region you will find plenty of nature, but not at the same level of exuberance. You may also have a better chance of discovering the lives and customs of several indigenous communities, taking a chocolate harvesting and production tour, engaging in adventure activities such as rafting, and even exploring the Jumandi Caves!

Let’s start with the Tena region. Here you can hike through primary and secondary forests, go canoeing, do birdwatching and meet magical indigenous communities. There are 9 nationalities in the Ecuadorian Amazon, many of which allow visitors to enjoy and learn about ancestral peoples’ culture, their kindness, and their deep connection and respect for nature. You can also combine all this with delicious traditional food that will make you feel like you are part of the communities. Discover everything about ancestral cultures in the Ecuadorian Amazon here!

As one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, the deep Amazon has plenty of amazing activities to do and places to explore. The most exceptional thing about this region are its exotic species and lush vegetation. In just one square kilometer of this region, you can see hundreds of different species of trees, birds, and unique wildlife. You can participate in amazing activities that will vary depending on the itineraries and eco-lodge you decide to go to. You can hike in the forest to observe large trees and small insects, swim in lagoons to enjoy the sunset, birdwatch, search for alligators at night, practice kayaking, learn about native people and local legends, go canoeing to see pink dolphins or black caimans, and much more. Read some fun facts about the Ecuadorian Amazon here!

Wildlife Encounters

In the Tena region you can see many beautiful animals in their natural habitat. You will see different species of monkeys, hummingbirds, toucans, parrots, alligators, and more. Be careful with the monkeys, these playful animals do not hesitate to jump on people’s arms and steal glasses, food, and other things! The deep Amazon like Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, is home to unique animals such as the anaconda, the pink dolphin, and the squirrel monkey. More than a thousand different species of trees can be found in one hectare of land, attracting not only an enormous number of birds but also observers who find a true paradise for wildlife photography. The Yasuni National Park is one of the most important places in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. This national park covers almost 2.5 million hectares of rainforest and is home to more than 600 species of birds. You can also find jaguars, alligators, toucans, macaws, turtles, monkeys, and many other exotic species. The Yasuni Reserve also holds the world record for having 150 species of amphibians. Check out everything about the Napo Wildlife Center Lodge here!

In a nutshell

A trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon will make you connect with yourself through a vibrant natural environment. In each of these regions you will have a unique adventure full of amazing activities and experiences. Don’t forget to contact us so we can help you with all the information you need!