I have some time already booked touring the Galapagos Islands next February (2023). I am wondering if anyone has visited the amazonian rainforest from Quito and what they recommend? I have been looking at some of the ecolodges around Yasuni Park and, traveling alone, costs are about $1000 pp/pn. That's steep so wondering if anyone has done this and if it's worth the high cost? Also - should one visit the amazon before or after Galapagos? TIA!
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2720 posts
I stayed at Itamandi EcoLodge as part of a tour. Their published rates are much lower than $1000 per person, even the single rate. I found it a fun and interesting experience, though it was pretty low frills and some of my tourmates were uncomfortable with the rain and muck and bugs. You'll have to go through Quito (high elevation) to get to the rainforest (usually medium elevation) and as you know Galapagos is at zero elevation, so I suppose the timing depends on your stamina and whether you did any activities in Galapagos that limit your travel times (e.g. you can't fly/travel for a certain number of hours after scuba). About half my tour group was headed to Galapagos after our Ecuador tour.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
thanks CL - will look into it.
Posted by
2 posts
I had an absolutely wonderful trip to Yasuni national park. As I was traveling for a long period of time, I was looking for the best budget way to visit.
The best way to access the park (not sure if there are other ways) is the daily local boat from Coca to Nueva Rocafuerte costs about 18 USD one way which was around 6.5 hours with a stop for lunch, spent 2 nights in Nueva Rocafuerte in Yurag Wasi hostal for about 24 USD per night. From there we hired a guide to take us for a full day to the park for like 60 USD including breakfast and lunch included. I spent most of the day on his boat wildlife spotting and also left the boat for 2 short walks into the rainforest visiting giant trees and seeing more animals.
The scenery is spectacular, completely unspoiled rainforest and we didn't see any other tourists. In just one day we saw pink and grey river dolphins 5 species of monkey, toucans, macaws, frogs, snakes, and butterflies
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4602 posts
Decades ago, we took a wonderful tour of the Ecuadorian rainforest on a riverboat. Sorry I don't know the name of the company. I just googled this on web and the only option I see is really expensive-the one we took wasn't.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks for your suggestions. I will look into them. Regards, Theresa
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I had a great trip to Ecuador and stayed in the beautiful Sachatamia Lodge in the Mindo. I would return there. The rains tend to fall in the afternoon so you need to focus your activities for the morning.