Select photos by Gus Recalde
The Amazon rainforest covers eight different South America countries. The largest expanse lies in Brazil. We chose to enter the Amazon through Ecuador because of the relative ease of access. But it is not a short drive from the capital city of Quito. Ecuador’s Amazonia crosses six provinces: Napo, Sucumbios, Pastanza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe. The Napo and Pastanza provinces contain Yasuni Park, one of the most bio-diverse areas on earth. Jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, caimans and parrots as well as other unique flora and fauna can be found in the region.
The Ecuadorian Amazon is also known for the Taromenane and the Tagaeri, isolated indigenous tribes, living deep within its forests. There are very few members of this population left and they live in purposeful isolation, avoiding all contact with the outside world. These tribes dwell within the margins of the Yasuní National Park, where their right to privacy is protected by Ecuador’s constitution.
The Yasuni Bioshere Reserve has some diverse plants, fish (including piranhas, which are not quite as terrifiying as in popular lore), mammals (monkeys and jaguars) reptiles (anacondas and iguanas) and many types of insects. Many more than you can ever imagine! One of those insects is the bullet ant, which has a very painful bite, whose effects last 24 hours. The bullet ant is large, but not the largest in the Amazon. You have to go downstream into Brazil to see the really big ones (dinoponera gigantea). The Yasuni National park is a long boat ride from the lodge where we stayed but we will definitely visit it the next time we are here. It is well worth the journey.
The Amazon is also a birdwatcher’s wonderland! Ecuador’s birding is world renowned, with an estimated 1600 species: more than twice the amount found in all of North America. Among the more colorful and exotic ones are macaws, toucans and tanagers.
Near our lodge are many marvels to see in the rainforest itself: the spectacular waterfalls, AmaZOOnico (jungle wildlife rescue center opened in 1993 on the banks of the Napo river), 
along with many nature reserves and parks. On our walk on the grounds in AmaZOOnico we saw a scorpion, large spiders and wild monkeys in the trees. The other animals we saw there were being rehabilitated. It is a fantastic and yet peaceful walk through the zoo in the jungle.
Also close to where we stayed is The Cacao Farm, a wonderful place to experience local preparations of chocolate. The beans are harvested from the pod; the seeds are dried in the pan and ground into a chocolate paste. The chocolate and fresh fruit fondue they served us there tastes delectable. There is also a scenic butterfly farm with some of the most exotic and beautiful butterflies I have ever seen! You can see them from a sheltered chrysalis form through mature butterfly.
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One of my favorite experiences here was exploring a medicinal shaman’s garden. The shaman, Luis, showed us many medicinal and healthful plants, did a cleansing ceremony for me which made my ears pop. The ceremony cleared from me the unease which I had experienced from altitude changes (Quito is above 9,000 feet) and the treatment gave me an overall feeling of well-being. Luis also introduced me to Guayusa tea, which has natural caffeine and antioxidants. I continue to drink it here back at home. I bought some dragon’s blood, a tree resin which is used to heal wounds and used in spiritual rituals. 
The grounds also contained a number of indigenous animal traps which were used in the past. It was a very interesting afternoon!
We also enjoyed a local artisan who carved beautiful figures from nature in Balsa wood. We could not resist an exotic bird sculpture!
We took a number of hikes through the jungle, one was straight up a flowing creek. Our guide Gus showed us how to start a fire with flint and local tree materials. He also showed us how we could survive on ants and termites! We also visited a pond loaded with caiman crocodiles.
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We stayed in a delightful lodge, Casa del Suizo, located on the Napo river, the Amazon river’s largest and most mighty tributary. Casa del Suizo is described as “remote yet accessible.” Our suite was perfect, with the best views and a jacuzzi on the deck with hammock. Exotic birds sang into our windows in the morning and into the night. These photos were taken off our private deck. 
The food was a buffet which had many choices of international and local food. We had our own professional private guide and driver, Gus Recalde. 
He picked us up in Quito, guided us everywhere in the Amazon and took some of the most amazing photos for the blog, then delivered us to the airport at the end of our amazing journey. We would also like to thank Miriam in sales and operations who suggested the suite and made all our arrangements while we were at the lodge. Everything was perfect!
Staying at this lodge with its professional staff and management- where everything was arranged and included for our stay, made our time here the highlight of our trip to South America. Now, as I sit at home sipping my Guayusa tea I can still imagine the beautiful Napo river in front of me surrounded by the lush, tropical rain forest!
