Best of Yasuni National Park

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Yasuni National Park
The Yasuni National Park encompasses a pristine swath of the Amazon rainforest, and is a major draw for its biodiversity. The vast reserve, which spreads across nearly 3800 square miles (9790 sq km), is also the ancestral home of the Huaorani indigenous community, who still conserve their traditions. Most travelers base at one of several jungle lodges in Yasuni, with unrivaled possibilities for seeing wildlife.

Knowledgeable naturalist guides help you spot plant and animal species, and also shed insight into the jungle’s ecosystems and its extraordinary habitats. Boating trips give a different perspective on Amazonian wildlife, and you can also head off on evening excursions to look for nocturnal species. Visits to indigenous communities allow you to gain firsthand insight into the Huaorani’s centuries-old knowledge of native plants.
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Monkey on tree trunk
Map of Ecuadorian Amazon Adventure: Yasuní National Park - 5 Days
Ecuadorian Amazon Adventure: Yasuní National Park - 5 Days

Go deep into one of the most biodiverse spots on earth, the Yasuní National Park. Located in the heart of the Amazon, you'll explore pristine forests, rivers and lagoons while keeping an eye out for different species of monkeys and birds, as well as endemic insects and plants. You'll also have the opportunity get to do a cultural exchange with the native Kichua people to learn about their history and culture.

Hoatzin in Yasuni National Park
Map of Nature & Culture in Ecuador: Quito and the Amazon Rainforest - 7 Days
Nature & Culture in Ecuador: Quito and the Amazon Rainforest - 7 Days

If you want to visit Ecuador but can't decide between city or rainforest life, this itinerary has the best of both worlds. Start in Quito to see colonial churches and visit the equatorial line, then head to the Amazon rainforest. Spend three days in Yasuni National Park relaxing at an ecolodge, panning for gold in a stream, and learning to make chocolate the authentic way. 

Embark on a luxury cruise through Ecuador's rainforest
Map of Amazon Luxury Cruise & Galápagos Island Hopping - 10 Days
Amazon Luxury Cruise & Galápagos Island Hopping - 10 Days

Experience two of Ecuador's most remarkable ecosystems in style on this 10-day adventure. Starting from the capital of Quito, set off into the wilds of the Amazon and board a three-night luxury river cruise through Yasuni National Park. Spot primates, parrots, and piranhas as you explore the rainforest by kayak and on foot, returning to the comfort of your ship each evening. Then it's time to switch gears and fly to the Galápagos for an itinerary of island hopping, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters.

Travel to a rainforest lodge for family hikes, canoeing, and wildlife spotting in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Map of Ecuadorian Amazon & Quito Family Adventure - 7 Days
Ecuadorian Amazon & Quito Family Adventure - 7 Days

Young explorers and aspiring adventurers will love this family-friendly itinerary that takes you from the high-altitude capital of Quito to the biodiverse rainforests of Yasuní National Park. Head deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon for three nights in a jungle lodge, where kids can spot remarkable wildlife like monkeys, otters, and parrots. Broaden their horizons with visits to the local Indigenous community, then fly back to Quito for kid-friendly museums and a scenic cable car ride over the capital.

Experience wildlife close up with the kids on the Galápagos Islands
Map of Ecuador Family Wildlife Adventure: Amazon Rainforest & Galápagos Islands  - 10 Days
Ecuador Family Wildlife Adventure: Amazon Rainforest & Galápagos Islands - 10 Days

Explore two of the world's most diverse wildlife destinations in one trip! This 10-day itinerary will take your family through the wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest and the Galapágos Islands, with a couple of nights in high-altitude Quito to boot. You and the kids will get up close to macaws, giant tortoises, and sea lions in their natural habitats, experience both traditional life in the Amazon and Quito's city style, and learn about one of the frontiers of science and conservation research.

Split your time between Ecuador's buzzing capital and the Amazon rainforest
Map of Quito & Yasuni National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Quito & Yasuni National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, six to eight days is the perfect amount of time for an Ecuador trip, with stops in both Quito and Yasuni National Park. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as five days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil. Keep reading for more inspiring Quito and Yasuni National Park itineraries.

Sunbathe with sea lions and other local residents when you stay on Isla San Cristobal
Map of Quito, Puerto Ayora, Yasuni National Park & Isla San Cristóbal: Best Itinerary Ideas
Quito, Puerto Ayora, Yasuni National Park & Isla San Cristóbal: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 10 to 14 days is perfect for a well-paced Ecuador trip with stops in Quito, Puerto Ayora, Yasuni National Park, and Isla San Cristóbal. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—our favorite itinerary extension includes Puerto Villamil. See more ideas for Quito, Puerto Ayora, Yasuni National Park, and Isla San Cristóbal itineraries below.

End your trip with a four-night cruise through the Galápagos Archipelago
Map of Ecuador Cruise Adventure: Quito to the Amazon & the Galápagos - 14 Days
Ecuador Cruise Adventure: Quito to the Amazon & the Galápagos - 14 Days

Combine cultural sightseeing with two bucket-list nature cruises for the ultimate two-week adventure in Ecuador. You'll start in Quito, with day trips to Mindo and Otavalo, then journey deep into Yasuní National Park for a multi-day cruise through the Amazon rainforest. Fly to the Galápagos for another four nights of cruising to uninhabited islands and unspoiled beaches—witnessing volcanic landscapes and remarkable wildlife as you explore the hidden corners of this biodiverse paradise.

Parrot at Parrot clay lick
Map of Ecuador Wildlife & Culture: Quito, Mindo, Yasuni National Park - 10 Days
Ecuador Wildlife & Culture: Quito, Mindo, Yasuni National Park - 10 Days

On this 10-day journey through Ecuador, you will experience culture and extraordinary wildlife. It is the perfect trip for the curious traveler who wants to see the magic of the Amazonian jungle, learn about indigenous communities, and experience history in the UNESCO-listed city of Quito. Zipline between trees through the rainforest, drink Wayusa with the Kichwa locals and shop for local crafts at the Otavalo Market.

A bird-watcher's paradise in Yasuní National Park
Map of Ecuador Wildlife & Bird-Watching Adventure: Cloud Forest, Rainforest & Andes - 15 Days
Ecuador Wildlife & Bird-Watching Adventure: Cloud Forest, Rainforest & Andes - 15 Days

Pack your binoculars and your sense of wonder for this 15-day journey from the Ecuadorian Andes to the Amazon rainforest and back. Start in Quito to discover its rich history and culture, then head to Yasuní National Park to observe biodiverse jungle life at a rainforest lodge. Continue to the cloud forests of Mindo, where avid bird-watchers can spot some of its 550 species alongside monkeys, butterflies, and waterfalls, then return to the capital to wind down with some relaxed city sightseeing.

See colorful macaws in the Amazon
Map of Discover Ecuador From the Amazon to the Galápagos - 15 Days
Discover Ecuador From the Amazon to the Galápagos - 15 Days

Nature lovers will adore this journey through Ecuador, which takes you to the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Start in Quito, where you'll tour the city, take a cooking class, and visit the equator. Take a day trip to an Indigenous market and volcanic crater lake, then head into the Amazon for some wildlife spotting and a visit to a Kichwa community. Return to Quito and fly to the Galápagos, where you'll see giant turtles, snorkel with marine wildlife, try paddleboarding, and hike up a volcano.

Mindo cloud forest at sunrise in fog and mist, Mindo, Ecuador
Map of Nature & National Parks in Ecuador - 11 Days
Nature & National Parks in Ecuador - 11 Days

Spend 11 days exploring the biodiverse landscapes of Ecuador, from the Andes to the Amazon. Travel from Quito deep into the rainforest of Yasuní National Park for a chance to see parrots, monkeys, and other wildlife. Then, hop on a horse to explore Cotopaxi National Park, where you can find volcanic lakes and stunning views of the active volcano. Finally, unwind in Baños and Papallacta, watching the views from bubbling hot springs.

Baby Alpaca
Map of Multi Country South America Adventure: Ecuador & Peru - 14 Days
Multi Country South America Adventure: Ecuador & Peru - 14 Days

Experience the best of Ecuador's mainland and Peru's highlights on this two-week trip. Start in Quito to tour the UNESCO-designated city center, then head to the Amazon for cultural experiences with the Kichwa indigenous community, wildlife viewing, and a peaceful rainforest atmosphere. Return to Quito by way of Cotopaxi National Park, home to the eponymous volcano. Then, catch a flight to Lima—the urban hub of Peru. End the trip with a visit to Cusco's pre-Inca ruins and a tour of the Sacred Valley and imperial Machu Picchu residence.

Amazonian rainforest in Yasuní National Park
Map of Nature & Relaxation in Ecuador: National Parks, Waterfalls & Hot Springs - 9 Days
Nature & Relaxation in Ecuador: National Parks, Waterfalls & Hot Springs - 9 Days

Unplug and de-stress on this nature-filled, nine-day escape to Ecuador. Start in the capital of Quito for city sightseeing, then venture into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforests of Yasuní National Park, where you'll meet the forest's traditional guardians and spot its spectacular wildlife. It's on to Cotopaxi National Park to see sweeping Andean grasslands by horseback, then wind your way along the dramatic Route of Waterfalls in Baños before ending your trip with a soak in the Papallacta hot springs.

Other popular travel destinations in Ecuador
Quito · Baños · Cotopaxi · Otavalo · Guayaquil · Cuenca · The Amazon · Riobamba · Papallacta · Tena · Mindo · Quilotoa · Archidona · Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve · Isinliví · Cacha · Lago Agrio