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The Amazon, measuring 6.5 million square kilometers (approximately 2.5 million square miles) is the largest of tropical ecosystems, and contains a vast network of rivers and lakes, which constitutes 20% of the earth’s freshwater. In the whole of the Amazon Basin and the world, the highest levels of biodiversity have been recorded in the Ecuadorian Jungle. The heart of this natural wonder can be reached by land after a spectacular journey through breathtaking scenery or alternatively after a 30-minute flight from Quito, the capital city of this peaceful oasis, Ecuador. Approximately a third of the 1,671 species of birds recorded for Ecuador can be found here in our rainforest. It is a bird paradise.
Lush, green jungle lies on this zone, in this area of pristine beauty, botanists have discovered around 300 species of trees in one hectare alone. It is a heaven to be explored with its impressive vegetation and humid, earthy odor, along with the song of hidden frogs, extravagant birds, the wind-like cries of howler monkeys and the constant buzzing and chirping of a fascinating variety of insects. Just as a sample, more than 198 species of mammals inhabit the Ecuadorian rainforest.
In addition, the abundant rivers and lakes are home of 2 species of freshwater dolphins, as well as of 4 species of piranhas, and the gigantic paiche (Arapaima gigas), measuring up to 3 m / 21 ft. in length.
A national park, (Parque Nacional Yasuní), and the two reserves: Cuyabeno and Limoncocha, with the aim of preserving the rainforest, protect approximately 1.5 million hc. /3917534.5 acres of this rich ecosystem.
The Ecuadorian Amazon region is also home of eight indigenous communities: The Cofanes, the Shuaras, the Huaoranis, the Secoyas, the Sionas, the Achuar, the Quichuas and the Zaparos. Visitors to the Amazon have the opportunity to discover some of the ancient traditions of these native people, as well as receiving the benefit from their vast knowledge and understanding of their environment.
In our effort to establish Ecotourism, the participation of the indigenous communities in our work is fundamental, in order to keep this mutual collaboration and respect between visitors to the rainforest and their native hosts.
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is located north-east from Quito; it's indeed one of the most biodiverse zones in the Ecuadorian Amazon Jungle. This reserve has 14 lakes, the ones that give the tourist the unique opportunity of admiring the beauty of the flora and fauna in this flooded rain-forest, known as Igapó. This reserve is part of the Ecuadorian National Protected Areas System, this means that only qualified tour Operators work in this place. This is reason enough not to find a lot of tourists visiting this area, allowing our guests to enjoy the nature and its great sounds.
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