The Amazon, the largest tropical forest in the world, that from the birds’ eyes, the view resembles a green carpet where the intricate rivers make their way like snakes from the Andes to the Amazon River ending with the confluence with the Atlantic Ocean.
The Ecuadorian jungle is home to 25,000 species of vascular plants 20% are endemic, 402 species of amphibians, 380 reptiles, 1,559 birds, and 324 mammals. It is also home to ethnic groups who keep their ancient wisdom, their worldview as the Taromenae, fortunately, one of the not contacted groups.
Exploring the jungle is getting to know a planet where it is impossible to capture all its beauty, an interconnected space of plants and animals that depend on each other for survival. The meandering rivers of these lands will become our routes for our kayaks to explore this jungle inhabited by monkeys, sloths, otters, alligators, parrots, butterflies, among others.
In every small place, we will find something that surprises and takes us away from the thought of civilization and brings us closer to the reality of our roots.
Each of the lodges that we visit adds something to our experience of entering to understand and appreciate this jungle that regulates our climate, providing us with oxygen for the entire planet, giving us the balance for our survival.
The observation tower allows us to have the same privilege as birds and animals. The horizon disappears between the greenery and the deep blue of a pure sky. Many times the clouds hang from the trees creating whitish patches, food of the epiphytic silver.
The comfort of these distant refuges of civilization reminds us of the safaris of yesteryear. After our activities, nothing will comfort us more than a hot shower, a comfortable and spacious room, gourmet food accompanied by a good selection of wines.
Touring the lagoons and tributaries of the great rivers to the sound of the rowing that drives us, almost silently, allows us to mimic ourselves as beings who do not want to be seen or heard, is like entering a cathedral with respect and admiration. The reward is to be close to the animals and listen to our naturalists’ guides’ stories.
Already in the lodges, darkness falls with sounds that awaken our imagination; insects, perhaps a howler monkey defending its territory, and owls, or simply the wind blowing the leaves of the forest warning that a storm is coming.
Experiences are those that last over time, captured by our retina, sounds, and feelings produced by sharing a sunset in a lagoon or a sunrise in an observation tower with a loved one. Those are life memories.
