Ecuador · Amazon Rain Forest

Amazon Experiences:
Untamed Nature and the Myth of El Dorado

The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to extraordinary biodiversity and the ancestral cultures of the Huaorani, Cofan, Achuar, Shuar and Quichua peoples.

Enter the rainforest
A journey from Quito to the heart of the Ecuadorian rainforest

Beyond the legend
of El Dorado.

Quito is the legendary origin of the Spanish quest for El Dorado—and the natural gateway to one of the planet's greatest living treasures.

From this Andean capital, Francisco de Orellana set out on an expedition that would lead to the discovery of the Amazon River. Today, the true treasure is found in the forest's mega-biodiversity and the ancestral wisdom of the communities who protect it.

Samay Adventures connects these histories through carefully designed journeys into a world of rivers, lagoons, wildlife and living cultures.

Quitohistoric gateway to the Amazon
Amazonnature, culture and discovery
Family observing wildlife from an Amazon eco lodge
Wildlife observation becomes a shared family discovery.
Nowhere else on Earth

A realm of
astonishing life.

Across approximately six million square kilometres, the Amazon shelters around 2.5 million insect species, 10,000 plant species and one in every five bird species on Earth—alongside an extraordinary diversity of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

6Msquare kilometres of rainforest
2.5Mestimated insect species
1 in 5of the world's bird species
Capuchin monkeys among dense Amazon foliage
Life in every layer of the forest
Black tamarin resting on a tropical tree branch
Rare encounters
Rocky river flowing through Ecuadorian rainforest
Rivers that shape the landscape
“The real treasure of the Amazon is its overwhelming biodiversity and the ancestral knowledge that continues to sustain it.”
Visitors sharing a cultural encounter with an Amazon community
Sustainable ecotourism

Protecting a
pristine jungle.

The Amazon is both a natural sanctuary and the ancestral home of the Huaorani, Cofan, Achuar, Shuar and Quichua peoples.

Global warming, pollution and unsustainable development place this extraordinary region under pressure. Responsible travel can support conservation, safeguard cultural heritage and create meaningful opportunities for local communities.

Our journeys are designed with respect: smaller footprints, knowledgeable local partners and experiences that value the forest as a living system rather than a backdrop.

Responsible ecotourism · Eco lodges

Stay deep within
the living forest.

We hand-select remote properties in pristine zones for their comfort, conservation practices, guides and authentic relationship with their surroundings.

Remote Amazon river lodge at golden hour
Riverside immersionWake to forest sounds and life along the water.
Illuminated Amazon eco lodge reflected in a lagoon at twilight
Lagoon sanctuaryComfort and expert naturalist experiences in the heart of the jungle.
Travelers rafting through Amazon rapids
Beyond observation

Feel the energy
of the Amazon.

River expeditions, wildlife observation, forest walks and cultural encounters reveal the many dimensions of this immense ecosystem. Each itinerary is tailored to your pace, interests and preferred level of adventure.

Design my expedition
Your Amazon expedition

Step back in time.
Travel responsibly.

Contact us for custom programs and access to exclusive eco lodges selected for conservation, comfort and unforgettable encounters with the Ecuadorian rainforest.

Reserve your expedition