Adventure and nature in the Ecuadorian Amazon, amongst indigenous peoples, orchids and rare animals

The tropical and rainforest areas in the province of Pastaza, at the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon – known as the ‘Oriente’ – which can be reached from the Tungurahua area, surrounded by mountains perpetually draped in a veil of playful clouds, are a source of inspiration for lovers of the purest nature still to be found on Earth. Whilst in Baños de Agua Santa you can go rafting on the Rio Pastaza, venture along the zip-line and go trekking up and down these slopes dotted with Dracula orchids—whose flowers resemble a monkey’s face— it is above all by venturing further inland on guided excursions that you can observe spectacled bears and the bizarre varieties of frogs sporting vibrant colours up close, without disturbing them. Encounters with the local indigenous communities – seven indigenous tribes known as the Kichwa, Andoa, Zápara, Huaorani, Achuar, Shiwiar and Shuar, who have inhabited the Amazon rainforest for millennia – will be deeply enriching in terms of language, cuisine and craftsmanship, for through their stories and gestures one comes to understand how their very existence is spiritually and materially intertwined with the trees, animals, rivers and clouds.