A paradise in the Ecuadorian Amazon
The Yasuni National Park is the largest protected area in Ecuador; this park is one of the most important natural reserves, with the greatest genetic biodiversity on the planet. It is an area ofpronounced scientific and tourist interest. It is located 250 km from Quito, the capital of the country, between the provinces of Orellana and Pastaza.
Among several tourist destinations in the country, the Yasuní National Park stands out between the places of sustainable category. This park has more than 1 million hectares. In 1989 UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve, since it is home to more than 500 species of birds, 173 species of mammals, as well as 62 species of snakes and more than 100 species of amphibians. In addition to all this, it presents a network of rivers and lagoons such as Sancudococha that constitute important tourist attractions in Ecuador.
This natural reserve is beside home to several indigenous communities such as the Taromenane, Waorani and Taegaris, who live in voluntary isolation. You cannot stop visiting this refuge of natural life.
You can do many activities when you visit this park. In this article, we are going to share some of them, so you have a little guide with you when you visit the Yasuní.
Explore our tour options to yasuni
Yaku Kawsay Interpretation Center
The Yaku Kawsay interpretation center is a museum where you will find information about the history of the park, its communities and its flora and fauna. Here you will get a brief introduction to the culture and you will receive Chicha de coca or Guayusa, which are typical of this area.
At the end of the museum, there is a small craft souvenir shop, which purpose is collect money for members of the community.
Saladero de Loros
The Saladero de Loros is located near the southern bank of the Napo River; here several birds such as parrots, parakeets and macaws come daily to consume the minerals of the earth to improve the digestion of food, turning this eating habit into a beautiful spectacle.
You can see this show from a boat, which remains several meters away from the birds to not disturbing their tranquility, so we recommend you bring binoculars to appreciate this show better.
Pink Dolphins in the Martiníca community
Inside the Martiníca community, we can find a great variety of species. This area, known for its pink river dolphins. The community helps protect and preserve this and other species.
The dolphins are located 8 hours by boat from Coca in the Martiníca community. You can take a tour to see and feed the dolphins. The best months to visit are February, August and December because there is better weather and a greater opportunity to see more wildlife. The low season is in April and May since the river rises, sending the animals deeper into the jungle, which makes it difficult to see them.
These places are just some of the many that you can explore inside this wonderful nature reserve. We recommend you stay at least a week to explore the numerous areas and the different Kichwa communities located throughout the park. Also, be sure to pack light clothing, comfortable shoes, mosquito repellent, and do not forget your camera and binoculars.
