The jungle region of Ecuador is called Oriente. The eastern slopes of the Andes vegetation becomes more dense and tropical giving away to low lands of tick jungles and hundreds of rivers. From Baños I traveled a short distance over the mountain pass doted with many incredibly high waterfalls falling into the canyon bellow. Wanting to spend some time in actual jungle I booked a spot at small ecolodge for incredibly affordable price of $25/night. It was located about 25 north of Puyo along a dirt track.
The main structure was built out of local materials, mainly tick bamboo which supported the structure. The humidity became much more noticeable and the rain became more frequent during the afternoons. Local guide Julio took me on few jungle hikes highlighting medicinal plants and local flora and fauna. As we were hiking a dense forest, I realized how much I was out of my element. Being totally at ease in the mountains and forests of the North, the jungle is a completely different environment and requires an acquired knowledge to safely navigate it.
I really enjoyed Julio’s company since I was the only guest and the lodge has not received many visitors over the pandemic. My preference when I travel is to make friends and connections with local people, because only then I can experience true flavor of the country I travel through.
‘Eastern Slopes’ 11” x 14” oil on board
‘Rain Clouds over the Jungle’ 14” x 11” oil on board