Into the jungle (Ecuador)

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alexlove0191
alexlove0191

Hello!

After six months in the USA/Canada, I will be heading to Central/South America. I'm starting off with a 4-week spanish course in Xela, Guatemala. After that I thought I'd fly to Quito and make my way through Columbia and then right up to Mexico, before visiting a friend in Kingston. I have about six weeks in between leaving Guatemala and needing to leave for Jamaica (Keep in mine I plan to see most of Guat from Xela, as well as a weekend trip into El Salvidor.

Anyway, my question is, what are the cheapest ways for me to get from quito into the Amazon jungle. It would be a dream for me to spend a few days walking (or canoeing) through the Amazon, being amongst the flora and fauna, and I am willing to spend what little money have available to make sure that it happens (not to mention hitting my 6th continent). I'm happy to join a tour group to make it simpler, and I'll already have all my camping gear with me. I'm just struggling to find much! Any input is greatly appreciated.

FYI:
I'm planning this for Feb
I'll be 24
On my own
I Enjoy the outdoors
Experienced hiker and camper
I don't have much time to plan complicated journeys (currently working and will soon be going off-grid for a while).

Thanks!

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pboae
pboae

It's easy to arrange trips to the Amazon from Ecuador. You will need to take a tour. The main jumping off points are Tena or Lago Agrio. You can also book through various agents in Quito or Banos. This company does budget trips http://www.ecuatraveling.com/ but it's not particularly a recommendation. There are many agencies that offer similar deals.

However, if I understand you right, you plan to fly to Quito. take a side-trip to the Amazon, and then make your way overland (and sea) through Colombia and Central America to Mexico in 6 weeks. Unless you plan to spend the entire 6 weeks on buses that's a pretty impractical schedule.

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fluffy_bunny
fluffy_bunny

6 weeks for 9 countries including boats? That's a little fast.

As mentioned, trips into the Amazon are easy to arrange all over Ecuador. There are several agents in the Old City and Mariscal of Quito. Plus many more in the party town of Banos. It is possible to do little mini-day trips into "jungle" from Tena, but the longer and deeper (therefore better?) trips are via tours to jungle lodges.

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alexlove0191
alexlove0191

Hi,

I appreciate your responses to my questions. I do some research based on your answers!

For the record, I didn't ask for advice on my itinerary. I am fully aware that I have limited time, and I never implied that I will attempt to see 9 countries or travel overland through all of Central America in that time. I haven't even began to think about a plan beyond Panama, and I probably won't do for some time.

Cheers

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