Yasuni National Park
Discover Yasuni National Park
Yasuni National Park (Parque Nacional Yasuni) is a protected natural area in the Amazon region of eastern Ecuador. The park is the most biodiverse place on Earth where thousands of species concentrate in an area along the equator where the Andes mountains give way to the tropical rainforests of the Amazon basin. At least 43 endemic animal species and 270 endemic plant species in the park are found nowhere else on Earth. The park is also home to some of Ecuador's indigenous groups, particularly the Kichwa and the Huaorani people, plus two sub-cultures that avoid outside contact. Naturalists find abundant wildlife in the park, including 121 reptile species, 382 to over 500 fish species (the number varies by count and criteria), 596 bird species, 117 bat species, and more than 100,000 insect species (so you might want to pack the industrial grade DEET). Yasuni National Park covers an area of 982,300 hectares. It is well known for its controversial battles between environmentalists and the oil industry.
Taste of Yasuni National Park...
Carry plenty of water with you when you trek into the rainforests and don't drink from natural water sources. Use only potable water provided at your lodge or by tour guides. Alcoholic drinks are served at lodging centers in the park. Although Yasuni National Park is deep in the jungle far from any major population center, it can be a safe and memorable trip for anyone who prepares themselves and takes reasonable precautions. A few tips to make your trip safe:
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Yasuni National Park into what it is today.
The park was established as part of the Ecuador national parks system in July 1979. It was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1989. The park holds over 40 percent of Ecuador's proven oil reserves, making it a hotspot in the constant battle between conservationists and the oil industry. High profile international celebrity nature advocates including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Vice President, Al Gore, have pushed for laws banning oil exploration in the park. In 2007, President Rafael Correa put forth a proposal to world environmentalists: if they could secure financial guarantees for half the value of the oil reserves, Ecuador would permanently ban drilling in the park. By 2013, it became apparent that the world wasn't willing to pony up money to buy the park's pristine state, and the oil industry began moving in. In 2023, a nationwide referendum was held to determine the fate of the park. The nation rejected oil industry initiatives to exploit the park's reserves, the government was banned from issuing new oil contracts, and the state oil company was forced to dismantle their equipment in the park. For now, the park's integrity as a biosphere reserve has triumphed over petro dollars. The park is mostly dense tropical rainforest. Numerous rivers and streams cross through the park and are the primary way for indigenous people to get around and transport goods in the region....
Climate
The park is close to the equator and has a humid, warm climate year round with an average daily temperature of 26 °C (79 °F). Rain is likely at any time of year, though the wettest months are April through August. The driest months are December through February, though even then, daily showers are common, so pack the rain gear. The closest city to the park with an airport is Coca (OCC ). From Quito, LATAM flies once per day to Coca. The 30-minute flight costs about US$100. Once you're in Coca, you will take a motorized river canoe to the park entrance. The boat will take about 4 hours. A permit to enter the park is required. When you make arrangements through a tour company they will take care of the permit for you. Treks into the park will be led by a certified guide (guides are required for all visitors). Some treks will involve hiking several miles per day on cleared trails. Other treks will involve wildlife spotting from the comfort of a motorized dugout canoe.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe closest city to the park with an airport is Coca (OCC ). From Quito, LATAM flies once per day to Coca. The 30-minute flight costs about US$100. Once you're in Coca, you will take a motorized river canoe to the park entrance. The boat will take about 4 hours. A permit to enter the park is required. When you make arrangements through a tour company they will take care of the permit for you. Treks into the park will be led by a certified guide (guides are required for all visitors). Some treks will involve hiking several miles per day on cleared trails. Other treks will involve wildlife spotting from the comfort of a motorized dugout canoe. There are also river treks by kayak. Carry plenty of water with you when you trek into the rainforests and don't drink from natural water sources. Use only potable water provided at your lodge or by tour guides. Alcoholic drinks are served at lodging centers in the park....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Treks into the park will be led by a certified guide (guides are required for all visitors). Some treks will involve hiking several miles per day on cleared trails. Other treks will involve wildlife spotting from the comfort of a motorized dugout canoe. There are also river treks by kayak. Carry plenty of water with you when you trek into the rainforests and don't drink from natural water sources. Use only potable water provided at your lodge or by tour guides. Alcoholic drinks are served at lodging centers in the park. Although Yasuni National Park is deep in the jungle far from any major population center, it can be a safe and memorable trip for anyone who prepares themselves and takes reasonable precautions. A few tips to make your trip safe:
Where to Stay
Although Yasuni National Park is deep in the jungle far from any major population center, it can be a safe and memorable trip for anyone who prepares themselves and takes reasonable precautions. A few tips to make your trip safe:
Money & Budget
Carry plenty of water with you when you trek into the rainforests and don't drink from natural water sources. Use only potable water provided at your lodge or by tour guides. Alcoholic drinks are served at lodging centers in the park. Although Yasuni National Park is deep in the jungle far from any major population center, it can be a safe and memorable trip for anyone who prepares themselves and takes reasonable precautions. A few tips to make your trip safe:
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Although Yasuni National Park is deep in the jungle far from any major population center, it can be a safe and memorable trip for anyone who prepares themselves and takes reasonable precautions. A few tips to make your trip safe: