Yasuni National Park

Untamed rainforest, ancient wildlife sanctuary

Yasuní National Park in Ecuador covers over two million acres of rainforest along the Amazon River. The area is home to hundreds of bird species, rare mammals and countless insects. Rivers wind through dense foliage where indigenous communities live alongside nature. Visitors can see giant kapok trees rising above the canopy while listening to howler monkeys overhead. Trails lead to hidden waterfalls and quiet spots for reflection. The park protects one of Earth’s richest ecosystems, making it a place worth visiting for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation.

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National Park in Ecuador

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Safety: 4.7

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	3
Accessibility:	3
Tap water:	2

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1/5

In Yasuni National Park, most guides and park staff speak basic Spanish, but many are bilingual and will converse comfortably in English. Tourists should bring a phrasebook or use simple English for clear communication.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Yasuni National Park Summary

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World-class for Amazon biodiversity. Explore jungle rivers by boat, watch monkeys and birds, visit indigenous communities and experience rich rainforest wildlife.

Place score

7.6

Best at:

Forests

Mountains

Rivers

Secluded

Natural sites

Personal score

Suited for

👶 2

Families

🧓 4

Seniors

♻️ 8

Sustainability

👩 7

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Ecuador – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common in Ecuador, especially in urban areas. However, cash is still widely used, particularly in rural regions. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated in Ecuador, though not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is common, and small tips are also welcome for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally not allowed in Ecuador, and alcohol consumption is confined to licensed establishments like bars and restaurants.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, including restaurants and public transport. Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Independence Day (10 August)	National holiday celebrating Ecuador’s independence
Christmas (25 December)	Celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and fireworks

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911
Taxi apps:	Uber
Other:	Ecuador is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and the Galapagos Islands. It offers a mix of nature, culture, and adventure for travellers.

Best times to travel

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for Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

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High season:	Jan., July - Aug., Dec.
Shoulder season:	Feb. - March, June, Sep. - Nov.
Crowdedness:	2 (Few tourists)

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Climate details

Entry only with an authorised guide, usually booked via lodges or tours from Coca

Canoe trips through flooded forest best April to July, walking trails easier August to February

Don't miss

🪂 Explore the Amazon canopy via guided zip‑line tours
🐆 Spot jaguars and giant otters in their natural habitat
🏕️ Camp overnight beside the Putumayo River, stargazing included
🚤 Take a boat excursion to observe diverse bird species
👥 Learn about indigenous cultures during a village visit

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Why travel to Yasuni National Park?

Yasuni National Park, located in Ecuador’s Amazon basin, offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems without the excess of tourist crowds found in more popular destinations. The park’s dense rainforest is home to thousands of plant species, including rare orchids and medicinal trees, as well as an impressive array of wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs, giant otters and countless bird species – many of which are endemic or endangered. For visitors interested in nature observation, the park provides guided walks and boat tours that allow close encounters with these animals while respecting their habitats. Beyond its ecological significance, Yasuni is a living laboratory for scientific research. The park’s protected status has enabled long-term studies on climate change impacts, forest dynamics and biodiversity conservation. Visitors can learn about these efforts through interpretive centers and talks by local scientists and indigenous community members who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations. Traveling to Yasuni also supports sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit both the environment and local communities. By choosing responsible tour operators, travelers help fund conservation projects and provide economic opportunities for nearby villages. The park’s remote location ensures a tranquil setting where one can reflect on the interconnectedness of ecosystems while enjoying the natural beauty of Ecuador’s Amazon.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Parque Nacional Yasuní

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Aquas Negras River Lodge
2 Río Yasuní

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Knowledge before you go

Arrive early; park opens at sunrise and crowds thin.
Carry insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of water for humid rainforest conditions.
Book a certified guide in advance to access restricted zones and learn about local biodiversity.
The park's waterways are best explored by canoe; schedule trips during the dry season for clearer navigation.

How to travel to Yasuni National Park

Yasuní National Park, located in eastern Ecuador within the Amazon rainforest, is accessible primarily by air or river. The nearest major airport is in Puerto López, from which travelers can take a domestic flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Cofán), approximately 100 kilometers away. Alternatively, visitors may reach the park via river routes starting from Coca or Lago Agrio, requiring a combination of road and water travel. Road access involves navigating unpaved routes through remote jungle terrain, often necessitating guided tours due to environmental conditions. The park’s remoteness limits large-scale infrastructure development, preserving its ecological integrity while offering limited but direct entry points for eco-tourism and research activities.

Access summary

From Coca Airport: 4–5 hour boat ride to Yasuni entrance.
From Quito (UIO): Flight to Coca (~45 min), then 4–5 hr boat.
From Guayaquil: Flight to Manta, boat to Coca, then 4–5 hr to park.

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Where to stay in Yasuni National Park

Yasuni National Park offers a range of eco‑lodging options that blend comfort with conservation. Visitors can stay in the park’s well‑maintained visitor center cabins, which provide basic amenities and panoramic views of the Amazon basin. For those seeking more immersive experiences, jungle lodges scattered along the Napo River offer rustic cabins or canvas tents equipped with solar power, rainwater harvesting and guided wildlife tours. The area is renowned for its sustainable eco‑resorts that use locally sourced materials and support community projects. Prices vary from modest US$30 – 50 (£22.43 – 37.38) per night for shared accommodations to US$80 – 120 (£59.81 – 89.71) for private jungle suites, all designed to minimize environmental impact while offering a unique rainforest stay.

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How to get around Yasuni National Park

Getting around Yasuní National Park requires careful planning due to its remote rainforest location. The most common method is by boat, as many areas are only accessible via the Napo or Tiputina rivers. Local guides often arrange guided river tours that offer safe passage and insight into the ecosystem. For overland travel within the park, footpaths are available but can be challenging due to dense vegetation and wildlife presence; sturdy footwear is essential. Some lodges provide small motorized canoes for short trips between camps. Air travel is limited – only small planes with floatation gear can land on designated river strips during dry seasons. Travelers should always coordinate transport through authorized operators familiar with park regulations and safety protocols.

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-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Yasuni National Park is generally safe for visitors when following basic precautions: stay on marked trails, avoid traveling alone at night, keep valuables secure, respect local wildlife and carry a reliable communication device. Tour operators provide guidance to ensure a secure experience.

Health & Medical

Yasuní National Park offers excellent medical support through nearby hospitals in Quito and local clinics, with trained staff and modern equipment. Travelers should stay hydrated, use mosquito repellent to prevent dengue, avoid high-altitude sickness and be aware of limited emergency services deep within the rainforest.

Accessibility

Yasuní National Park offers limited accessibility: most trails are rugged, with few paved paths and no wheelchair access. Guided tours provide basic support, but visitors should plan ahead for remote transport, lack of signage and potential health risks in dense rainforest.

Tap water

Tap water in Yasuni National Park is generally safe to drink, supplied by protected springs and filtered systems at visitor centers. Hydration stations are plentiful along trails and bottled water remains affordable for those preferring extra convenience.