Ecuador's Yasuni National Park

Yasuni National Park in the Ecuadorian Amazon may be the most biodiverse place on Earth, with more tree species in a single hectare than all of North America. This 9,820 square kilometer park at the intersection of the Amazon, Andes, and equator creates unique conditions supporting incredible species richness. The park also protects indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation. A single hectare can contain 650 tree species, while the park harbors over 600 bird species, 200 mammal species, and countless insects. Many species remain undiscovered. The park protects the territories of the Tagaeri and Taromenane peoples who reject contact with outside society. The Waorani people maintain traditional territories within the park. Conservation faces challenges from oil extraction pressure, leading to international campaigns to keep oil underground. The Yasuni-ITT Initiative sought compensation for not extracting oil but ultimately failed. However, indigenous resistance and international support continue protecting large areas. Scientific research stations document the extraordinary biodiversity while respecting indigenous territories.

Water Features

Rivers, oxbow lakes, flooded forest

Ecosystem

This destination features a tropical rainforest ecosystem.