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Yasuni National Park in EcuadorThis reserve is located between the provinces of Napo and Pastaza. This National Park is the largest natural reserve of Ecuador, with an extension of 982,000 hectares (2'425.540 acres). Because of its unique and mega diverse ecosystems, UNESCO named the Yasuni National Park a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
The Yasuni National Park houses more than 500 species of birds, 173 species of mammals, 62 species of snakes and more than 100 species of amphibians. Some of the animals found in this Ecuador reserve are black caimans, giant river otters, manatees, harpy eagles, scarlet, red and green macaws, howler monkeys, boas, guantas, capibaras, pumas, jaguars, and many more. The flora of the area is represented by fine wood trees such as cedar and laurel; the palm from where delicious hearts of palm come from, the amazing balsa wood tree, the palm that produces the tagua or vegetable ivory, and the chonta palm, one of the hardest woods on earth, from which the natives make their blowguns. Medicinal plants such as cats claw (Uncaria Tormentosa), a rain forest herb used to treat asthma, ulcers and cancer, and Sangre de Drago (Croton Lechleri) the red sap of a tree renown for its ability of assist in skin regeneration and one of the strongest natural antioxidants are also found here. It is easy to find mosses, ferns, orchids and bromeliads, lichens and fungus, in the shadow of the giant and beautiful trees that reach an impressive height of 30 meters (90 feet). Ancient and primitive tribes such as the Huaoranis and Quichuas live within this Reserve, maintaining to this day, their traditional customs and ways of life. All these natural and ethnographic characteristics make the Yasuni National Park in Ecuador a spectacular natural site to visit, explore and admire. Board native dugout canoes up rivers and streams and enjoy early morning outings for bird and wildlife watching. If you have any questions about Yasuni National Park or Ecuador, you can send your requests here
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