Yasuní National Park

Ecuador's great Amazon park, nearly a million hectares of lowland rainforest that holds world records for tree diversity and at least 596 bird species. Visits run through lodges deep in the forest, including Napo Wildlife Center, owned and run by the local Añangu Kichwa community, which is the most responsible way to see it. The days follow a rhythm: dugout canoes across forest lakes, a canopy tower at first light for parrots and toucans at eye level, then the parrot clay licks, where large flocks gather to eat the clay. Getting there takes a flight from Quito to Coca and a long river trip, so plan four nights at least. Heat, humidity and insects are constant, and independent travel in the park needs permits.