The moment you leave Quito and start heading east, you can feel it , you’re going somewhere different. For most travelers, this adventure begins at night. The city lights fade behind you, the mountains turn into dark silhouettes, and little by little you’re rolling toward the Amazon while the rest of the world is asleep. Getting to the jungle isn’t just a ride. It’s part of the experience.
The main road takes you past the Reventador Volcano, which already feels pretty epic, even if you mostly sense it more than see it in the dark. But this is Ecuador, and nature doesn’t just sit still and behave. A huge landslide, locals call it El Socavón, has been reshaping this area, affecting two mountainsides and keeping everyone on their toes. During the rainy season, this section of the road sometimes has to close for safety reasons. No drama, it just means adapting.
When that happens, the trip switches to the Loreto road, adding about two extra hours to the journey. Yes, it’s longer. Yes, you’ll probably try to sleep a bit more in your seat. But that’s kind of the point: adventure here doesn’t come in a perfectly smooth package. Plans are flexible because nature always has the final word.
Behind the scenes, local drivers and authorities stay connected through real-time chat groups, constantly checking what’s happening on the road. Updates come in, routes get adjusted, and decisions are made with one priority: getting everyone there safely. Not every driver speaks perfect English, but they always do their best to explain what’s going on and make sure you understand the situation. You’re never just being moved around, you’re being taken care of.
For travelers heading to Cuyabeno and Waita Lodge, the shuttle service has become the go-to option. It’s practical, it works, and it’s used by backpackers, adventurers, and nature lovers from all over the world. Let’s be honest: the road isn’t perfect, the ride can feel long, and you might arrive a bit tired, especially after traveling through the night. But then the jungle shows up.
The air feels different. The sounds change. Green is suddenly everywhere. And just like that, the long ride makes sense.
Ecuador is a country of volcanoes, mountains, rain, and constantly moving landscapes. Keeping roads in perfect condition 100% of the time here is… optimistic. Landslides, heavy rain, and shifting terrain are part of daily life. But that’s also why this place feels so real, so raw, and so alive.
When it’s time to head back to Quito, the shuttle leaves in the afternoon. This time, you get to actually see what you crossed before: rivers, hills, jungle stretching into the distance. You’re a bit tired, sure , but it’s the good kind of tired, the kind that comes from doing something that’s actually worth it.
The road to the Amazon isn’t about comfort. It’s about the story you get to tell after.
And when you’re sitting by the river at Waita Lodge, or remembering the sounds of the forest in Cuyabeno on your way back to the city, you’ll realize something: the journey wasn’t just how you got there, it was the first chapter of the adventure.
Written By Pablo Romero
