Plizio Visual Lab
Jatun Sacha Reserve
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Forest
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Jatun Sacha Biological Station and its reserve are located in the Napo province of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, near the town of Puerto Misahuallí. Established in 1985, Jatun Sacha has become one of the leading centers for biological research, conservation, and environmental education in the tropical rainforest. The reserve now encompasses over 2,500 hectares of primary and secondary forest, protecting an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, including over 500 bird species and numerous amphibians. The station is managed by the Jatun Sacha Foundation, which works intensively on reforestation and the sustainable management of natural resources. A special focus is placed on the research of medicinal plants and collaboration with local Kichwa communities to promote ecotourism. The scientific work conducted on-site contributes significantly to the understanding of complex ecological processes in the Amazon rainforest. Jatun Sacha also provides educational programs for volunteers and students from around the world.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: Ally Maíz · Balneario Playa Selva · Indigenous traps
- Nearby: Misahuallí (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 178 | 191 | 221 | 238 | 230 | 211 | 180 | 144 | 139 | 203 | 212 | 202 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Jatun Sacha Reserve is located in the upper Amazon basin and is accessible by road from the city of Tena, with the final kilometers often involving unpaved tracks.
Best season
A visit is possible year-round, though one should be aware of the wettest months; the less rainy periods between December and February often provide better conditions for forest hikes.
Terrain & paths
The terrain consists of tropical rainforest with muddy trails, dense root systems, and moderate inclines, requiring good footing and a reasonable level of stamina.
What to bring
Rubber boots are essential for the often deep-mud trails, along with lightweight, breathable clothing, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag for electronic devices.
Parking
Limited parking facilities are available directly at the research station or the reserve entrance, typically reserved for visitors and researchers.
Safety
Visitors should stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost in the dense forest and watch out for venomous wildlife, with the hire of a local guide being strongly recommended.
Time needed
A typical stay for nature observation lasts between 3 and 6 hours, though many visitors stay overnight to experience the nocturnal wildlife.
Geography
Facts
- The station was founded in 1985 by Dr. David Neill and other scientists.
- The reserve is home to approximately 1,500 registered plant species.
- Hundreds of scientists and students visit the station annually.
- It is located at an altitude of about 450 meters in the tropical lowlands.
- Jatun Sacha translates to 'Great Forest' in the Kichwa language.
- The average annual temperature is constant at around 25 degrees Celsius.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Jatun Sacha Reserve (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does Jatun Sacha mean?
The name comes from Kichwa and means 'Great Forest'.
Where is the reserve located?
It is located in the Amazon basin on the south bank of the Napo River.
Can you stay overnight there?
Yes, there is a biological station for researchers, students, and volunteers.
What is the goal of the reserve?
Conservation, biological research, and environmental education in the Amazon.
What activities are offered?
Guided hikes, birdwatching, and visits to local Kichwa communities.
Jatun Sacha Reserve: where is it located?
Jatun Sacha Reserve is located in Ecuador.
Jatun Sacha Reserve: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ally Maíz, Balneario Playa Selva, Indigenous traps.
Jatun Sacha Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Jatun Sacha Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Jatun Sacha Biological Station and its reserve are located in the Napo province of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, near the town of Puerto Misahuallí.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Ecuador →
Nearby cities
Tena
The heart of Amazon tourism, known for world-class whitewater rafting and jungle tours.
Misahuallí
Misahuallí is a popular Amazonian river port, famous for the wild monkeys living in its central plaza.
Archidona
Archidona is a historic colonial town in the Amazon, surrounded by spectacular stalactite caves and rich Kichwa culture.
Puyo
The dynamic commercial center on the threshold of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.
Ipiales
Border city with Ecuador, famous for the Las Lajas Sanctuary.
Tulcán
The northernmost city in Ecuador on the border with Colombia, known for its unique cemetery.
San Gabriel
A historic city in the Carchi province, forming part of Ecuador's National Cultural Heritage.
Macas
The Emerald City of the East, an Amazonian settlement that was isolated for a long time.
Ibarra
The white city is appreciated for its colonial white facades and pleasant climate.
Pasto
High-altitude city in the south, famous for its carnival.
Puerto Francisco de Orellana
Also called El Coca, it is a gateway to the deep Amazon and the Yasuní region.
Atuntaqui
The textile capital of Ecuador, where craftsmanship and industry meet.
Otavalo
The indigenous capital of Ecuador, known worldwide for its colorful craft market.
Cotacachi
A peaceful Andean town globally famous for its fine leather goods and stunning crater lake.
Nature
🗺️
Napo River
The Napo River is one of the most important tributaries of the Amazon in Ecuador and a vital artery for the rainforest.
🗺️
Pastaza River
The Pastaza River flows from the Ecuadorian Andes to the Amazon basin and is known for its deep gorges and waterfalls.
Yahuarcocha
Yahuarcocha is a historically significant lake surrounded by legends of a great battle, now featuring a famous auto racing track.
La Cocha Lagoon
A large volcanic lake in southern Colombia, surrounded by páramo landscape.
Lake San Pablo
Lake San Pablo is Ecuador's largest lake, situated at the foot of the majestic Imbabura Volcano near Otavalo.
More places
Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park
An isolated volcanic area in the Amazon basin known for its rich biodiversity and rare animal species.
Reventador Volcano
A highly active stratovolcano in the eastern Andes, frequently emitting ash and lava.
Las Lajas Sanctuary
An impressive neo-Gothic church dramatically built inside the canyon of the Guáitara River.
Puyo Monkey Park
A sanctuary for orphaned and rescued monkeys on the edge of the Amazon basin, offering interactive encounters.
Cayambe
The Cayambe volcano is the third highest mountain in Ecuador, and its summit is crossed by the equator.
Cumbal Volcano
The Cumbal Volcano is the highest peak in southern Colombia and an active stratovolcano near the border with Ecuador.
🗺️
El Ángel Ecological Reserve
A unique páramo ecosystem dominated by giant Espeletia plants and protecting rare animals.
Azufral Volcano
The Azufral is a semi-dormant volcano in southern Colombia, known for the green Laguna Verde in its crater.