It doesn't stand more than 25 or so metres above sea level, so when the sea gets brave, big waves jump one to the other side of the ring when the Tramontana wind blows hard from the north. What from the distance looks like bare rock with no more human presence than a lighthouse and a small grave yard is home of many birds including some rare and endangered ones. On the ground there are some shrubs and a few species of insects including a few endemic of the islands.

The islands were known long time ago as the snake islands, but none of them survived the fires set to exterminate them. Since ancient times they were used as a shelter for fishermen and a safe base for smugglers and pirates. The best treasure is kept under the water. Clean and crystalline like the air and boiling with life after being a military area for many years and declared afterwards marine sanctuary. Huge groupers, shoals of barracudas and giant size lobsters are common sight both inside and outside the caldera, being the channels that link the lagoon with the open sea the places where you find huge static fish floating in the current. I've personally been in Columbretes a couple of times both over and under the water and I've seen them a handful more times from the air. Every time I am surprised by the magic of the place and astonished to find so much life and beauty in such a tiny and distant place.

Also, straight from the beautiful Amazon Basin rivers are local fish baked, fried, boiled and sautéed, all in the traditional Amazonian way. Or on occasion a wild boar hunted by the natives might also be available. One place to stay is in one of the few Cuyabano reserve lodges, which are located on the vast Cuyabano reserve. This reserve is the largest reserve in Ecuador and takes up a total of 6000sq miles. The entire reserve is in the Amazon basin and is teaming with numerous amounts of flora and fauna. It has a total of 500 recorded species of birds, some of which are direct descendants of dinosaurs. The available lodges range from old time rustic lodges to modern hotels. This reserve is great for the avid bird lover.

Yet another fabulous lodge is the La Selva Lodge. This lodge is as close to nature as you could possibly get and has won the ecotourism award. The hotel includes 17 cabanas, a bar, a lounge, a dining area and a hammock hut for naps. Also part of the lodge is a massive butterfly farm and a 135 foot observation tower. This butterfly farm was the first of its kind in South America and contains tens of thousands of butterflies. Some other activities are tours to Garzacocha Lake and across the Napo river. Once you have seen all the lodge has to offer, you may continue on to the lodges camping area.

What is there to do for fun in the Amazon? In fact there are endless activities and tours to participate in. One activity is to zip line across the leafy canopy and view from above the birds, insects and tree clinging monkeys. For the more patient adventurer, there is river fishing where you can catch piranhas, bass, and if you're lucky a pirachu. Or for the more land going person there are peaceful walks through the forest, where wildlife may stray across your trail, thus giving you a chance to take a picture and save the moment for life. A trip to the Amazon is all about enjoying the natural beauty of it all!