Jatun Sacha, nature reserve in Ecuador
Jatun Sacha is a large nature reserve in Napo Province covering around 2,500 hectares (6,200 acres) of tropical rainforest along the Upper Napo River. The landscape consists of towering trees and thick vegetation with marked trails winding through different forest areas and connecting various ecosystems.
The reserve was established in the late 1980s as the first field research station in Ecuador's Amazon region. Its protected area expanded from the original 200 hectares to over 2,000 hectares through land donations from conservation organizations.
The name Jatun Sacha means 'big forest' in the Quichua language spoken by local communities, reflecting their deep bond with this woodland. Visitors can sense this cultural significance as they walk through and observe how the reserve partners with residents to promote environmental awareness and support their livelihoods.
The reserve has warm, humid weather with frequent rain, so visitors should bring waterproof gear and sturdy shoes for muddy trails. Most travelers spend from a few hours to a full day exploring the forest paths, with easy access from nearby towns like Tena by car or bus.
In just one hectare of land, scientists have identified up to 250 different tree species, and the reserve has discovered and documented several new species including a passionflower named after it. This remarkable biodiversity makes it a crucial center for scientific research and conservation discoveries.
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