After a fascinating daytime hike, we and our luggage traveled via motorized canoes to our next stop, Anaconda Lodge on Anaconda Island.

During an evening frogging walk, we spotted a host of spiders, insects, and other creatures.

Getting close-up views of some of Ecuador’s frogs was thrilling, and our guides were scrupulously careful in handling them. However, I still found myself feeling ambivalent, worried that we were frightening or otherwise disturbing them.

The AmaZOOnico Rescue Center is home to animals confiscated from illegal poachers and pet traders. Some of the animals can be rehabilitated and released into the wild again, but if they have multiple behavioral problems and/or physical injuries, they cannot.

The Quichua are the largest group of indigenous people in the Americas today. At a Quichua community on the shore of the Napa River, many colorful birds greeted us.

A daytime waterfall hike with experienced guides allowed us to see much natural beauty, such as these beautiful green patterned leaves.

Ceibo trees, sources of cotton and various medicinal mixtures, can grow to be 230 feet tall and sometimes live more than a million years.

Our group began to explore the area, accompanied by wildlife photographer and guide Jaime Culebras.

My first full day in Ecuador was full of introductions.

I arrived at Villa daFiore in the middle of a dark and stormy night. The next morning, brilliant sunshine revealed much to be explored.