Among lessons on Ecuador’s natural medicine sources and the environmental ravaging the country is suffering, we managed to spot a tiny frog on a leaf. Perhaps it was a hopeful sign.

A monkey’s comb is a bristly, doughnut-shaped casing that monkeys use for grooming. In the Ecuadorian forest, we discovered a natural terrarium growing in a monkey’s comb.

We learned much during a hike on Anaconda Island. Wooly and capuchin monkeys live nearby on the mainland, but not on the island because they are afraid of water.

During an evening frogging walk near the Anaconda Lodge, we saw frogs as well as other interesting creatures of the night.

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.