5-day stay in the Amazon, in the magnificent Cuyabeno reserve.

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in the rainforest

  

  You will arrive at the meeting point in Quito around 11:30 pm. The shared night shuttle will take you for 8 hours to El Puente de Cuyabeno. You will arrive around 10:30 am - 11:00 am, after passing the Cuyabeno bridge checkpoint. In the morning, you will arrive at "El Puente", the main entrance to the Cuyabeno reserve and the last point of true civilization. Here, you will take a lunch box, then you will navigate the Cuyabeno River by motorized canoe for 3 hours to the lodge. With a bit of luck, you may already observe one of the ten different species of monkeys and tropical birds, as this part of the river is narrow enough to observe the wildlife up close. After your arrival at the lodge, you will have time to rest, then you will participate in an introductory tour of the region. After dinner, your bilingual tour guide will inform you about the activities for the coming days.

• day 2

  Adventure in the Amazon

  

  After an early breakfast, you will begin your exploration, taking advantage of the first hours of the day, which are the best time to observe the flourishing activities of the rainforest. The day below is rather standard, but you can choose to take many canoe excursions instead of walking. Your tour guide will share their knowledge during a walk in the rainforest. You will learn and understand how life in the jungle can coexist in a fragile balance. Your guide will explain the use of medicinal plants, knowledge passed down from generation to generation and still applied by the local population. On the trail, you may observe amphibians, butterflies, centipedes, snakes, birds, monkeys, and other mammals. Later, you will return to the lodge for your lunch. In the afternoon, you will take an excursion that will lead you along the Cuyabeno River to discover the animals living in the dense forest on the riverbanks, including monkeys, but also macaws, toucans, and sloths. This is the time to observe river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis) in the magnificent river landscape. Before having your dinner, you will head into the dark forest to discover its nightlife, such as insects, spiders, snakes, or colorful frogs, accompanied by the nocturnal sounds of the jungle.

• day 3

  Indigenous community, Laguna Grande and Igapó.

  

  Enjoy a morning walk in the forest to observe wildlife, especially monkeys and birds. Return to the lodge for the little ones, then continue by motorized canoe on the "turtle trail" to visit the Seoqueya community, where several families from the Siona indigenous group live. One of the family members will demonstrate traditional cooking techniques, including the preparation of the typical yucca bread, called casave. Try making bread by following the family's instructions while your guide explains the local traditions and cultures. In the afternoon, continue by motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River, just after the Laguna Grande. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore a unique rainforest ecosystem: the flooded forest (Igapo), which is characterized by massive trees and lush greenery. After exploring the lagoon, refresh yourself with a swim in the calm waters while enjoying the sunset. Continue your adventure by going up the river to see more nocturnal wildlife, especially caimans, before returning to the lodge.

• day 4

  Hiking and canoeing in the rainforest

  

  This morning, you have the opportunity to take an additional excursion, either by canoe or on a hike. The choice depends on the weather conditions and the interests of the group. After breakfast, you will explore a pristine stretch of jungle with your guide. He will tell you more about the medicinal use of the flora, as it has been used by indigenous cultures for generations. At lunchtime, you will return to the lodge to rest. In the afternoon, you can explore the Cuyabeno River by canoe, enjoy the views of the exceptional landscape, and listen to the sounds of the jungle while watching for local exotic species.

• day 5

  Back to civilization

  

  The morning activity will be a peaceful canoe excursion to enjoy the sunrise in the jungle, where you will have the opportunity to observe different types of wild animals and savor another moment of peace in this wonderful natural paradise. After breakfast, you will have time to prepare your luggage for the return trip. You will go up the river to return to El Puente de Cuyabeno. After your box lunch, your bus will take you back to Lago Agrio, and from there, you will return to Quito, where your tour ends. Have a safe trip home, and come back to see us in Ecuador!