A fantastic journey to another world!
Fernando’s feeling about this tour
This is an active journey to one of the richest and biggest protected reserves in Ecuador, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. This tour has been designed to those who would like to experience a unique immersion in the Amazon Rainforest, in a wild and pristine protected reserve, and without compromising on comfort.
The adventure starts right in the moment of the transfer (2h motor boat transfer). Whether if you flight or undertake a land transfer the change of scenario is dramatic and it’s expressed by the local population, setting and of course, temperature.
The Cuyabeno Reserve will allow you to have an unforgettable experience. It is very wet, with many rivers, streams and oxbow lagoons which will allow you to undertake a canoe expedition either during daylight or at night. You could spot pink dolphins, caimans, monkeys, macaws, hoatzins, and with some luck the fascinating Arpía Eagle (one of the most emblematic birds in South America)!
If you flight, due to the fixed schedules in Quito’s Airport you may not be able to make it at Cuyabeno’s port on time, therefor an additional overnight in either Francisco de Orellana or Nueva Loja would be necessary. In this program you will be transferred by car.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quito > Lago Agrio (6h land transfer) + 2h motor boat transfer > Amazon Rainforest (Cuyabeno Reserve) | Amazon Rainforest (Cuyabeno Reserve) | Amazon Rainforest (Cuyabeno Reserve) | Amazon Rainforest > Lago Agrio (2h motor boat transfer) > Quito |
Tour highlights :
– Semi-private activities in the heart of Amazon Rainforest
– Discovery of a great biodiversity in its natural habitat (wildlife observation is guaranteed!)
– Visit to an authentic Amazonian indigenous community.
– Charming accommodation in the middle of the forest.
– Superb activities: canoe expeditions, hikes, nocturnal walks, indigenous communities visits, wildlife observation…and more.
– Private services and flexibility to your previous program, hotel nights & location.
Rates/per person:
| 2 People |
|---|
| $843 |
– The rate decreases/increases according to the group size. The prices provided are based the “Comfort/Superior” 3*** category. Let us know if you would like this program in the “Superior” 3/4**** or “Luxe” 4/5***** category. The final cost of this trip depends on the way we personalize it specially for you. The exact price will be provided in your personalized quote when you BOOK THIS TRIP.
Rate Includes
– Accommodation in a charming lodge Bamboo Lodge (Cuyabeno)
– Collective transfer Lago Agrio > Lodge > Lago Agrio + bus transfer (1h40) then speed-boat transfer 2h00 and viceversa at return
– Pick up from your hotel and private transfer from to and from Quito to Lago Agrio. (transfer time, approx. 6h)
– Breakfast on the way in a traditional local restaurant
– Degustation of a traditional dish on your way back to Quito in a traditional local restaurant
– Naturalist guides as indicated in the Guides & Drivers part.
– Meals (4 breakfasts / 3 Lunches / 3 Dinners)
– Raincoat, boots, and lifejacket for the expeditions
Rate Doesn’t include
– Round flight to the Amazon Rainforest (about $240 per/pers).
– Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, tips…)
– Not indicated individual equipment.
– Not indicated meals.
– Tips.
Explore in more detail :
Day 1 : Quito > Francisco de Orellana (El Coca) > Lago Agrio > Cuyabeno Reserve
You will depart early from your hotel (around 4 am) and be transferred to Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja), this will be a long journey. Upon arrival, you will take a collective bus with the Lodge Group. This will be a 1h30 transfer to the Cuyabeno Entrance. Finally the adventure starts! You will board a 2-hour speedboat transfer to reach your charming lodge in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. After some rest you will explore the “Laguna Grande”. Here you might be able to see the pink river dolphins (fresh water dolphins) and you can swim if you wish and enjoy your first jungle sunset. After dinner you go on a night expediton
in search of caimans.
Meal
B/L/D
Visit
None
Hike
1-2h00
transport
9H00
Day 2 : Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Remember that Cuyabeno is a flooded forest which gives you more chances to spot wildlife. Today you will explore the “Cananbueno” lagoon. Here no motor boats are allowed so this will be the perfect opportunity to, in silent, observe the nature dynamics. Afterward, you will undertake a hike, again, in search of wildlife. Listed to your guide’s explanations, and do not hesitate to ask questions!
Meal
B/L/D
Visit
Yes
Hike
4h00
transport
2h30
Day 3 : Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
This day will be devoted to culture! As you will visit the indigenous Siona community “Puerto Bolivar”. You will learn the traditions, day to day life, beliefs and enjoy a little bit of their gastronomy. After this authentic visit you will continue in search of wildlife. Be attentive as animals are always around!
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
2h00
Hike
from 1h00 to 4h00
transport
3h30
Day 4 : Cuyabeno > Lago Agrio > Quito
You will wake up early to participate in one last bird watching activity before returning to the lodge for breakfast and getting ready to head back to civilization. After your last canoe ride back to the Cuyabeno entrance, you will get on the car and begin your journey back to the capital, Quito. You will enjoy a traditional dish in a local restaurant on the way.
Meal
b/l
Visit
None
transport
4h30 - 9H00
B: Breakfast
L: Luch
D: Dinner
«Comfort/Superior» : charming and comfortable accommodation 3*** category. Clean and offering an adapted-to-European and American customer service.
« Superior » First Class category : charming accommodation 3/4**** category. Top of the range quality infrastructure and personalized service. Spacious and tasteful rooms.
« Luxe » category: top of the range accommodations 4/5***** categoryoffering an irreproachable quality of service. The rooms are luxurious and spacious. .
* Amazon Rainforest:
=> Private Naturalist Guide (From Day 1 to 4) : private transfers, activities, and excursions accompanied by your local English-speaking guide (in groups of max 6 people).
* Land transfer From Quito to the Amazon / Amazon to Quito (included):
=> Days 1 & 4 : land transfers to/from the village of Francisco de Orellana. Transfers are private with an English-speaking driver (4×2 Kia Sportage or Hyundai H1 vehicle type, or minibus depending on the group size)
Note : for 4+ people you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide + a Spanish-speaking driver.
Clothing :
-1 or 2 light walking trousers
-1 or 2 warm walking trousers
-2 Fleece jackets
-1 breathable warm jacket (gore tex type)
-1 waterproof jacket (type kway)
– light t-shirts
– hike shoes
– casual shoes
-1 pair of gloves for high altitude walks
-1 warm hat for high altitude walks
– beach clothing -if necessary-
– cap
Additional :
– water bottle – sunglasses
– solar cream
– hiking bag (between 25 to 45L)
– hike sticks
– camera
– binoculars
– duvet between 0C et -15C (when nights in a refuge or tent are planned)
– headlamp (for nights in tents or shelters)
– No specific physical or technical level is required for this trip. However, Some walks will be planned. They will not be physically hard but you will have to accept to walk 2 to 3 hours straight.
– Transfers and visits times are indicative.
– Foresee between $ 5 and $ 30 per meal not included, per person.
– Tips: we recommend between $ 10 and $ 20 per worked day for a guide, and between $ 5 and $ 10 per worked day for a driver.
– Have a look at our USEFUL INFORMATION page to better prepare your adventure!