The ultimate active paddling adventure with Best Jungle Ecuador, 6 days of being immersed in the jungle. Lodge and camping adventure

ACTIVE CANOEING CUYABENO
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

EXTRAORDINARY PADDLING EXPERIENCES EXPLORING CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE
6 DAYS FULL ADVENTURE ACTIVE CANOEING
Fantastic moderate-active rate canoeing adventure, designed for anyone who enjoy nature at its best.
This is an amazing full adventure tour exploring deep pristine Amazon Rain Forest all by paddling canoes. You will visit the upper part (Laguna grande) and the lower area of Cuyabeno river, staying your first 2 nights in a lodge with private facilities, 2 nights camping at the shore of the river and spend your last night at a basic Indigenous Kichwa Indigenous Lodge.

canoeing deep in the jungle

washing area

Camping confortable is the best way to enjoy the Amazon jungle

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THE ULTIMATE ACTIVE CANOEING ADVENTURE - CUYABENO 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

CUYABENO RIVER & LAKES + AGUARICO RIVER BY PADDLING AND MOTORIZED CANOES “MODERATELY ACTIVE RATING” 5 DAYS PADDLING MAXIMUM 28 Km (17.5 MILES) PER DAY ( 5 Hours). YOU WILL COVER A TOTAL DISTANCE OF 94 km PADDLING ON CUYABENO RIVER AND ABOUT 94 km BY MOTORIZED CANOE (On the Aguarico river). 188 Km ( 124 Miles) TOTAL COVERED DISTANCE BETWEEN PADDLING AND MOTORIZED CANOE.

ITINERARY

DAY 1. – EL PUENTE – PADDLING CUYABENO RIVER – LODGE 1

In the morning drive from Lago Agrio to the shore of the Cuyabeno River ( El Puente) (2h). From here and by motorized canoe we will navigate downstream Cuyabeno River to the point called "Paso del Tigre" where we will enjoy our lunch. After our lunch we’ll distribute group gear and provisions before loading the paddling canoes. Before starting, we’ll have a quick briefing covering the day itinerary and a review of paddling canoes safety procedures. After this orientation we'll start our fantastic Amazon Rainforest experience by paddling canoes downstream along this beautiful Black water River. During this quieter and enjoyable journey you´ll have great chances of observing wildlife including Monkeys, Parrots and Macaws. After approximately 4 hours canoeing we'll arrive at our first Lodge near the beautiful Cocha Grande Lagoon. Upon arrival we unload the boats and settle in the Lodge. Accommodation will be in cabins with private bathroom. Welcome drink. In the night and before dinner we will navigate in search of wildlife including Caymans (alligators). (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Paddling distance 15 Km (9 miles)

DAY 2.- LODGE 1 - PADDLING CUYABENO RIVER - LODGE 2

This morning we´ll be awaken by the sounds of the many species of birds that inhabit this marvelous pristine Rain Forest. After a hearty breakfast we will paddle among the fantastic Macrolobium trees in the beautiful Cocha Grande Lagoon (Big Lagoon) and with its 700m by 1700m size, is the biggest between the 14 lakes that exists in this flooded forest system. This Lagoon is perfect to enjoy a refreshing swim and with some luck watch the legendary freshwater Pink Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis). Walk in primary forest and return to the lodge for our lunch. After lunch, we will load the boats and start paddling downstream along the Cuyabeno River for about 4 hours to our second Lodge. Accommodation will be in cabins with private bathroom.

Upon arrival at Lodge 2 it will be a time to relax. At night we`ll take a short hike where it is possible to see giant insects, spiders, snakes and enjoy the fantastic sounds of the night life in the Amazon. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Paddling distance 15 Km (9 miles).

DAY 3.- LODGE 2 - PADDLING CUYABENO RIVER - SIONA NATIVE TERRITORY CAMPSITE 1

After breakfast we´ll prepare for depart. At around 10 am we´ll paddle for a short distance, then a 2 km hike will take us to the Siona Indigenous Community where we`ll be part of the making of the Casabe bread (Manioc or Yuca) starting from the extraction of the Casabe roots to the final product that consist of a large, round and flat bread. Casabe is an important part of the Indigenous people’s traditional diet. Here our lunch will include Casabe bread. Later we'll have time to visit a medicine man or “Shaman” who will give us an interesting lecture about their traditions and culture of their native life.

In the afternoon we´ll load the boats and paddle for around 2.5 hours to our campsite at the shore of the river. Accommodation will be in single or double tents. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Paddling distance 14 Km (8.8 miles).

DAY 4. – CAMPSITE 1 – PUERTO MONTUFAR CAMPSITE 2

After an early breakfast we´ll go for a hike near the camp with opportunities of watching wildlife as well as learning about the Ecosystem of the Amazon Rainforest. We´ll see also a small cacao (cocoa) plantation. Upon returning, we'll break camp, load the boats and start paddling towards our next destination, Puerto Montufar campsite. This is a fantastic journey which involves paddling for about 5 hours east into the deep, pristine Rainforest where we will explore an area with little impact from human activity, therefore chances of watching wildlife are enhanced. Picnic lunch during the way. Late in the afternoon we´ll enjoy a refreshing swim in the river.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Paddling distance 22 Km (13.6 miles).

DAY 5. – PUERTO MONTUFAR - KICHWA INDIGENOUS LODGE

After breakfast we'll break camp, load the canoes and paddle downstream Cuyabeno River on the longest journey so far. During the way we will have good chances to observe wildlife. Lunch during the way. After about 5 hours of a fantastic paddling journey we will arrive at the mouth of Aguas negras river, in this area we will make an stop to make an interesting hike in primary forest. After the hike and from this point on we will navigate by motorized canoe for about an hour to our next accommodation near the mouth of Cuyabeno river. Time to relax at the lodge. At night we`ll take a second hike where it is possible to see giant insects, spiders, snakes and enjoy the fantastic sounds of the night life in the Amazon. Return to the Lodge. Farewell drink and dinner.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Paddling distance distance 28 Km (17.5 miles).

DAY 6. – KICHWA INDIGENOUS LODGE - AGUARICO RIVER – LAGO AGRIO

After an early breakfast and by motorized canoe we´ll navigate towards a place called “Saladero” or Salt licks (Clay Licks) where Parrots of different species show up at these sites in large numbers to get the minerals they need to help digest some toxics they have consumed together with their diet. Under favorable conditions and with some luck we'll enjoy this natural spectacle. Return to the lodge. In the way back we will visit the Kichwa high observation tower. After breakfast we'll prepare for departing. By motorized canoe we´ll navigate upstream the great Aguarico River with more chances of watching wildlife. Aguarico River is a tributary of the Napo River and this in turn is a tributary of the Amazon River in Peru.

Our motorized canoe will take us to the Secoya Native territory where we´ll enjoy our picnic lunch. From here a short trip by canoe will take us to Tierras Orientales village from where our car will drive us back to the City of Lago Agrio or Coca (arrival at about 4 pm.) for you to take your transport back to Quito.

Navigation time and distance by motorized canoe: 3.5 hours on 94 Km (59 miles)

END OF OUR 6 DAY TRIP SERVICES

INCLUDED IN OUR SERVICES:

Transportation from Lago Agrio or Coca city (Bus & Canoe), experienced bilingual naturalist guide / translator, accommodation in Lodge in cabins with private bathroom, rubber boots (up to No 46), Raincoat (Poncho), life jackets, Tents (double and single occupancy) plus bedding and camping mattress, towels, Paddling and motorized canoes, Biodegradable soap at the Lodge and camping, activities with Indigenous people, Lunch and dinner on the first day, Three meals a day on the next days and breakfast and lunch on the last day, purified bottled water, tea, coffee, cuisine that caters vegetarians and vegans, airport and bus station transfers in Lago Agrio + Free Caipirinhas Cocktails!

NOT INCLUDED:

Your transport Quito - Lago Agrio – Quito, Accommodation and meals in Lago Agrio, Alcoholics drinks at a reduced price e.g. $4 for a 750 ml pilsener beer, transportation to/from the Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana) have an additional cost of $60 per group, Additional beverages and tips, souvenirs from native communities, Visit to the High Observation Tower ($6), Any no specified service.

RECOMMENDED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

You must bring your original Passport, Long-sleeved T-shirts, T-shirts, Cotton socks, Shorts, Sandals or walking shoes, Light waterproof windbreaker, First aid kit, Swimming suit and towel, Hat or cap, Sunglasses with a strap, One small waterproof bag, Insect repellent, Sunblock and Sunburn lotion, Zip lock plastic bags, Camera and spare camera batteries, Flashlight (torch) with spare batteries, Binoculars, Notepad/pen.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT YOUR TRIP

Please remember that Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is a stunning area, one of the most complex and biodiverse richest places on earth that contains a great amount of wildlife. We will explore a Pristine Rain Forest area where a few tourists visit and few native people live, therefore chances of watching wildlife are great. Every day by canoe and on foot we´ll be searching for wildlife including Macaws, Parrots, Toucans, Monkeys, Freshwater dolphins, Caimans and Anacondas. However observing wildlife in their natural environment depends of factors that includes weather conditions and some luck.
You will be walking slowly in primary forest on trails opened by the natives that in some areas implies crossing by flooded and muddy areas, in general the terrain is flat and do not demand much effort. A maximum walking time is of approximate 3 hours at a time.
Please remember that the name Rainforest comes precisely from the 4000mm (about 12 feet) of rain it receives a year.
Our motorized canoes or paddling canoes do not have roof so please expect heavy rain at any time.
Our paddling canoes are for 2 or more people and have great stability and versatility enhancing your enjoyment on the water.
Our motorized canoes are comfortable and provided with sits for two people each one with cushions.
Your luggage will be covered and protected against rain water. During all the navigation journeys you`ll always have access to cold drinks.
Campsites are located on the margin of the river so that we will not need to carry the equipment for long distances, but you will need to be able to transport your own luggage for short distances.
We´ll ask that everyone assist in setting up the campsites
We´ll visit the most pristine and remote area of the Cuyabeno Reserve and in order to reach our furthest destination we´ll need to travel a total distance of around 200 Km in a six day trip between motorized and paddling canoes
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is a protected area and to get there we'll have to drive throughout Oil installations, secondary forest and farms. Once we enter the Reserve the landscape will change into a beautiful pristine Amazon Rainforest.