CUYABENO RIVER & LAGOONS
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
ITINERARY
DAY 1. – LAGO AGRIO – CUYABENO RIVER (EL PUENTE) – LAGUNA GRANDE
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​Your journey starts in the morning with a 2 hour drive from Lago Agrio (3.5 hours from Coca city) to “El Puente” or the bridge over Cuyabeno river and the main entrance to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. From here we'll start our fantastic Amazon Rainforest experience by navigating on a motorized canoe downstream along this beautiful black water river. During the way we will have good chances for observing wildlife including monkeys and beautiful birds. After approximately 2.5 hours of navigation we´ll arrive at the Flooded forest area and the spectacular Laguna Grande (big lagoon), from here a short distance of navigation will take us to our Lodge. Our staff will welcome you with a cold drink before accompany you to your cabin. Lunch time. Later in the afternoon, we will visit Laguna grande to enjoy a refreshing swim and a beautiful sunset. Return to the lodge. At night and before dinner 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. Return to the Lodge. Welcome cocktail, Dinner.
DAY 2. – HIKE IN PRIMARY FOREST - FLOODED FOREST CAIMAN WATCHING​
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After a hearty breakfast we´ll start our day with a hike in the marvelous primary Amazon rainforest, one of the most biologically rich places on Earth. Here our experienced naturalist guide will explain to us the use of plants for the native´s survival.
After Lunch it will be a time to relax at the lodge. Late in the afternoon we´ll navigate slowly on Cuyabeno River and its fantastic lagoons looking for new species of wildlife including anacondas and Pink Dolphins until the Sun sets over a beautiful landscape. In the night and from the motorized canoe we´ll navigate searching for wildlife which include night birds, Snakes, Bats, Caimans, Frogs and more. Return to the Lodge and Dinner.
DAY 3. – SIONA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
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After breakfast​ and by motorized canoe we will sail along Cuyabeno river towards the Siona Indigenous Community. During this spectacular journey we will have good opportunities of watching wildlife. Once in the Community you will be part of the making of Casabe or yuca bread. Yuca (Cassava) has been a traditional food for natives for around 8000 years. The preparation is a communal, ancestral practice, often performed by women within indigenous communities, is a traditional, crispy flatbread, deeply rooted in Amazonian indigenous culture. This time Casabe will be part of our picnic lunch.
After lunch you will have a unique chance to have a short interesting ceremony with a Shaman. Shamans are seen as holders of wisdom, acting as healers for body, soul, and spirit, often treating modern ailments like stress, depression, or physical diseases with traditional remedies.
Return to the lodge. At night we'll take a second short hike enjoying the fantastic night life of the Amazon. Return to the Lodge. Farewell Dinner.
DAY 4. – BIRD WATCHING - CUYABENO RIVER – LAGO AGRIO
Early in the morning we will sail to admire a beautiful sunrise at the lagoon and explore the area to observe different species of birds such as toucans, parrots and macaws. Return to the lodge for breakfast.
After breakfast we´ll prepare us for departing. At about 9:30am and by motorized canoe we´ll navigate upstream along the Cuyabeno River (2 hours) to El Puente (the bridge) with more chances of watching wildlife. Box Lunch included.
From El Puente, our car will drive us back to Lago Agrio or Coca city.
CHECK OUT OUR PROGRAMS
​INCLUDED IN OUR SERVICES
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Transportation from Lago Agrio or Coca (Airport) (Bus & Canoe), experienced bilingual naturalist guide / translator, Accommodation in a Jungle Lodge in cabins for matrimonials, double or triple with private bathrooms, rubber boots (up to No 46), Raincoat (Poncho), life jackets, Biodegradable soap, Breakfast, 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, transport back to Lago Agrio or Coca Airport.
NOT INCLUDED
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Your transport Quito - Lago Agrio - Quito, Accommodation and meals in Lago Agrio. Additional beverages and tips, alcoholic drinks at a reduced price e.g. $4 for a 750 ml beer, contribution to the Indigenous Community $10 per activity per person, pick up and drop off from Coca city have an additional cost of $60 per group, any no specified service.
RECOMMENDED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
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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, Hat or cap, Sunglasses with a strap, 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.​​
FULL ADVENTURE
BORDER WITH PERU
Best of Ecuadorian Amazon
8 Days
FULL ADVENTURE
ACTIVE CANOEING
Active Paddling Cuyabeno River
6 Days
REGULAR PROGRAMS FOR EVERYONE
Magical Canoeing Experience
5 Days
FULL ADVENTURE
BORDER WITH PERU
Pink Dolphin Hotspot
6 Days
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT YOUR TRIP
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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 include weather conditions and some luck.
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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, for this we will provide you with rubber boots. In general the terrain is flat and do not demand much effort. A maximum walking time is of approximate 3 hours at a time.
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Please remember that the name Rainforest comes precisely from the 4000mm (about 12 feet) of rain it receives a year. Our canoes, motorized canoes or paddling canoes do not have roof so please expect heavy rain at any time. Our canoes are comfortable and provided with sits for two people and life jackets. Your luggage will be covered and protected against rain water.
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Lodges are basic but beautiful and comfortable, they are located on the margin of the river so that we will not need to carry the equipment for long distances, the lodge team will help you with your heavy luggage. We will always look for the best lodges to make your jungle experience a memorable one.
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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.
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