Paddling cuyabeno tours with Best Jungle Ecuador

MAGICAL CANOEING EXPERIENCE
ADVENTURE 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

EXTRAORDINARY PADDLING ADVENTURE EXPLORING CUYABENO RIVER AND ITS LAGOONS

Fantastic moderate rating canoeing adventures, designed for anyone who enjoy nature at its best. During this quieter and enjoyable silent paddling journeys you´ll have great opportunities to observe fantastic wildlife including Monkeys, Parrots and Macaws, fresh water dolphins and much more. 3 Days paddling maximum 16 Km (10 miles) per day with 3 nights accommodation in a 3 star lodge.
NO PADDLING EXPERIENCE NEDDED

Refreshing swim

Amazon Lake

Paddling on Cuyabeno river

White fronted Capuchin

Refreshing swim

Amazon Lake

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ITINERARY

DAY 1. – RIO CUYABENO (EL PUENTE) – PASO DEL TIGRE (JAGUAR TRAIL) – LAGUNA GRANDE – LODGE

Your adventure starts (9:00 am) with 2-hour drive from the city of Lago Agrio (3.5 hours from Coca Airport) to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve at the shore of the Cuyabeno River (El Puente). 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 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 quiet and enjoyable journey, you´ll have great chances of observing wildlife including Monkeys, Parrots and Macaws. After approximately 5 hours of canoeing, we´ll arrive at the Flooded Forest ecosystem and the entrance of the beautiful Cocha Grande Lagoon. On the route and river level permitting we will visit the remote Canangueno Lagoon.

From the entrance to the Cocha grande we Will continue by motorized canoe to our lodge. Your accommodation will be in cabins with private bathrooms. Dinner and welcome cocktail.

Paddling distance 16Km (10 miles).

DAY 2.- LAGUNA GRANDE EXPLORATION - PADDLING CUYABENO RIVER – LODGE

This morning we´ll be awakening by the sounds of the many species of birds that inhabit this marvellous pristine Rain Forest. After a hearty breakfast we will navigate towards Cocha grande lagoon from where we will paddle among the fantastic Macrolobium Trees that exist in this flooded forest, later we´ll go for an interesting hike in primary forest followed by a refreshing swim in the Lagoon.

After, we will board the canoes and paddle to our lodge with excellent chances of spotting wildlife including the legendary fresh water Pink Dolphin (Inia Geoffrensis). Lunch and time to relax at the lodge. Late in the afternoon and by motorized canoe we will navigate towards the Laguna Grande to enjoy a beautiful sunset. At night we will navigate slowly downstream Cuyabeno with good chances to spot Caimans (alligators), fishing bats, tree boas and more. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Paddling distance 12 Km (7.5 miles)

DAY 3.- LODGE – PADDLING CUYABENO - SIONA NATIVE COMMUNITY

After breakfast, we´ll paddle downstream Cuyabeno river in a spectacular journey with great opportunities to observe several species of monkeys, parrots, macaws and river dolphins. We paddle until we reach the Siona Indigenous community where we`ll be part of the making of the Casabe bread (Manioc or Yuca bread) 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. 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. Today our picnic lunch will include Casabe. Return to the lodge by motorized canoe.

After a relaxing time at the lodge and 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. Return to the Lodge for dinner.

Paddling distance 12 Km (7.5 miles)

DAY 4.- LODGE – CUYABENO RIVER (EL PUENTE)

Early in the morning and by motorized canoe we´ll navigate slowly on the Cuyabeno river to observe different species of birds such as toucans, parrots and macaws.

Following breakfast, the group will get ready for departing at about 9:30 am. By motorized canoe we´ll navigate upstream along the Cuyabeno River to El Puente (the bridge) with more chances of watching wildlife. From El Puente our car will drive you to the city of Lago Agrio or Coca.

Navigation time by motorized canoe: 2 hours

INCLUDED IN OUR SERVICES:

Transportation from Lago Agrio or Coca (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, Paddling canoes and motorized canoes, Biodegradable soap at the Lodge, 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 + Free Caipirinhas Cocktails!

NOT INCLUDED:

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, Car transportation to/from the Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana) have an additional cost of $60 per group, 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 include 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, 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.
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 motorized canoes are comfortable and provided with sits for two people and life jackets. Your luggage will be covered and protected against rain water.
Paddling Canoes with a capacity of 2 to 8 people, designed for couples or families, typically feature specialized equipment such as life jackets, paddles and cushions to ensure comfort and safety for the participants.
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.
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.