Cuyabeno River Lodge has sponsored tourism and scientific research in the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin since the creation of the lodge and the establishment of the reserve in 1979. We are the direct operators of Cuyabeno River Lodge and protect the most fragile zone of the Cuyabeno National Reserve. Over 500 species of birds, 450 species of fish, 12,000 plant species, and hundreds of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians can be found in this diverse ecosystem.
Our mission is to promote ecotourism in an environmentally and culturally safe manner in order to present Cuyabeno's beauty to its visitors. We offer standard four or five-day tours to our native-style cabins as well as longer adventure tours through the mysterious waters of Cuyabeno and into Peru. Join us as we venture into this unique and fascinating habitat!
AMAZON JUNGLE TOURS
4 days / 3 nights
*Itinerary subject to change
DAY 1: Upon arrival at the Cuyabeno bridge, your guide will meet you and transport you by motorized canoe to our base camp, Cuyabeno River Lodge. After an initial rest, we will take a short walk in the afternoon on the Ceibo trail, leading us to one of the region's largest tree species.
DAY 2: After an early breakfast, we will visit the Laguna Grande, Cuyabeno's largest lake, by motorized canoe. During the excursion you will observe the exotic flora and fauna (monkeys, dolphins, etc.) peculiar to this region. After stopping for lunch, we will continue down the Cuyabeno River to the indigenous community of Puerto Bolivar. Here we will participate in preparing a typical yucca bread in the home of an indigenous family before returning to our base camp. Optional nocturnal walks and canoe rides may be requested free of charge.
DAY 3: Optional: Requests for early morning bird walks are more than welcome. After breakfast, we will continue to trek through the primary rainforest, exploring our longest trail for 3-4 hours in search of exotic plants, animals, and animal tracks. Our guide will indicate medicinal plants and native animals, and discuss local indigenous customs. In addition, we will have the opportunity to row down the river in native style canoes, fish for piranhas, and take a refreshing swim in the Cuyabeno River.
DAY 4: On day four we will explore one last trail, with new opportunities to see different vegetation and animals before taking the early evening direct bus (6:30 pm) to Quito.
5 days / 4 nights
4 days + 1 night of camping
*Itinerary subject to change
DAY 1: Upon arrival at the Cuyabeno bridge, your guide will meet you and transport you by motorized canoe to our base camp, Cuyabeno River Lodge. After an initial rest, we will take a short walk in the afternoon on the Ceibo trail, leading us to one of the region's largest trees.
DAY 2: After an early breakfast, we will visit the Laguna Grande, Cuyabeno's largest lake, by motorized canoe. During the excursion you will observe the exotic flora and fauna (monkeys, dolphins, etc.) peculiar to this region. After stopping for lunch, we will continue down the Cuyabeno River to the indigenous community of Puerto Bolivar. Here we will participate in preparing a typical yucca bread in the home of an indigenous family before setting up camp for the night near the lagoon. Optional nocturnal walks or caiman-watching canoe ride may be requested.
DAY 3: Optional: Requests for early morning bird walks are more than welcome. After breakfast, we will continue to trek through the primary rainforest, exploring our longest trail for 3-4 hours in search of exotic plants, animals, and animal tracks. Our guide will indicate medicinal plants and native animals, and discuss local indigenous customs. In addition, we will have the opportunity to row down the river in native style canoes, fish for piranhas, and take a refreshing swim in the Cuyabeno River.
DAY 4: A continuation of exploring walking trails and canoeing in quillas, our native-style canoes. Optional nocturnal walk after dinner.
DAY 5: On day five we will explore one last trail, with new opportunities to see different vegetation and animals before taking the early evening direct bus (6:30 pm) to Quito.
6 days / 5 nights
Camping Full Adventure Tour
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES + SHAMAN
*Itinerary subject to change
DAY 1: Upon arrival to Chiritza by bus, you will board a motorized canoe and navigate on the quiet Aguarico River to Puca Peña, a large sandy beach where we will set camp for the night.
DAY 2: We will break camp after a very early breakfast and continue downriver to the Playas of Cuyabeno, a Quichua community, where you will observe their customs and way of life. You will also enjoy the delta where the Cuyabeno River empties into the Aguarico River, a popular play area for the pink river dolphin. We will then continue up the Cuyabeno River to visit the Aguas Negras and Aguas Blancas Rivers before reaching the Amarumposa cabins where we will stay for two nights.
DAY 3: After breakfast at 8 am, you will hike through the primary jungle where your guide will introduce you to various medicinal plants. You will also have the opportunity to observe native animal species. Various animal tracks can be seen as well (tapir, armadillo, paca, etc.). In the afternoon, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and fish for piranhas. After dinner, weather and river conditions permitting, your guide will take you on a nocturnal caiman-watching canoe ride.
DAY 4: We will continue up the river to the Laguna Grande after breakfast. Upon arrival at your new camp near the lagoon, we will take a short walk and swim before dinner and rest.
DAY 5: At dawn, your guide will take bird lovers to observe the numerous bird species that live in this region (optional). You will return to the camp for breakfast and then continue up the river to our last camp, Cuyabeno River Lodge, to spend the night. Short walk or canoeing in native canoes upon reaching the lodge.
DAY 6: On day six we will explore one last trail, with new opportunities to see different vegetation and animals before taking the early evening direct bus (6:30 pm) to Quito.
Tours include:
• Fluvial Transportation
• Bilingual nature guide
• Lodging in double cabins
• All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Purified water
• Rain boots and ponchos
Tours do not include:
• Airplane and/or bus tickets
• Park entrance fee - $20.00 USD for foreigners, $5.00 USD for nationals
• Additional beverages
• Fees for activities in indigenous communities
What to bring:
• Passport for foreigners (a copy is not acceptable) or tarjeta andina (rosada) for nationals
• Long sleeve shirts, pants, and bathing suit
• Flashlight
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Insect repellent with a minimum of 30-35% DEET
• Camera, film, and extra batteries
• Plastic bags to protect cameras
CUYABENO RIVER LODGE: Offers comfortable cabins with private bathrooms. Available services also include a restaurant and bar. Come feel at home amidst the rainforest!
