In 1979 the Cuyabeno Nature Reserve was founded between the rivers Aguarico and San Miguel, which is in the province of Sucumbios. The spectacular trips into Cuyabeno introduce the visitor to the complex system of tropical lagoons, swamps and flooded areas inhabited by the Siona Indian Community. Cuyabeno's abundant aquatic and land habitats are home to fresh water dolphins and turtles, anacondas, crocodiles, monkeys, ocelots, sloth and birds such as hoatzins, arras and kingfishers. A huge range of vegetation flourishes in this tropical rainforest: plants such as palms, bromeliads, ceibos, helicons, macrolobium, wild roses, orchids are frequently seen. This once-in-a-lifetime trip will definitely be a memorable experience for everyone who is fortunate enough to participate.
This Lodge emphasizes on eco-tourism. They get their electricity from solar cells to charge their batteries; therefore, only in the common room you have electricity and in the rooms there are candles. The rooms do not have windows but a mosquito net over the bed.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Flight Quito - Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno Lodge
In the morning transfer to the airport and flight to Lago Agrio. Upon arrival to Lago Agrio you will go by bus to the bridge of Cuyabeno river (3 hours). After you have enjoyed lunch (lunch box), you will continue by motorized dugouts downstream to get to the Cuyabeno Jungle Lodge in the afternoon. After dinner you will go for an exciting night walk. You will spend the night in bungalows with double beds and Mosquito nets. -/L/D
Day 02: Cuyabeno Jungle Expedition
After breakfast you will walk in the forest to learn about the use of medical plants and the function of the amazing ecosystem of the Amazon basin. After lunch at the lodge, you will go piranha fishing. Dinner. B/L/D
Day 03: Cuyabeno Lagoon - Jungle expedition
Today you will visit the Cuyabeno Lagoon and have a walk in the rainforest at the shore of the lagoon. After lunch (lunch box) you paddle down the lagoon and you can enjoy a swim in the Aguas negras. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. Later at night you will canoe down on the river to try your luck in nightlife watching some animals, such as the caimans. B/L/D
Day 04: Cuyabeno Jungle Expedition
Early bird watching before breakfast. Afterwards you will go for a last hike in the forest. Lunch and later you will paddle down the river. You will have dinner and spend the night in the jungle lodge. B/L/D
Day 05: Cuyabeno - Lago Agrio - Quito
After an early breakfast you will start the journey back upstream on the Cuyabeno River. Lunch (lunch box) at the bridge. The bus will take you to Lago Agrio. Return to Quito. B/L/-
