Home / South America, Ecuador Tours / Eco
5 day(s)
Regular
1-36 people
moderate
Explore one of the most mystical and wonderful regions of the world: The rainforest of South America. Around 2% of the Amazon rainforest is found in the foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes, a place that is better known as the ‘Oriente’, but it has a third of all existing Amazonian biodiversity. The Cuyabeno wildlife reserve protects around 603,380 hectares, which are located close to the Equatorial line, in the northeastern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. In the reserve there are more than 500 different species of colorful birds that range from small hummingbirds to majestic harpy eagle.
Within one hectare of this place you can find 240 different species of plants and many of them are used for medicinal purposes. Jaguars, monkeys, anteaters, sloths, river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis), manatees and armadillos, are just some of the mammals that live in the reserve.
To complete the variety of animals in this area, several reptiles have their habitat in Cuyabeno National Park, such as: anacondas and alligators, which often can’t be observed due to their timidity and shyness. In the rivers of black water and lakes, there are fish species such as piranhas, catfishs, the gigantic Paiche (which reaches more than 6.5 feet in length), among many others. The Cuyabeno Reserve doesn’t solely provide a habitat for innumerable species of plants and animals, but it is also a place for many indigenous communities such as Sionas, Secoyas, Kichwa and Cofanes.
Relax and take a rest from your urban stress in a natural environment, which has the comfort of spacious and comfortable cabins (each has a private bathroom and shower with hot water), plus a variety of meals prepared by a professional chef. The excellent service that Nicky Lodge offers, ensures a comfortable and secure stay for you. Having long years of experience in the rainforest, our tour guides will be glad to share with you many interesting information regarding flora and fauna of the place and will also allow you to see even the shyest animals during your daily excursions in the dense green paradise
Duration
5 day(s)
Max Group Size
1-36 people
Tour Code
Cuyabeno Reserve
Departure Type
guaranteed
Tour Category
Eco
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
8 - 68
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
The journey begins at
"Cuyabeno Bridge" at 10:30 am", where Amazon Lodge Guide will be waiting for you. This site is the
main entrance to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and the last stop in
civilization. Once ready, we head down the Cuyabeno River in a motorized canoe
for about 2 hours and half to reach Amazon Lodge. During the trip, we
will observe local flora and fauna, and with luck, we may spot the first
species of monkeys and birds. Upon arrival at Lodge, you will be greeted
with a welcome cocktail, and then we will assign rooms. You will have time to
rest and/or enjoy the surroundings before a delicious lunch. Once ready,
we will embark on our first adventure to the Laguna Grande, located 30
minutes from Amazon Lodge. We will explore the vegetation in a motorized
canoe and learn about the 'Igapó', the flooded forest ecosystem. Afterward, you
can swim in the calm waters while enjoying the beautiful Amazonian sunset. We
will continue our adventure observing the nocturnal wildlife of the area, such
as bats and caimans, and finally return to the lodge for dinner. After
dinner, our bilingual guide will inform you about the activities for the
following days.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning,
we will explore the area in search of monkeys and birds in the rainforest, then
return to the lodge for breakfast. You will have time to relax a bit
before a jungle hike where our guide will share their knowledge and
experiences. We may see colorful butterflies, toads, and hear birds while
learning about the wide variety of flora and the ecosystems co-exist. We will
return to the lodge for lunch, followed by time to rest, swim, play
soccer, take a nap, or simply enjoy nature. In the afternoon, we will take a
canoe trip along the Cuyabeno River to observe the wildlife on the banks,
including monkeys, macaws, toucans, sloths, and pink river dolphins a true
riverscape! Before dinner, we will go on a night hike in search of spiders,
insects, snakes, frogs, and other animals. Dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will go bird
watching early in the morning, taking a paddle canoe or we will walk to look
for some birds, reptiles, monkeys moving into the rainforest, giving you the
opportunity to paddle while appreciating the local birds. Afterward, we return
to the lodge for breakfast. Once ready, we will go on our next canoe
excursion to visit an indigenous Siona family living in the
Amazon basin. We will interact with the community from the yuca harvest to the
preparation of the famous "Cassava," the regional manioc or yuca
bread. Additionally, we will learn about the local customs and traditions of
the culture. Lunch with the community. Return to the lodge, rest, and in
the afternoon, later we will take a jungle hike to observe different species of
insects, spiders, tree frogs, when we back, we will enjoy the nocturnal sounds
of the jungle. Dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, early
activity a birdwatching along the river by canoe, then return to the lodge for breakfast.
Afterward, we will go on an excursion either by paddle canoe exploring a part
of the jungle enjoying the scenery and listening to the sounds of the jungle
while searching for exotic local species. Our guide will provide information
about the medicinal use of plants, which has been utilized by native cultures
for generations. After the activity, we return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, we will explore the Cuyabeno River by canoe look for the pink
dolphins of the fresh water. Dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning, we will go on a short canoe excursion to observe a variety of fauna. After breakfast, you will have time to pack your luggage for the return. Check OUT is at approximately 08:30 am. We will provide a small farewell snack for the road for the return to Cuyabeno Bridge, arriving around 10:30 am. A private (tourist) bus will be waiting to take you back to Quito.
Meals included: Breakfast
Guided
tours with certified bilingual naturalist guides (English and Spanish) during
all excursions.
Motorized
canoe transportation IN/OUT from El Puente de Cuyabeno to the Lodge and from
the Lodge to El Puente de Cuyabeno