Into the Amazon: Journey, River & First Encounters

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve - The adventure begins in Quito at Hotel Blu, where an overnight bus to the Amazon is arranged for a smooth start. Upon reaching Cuyabeno Bridge, the main entrance to the reserve, a naturalist guide will greet the group before continuing by motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River for about two and a half hours towards Nicky Amazon Lodge. Along the journey, keep an eye out for monkeys, birds, and the first sights of the rainforest’s vibrant life. After a welcome cocktail and room assignment, there will be time to relax before lunch. In the afternoon, explore Laguna Grande by canoe, discovering the flooded Igapó forest. Swim in the calm waters as the sun sets over the jungle, then venture out to spot nocturnal wildlife such as bats and caimans before returning to the lodge for dinner and a briefing for the upcoming days.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Adventure in the Amazon

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve - After an early breakfast, the exploration begins, taking advantage of the early hours, which are ideal for observing the flourishing activities of the tropical forest. The guide will explain the use of medicinal plants, knowledge passed down through generations and still used by the local population. Watch for amphibians, butterflies, snakes, birds, monkeys, and other mammals along the trail. Later, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on an excursion along the Cuyabeno River to discover the animals living in the dense forest on the riverbanks, especially monkeys, toucans, and sloths. There will be a great opportunity to see river dolphins in the magnificent fluvial landscape. Before dinner, head into the dark forest to find its nightlife, such as insects, spiders, snakes, or colorful frogs, accompanied by the nocturnal sounds of the jungle.

Adventure in the Amazon

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve - An early morning activity through the forest allows for enjoyment of nature as wildlife awakens and the jungle comes to life; there is a good chance to observe several species of monkeys and birds. After breakfast, continue by motor canoe along the “turtle path” to visit the community of Seoqueya, where some local families of the Siona indigenous group reside. A family member will demonstrate how to prepare the typical yuca bread of the area, called “Cassave,” and participants will prepare it together. The guide will explain local traditions and cultures from the past to the present.

Laguna Grande - In the afternoon, travel by motor canoe along the Cuyabeno River to Laguna Grande. While exploring the lagoon, discover the flooded forest (Igapo), a unique ecosystem of the tropical jungle dominated by powerful trees where many epiphytes grow, providing a natural habitat for local birds. After exploring the lagoon, cool off by swimming in its calm waters while enjoying a spectacular sunset in the Amazon. Later, continue the adventure down the river to observe nocturnal animals, especially caimans, before returning to the lodge.

Adventure in the Amazon

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve - Early in the morning, enjoy the fantastic sunrise offered by the jungle. There is an option to take an excursion, either by canoeing or hiking in the jungle landscape (depending on the climate and the group’s interest). After breakfast, explore the virgin forest through a walk across the rainforest. The guide will share extensive knowledge, such as the medicinal use of the flora and fauna, which has been used by members of different cultures in the region for generations. Later, return to the Lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, explore the Cuyabeno River by canoe, enjoying not only the extraordinary landscapes but also the magical sounds of the jungle while searching for its exotic inhabitants.

Lodge - Lago Agrio

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve - This morning’s activity is a short canoe trip to enjoy the sunrise in the jungle, providing a great opportunity to observe various types of wild animals and enjoy another peaceful moment in this wonderful natural paradise. After breakfast, there will be time to prepare luggage for the return trip. Navigate upriver to return to El Puente de Cuyabeno. After a box lunch, board the bus back to the city of Quito.

• Lunch included
• Dinner provided
• Breakfast served

• Domestic or international fligths
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Entrance to the local community (US$ 5)

Uncover the secrets of one of the world’s most enchanting locations: South America’s rainforest. A small fraction, roughly 2%, of the Amazon rainforest extends into the lower grounds of the Andes in Ecuador, an area widely referred to as the ‘Oriente’, but it harbors a third of the entire Amazon’s biodiversity. Safeguarding approximately 603,380 hectares near the equator, in the northeast area of Ecuador’s portion of the Amazon, is the Cuyabeno wildlife reserve. Here, over 500 varying species of vibrant birds reside, from petite hummingbirds to the regal harpy eagle. Within a single hectare of this land, there can be found 240 distinct plant species, many of which boast medicinal uses. In addition, the reserve is the habitat for an array of mammals including jaguars, monkeys, anteaters, sloths, river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis), manatees and armadillos.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.