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CUYABENO LODGE 5 DAY RAINFOREST SAFARI ADVENTURE

Start the adventure leaving the summits of the Andes behind and enter the Amazon basin, and finish it by getting on a motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River through the rainforest.

5 DAYs TOUR

  • Suite
  • $ 579
  • Deluxe Room
  • $ 539
  • Standard Plus Room
  • $ 499
  • Standard Room
  • $ 459
  • Dormitory*
  • $ 349
Prices are PER PERSON based on double occupancy. During the high season* there is a surcharge of $50 USD per person if you want to have the room just for yourself). The surcharge is waived during low season.
Children aged 5-12 get 30% off. Children 4 years and younger are free.
* The dormitory price is a limited time deal for a minimum of 4 persons or if there is another group you can join.

Payment methods

All payments must be made via bank transfer, credit card, (we use the platform WETRAVEL (2.9% fee) or deposit. All payments are required 30 days BEFORE the program begins.

Read the itinerary

Unforgettable Amazon Jungle Safaris & Activities at Cuyabeno Lodge

Our departure days are Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. They are synchronized with the Private bus arrival between 10 and 12 o’clock. Our itineraries feature a dynamic mix of water excursions, forest walks, and an authentic cultural encounter. When you stay with us, you will experience the very best Cuyabeno Amazon rainforest activities:
  • Excursions & Sunset Swims: Cruise the waters of Lake Cuyabeno and winding rivers in our motorized and paddle canoes, take refreshing swims in the lake, and witness the spectacular sunsets for which Cuyabeno is famous;
  • Only ecologist owned Lodge: Only lodge owned and lead by a conservation professional, Dutch ecolodgist, Dr. Daan Vreugdenhil. He initiated the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve in 1976 and created the first lodge in Cuyabeno, the Cuyabeno Lodge in 1988. Ofcourse, being the first, he chose the best location in Lake Cuyabeno. All other lodges are owned by former guides or business persons without any ecological backgroud.
  • Wildlife & Birdwatching Expeditions: Embark on expert-led excursions to spot iconic Amazonian species, including pink river dolphins, prehistoric-looking hoatzins, bright-colored toucans, and up to 10 species of monkeys;
  • Guided Rainforest walks: Explore the primary jungle while our naturalist guides share fascinating insights about the complex rainforest ecosystem, wildlife, and the traditional use of plants;
  • Authentic Siona Community Visit: an unforgettable visit to the indigenous Siona community. Here, you will learn about their rich history and participate in preparing traditional casabe (cassava bread) from scratch;
  • Intriguing Night Excursions: Step into the jungle after dark. Armed with flashlights, you will set out on night excursions by foot as well as by canoe to find fascinating insects, treefrogs, and unique nocturnal birds as well as the glowing-eyed caimans, and bats flying low over the lake;
  • Relaxation from our Deck and Canopy Tower: Unwind between adventures by relaxing in a hammock, capturing panoramic photos from our observation tower, or taking in the breathtaking views of the lake from our spacious deck,
The shown programs are examples and may vary per guide, weather and water level.

Itinerary

Travel from Quito the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Reserve (Cuyabeno Bridge)
  • Journey Across the Andes: Take the private or public night bus directly to the park entrance. (Officially, this is not part of the program even if we help you with the ticket);
  • Meet Your Naturalist Guide: At the park entrance, (departure days are Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays), your guide will welcome you and handle your official registration with the Cuyabeno National Park Service. This is where your program with us officially starts;
  • Lunch: Time permitting you can order a simple lunch at the jungle restaurant at the entrance of the park.
  • The Best Experience: Our programs are designed to maximize your jungle experience.
Into the Wild (Cuyabeno Entrance to Cuyabeno Lodge)
  • Motorized Canoe Expedition: You will board our motorized canoe for a scenic journey gliding downstream along the Cuyabeno River to the lodge.
  • Spot Monkeys in the Wild: Keep your eyes on the tree canopy! It is very common to spot squirrel monkeys, Capuchin monkeys, and Tamarin monkeys swinging along the riverbanks. If you are lucky, you may hear the deep roar of a howler monkey or spot a camouflaged sloth.
  • River Wildlife & Exotic Birds: The forest along the river is home to the blue-and-yellow macaws, colorful toucans, and green parrots. Watch the river banks to catch a rare glimpse of an anaconda in the shrubs, a caiman or a pink Amazon river dolphin hunting for fish.
  • Watching the animals and plants of the rainforest: The Amazon jungle is all about the fine details of hidden wildlife and rare orchids. Bringing binoculars is essential to get the most out of your trip. If you forgot yours, don't worry—we offer binocular rentals at the lodge for a modest fee.
Arrival at the lodge
  • Welcome to our Island Paradise: you will arrive at our rainforest style Cuyabeno Lodge sitting beautifully on a seasonal island near the shore.
  • Check in: Your guide will assign you your cabin where you can drop off your belongings.
Authentic Cultural Encounter & Casabe Making
  • Siona Village along the Cuyabeno River: After leaving your belongings in your room we will take to the Siona Village for a cultural program.
  • Traditional Cassava Preparation: Upon arriving at the village, you will participate in making traditional cassava (or manioc) bread or tortillas. The hands-on experience begins by harvesting manioc (also known as yucca) from the kitchen garden, followed by processing and cooking it over an open fire in a traditional kitchen.
  • Insights into Tribal Life: Your indigenous hostess will share stories about the history, daily life, and customs of the Siona tribe.
  • Supporting Siona Women: This cultural program costs $10 per person and operates on a daily rotation system among the women. By participating, your visit helps with providing income for the women.
  • Dinner with the Sionas: After the preparation you will enjoy a traditional late afternoon meal with the tortillas you just prepared.
  • Return to the Lodge: afterwards you return to the lodge, where your guide will map out the activities for the next day before you drift off to a well-deserved sleep, or you may spend some hours in the restaurant, playing some board games or internet games using our Starlink internet.
Morning program
  • A Natural Alarm clock: Start your day to the enchanting morning choir of wild monkeys and exotic birds calling from the tree tops.
  • Primary Forest Exploration: After a delicious breakfast, a short scenic paddle canoe ride takes you to a hidden trail head for a guided walk through the forest.
  • Expert Naturalist Insights: Your guide will share his knowledge about the complex Amazon ecosystem, wildlife and indigenous plant uses.
  • The Amazon Jungle in Detail: Keep your eyes peeled for birds, Pygmy monkeys - the smallest monkeys in the world - and the incredible micro-fauna. Learn about the highly organized leafcutter ant colonies, tiny poisonous toads camouflaged under leaves, fascinating insects, and rare zombie fungi that target insects.
Afternoon: Siesta & Flooded Forest Canoe Excursion
  • Midday Relaxation: Escape the afternoon heat with a relaxing afternoon siesta. Unwind in your room, in a hammock in our recreation area, or rest on a deck chair at our shaded boat landing.
  • Flooded Macrolobium Forest Excursion: Later in the afternoon, board our paddle canoe to explore the mysterious flooded igapó forest. Glide among ancient, gnarled bonsai-shaped Macrolobium trees wrapped in thick blankets of epiphytic orchids and bromeliads.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Your eagle-eyed guide will help you look for monkeys, colorful birds, hunting pink river dolphins, and - with a bit of luck - an anaconda draped over a branch.
  • Swimming and Sunset: At dawn, your guide will take you back onto Lake Cuyabeno (Laguna Grande) to swim and enjoy the spectacular sunset for which Cuyabeno is famous.
Morning: Silent Canoe Excursion & Shoreline Exploration
  • Paddle Along Pristine Shores: After enjoying a fresh breakfast at the lodge, embark on a peaceful journey paddling along the quiet shores and through the vibrant marshes surrounding Lake Cuyabeno.
  • Nature's Symphony: Drift quietly through the wetlands while listening to the exotic morning chorus of tropical birds and hidden jungle insects.
Afternoon: Excursion to Cuyabeno’s Hidden Lakes
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Pending availability of a canoe leaving for the park entrance to pull you nearby, your naturalist guide will take you on a paddling excursion to one of the small, hidden lakes.
  • Escape the Crowds: This pristine backcountry zone ensures a peaceful, secluded experience to a lake where visitors from other Amazon lodges rarely go.
Night: Amazon Night Walk & Nocturnal Wildlife Excursion
  • Rainforest After Dark: Once the sun sets, embark on a captivating night walk through the primary jungle to discover a completely different world with fluorescent fungi and nocturnal critters.
  • Fascinating Nocturnal Critters: Use your flashlight to spot green saber grasshoppers, masterfully camouflaged stick insects, praying mantas, and glowing-eyed spiders.
  • Elusive Mammals & Birds: If you walk quietly, you may catch a rare glimpse of nocturnal jungle animals, such as owls, unique rodents, and on the lake, the glowing eyes of caimans.
  • Essential Gear Reminder: A high-quality LED flashlight is essential to fully enjoy the nocturnal life of the jungle. If you forgot to pack one, we have some strong LED flashlights available for rent at the lodge for a modest fee.
Morning: Silent Canoe Excursion & Shoreline Exploration
  • Paddle through the “Red Palms” Macrolobium forest: After enjoying a fresh breakfast at the lodge, embark on a peaceful morning paddle through a marsh called “Red Palms”.
  • Watch out for the lake birds: glide quietly through the inundated forest while while keeping your eyes out for birds, reptiles and frogs.
Afternoon: Equator Monument
  • Equator monument: The lodge is only about 100m south of the equator and the reserve has its own new equator monument which you will visit in the afternoon. At the “Cuyabeno Mitad del Mundo” you will carry out some cool experiments that are only possible exactly on the equator. I never believed them until I did them myself: an egg standing up straight and water draining from a bucket turning right or left depending on the side of the equator.
Evening & Night: Lake Swim & Nocturnal Caiman Excursion
  • Sunset at the Lake: Go for a swim and enjoy the sunset.
  • Nocturnal paddle excursion: Once darkness blankets the jungle, you will set out on a night excursion. Armed with flashlights, your guide will help you spot the glowing eyes of caimans, tree snakes, bats and elusive nocturnal birds.
Final Day Itinerary: Dawn Birdwatching & Return to Quito
On the final day of your Cuyabeno Amazon rainforest tour, you will likely share a feeling common to so many of our guests: Time went by far too fast, and you wish you could have stayed just a little longer. But, as your journey wraps up, you will carry home with you lifelong memories of the profound peace and unmatched beauty of our beloved Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.
Morning: Farewell Breakfast & Upstream Navigation
  • Last Lodge Breakfast: Enjoy one final delicious breakfast at the Lodge.
  • Return to the park entrance: Pack your bags and board our motorized canoe one last time. You will go back upstream along the winding Cuyabeno River to the park entrance.
From the Cuyabeno Brug: Return to Quito
  • Park Departure Logistics: Upon arriving back at the Cuyabeno Bridge (the park entrance), you will say goodbye to your guide.
  • Return to Quito: From the park entrance, you will take the private or public bus back to Quito.

We are on an Island in Cuyabeno Lake!

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SERVICES

Boots and ponchos

Private bathrooms

Meals included

Transportation on the river

Hot water

Tour guide

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What's included?

Included

  • Activities such as hiking, canoe rides, and local community visit
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide
  • Accommodations with hot water
  • Meals starting with lunch and ending with breakfast
  • Coffee, tea, purified water, available at all times
  • Use of rain ponchos and rubber boots – indicate size when booking

Not Included

  • Alcoholic and additional beverages ;
  • Transportation Quito - Cuyabeno - Quito ;
  • Flights Quito - Coca - Quito ;
  • Transfers Coca - Cuyabeno - Coca ;
  • $10 cash donation to the Siona community for hosting visitors;
  • IVA for Ecuadorian nationals (does not apply to foreigners) .

PLEASE NOTE

  • Activities may be adjusted according to group interests or weather conditions ;
  • Rooms have no power outlets and equipment can only be charges in communal areas;
  • Only mobiles and laptops can be charged ;
  • Private guiding available at additional charge ;
  • French and German guide or translators may be available at additional charge.
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