CUYABENO
JUNGLE TRIP
5 Days / 4 Nights
Explore one of the world’s most mystical and wondrous regions: the South American rainforest. Among the inhabitants of Ecuador, this area at the foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes is better known as “Oriente”. Despite the comparatively representing only 2% of the Amazon rainforest, the Ecuadorian rainforest accounts for one-third of the Amazon’s biodiversity. The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve protects approximately 590.112 hectares located near the equator in the northeastern part of Ecuador. There are over 500 different species of colorful birds ranging from the smallest hummingbird species to majestic harpy eagles.
Within one hectare of this reserve, it is possible to find up to 240 different plant species, many of which are still used for medical purposes today. Jaguars, monkeys, tapirs, sloths, pink river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis), manatees and armadillos are just a few of the mammals that live in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. To complete the biodiversity of this nature reserve, impressive reptiles such as Anacondas and Caimans should not go unmentioned. In the black-water rivers and lakes there are a variety of fish species such as piranhas, catfish and Arapaimas (which can reach a length of 2 meters) and many others. The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve not only provides habitat for countless plants and animals, but also for many indigenous people and communities such as the Siona, Secoya, Kichwa and Cofane.
Treat yourself to a break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in a natural environment, with the comfort of spacious and comfortable so-called “cabañas” (open country huts with private bathrooms with hot running water). The excellent service of the Dracaena Lodge is complemented by professional chefs serving a mix of national and international cuisine. The many years of experience of the entire staff will enable you to have a safe and pleasant stay. The tour guides know the rainforest like the back of their hand and are happy to share their knowledge about flora and fauna with you. Their experience will make it possible to discover the shy animals in the dense green of the rainforest
ITINERARY
Upper area of the Cuyabeno Reserve (Cuyabeno River)
DAY 01: RAINFOREST ADVENTURE
In the morning you will reach Lago Agrio, a small town at 500 meters above sea level on the edge of the Ecuadorian rainforest. The actual tour into the rainforest starts at 09:30 AM in the morning.
You will drive for about 2 hours until you reach ‘El Puente’, the main access to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and the last place in civilization. Here you will have lunch (box lunch) and then drive in a motorized canoe on the Cuyabeno River for about 2 hours until you reach the lodge. With a little luck you can already observe the first monkey and bird species on the way. The river is extremely narrow in this region and allows you to experience the wildlife up close. After your arrival at the lodge, you will have time to recover and go on your first exploratory tour in the surroundings of the lodge. After dinner your bilingual guide will inform you about the activities of the following days.
(BL / D)
DAY 02: RAINFOREST ADVENTURE
Early in the morning you will explore and observe some species of monkeys and birds, activities of the awakening tropical forest. Breakfast. After a relax time we will hike through the rainforest your guide will share his knowledge and experience with you. You will learn how the most diverse life forms can coexist in the jungle and survive side by side within a delicate balance. Watch out for colorful butterflies, frogs and birds as you learn more about the great variety of flora. Later you will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon you will take a trip on the Cuyabeno River, which will lead you through the dense forest landscape. You will be able to observe the wildlife found on the riverbanks, especially monkeys, macaws, toucans and sloths. Here you also have good chances to see pink river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis) in the impressive river landscape. Before dinner, after dusk, you will explore the lodge’s surroundings to look for nocturnal animals such as insects, spiders, snakes and frogs becoming active when the sun sets.
(B / L / D)
DAY 03: ADVENTURE IN AMAZONAS
During an excursion early in the morning, you will take a canoe ride to enjoy the awakening nature. After breakfast, you will take a motorized canoe to visit the Seoqueya community, home to some Siona indigenous families. The family members will show you how to make ‘Cassave’ (typical manioc bread of the region). Your guide will explain the local customs and traditions of their past and present culture while you have lunch. Later you return to the lodge.
In the afternoon you will travel by motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River to the Laguna Grande. As you explore the lagoon, you will get to know ‘Igapó’, the flooded rainforest. This is a very special rainforest ecosystem dominated by giant macrolobium trees which, provide habitat for epiphytes and specialized bird species. After exploring the lag oon, you can refresh yourself with a swim in the calm waters while watching the spectacular sunset of the Amazon. Later you will continue your adventure and observe the nocturnal fauna of the river landscape, watching out for caimans before returning to the lodge. Dinner.
(B / L /D)DAY 04: RAINFOREST ADVENTURE
This morning you have the opportunity to make an additional excursion, either by canoe or hiking. The choice depends on the weather conditions and the interests of the group. After breakfast, explore a pristine stretch of the jungle with your guide. He will tell you more about the medicinal use of the flora as it has been used by native cultures for generations. At lunchtime, you will return to the lodge for a rest. In the afternoon, you will be able to explore the Cuyabeno River by paddle canoe and enjoy the views of the exceptional scenery and listen to the sounds of the jungle as you watch out for the exotic local exotic species.
(B / L / D)
DAY 05: RAINFOREST - QUITO
Today’s morning excursion includes a short trip by canoe. Take advantage of the early morning hours to observe the animals during their morning activities and to say goodbye to the jungle. After breakfast at the lodge you will have time to pack your luggage for the return journey. The ride takes you upstream back to the civilization at ‘El Puente de Cuyabeno’. After lunch (box lunch), a private bus will take you back to Lago Agrio at approximately 15h00h and from there you will return to Quito.
(B / BL)B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / BL: Box Lunch / D: Dinner
PRICES 2026
Cuyabeno Tour 5 days / 4 nights
Double, matrimonial $ 425
- Single room surcharge: 40% on top of the listed price
- Prices per person
- All prices are listed in US dollars
- Children under 12years old receivea 25% discount
- Children under 3 years old (FREE)
Additional services:
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Bilingual guide rates: $80 per day for English, $130 per day for German or French.
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Private tour services available upon request with an additional cost per person or group. Inquire within for a quote.
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Everything about the route, prices, activities, land and river transport, guides, etc., is shared based on groups of 12 or 13 people maximum.
Departures:
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Monday, Thursday and Friday
(Daily for groups of 6 or more)
INCLUDE
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Private transportation from Lago Agrio to El Puente de Cuyabeno and back
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Transportation during excursions by motor canoe from the lodge to El Puente de Cuyabeno and back
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Bilingual (English and Spanish) Naturalist guide during all excursions
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4 nights of accommodation in a comfortable lodge of the tourist class with mosquito nets and private bathroom
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all mentioned meals, purified drinking water, coffee and tea, and vegetarian food upon request if you require
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Life jackets and rubber boots (up to size 45 – from size 45 up, on request without additional costs).
NOT INCLUDED
- Transfer by private bus from Quito to Lago Agrio and back.
- Visit to the Siona family in Cuyabeno, ( $ 5 per person; to be paid locally)
- Rain poncho
- Additional drinks and meals
- Single supplement
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Short-term price increases regarding fees and taxes.
WHAT TO PACK
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An original ID document with photo (passport or identity card)
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Rain poncho
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Long sleeve T-shirt
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Cotton socks
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Shorts
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Sandals or comfortable walking shoes
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Sweatshirt
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Flashlight with spare batteries
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Personal medicine
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Toiletry bag (IMPORTANT: biodegradable soap and shampoo)
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Swimwear and towel
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Hat
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Sunscreen
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Sunglasses with tether
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A waterproof or water-repellent backpack
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Insect repellent
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Zip lock bag or plastic bag
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Camera
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Binoculars (We recommend 10×40)
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Notepad
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Swiss army knife
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Wet wipes
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Reading material.
REQUIREMENTS
For this trip, you should be in good enough physical shape to enjoy jungle treks for 2-3 hours in a humid, tropical climate. However, if you would like to skip the hikes and other activities described above and only want to take part in the canoe trips, you can, of course make use of the lodge´s facilities instead, for example: relax in the hammock.
HOW TO GET THERE
Transport Quito – Cuyabeno – Quito 2024:
Option 1:
By bus
Your touristic bus will be leaving from Quito at 23h00pm the day before your tour starts riding along the Andes down to the Amazon basin, reaching Cuyabeno Bridge (National Park Entrance) at about 09h00am giving you some free time (e.g. to have an optional breakfast) before your tour starts (usually between 10:00 am and 11:00 am).
After the tour ends at the Cuyabeno bridge (usually between 10:00 am and 11:00 am) you take the tourist bus back to Quito (you will be back in Quito at about 21h00pm)
Price per person :$80
Option 2:
By plane and bus
Your plane will leave from Quito’s Airport at 09h30am, flying through the Andean snow-capped volcanoes and reaching Coca at about 10h00am where your transport will await you and your jungle tour starts with the transfer to Cuyabeno Bridge (National Park Entrance). From here you take your canoe along the calm Cuyabeno River to your lodge.
After the tour ends at the Cuyabeno bridge you take the tourist bus back to Quito (approximately 10 hours - you will be back in Quito at about 21h00pm)
Price per person: us$607 for 01 traveler
Us$385 for 2+ travelers
With 3/6/9 people the price for 2+ travelers goes down by US$ 55 per person
Option 3:
By plane Version A
Your plane will be leaving from Quito at 09h30am, reaching the charming Amazonian town of El Coca at about 10h00am where your transport will await you and your tour starts with the transfer to Cuyabeno Bridge (National Park Entrance). From here you will take a relaxing canoe ride along the Cuyabeno River to your lodge.
After the tour ends at the Cuyabeno bridge a taxi will drive you back to Coca where you will stay the night. The next morning you take a taxi (ca. US$ 3) to the airport and take the plane at 10h30am back to Quito (you will be back at Quito Airport at about 11h00am)
Price per person: us$959 staying at Hotel El Auca Standard Single Room
Price per person: us$621 staying at Hotel El Auca Standard Double Room
Price per person: us$ 979 staying at Hotel El Auca Superior Single Room
Price per person: US$642 staying at Hotel El Auca Superior Double Room
Price per person: US$ 1006 staying at Gran Hotel del Lago Single Room
Price per person:US$662 staying at Gran Hotel del Lago Double Room
With 3/6/9 people the price for 2+ travelers goes down US$ 65 per person
By plane Version B
Your plane will be leaving from Quito’s airport at 09h30am, reaching the Amazon Basin town of Coca at about 10h00am where your transport will await you and your tour starts with the transfer to Cuyabeno Bridge (National Park Entrance). From here you take your canoe along the Cuyabeno River to your lodge.
At 04:00 am you return in canoe to the Cuyabeno bridge from where your taxi will drive you back to Coca to the airport and take the plane at 10h30am back to Quito (you will be back at Quito Airport at about 11h00am)
Price per person: US$1134 for 01 traveler
US$689 for 2+ travelers
With 3/6/9 people the price for 2+ travelers goes down US$ 110 per person
Important:
For travelers traveling on a budget, we recommend Option 1, but please note that especially the first bus ride during the night is quite a bit demanding.
For relaxed travelers, we recommend Option 2, as the long drive back in the bus is during the day and you will have quite impressive views of the rainforest and then later the cloud forest when driving up the slopes of the eastern range of the Andes. This way you do not lose a day for your jungle trip, flying to Coca and then traveling to the lodge the same day, and returning by bus after the tour you still sleep that day back in Quito and can continue your trip the next morning. This is generally our favorite and suggested option.
For travelers who prefer a more comfortable way of traveling, we recommend Option 3A, traveling by plane both ways and enjoying a free afternoon in Coca after the Amazon rainforest tour before returning to Quito the next morning.
For travelers who want to avoid the long bus ride but need to be back in Quito the same day the rainforest tour ends, we recommend Option 3B, but please note that you must say farewell to the lodge as early as 04:00 am to catch your flight that same day.
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