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Neotropical Nature & Birding
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CUYABENO
WILD LIFE RESERVE

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness"

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Today you'll be transfer from Lago Agrio to the Cuyabeno Reserve bridge before noon. Here, your naturalist guide will provide information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the two hour canoe ride on the Cuyabeno River to the lodge. During the canoe ride you will enjoy a box lunch. During this part of your journey into the wilderness you will get a first glimpse of the amazing plants and wildlife found in the tropical rainforest. You may also be able to see a variety of monkeys, birds and other species, depending on the time and weather conditions. You will arrive at the lodge around 4:30pm. At that time you will be shown to your rooms and get a chance to relax. After a siesta you will leave the camp for a swim in the lagoon and to watch a beautiful sunset. You will then return to the camp for dinner; you can finish your first day in the jungle relaxing in a hammock or having a drink at the bar.

DAY 2

After an early breakfast you will take a trek in the primary forest for 3 to 4 hours where your guide will explain how this complex tropical ecosystem works. You will learn about medicinal plants and might be able to see some colorful birds such as tanagers, toucans, parrots among many others. You will then return to the camp for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have a swim in the lagoon and watch the sunset. With a little luck you can observe the pink river dolphins or an anaconda sunbathing in a tree. You will return to the camp for dinner, and then take a night canoe ride to look for caimans.

DAY 3

After breakfast, you head to the Siona Community of Puerto Bolivar, the largest ethnic group in the Reserve. During this tour you will learn their customs, traditions and way of life. You will be part of the preparation of Casabe, a local dish made of yucca (carbohydrates are the principal food of the community). During the 2 hour canoe ride to the community, you can admire the existing fauna along the Cuyabeno River such as: birds, monkeys, snakes, river dolphins and tortoises. A visit to the Shaman, the healer of the community, is also included. This is a full day excursion with lunch in the Community. After returning to the lodge, you will go for a short nocturnal hike through the primary forest in search of insects, spiders, geckos or amphibians, and listen to the night sounds of the rainforest. Dinner.

DAY 4

A visit to Laguna Canangueno for bird-watching by native dugout canoe, called “quilla”, followed by a hike to explore deeper into the forest. While paddling at the lake and creeks, you'll have a better opportunity to see more fauna and flora, and you can get a good idea of what a flooded forest looks like. You can observe a variety of different birds and monkeys.

DAY 5

Early in the morning, before breakfast, a bird-watching excursion is optional. Back at the lodge you will enjoy breakfast and then return to Lago Agrio to take the bus or flight back to Quito.

Trip considerations

PLEASE NOTE
This is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and particular interests of guests and groups. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize birding, wilderness enjoyment and cultural interaction with local people.

ARRIVING TO CUYABENO: Tours to Cuyabeno Reserve Begin and end in the Cuyabeno Reserve Bridge. To arrive to this meeting point you can take the public bus that departs from Quito’s Quitumbe Bus Terminal; or take a tourist bus that serves travelers visiting Cuyabeno Reserve ($30.00 USD p.p/each way). Please contact us for more details

Price per person

private tour
  • 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS $ 295
  • 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS $375
  • 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS $ 450

ADDITIONAL DAY(S):
PLEASE ASK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
ON ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND DESTINATIONS TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP.
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