Budget Cuyabeno Amazon Tour – From $360 p.p.

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is situated in the north-eastern Amazon region of Ecuador, between the San Miguel and Aguarico rivers, and close to the Colombian and Peruvian borders. The reserve is made up of 605,000 hectares of primary forest, rivers and lakes, and is home to an incredible variety of Flora and Fauna, including many bird and monkey species and even 2 species of fresh water dolphin.
In this reserve also live five different ethnic groups: the Siona, Secoya, Cofán, Kichwas and Shuar, each of which has its own culture and language.

Full itinerary of this Amazon Tour:

Day 1: Cuyabeno River Tour
We travel by bus or truck for about 1,5 hours until the town of Tarapoa, where we eat lunch. After 20 more minutes arrive at the Cuyabeno bridge, the main entrance to the Cuyabeno Fauna Reserve. From here we continue by motorized canoe downstream the Cuyabeno river to the lodge. On the way we have chance to observe several species of monkeys and birds. After about 2 hours we arrive at Nicky Amazon Lodge. Time for a short relax and an introductory walk around the Lodge.
After dinner our bilingual naturalist guide will tell you about the program for the next days.

Day 2: Canoe and nocturnal escursions in Cuyabeno
Early morning we leave for a canoe excursion, because the brisk morning hours are the best time to see the rainforest’s activity. After breakfast we will make a hike in primary rainforest with our naturalist guide and native guide They show us the practical and medicinal uses of several plants, and we learn how all creatures in the tropical rainforest co-exist in a fragile balance. We may spot amphibians, butterflies, centipedes and millipedes, snakes, birds, monkeys, and the footprints of mammals. After lunch at the lodge, navigation along the Cuyabeno River and around the Kapok Island in search of different species of monkeys. We also have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis). Before dinner we venture into the forest to find insects, spiders, tarantulas, snakes or colorful frogs. The night world of the Amazon is perfect for viewing small mamal species, tree frogs and to enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the jungle.

Day 3: Bird watching and community
Early morning birdwatching. We have the opportunity to observe macaws, toucans, parrots, caciques, hoatzins and other tropical bird species. In the afternoon we will visit a local community, where we learn more about life in the rainforest.

Day 4: Cuyabeno River, Primary Rainforest tour and nocturnal tour
Starting early in the morning we spend the whole day exploring. After breakfast, we trek into primary rainforest and the guide will explains us again about the practical and medicinal uses of several plants. He will also share with us his ancient knowledge learnt from his ancestors. After lunch we navigate along the Cuyabeno river to enjoy the beautiful nature. We also have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink and grey river dolphins again. Optional night walk.

Day 5: Cuyabeno River and back to Lago Agrio
After breakfast we will walk for the last time through the amazing Amazon Rainforest. Then we travel by canoe down the Cuyabeno river and back along the Aguarico river to Tierras Orientales, from where we return by car to Lago Agrio. Arrival at Lago Agrio around 14:30h

Note 1: The itinerary may be subject to changes due to weather conditions and the water level in the reserve.

Note 2: It is also possible to do this tour in 4 days, but we recommend this 5 days tour in terms of price, distance to travel and quality time in the jungle.

Departure: every Monday (ask for other dates available), group sizes 4 – 10 persons.