Cuyabeno Jungle tour

Cuyabeno Reserve

ECU-90 & 91 / 4- & 5-day trips

The Amazon contains the world’s largest rainforest (5,5 million km2) and represents over 50% of the remaining rainforest in the world. The rainforest lies between the Atlantic ocean and extends all the way up the slopes of the Andes mountain range, why it is relatively easily accessed from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

Although only a very small part of the Amazon rainforest is situated within Ecuador, the Cuyabeno Natural Reserve is one of the best preserved and most interesting parts of the Amazon. A mix of flooded and non-flooded forest makes the Cuyabeno an extremely species rich forest and you will encounter many species of monkeys, dolphins, rodents, caymans, amazing parrots and other birds and much more.

Cuyabeno Reserve / 4 days

ECU-90 / 4-day trip

OVERVIEW

Intro

This program starts Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays.

Day 1	Quito – Coca – Cuyabeno
Day 2	Cuyabeno: Jungle tour
Day 3	Cuyabeno: Jungle tour
Day 4	Cuyabeno – Quito

ITINERARY

Day 1	Quito – Coca – Cuyabeno Transfer to airport and flight to Coca. Arrival at Coca around 10 am. Meeting with transfer and drive 3 – 3,5 h to Puente de Cuyabeno. Around 2 pm departure from by boat to lodge. It is a 2 hours trip that takes you into the wild. After checking into your room at the Lodge, there will be a tour with an exploration of the lagoon to observe animals, take a swim in the lake and enjoy the sunset from the canoe. The Siona Lodge is situated by some lagoons in the middle of nothing and has a capacity of around 20 guests. The atmosphere at Siona Lodge is relaxed and cosy; In the bar, you can pick your beers yourself and write it on your bill (you pay the last night). Drinking water, coffee and tea are available at no extra cost. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up in the restaurant. There are mosquito nets in the rooms, and it is recommended to use them, although there are not many mosquitoes – it is said that there is no malaria or dengue, but it is recommended to ask doctors before and also to bring repellent. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2	Cuyabeno Full day jungle activities, including a highly exciting walk in the jungle (rubber boots are supplied) and a sail around the absolutely stunning lagoons viewing wildlife and the scenery. Afternoon perhaps fishing for piranhas/pirañas and searching for pink river dolphins. Opportunity for a swim in the lagoon at sunset with the other visitors in Cuyabeno. After or before dinner, we can take a night-walk in the jungle near the lodge to spot all the creepy night-life. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3	Cuyabeno Full day jungle activities including a full day trip to the local Siona community. We will take a beautiful long canoe-ride to the area where the local people have their two communities, farming the area and fishing in the river. We visit a local family who will show us how to make yuca-bread and give us an idea of how their life is. Perhaps a visit to the local shaman. We will enjoy our picnic-lunch before returning along the river keeping an eye out for dolphins, parrots, monkeys and much more. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4	Early Morning Birdwatching & return to Quito Start your day with an early morning birdwatching excursion, where you can observe the rich diversity of avian species in the stillness of the Amazon. After breakfast at Siona Lodge, embark on a journey upstream towards Puente Cuyabeno. You will arrive at the bridge around 11:00 AM, where your transfer will be ready to continue the journey. From there, you will travel by comfortable transport to your hotel in Quito, a scenic drive of approximately 6-7 hours. This marks the conclusion of our services. We hope your experience in the Cuyabeno Reserve leaves you with unforgettable memories. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

About Siona Lodge

The Siona Lodge is situated by some lagoons in the middle of nowhere, and has a capacity of around 20 guests. After arrival and a presentation we are shown our rooms (two rooms in each hut – bring earplugs as you will hear everything from your neighbor, as well as all the jungle noises in the night – if you really want to miss them!)

It’s a very relaxed atmosphere in the lodge – in the bar you can pick your big beers yourself and write it on your bill (you pay the last night – a large beer is about $2.50, don’t expect wine). Drinking water, coffee and tea are available at no extra cost. Bring an empty waterbottle and fill it up in the restaurant. There are solar panels, meaning that you have light in the huts until 10 pm, after which everything is turned off. You can easily charge batteries in the restaurant.

There are mosquito nets in the rooms, and it is recommended you use them, although there are not many mosquitoes. It is said that there is no malaria or dengue, but it is recommended to ask your doctor before you leave, and also to bring insect repellent. A flashlight or headlamp is very important – if you forget, you can easily buy a cheap but adequate flashlight before getting into the canoe on the first day – price is around $6-7.

PRICING

ECU-90 – To request prices, please click on the BOOK TRIP bottom on the right sidebar and fill the information.

INCLUDED

Transfer from hotel in Quito – airport (day 1)
Domestic flights: Quito – Coca (day 1)
Transfer from Coca – Siona Lodge (day 1)
Transfer Siona Lodge – Quito by land (last day)
English speaking guide during activities/tours
Shared tour to Siona Lodge (max 12 pax per guide)
Meals as described in the itinerary
Full board and activities at Siona Lodge at Cuyabeno

NOT INCLUDED

Meals not mentioned in the program
Tips
Personal expenses
Beverages from the bar
Taxes to Siona community (total USD 10 per person)

HOTEL LIST

MAP

GALLERY

Cuyabeno Reserve / 5 days

ECU-91 / 5-day trip