Amazon Experience
4 days in the Amazon Cuyabeno Ecological Reserve
Overview
Explore for Conservations offers with this tour a chance to explore the Cuyabeno Natural Reserve in the Ecuadorian Amazon which is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including pink river dolphins and over 500 bird species. Visitors can explore the pristine rainforest by canoe, enjoy birdwatching, witness stunning sunsets, and experience night safaris. The reserve also offers cultural visits to indigenous communities like the Siona.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Trekking overland
Dates: All you round (Cloud Forest extension from 1st Sept till 30 Nov
Group size: Small group
Highlights
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Home to over 500 bird species, pink river dolphins, caimans, anacondas, monkeys, and countless other wildlife species, Cuyabeno is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
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Explore one of the most pristine and untouched rainforests in the Amazon, with dense jungle, towering trees, and unique flora like the giant ceiba tree and aquatic plants.
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Navigate the reserve's intricate network of rivers, lagoons, and flooded forests by canoe, offering a close-up experience of the diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
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Visit local indigenous communities, such as the Siona, to learn about their traditional ways of life, customs, and knowledge of the Amazon.
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Spot a wide variety of bird species, including toucans, macaws, and the elusive hoatzin, making it a top destination for birdwatchers.
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Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the lagoons, where the sky reflects off the water, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.
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Experience the thrill of night safaris to spot nocturnal wildlife like caimans, bats, and tree frogs, adding a unique dimension to your Amazon adventure.
A Closer Look
This is the schedule that we like to do. If you'd like any tailored plan, let us know
Day 1
Quito - Cuyabeno
Our tour starts at the entrance of Cuyabeno River where we will enjoy a delicious box lunch.
During the canoe ride there is a first look at the jungle and you will be able to observe different types of birds such as caciques, orioles and the prehistoric Hoatzin bird.
You may also be able to see a variety of monkeys and other jungle animals, depending on the weather and weather conditions. We will arrive at Jamu Lodge around 4:30 pm.
At that time you will be shown your rooms and you can relax a bit. After the siesta we will leave the lodge to swim in the lagoon and see a beautiful sunset in the middle of the Laguna Grande. You will then return to the camp for dinner, and you can finish your first day in the jungle, relax in a hammock or have a drink at the bar.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 2-3
Cuyabeno
Your second day begins with a delicious breakfast, later we will take a walk of approximately 3 to 4 hours through the primary forest, where the guide will explain to us about a tropical forest, and medicinal plants.
We will return to the lodge for lunch and take a break. After lunch we have relaxation activities;
To end the day we will have a short walk through the primary forest focused on observing nocturnal insects, such as spiders, gekos or scorpions and listening to the noises and sounds of the night.
Your third day, after breakfast we set off in a canoe downriver for about an hour to visit a family from the Sinoa community.
We will be able to learn how to prepare Casabe, a traditional Yuca bread, where we will help in its preparation.
During the wet season (1st May - 30 Jun) the chances to spot some special wildlife can vary. For example, Pink dolphin increases during wet season but Anaconda can be challenging. Contact us for personal guidance
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4
Cuyabeno - Quito
On our last day, early in the morning before breakfast, we will have a bird watching excursion that is optional and will depend a lot on the weather conditions; Upon returning to the lodge we will have a delicious breakfast and then the transfer back to Cuyabeno Reserve Bridge where the tour ends with us.
Meals included: Breakfast
The price
To guarantee maximum transparency, the price of the trip is broken down into 3 blocks:
Pre-trip expenses
✘ Extra meals and snacks
✘ Personal expenses (we can estimate some overall costs together)
✘ Expenses derived from unexpected events, whether by third parties or meteorological in nature (delays, cancellations, floods, landslides, snowfall, natural disasters, etc.)
Budget during the trip
✔️ Accommodation
✔️ Meals included in accommodation
✔️ Short and long distance transportation
✔️ Meals during tours
✔️ Entrance fees to the national parks and ecological reserves
✔️ Expert wildlife guides
✔️ Rainforest gear (rubber boats, raincoat, lantern, etc)
✔️ Wildlife spotting equipment (binoculars, long distance telescopes, wildlife books and guides , etc)
Our services
✔️ Advice before the trip: I will help you to prepare the trip with accommodation in Quito, Personal gear, books, additional information and everything you need to prepare for your trip.
✔️ Design of the route, search for accommodation, activities, transportation and everything necessary to create this trip.
✔️ I accompany (depending on the trip) and coordinate with you at all times the trip.
✔️ Whatsapp group prior to the trip with all the members of the group and our expert guide so that you have constant support with all the preparations.
✔️ Group video call to meet the rest of the travelers.
Our regions
Here's what you'll experience on our Journey
Cuyabeno Natural Reserve
Rare animals and plants found in or near the reserve
600,000 ha national park
Wet lands with winding rivers
Amazon rainforest ecosystem
Cuyabeno Natural Reserve, located in the Ecuadorian Amazon, is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Covering over 600,000 hectares of pristine rainforest, this protected area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The reserve is known for its complex system of rivers, lagoons, and flooded forests, which support a vast array of flora and fauna, including pink river dolphins, giant otters, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors can explore the reserve by canoe, guided by local experts who share insights into the region's ecosystems and indigenous cultures. The Siona, Secoya, and Cofán peoples inhabit the reserve, offering a unique opportunity to learn about their traditions and ways of life. With its remarkable biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and cultural richness.
JOIN
THE ADVENTURE
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What's the best season to join the tour?During the aguacatillo season, which typically occurs around August, September, and October, the chances of spotting the Andean bear are extremely high. During this time, the bears spend hours in the high tree branches, feeding on the abundant aguacatillo fruits and relaxing throughout the day. This behavior makes them much easier to observe in their natural habitat. The Andean condor, on the other hand, typically roams freely in the high-altitude canyons of Antisana National Park and can be spotted year-round. These majestic birds are often seen soaring over the cliffs and open skies of the park. However, to maximize our chances of observing condors, it is crucial to be in the right spot early in the morning, as they are most active during the early hours of the day.
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What material do I need to carry out these expeditions?Packing List Valid passport (for most countries, a visa is not necessary as a tourist, but it is best to check with your local embassy) Photocopy of your passport to leave with us in case we need to contact your embassy on your behalf. Note your insurance policy number and emergency phone number Warm clothing for cold weather (sweater or fleece) Long pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeved shirts (preferably in fabrics that dry quickly) Windproof and/or waterproof jacket Warm wool hat, gloves, scarf Waterproof hiking boots (we provide rubber boots, but tell us your size before arriving; very large sizes are difficult to find in Ecuador) Small backpack or hiking backpack (+ waterproof cover) Water bottle Practical first aid kit Flashlight (+spare batteries, preferably rechargeable) Sunscreen (high SPF), sun hat, sunglasses Insect repellent: There is NO malaria in Papallacta. Sometimes there are small biting mosquitoes. Alarm clock Camera (+ spare battery for the camera, memory cards,…) Recommended binoculars Plastic bags to protect the camera, etc. Swimsuit / pants (thermal baths!)
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Is animal sighting guaranteed during the outing?No. We never guarantee a 100% chance of sighting. Our collaborators are recognized experts and have accumulated extensive knowledge about spectacled bears and the diverse wildlife of the moor, but we can never guarantee that 100% probability. There are many external factors that can affect the expedition and the behavior of the animals.
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Do we provide photography equipment for wildlife viewing, such as DLSR cameras or telescopes?No, each client must bring their own equipment to make the most of the trip.
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Do I need any visa or special entry requirement to the national parks and ecological reserves?No visa or special entry requirements are needed to visit the national parks, as they are open to the public. The only requirements are to pay the entry fee, respect nature, and behave appropriately while exploring the parks. However, if you are traveling from another country specifically for this tour, we always recommend checking the visa requirements for Ecuador beforehand, just in case. Check Your Visa Requirements Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip. View our Entry Requirements tool