4-Day Amazon Adventure in Cuyabeno Reserve with Siona Community Visit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Immersive wildlife encounters in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
• 02 Explore the pristine beauty of the Amazon rainforest
• 03 Interact with indigenous Siona families
• 04 Navigate the Cuyabeno River and Laguna Grande by motorized canoe

Get ready for a thrilling 4-day Amazon rainforest adventure in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Explore the jungle, encounter exotic wildlife, and immerse yourself in its rich biodiversity. Expert guides lead boat rides, exhilarating hikes, and cultural visits, while breathtaking sunsets and the symphony of jungle sounds make this an unforgettable, immersive experience.

Watch a demonstration of traditional cooking techniques, including the preparation of cassava bread.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in the Cuyabeno Rainforest

• Arrival at El Puente, the main entrance to the Cuyabeno Reserve and the last point of real civilization.
• Box lunch at El Puente.
• Travel along the Cuyabeno River in a motorized canoe for three hours until reaching the lodge.
• Spot wildlife during the canoe journey, with the chance to observe some of the 10 different species of monkeys and tropical birds.
• Arrival at the lodge, followed by time to rest.
• Introductory tour around the area.
• Dinner at the lodge, followed by an information session from the bilingual tour guide about the activities planned for the coming days.

2

Day 02

Amazon Exploration and Night Walk

• Early breakfast, followed by the start of the day's exploration, making the most of the early morning hours.
• Explore the tropical forest, either by canoe or on foot.
• Enjoy a guided walk in the rainforest while your tour guide shares knowledge about the environment.
• Learn about the fragile balance of life in the jungle.
• Hear explanations about the use of medicinal plants by the local population.
• Look for wildlife along the trail, including amphibians, butterflies, centipedes, millipedes, snakes, birds, monkeys, and other mammals.
• Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by an afternoon excursion along the Cuyabeno River.
• Explore the dense forest along the river banks.
• Observe animals, especially monkeys, toucans, sloths, and possibly river dolphins.
• Set out for a nighttime exploration of the forest.
• Search for nocturnal wildlife such as insects, spiders, snakes, and colourful frogs.
• Take in the nocturnal sounds of the jungle throughout the experience.
• Return to the lodge for dinner.

3

Day 03

Siona Community Visit, Laguna Grande, and Igapó

• Take an early morning walk through the forest to observe wildlife, especially monkeys and birds.
• Return to the lodge for breakfast, then continue by motorized canoe along the Turtle Path to visit the Seoqueya community.
• Visit families from the indigenous Siona group.
• Watch a demonstration of traditional cooking techniques, including the preparation of cassava bread.
• Take part in breadmaking under the guidance of the family.
• Listen as the guide explains local traditions and cultures.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a motorized canoe excursion along the Cuyabeno River to Laguna Grande.
• Explore the flooded forest, known as the igapó ecosystem.
• Observe massive trees and lush greenery.
• Swim in the calm waters of Laguna Grande.
• Watch the sunset, then continue downriver to look for more nocturnal wildlife, especially caimans.
• Return to the lodge.

4

Day 04

Sunrise Canoe Ride and Return

• Take a short canoe trip in the morning to enjoy the sunrise in the jungle.
• Opportunity to observe different types of wild animals.
• Enjoy another peaceful moment in this natural paradise.
• Breakfast at the lodge, with time to prepare your luggage for the return trip.
• Navigate upriver to return to El Puente de Cuyabeno.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• 3 nights of lodging
• Naturalist bilingual guides during the excursions
• Rain boots

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Transfers from and to the meeting point in Quito
• Overnight shuttle to Cuyabeno
• Meals not listed on the itinerary
• Rain poncho
• Flashlight
• Tips & gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Community fee: USD 5 per person (in cash)

What to bring

• Travel documents (passport, etc.).
• Day pack (or fanny pack).
• Duffle bag, suitcase, or backpack.
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good traction.
• Teva-style sandals.
• Swimming suit.
• Light to medium fleece jacket.
• Gore-Tex or similar rain jacket.
• Hiking pants.
• T-shirts.
• Long-sleeve shirt or blouse.
• Lightweight full-length pants or trousers, either synthetic or cotton.
• Hat or cap.
• Sunglasses.
• Socks.
• Regular underwear.
• Toiletries.
• First aid kit and medication.

Know before you go

• Make sure to adjust your watch and smartphone to Ecuadorian time.
• Mainland Ecuador time zone - GMT -5:00.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Respect wildlife and their natural habitat. Keep no less than two meters' distance from the animals so as not to affect their behavior.
• Avoid consuming disposable goods, and do not throw organic waste or any other kind of waste until you find a proper place to dispose of it, as this can significantly affect the ecosystem. Try to recycle or reuse all solid waste.
• Respect the recommendations given by the park rangers and the entrance hours of each area.
• Stay on the trails and respect the signs. Do not destroy infrastructure.
• Carry out campfires, camping, and other activities only in the permitted zones of each area.
• Special care is required during the breeding, molting, or rearing season. Do not place yourself between two animals, especially between a mother and her young. Some species are highly protective and may attack if they suspect their young are threatened or leave the young more vulnerable to predators.
• Hunting of animals and entry with weapons and alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden. It is also forbidden to damage the flora or take plants, animals, or geological remains. Check the list of permitted objects for entry to the corresponding Protected Area.
• Avoid flash photography so as not to alter the normal behavior of wildlife. Filming, professional photography for commercial purposes, and the use of drones require authorization from the corresponding Protected Area's management.
• Do not support the illegal trade of flora and fauna species.
• Use environmentally friendly insect repellent and completely avoid aerosols. We recommend using cream-based repellents or other alternatives.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

El Puente Cuyabeno, Ecuador

Tour start

E10, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.