Ecuador · Jungle Expedition

8-Day Cuyabeno Rainforest Adventure with Kichwa Culture and Wildlife

8 Days Round trip from Cuyabeno Moderate pace
Wildlife in Amazon
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve in Ecuador
Boat during sunset
Amazon River
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Encounter pink river dolphins, caimans, monkeys, and countless bird species in the wild
  • 02 Navigate blackwater streams and lagoons by traditional Killa de Remo canoe
  • 03 Immerse in Kichwa culture through cassava harvesting and casabe bread preparation
  • 04 Witness the dazzling parrot clay lick, a rare and colorful natural spectacle
  • 05 Climb the giant Ceibo tree tower for breathtaking views of the Amazon canopy

Discover the Ecuadorian Amazon in Cuyabeno with eco-lodge stays, guided canoe rides, and remarkable wildlife encounters. Spot pink river dolphins, monkeys, caimans, and vibrant parrots at natural clay licks as you explore blackwater lagoons, flooded forests, and towering ceibo trees. Learn about medicinal plants from expert naturalist guides and visit a Kichwa community to experience local traditions, harvest cassava, and prepare casabe bread. This journey creates lasting connections with the jungle, its wildlife, and its people.

Spot pink river dolphins, monkeys, caimans, and vibrant parrots at natural clay licks as you explore blackwater lagoons, flooded forests, and towering ceibo trees.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Nueva Loja
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Welcome to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

  • Begin at "El Puente" with a delicious box lunch.
  • Board a motorized canoe for a 2-3 hour ride along the Cuyabeno River.
  • Spot monkeys, birds, and maybe even a sloth on the journey.
  • Arrive at the lodge and settle into your eco-friendly room.
  • Enjoy dinner and an introduction to the Cuyabeno Reserve.
  • Optional night walk for nocturnal wildlife.

Meals included: -/L/D
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

2
Day 02

Laguna Grande and the Flooded Igapó Forest

  • Enjoy breakfast and paddle to Laguna Grande in a traditional canoe.
  • Explore the flooded Igapó forest and see ancient Macrolobium trees.
  • Hike the Palma Roja Trail for 3 hours, spotting birds and monkeys.
  • Have a picnic by the lake and swim in the warm waters at sunset.
  • Return for dinner and an optional night walk for nocturnal discoveries.

Meals included: B/L/D
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

3
Day 03

Paddle Exploration of Canagueno Lake

  • Take a motorized canoe ride to Canagueno Lake.
  • Explore by paddle canoe, spotting jacanas, hoatzins, egrets, and orchids.
  • Return to the lodge for an afternoon of relaxation.
  • Share a farewell cocktail at sunset with stories from the lodge team.

Meals included: B/L/D
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

4
Day 04

Downstream Canoe Journey to the Next Lodge

  • After breakfast, travel downstream by motorized canoe.
  • Spot river dolphins, herons, and diverse wildlife along the way.
  • Arrive at a new lodge, settle into your room, and enjoy lunch.
  • After dinner, join an optional night walk to see caimans and frogs.

Meals included: B/L/D
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

5
Day 05

Parrot Clay Lick and Jungle Discovery

  • Rise early to see parrots and parakeets at the clay lick.
  • Have breakfast outdoors during this vibrant spectacle.
  • Switch to paddle canoes and explore blackwater streams.
  • Return to the lodge for rest before an afternoon jungle hike.
  • Learn about medicinal plants and Kichwa ancestral knowledge.

Meals included: B/L/D
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

6
Day 06

San Francisco River and Ceibo Lagoon

  • Start the day with a tranquil canoe ride at dawn.
  • Explore the San Francisco River, alive with birdlife.
  • In the afternoon, visit Ceibo Lagoon with its towering trees.
  • Return under the stars with a magical starlit canoe ride.

Meals included: B/L/D
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

7
Day 07

Kichwa Community Visit and Canopy Views

  • Visit a Kichwa family farm and harvest fruits.
  • Learn to prepare and enjoy cassava bread with lunch.
  • Climb the Bird Observation Tower around a giant ceibo tree.
  • Witness panoramic Amazon views from above the canopy.
  • End the day with a caiman-spotting canoe ride under the stars.

Meals included: B/L/D
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

8
Day 08

Final Rainforest Excursion and Departure

  • Take a final morning excursion to see the rainforest awakening.
  • Have breakfast and pack for departure.
  • Travel downstream on the Cuyabeno River, then upstream on the Aguarico River.
  • Arrive at Tierras Orientales for transfer to Lago Agrio.
  • Depart with lasting memories of the Amazon.

Meals included: B

Laguna Grande, the flooded Igapó forest, Ceibo Lagoon

Where this trip takes you

Laguna Grande, the flooded Igapó forest, Ceibo Lagoon

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cuyabeno 2 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 7 nights in a cozy Amazon lodge
  • Certified bilingual naturalist guides
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • All river transport
  • Purified water
  • Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate all day
  • Nighttime electricity for charging
  • Rubber boots provided
  • Biodegradable shampoo and soap
  • Activities as per the itinerary
  • Support for our Conservation Project

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel health insurance
  • Overnight shuttle bus (Quito - Meeting Point - Puente Cuyabeno - Quito)
  • Meals not in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Rain poncho
  • Extra activities
  • Tips for the guide
  • USD 10 contribution to the Siona-Secoya Community

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Cuyabeno, Ecuador
Tour start
Cuyabeno, Ecuador
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Cuyabeno.

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Starting from

USD 1,754 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,754.00 — $2,456.00
Double Sharing $1,754.00

When

Travellers

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