Ecuador · Jungle Expedition

5-Day Cuyabeno Amazon Adventure with Kichwa Culture and Canopy Views

5 Days Round trip from Cuyabeno Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Spot pink river dolphins and exotic wildlife along the Aguarico River and blackwater channels
  • 02 Paddle in a traditional killa de remo canoe through serene waterways and flooded forests
  • 03 Watch hundreds of colorful parrots and parakeets gather at the clay licks at dawn
  • 04 Explore hidden rivers and mirror-like lagoons for unique Amazon wildlife encounters
  • 05 Visit a Kichwa family farm to harvest yuca and make traditional cassava bread
  • 06 Climb a 30-meter observation tower around a colossal ceibo tree for panoramic canopy views

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure in the Cuyabeno Amazon, where pristine nature, rich culture, and thrilling exploration await. Cruise through winding rivers to spot pink river dolphins, paddle silently through blackwater channels, and explore hidden waterways teeming with exotic wildlife. Experience starry lagoon excursions, hike through lush rainforest trails, and learn traditional cassava bread making during a cultural visit with a Kichwa family. Climb a 30-meter ceibo tree tower for breathtaking canopy views and enjoy night adventures to spot caimans and other nocturnal creatures.

Venture up the narrow San Francisco River, a hidden whitewater paradise rich in rare wildlife and bird species.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Nueva Loja
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Cuyabeno and First Rainforest Encounters

  • Arrive in Lago Agrio and take a motorized canoe deep into the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.
  • Cruise along the Aguarico River while spotting pink river dolphins and listening to your naturalist guide explain the rainforest ecosystem.

  • Arrive at the eco-lodge and settle into your comfortable jungle cabin surrounded by pristine nature.

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge.

  • Take an optional guided night walk to discover tarantulas, tree frogs, and other fascinating nocturnal wildlife with the help of indigenous experts.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

2
Day 02

Parrot Clay Licks and Silent Canoe Exploration

  • Wake before dawn to visit the famous clay licks where hundreds of colorful parrots and parakeets gather to feed on mineral-rich clay.
  • Enjoy breakfast in the wild while taking in the sounds and sights of the rainforest.

  • Switch to a traditional killa de remo (hand-carved wooden canoe) for a peaceful paddle through blackwater channels.

  • Spot monkeys, toucans, and other exotic wildlife during your silent exploration.

  • After lunch at the lodge, embark on a guided hike through the rainforest to learn about the medicinal plants and survival techniques used by indigenous communities.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

3
Day 03

San Francisco River and Ceibo Lagoon Discovery

  • Start the day with a serene dawn paddle canoe ride through the misty waters.
  • Venture up the narrow San Francisco River, a hidden whitewater paradise rich in rare wildlife and bird species.

  • Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest.

  • In the afternoon, glide across the mirror-like Ceibo Lagoon in your killa de remo, surrounded by flooded forests and breathtaking scenery.

  • Return to the lodge under a blanket of stars, soaking in the peaceful night sounds of the Amazon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

4
Day 04

Kichwa Traditions and Rainforest Canopy Views

  • Paddle downstream at sunrise to visit a local Kichwa family farm.
  • Harvest yuca and learn the traditional process of making casabe (cassava bread), an essential part of Amazonian cuisine.

  • Return to the lodge for lunch and some leisure time.

  • In the afternoon, climb a 30-meter observation tower built around a colossal ceibo tree for panoramic views of the rainforest canopy.

  • After dinner, take a thrilling night canoe ride to spot caimans lurking along the riverbanks.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

5
Day 05

Dawn in the Jungle and Return to Lago Agrio

  • Choose between a peaceful canoe ride or a guided forest walk at dawn to experience the jungle awakening with birdsong and monkey calls.
  • Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge.

  • Take the motorized canoe for your return journey to Lago Agrio, arriving by early afternoon to connect to your next destination.

  • Depart with lasting memories of pink dolphins, towering ceibo trees, and meaningful cultural encounters.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Not applicable

Aguarico River, San Francisco River, Ceibo Lagoon, ceibo tree tower

Where this trip takes you

Aguarico River, San Francisco River, Ceibo Lagoon, ceibo tree tower

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cuyabeno 2 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 4 nights in a cozy Amazon lodge
  • Bilingual naturalist guides
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • All river transportation
  • Rubber boots provided
  • Purified water
  • Activities as per itinerary
  • Supports our conservation project

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel health insurance
  • Round-trip transportation (Quito - Cuyabeno - Quito)
  • Visit to the observation tower (USD 6 per person)
  • Contribution to the local Cofan community (USD 10 per person)
  • Meals not included in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Extra activities
  • Tips for the guide

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Cuyabeno.

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Starting from

USD 938 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $938.00 — $1,313.00
Double Sharing $938.00

When

Travellers

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