Ecuador · Jungle Expedition

5-Day Cuyabeno Amazon Adventure with Dolphins and Parrot Clay Lick

5 Days Round trip from Cuyabeno Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Scenic motor canoe journey into the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve from Lago Agrio
  • 02 Spot pink river dolphins, monkeys, and colorful tropical birds along the Aguarico and Cuyabeno rivers
  • 03 Explore mystical lagoons and flooded Igapó forests while learning about medicinal plants
  • 04 Visit La Bocana, where the black waters of the Cuyabeno meet the white waters of the Aguarico
  • 05 Climb the 28-meter Ceibo Tree Observation Tower for panoramic rainforest canopy views
  • 06 Hike the Terra Firme trail to discover unique plant and animal species

Embark on an immersive 5-day adventure in the Cuyabeno Amazon, where pristine rainforest and vibrant wildlife await. Cruise through winding rivers in search of playful pink river dolphins, monkeys, and colorful tropical birds, and explore mystical lagoons and flooded Igapó forests while learning about medicinal plants from your guide. Witness the spectacular dawn display at the parrot clay lick, continue to La Bocana for possible freshwater dolphin sightings, and climb a 28-meter ceibo tree observation tower for panoramic rainforest views. Round out the journey with Terra Firme hikes and night excursions to spot caimans, bats, boas, and other nocturnal creatures.

Depart before dawn by canoe to a nutrient-rich clay lick, where hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather in a spectacular display.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Cities Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Nueva Loja
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Cuyabeno and Night Walk

  • Arrive in Lago Agrio and take private transport to Tierras Orientales on the Aguarico River.
  • Enjoy a box lunch before boarding a motor canoe for a scenic three-hour ride through lush rainforest. Watch for pink river dolphins, monkeys, and colorful birds along the way.

  • Arrive at the lodge and settle into your comfortable accommodation.

  • Savor dinner at the lodge.

  • Join a guided night walk to spot frogs, spiders, snakes, and other fascinating nocturnal creatures.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Amazon Lodge

2
Day 02

Sunrise Canoe Ride and Igapó Forest

  • Rise early for a peaceful paddle canoe excursion, enjoying the magical sunrise and abundant birdlife.
  • Return for breakfast at the lodge.

  • Join a guided walk through the pristine Igapó forest to learn about the ancestral uses of medicinal plants.

  • After lunch and rest, explore the Ceibo Lagoon and the mysterious flooded Igapó forest by canoe.

  • Embark on an exciting night excursion to search for caimans, bats, and boas under the stars.

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

3
Day 03

Parrot Clay Lick, La Bocana, and Ceibo Tower

Depart before dawn by canoe to a nutrient-rich clay lick, where hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather in a spectacular display.

  • Continue to La Bocana, where the black waters of the Cuyabeno River meet the white waters of the Aguarico, often a hotspot for freshwater dolphin sightings.

  • After lunch, climb the 28-meter Ceibo Tree Observation Tower for panoramic views of the rainforest canopy.

  • Enjoy dinner at the lodge, followed by a short night walk near the tower to spot nocturnal wildlife.

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

4
Day 04

San Francisco River and Terra Firme Hike

  • After breakfast, navigate upstream on the San Francisco River, a hidden whitewater tributary rich in wildlife.
  • Enjoy a box lunch along the trail.

  • Embark on a guided hike along the Terra Firme trail, learning about the rainforest ecosystem and spotting unique plant and animal species.

  • Return to the lodge for rest and relaxation.

  • Review your wildlife checklist with the naturalist guide, sharing the highlights of your Amazon adventure.

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

5
Day 05

Farewell to Cuyabeno

Begin the day with a final short canoe ride or forest walk to experience the Amazon at dawn.

  • Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.

  • Travel downstream on the Cuyabeno River and upstream on the Aguarico River, then continue by land transport to Lago Agrio.

  • Conclude your unforgettable Amazon adventure around midday.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Not applicable

La Bocana, Aguarico River, Ceibo Tree Observation Tower

Where this trip takes you

La Bocana, Aguarico River, Ceibo Tree Observation 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
  • Roundtrip 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 450 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $450.00 — $630.00
Double Sharing $450.00

When

Travellers

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