4-day Amazon Experience in the Cuyabeno Reserve – Shared Amazon Tour

Step into one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet with this 4-Day Immersive Amazon Adventure in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Designed for travelers seeking a deep connection with nature and local culture, this experience blends rainforest exploration, canoe journeys at sunrise and sunset, visits to Indigenous communities, and peaceful moments inside a remote eco-lodge. From pink river dolphins to ancient shamanic traditions, each day offers an intimate look into the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest

Departure

All year round

Duration

4 dias, 3 noites

Group Size

Up to 16 travelers

Travel-Style

small group adventure immersive expedition

Recommended Age

6+ years old

Adventure Pace

Moderate (tooltips: balanced pace, active but not extreme)

Incluído

3 nights accommodation, canoe rides, guided activities, community visit, bilingual guides, meals (tooltips: breakfasts x3, lunches x3, dinners x3), entrance fees, and gear for activities.

Não incluído

airfare, transportation from/to the entrance, travel insurance.

Takiri Tip

Add an extra day and stay in the Papallacta Hot Springs!

DAY 1 – LAGO AGRIO → CUYABENO ENTRANCE → JUNGLE LODGE

The adventure begins in Lago Agrio, where you’ll board a motorized canoe and glide down the Cuyabeno River as the jungle closes in around you. Keep your eyes peeled for toucans, macaws, and monkeys leaping through the canopy. At the reserve entrance, swap to a paddle canoe for a quieter exploration of the flooded forests, where electric-blue morpho butterflies flicker between trees. Arrive at your eco-lodge by late afternoon, settling into your cabin as the rainforest’s evening chorus rises. After dinner, venture out on a short night walk to spot nocturnal creatures like tree frogs and tarantulas.

DAY 2 – WILDLIFE CANOE SAFARI & JUNGLE TREKKING

Wake to the chatter of parrots and sip coffee as mist lifts off the lagoon. Today, you’ll paddle deep into the reserve’s labyrinth of waterways, where caimans bask on logs and giant otters fish in the tannin-stained waters. After lunch, trek through terra firme forest with your naturalist guide, learning about medicinal plants, towering kapok trees, and the intricate relationships binding this ecosystem. As dusk falls, listen for the haunting calls of howler monkeys and the rustle of capybaras near the water’s edge.

DAY 3 – KICHWA COMMUNITY VISIT & PINK RIVER DOLPHINS

Today, visit a Kichwa family to share in their daily rhythms—grinding yuca for cassava bread, tasting chicha (a traditional fermented drink), and hearing stories of jungle lore. Later, canoe to Laguna Grande, a shimmering oxbow lake where pink river dolphins surface playfully. Swim in the warm waters (if conditions allow) and watch the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues. After dark, glide silently through the lagoon by torchlight, spotting spectacled caimans’ glowing eyes and the silhouettes of fishing bats.

DAY 4 – SUNRISE BIRDING & RETURN TO LAGO AGRIO / QUITO

Rise early for a final canoe ride, when the forest is most alive with birds: hoatzins clambering in the bushes, kingfishers diving for prey, and maybe even a harpy eagle soaring overhead. After breakfast, bid farewell to the jungle and return by boat to Lago Agrio, where you’ll continue to Quito or the airport, carrying the Amazon’s vibrant sights and sounds with you.

We collaborate with eco-lodges that prioritize conservation, community partnerships, and low-impact experiences. Our Amazon programs highlight connection—between travelers, Indigenous knowledge, and the fragile ecosystems of the rainforest—ensuring your journey supports the people and places who protect Cuyabeno.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, this expedition is designed to be flexible and enjoyable for travelers of all ages. If you have specific mobility considerations or special requests, just let us know, and we’ll customize the experience accordingly.

What wildlife can I see in Cuyabeno?

Our travelers often spot pink river dolphins, monkeys (squirrel, howler, capuchin), anacondas, caimans, toucans, macaws, and sloths. Night tours may reveal tarantulas, frogs, and other nocturnal wildlife.

What is the best time to visit Cuyabeno?

The Amazon is an all-year-round destination. The wet season (May–September) offers more water-based activities (canoeing, dolphin sightings), while the dry season (October–April) has better hiking trails and wildlife spotting.

How do I get to Cuyabeno from Quito?

Our Cuyabeno tours start from the Cuyabeno Bridge, an entrance point accessible by bus. From Quito, you have two options:
1. You can take the public bus from the Quitumbe bus terminal (8-10 hours to Lago Agrio) and then a shared taxi to the bridge (2 hours) or,
2. You can take a tourist bus from the Old Town or La Mariscal area directly to the bridge (10 hours); most travelers take this option.

What should I pack for a Cuyabeno tour?

Essentials include: lightweight, long-sleeved clothing (for mosquitoes), waterproof gear (rain jacket, dry bags), and comfortable waterproof trekking shoes. Bring binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. A small daypack is useful for carrying personal items during treks.

Do you offer customized tours?

Yes, all our itineraries can be personalized up to your preferences and budget. Whether you want to upgrade your accommodations, extend your stay, or combine it with tours in Ecuador’s mainland or the Galapagos. You just need to contact us, and we’ll put together a trip for you.