Cuyabeno, 4 days and 3 nights

The area takes its name from the Cuyabeno River, which overflows creating a complex of 14 lagoons and forming the largest wetland in the Ecuadorian Amazon. These flooded forests are the territory of dolphins, manatees, caimans, anacondas and otters, and the guarango de agua, the most unique tree in the reserve. Here there are communities of Siona, Secoya, Cofán, Kichwa and Shuar Indians, and it is one of the most culturally diverse protected areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
Insect repellent.
Comfortable shoes.
Cash for extra expenses.
Visit to the community $10 USD. per person.

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito - Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno Reserve Entrance. After your flight (30 minutes, no flights are available to Lago Agrio, only to Coca) or bus trip from Quito to Lago Agrio (7 to 8 hours), the meeting point for those traveling by bus is "Hotel de Mario" around 7 AM - 7:30 AM, with a Lodge representative. After picking up all guests, you will travel by private transport to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve.
From the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve, you will take a canoe ride on the Cuyabeno River to reach the lodge, approximately 2 hours. Lunch is served at the Lodge around 2:00 PM. In the afternoon, the activity starts at 4:00 PM, to visit the Laguna Grande and look for some wildlife. Around 5:30 PM, you will go to the lagoon to swim and watch the sunset, which is one of the highlights of the tour. At 6:00 PM, you will go on an exciting night walk. During the walk, you can expect to see many insects, spiders, and tarantulas; also, hearing the jungle at night is incredible. Dinner is served at 8:00 PM. After dinner, the guide will give a brief overview of the Cuyabeno Reserve and the itinerary for the following day. Dinner and rest.
Day 2: Laguna Grande. After breakfast, we will walk into the primary rainforest to learn about medicinal plants and biological flora and fauna. After lunch, you can relax by the river or enjoy a siesta in one of our hammocks. Afternoon activities include swimming in the lagoon and spotting caimans. We will conclude the day with a fabulous sunset and a delicious dinner.
Day 3: Cuyabeno River. Downriver for 2 hours, very slowly trying to focus on finding animals. We will also visit a place where you can see the largest trees in the Amazon rainforest known as "Ceibos or Samona".
Includes a visit to an indigenous community, where our naturalist guide will explain the culture and traditions of the natives, here we will prepare traditional food after that we go to the house of the "Shaman", if he is lucky to be at home we can make a short visit and talk, we will enjoy a delicious box lunch in the community or a place in the forest. Return to the lodge approximately at 5:00 PM, if you are not too tired you can visit the Laguna Grande for the beautiful sunset and on the way back you may be lucky enough to see nocturnal animals. Dinner and rest.
Day 4: El Puente-Lago Agrio-Quito. We will observe birds and animals in the tranquility of the early morning. After birdwatching, we will watch the sunrise over the treetops of the jungle. After breakfast, we will travel down the Cuyabeno River to El Puente, taking a last look at the animals, flora, and fauna of the jungle. We will arrive in Lago Agrio around 2:00 PM, followed by your return flight.