Explore one of the most mystical and wonderful regions of the world: The rainforest of South America. Around 2% of the Amazon rainforest is found in the foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes, a place that is better known as the ‘Oriente’, but it has a third of all existing Amazonian biodiversity. The Cuyabeno wildlife reserve protects around 603,380 hectares, which are located close to the Equatorial line, in the northeastern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. In the reserve there are more than 500 different species of colorful birds that range from small hummingbirds to majestic harpy eagle. Within one hectare of this place you can find 240 different species of plants and many of them are used for medicinal purposes. Jaguars, monkeys, anteaters, sloths, river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis), manatees and armadillos, are just some of the mammals that live in the reserve. To complete the variety of animals in this area, several reptiles have their habitat in Cuyabeno National Park, such as: anacondas and alligators, which often can’t be observed due to their timidity and shyness. In the rivers of black water and lakes, there are fish species such as piranhas, catfishs, the gigantic Paiche (which reaches more than 6.5 feet in length), among many others. The Cuyabeno Reserve doesn’t solely provide a habitat for innumerable species of plants and animals, but it is also a place for many indigenous communities such as Sionas, Secoyas, Kichwa and Cofanes. Relax and take a rest from your urban stress in a natural environment, which has the comfort of spacious and comfortable cabins (each has a private bathroom and shower with hot water), plus a variety of meals prepared by a professional chef. The excellent service that Nicky Lodge offers, ensures a comfortable and secure stay for you. Having long years of experience in the rainforest, our tour guides will be glad to share with you many interesting information regarding flora and fauna of the place and will also allow you to see even the shyest animals during your daily excursions in the dense green paradise RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts and cotton socks. Shorts, sandals or walking shoes, rain ponchos (raincoat) and a sweater. Flashlight with spare batteries. First aid box. Dopp Kit (biodegradable soap and shampoo). Swimwear and towel. hat or cap, sunglasses with strap. A small waterproof backpack. Insect repellent. Sunscreen. Zip-lock or plastic bags. Camera. binoculars (10x40 are better). Notebook. Swiss knife. Wet wipes. Books to read.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Private Guide
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Adventure in the Amazon
- Canoe the Cuyabeno River
Day 1: Puente Cuyabeno - Lodge - Start of Rainforest Adventure
Your tour begins at the river docks, also known as "El Puente", the main entrance to the Cuyabeno Reserve and the last point of real civilization. Here you will have a box-lunch and then drive on the Cuyabeno River in a motorized canoe for 3 hours until you reach the Lodge. With a bit of luck, you can already observe species of one of ten different species of monkeys and tropical birds, as this part of the river is narrow enough to observe wildlife closely. After your arrival at the Lodge, you will have more time to rest and then take an introductory tour around the area. After dinner, your bilingual tour guide will supply you with information about the activities you will do in the coming days.
Day 2: Adventure in the Amazon
After an early breakfast you will start your exploration, taking advantage of the early hours of the day, which is the best time to observe the flourishing activities of the tropical forest. Your tour guide will share his knowledge with you during a walk in the rainforest. You will learn and understand how life in the jungle can coexists in a fragile balance. Your guide will explain the use of medicinal plants. Knowledge, that has been passed on from generation to generation and is still applied by the local population. Keep watch for amphibians, butterflies, centipedes and millipedes, snakes, birds, monkeys and other mammals along the trail. Later you will return to the lodge for your lunch. In the afternoon, you will make an excursion which will take you along the Cuyabeno River to discover the animals that live in the dense forest on the banks of the river, especially monkeys and also aras, toucans and sloths. There will be a good opportunity to see river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis) in the magnificent fluvial landscape. Before having your dinner, you’ll head into the dark forest to find its nightlife such as insects, spiders, snakes or colorful frogs, accompanied by the nocturnal sounds of the jungle
Day 3: Adventure in the Amazon
An early morning activity through the forest will allow you to enjoy nature while wildlife awakens and the jungle arises; You will have a good chance to observe several species of monkeys and birds. After breakfast, you will continue by motor canoe along the "turtle path" to visit the community of Seoqueya, where some of the local families of the Siona indigenous group live. A family member will show you how to prepare the typical yuca bread of the area, called "Cassave", and you will prepare it together with them. Your guide will explain local traditions and cultures from the past to the present. In the afternoon you will drive by motor canoe along the Cuyabeno River to the Laguna Grande. When exploring the lagoon, you will get to know the flooded forest (Igapo), a very special ecosystem of the tropical jungle that is dominated by powerful trees in which many epiphytes grow and give the natural habitat to local birds. After exploring the lagoon you can cool off by swimming in the calm waters of the lagoon while enjoying a spectacular sunset in the Amazon. Later, you will continue your adventure down the river to observe nocturnal animals, especially caimans, before returning to the lodge
Day 4: Adventure in the Amazon
Today early in the morning, you will enjoy the fantastic sunrise that the jungle offers you. You have the option to take an excursion, either by canoeing or hiking in the middle of the jungle landscape (depending on the climate and the interest of the group). After breakfast you will explore the virgin forest through a walk across the rainforest. Your guide will share the wealth of his knowledge with you, such as the medicinal use of the flora and fauna of the place, which since generations and until today have been used by members of the different cultures of the region. Later you will return to the Lodge to have lunch and take a rest. In the afternoon you will explore by canoe the Cuyabeno River, while enjoying not only the view of the extraordinary landscapes but also the magical sounds that the jungle produces while you are looking for its exotic inhabitants
Day 5: Return to Civilization
This morning activity will be a short canoe trip to enjoy the sunrise in the jungle, where you will have a good opportunity to observe some different types of wild animals and enjoy another moment of peace in this wonderful natural paradise. After breakfast you will have time to prepare your luggage for your return trip. You will navigate upriver to return to El Puente de Cuyabeno. After your box lunch, your bus will take you back to Lago Agrio from where you can return to Quito.
