Cuyabeno Reserve — 6 Days / 5 Nights
$510
per person
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Departures
Any day · min. 2 travelers
Level
Medium-low
Altitude
177–326 m
Temperature
23–29 °C
Language
English, Spanish
Group
Minimum 2 people
About This Cuyabeno Tour
Cuyabeno Dolphin Eco-Lodge is located in the heart of the primary jungle, in a protected area 2 hours by motorized canoe from the Cuyabeno Bridge. We sit right in front of the natural pool of the pink dolphins — that is why it is called Dolphin Lodge, a privileged place.
The Cuyabeno Reserve is one of the most important conservation reserves in the world for its great biodiversity of plants and animals per square meter, with several indigenous nationalities living in one place.
How to Get There
Tourist bus: departs from Quito the night before, from the Plaza Foch area (Embassy Quito Hotel, Wilson E8-22 & 6 de Diciembre) at 22:30, and for travelers staying in the Historic Center from Secret Garden Hostel (José de Antepara & Los Ríos) at 23:00. It is a direct trip to our meeting point, the Cuyabeno Bridge (El Puente de Cuyabeno). This service has an extra cost: $38 per person one way, $74 round trip. We can help you with the reservation.
Public bus: the Putumayo bus company is the only one that travels directly to the Cuyabeno Bridge. It leaves from Quitumbe South Terminal in Quito at 21:00 and costs $22.50 per person (platforms 18–19). We help you with the logistics; tickets are purchased directly at the terminal.
What's Included
Not Included
What to Bring
Big 7 Sighting Chances
How likely you are to spot each of the Big 7 on this program, rated by our guides. The jungle always has the final word.
Itinerary
Public or private buses (trip the night before the tour, about 10 hours) to Puente Cuyabeno. Canoe trip down the Cuyabeno River to our lodge. Lunch. Visit the Laguna Grande to swim and enjoy the sunset. Dinner. Exciting night walk.
Breakfast. Morning: enjoy a three-hour hike through the primary rainforest to discover the flora and fauna of Cuyabeno. Along the trail, learn about medicinal plants and observe frogs, insects, birds and other species of the forest. Lunch at the camp. Relax. In the afternoon, explore the lagoons by canoe and enjoy the beauty of the river. You will have the opportunity to swim and admire the sunset. Return to the lodge looking for caimans and anacondas. Dinner.
Breakfast. Visit the Siona Tarabeaya community, where you help the family prepare the typical food, casabe, while your guide explains the culture and traditions. Lunch. Visit the shaman, who will explain the ceremonies of the jungle. Return to the lodge. Dinner. Night canoe expedition in search of caimans.
Breakfast. Morning: embark on a three-hour hike along a different trail through the primary rainforest, exploring a new area of the reserve. This route offers a different perspective of the forest, where you can discover its diverse flora and fauna while learning about medicinal plants, frogs, insects, birds and other species that inhabit the area. Lunch at the camp. Relax. In the afternoon, enjoy a canoe exploration through the flooded forest. Swim and take photos of the wonderful sunset. If conditions permit, you may also have the chance to spot pink river dolphins. Return to the lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Breakfast. Relaxing morning paddle in a traditional canoe on the rivers to explore and enjoy the uniqueness of nature, searching for monkeys and birds. Lunch at the camp. Relax. Visit the Laguna Grande to swim and enjoy the sunset. Dinner. Night canoe expedition in search of caimans.
Early morning bird watching. Breakfast. Navigating the Cuyabeno River back to El Puente. Transfer to El Puente Cuyabeno. Return to Quito by public or shuttle bus (11:00 pm).