5 Day Cuyabeno Reserve Amazon Rainforest Trip

5 Day Cuyabeno Reserve Amazon Rainforest Trip

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Ecuador designated the 603.380 square kilometres (2,329.7 sq mi) a protected wildlife zone since July 26th, 1979. This positive step forward towards the preservation of part of the Amazon River Basin has allowed us to develop our lodge around the idea of low impact eco-tourism. Our hope is that, by exposing you to the untouched natural beauty surrounding the lodge, you will understand and share that these resources should be enjoyed and preserved for future generations to come. The Siona Lodge has the best and one of the single most distinctive locations in the reserve, allowing for picturesque sunsets viewed across the large freshwater lake. Much of the wildlife you will see is dependent on the unique ecosystem the lake supports allowing for some rare viewing opportunities

Itinerary

Day 1: Lago Agrio – Big Lagoon

Stop At: Laguna Grande, Cuyabeno National Park, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Ecuador
Make your way to Lago Agrio, where you'll meet up with a guide between 8:30 am and 9:00 am, then transfer to the Cuyabeno River with a boxed lunch on the way.

Upon arrival, all visitors must register at the Cuyabeno Reserve office and pay the park's entrance fee (not included). The naturalist guide will start with an orientation about the reserve's wildlife and plants, then set out on the 2-hour river journey to the Big Lagoon, where the lodge is located.

As you travel, watch for monkeys, toucans, parrots, insect, and plants of all kinds. After check-in at the lodge, you'll have time to relax before an hour-long night walk through the primary forest, the perfect time to spot amphibians and reptiles. Return to the lodge for a welcome cocktail and dinner. Overnight in double rooms
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodge in Cuyabeno

Day 2: Puerto Bolivar, indigenous community 

Stop At: Cuyabeno Reserve, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Ecuador
After breakfast, depart to the Puerto Bolivar to meet the Siona Indian community, the largest ethnic group in the Reserve. During this tour you will learn their customs, traditions, and ways of life, learning to prepare casabe, a dish made of yucca. You'll also eat lunch within the community, and visit the local shaman. 

During the two-hour river trip to Puerto Bolivar, you'll have a good opportunity to see birds, monkeys, snakes, pink dolphins, and tortoises from the boat. Return to the lodge, then head back out after dark to spot caymans before dinner. Accommodation in double rooms
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodge in Cuyabeno

Day 3: Rainforest Trek and Swimming 

Stop At: Cuyabeno Reserve, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Ecuador
After breakfast, set out on a hike through the primary rain forest for three to five hours, exploring a complex tropical ecosystem where you'll find a great variety of plants and trees. 

Have lunch back at the lodge, then enjoy an afternoon on the Big Lagoon, with time to fish for piranhas, swim, and watch the sunset.  Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight in double rooms. 
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodge in Cuyabeno

Day 4:  Canangueno Lagoon

Stop At: Cuyabeno Reserve, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Ecuador
Travel by a traditional paddle canoe as you go bird-watching on Canangueno Lagoon then set out for another hike through the forest. Overnight in double rooms
Duration: 4 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodge in Cuyabeno

Day 5: Return to Lago Agrio 

Stop At: Cuyabeno Reserve, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Ecuador
Rise early for an optional bird-watching excursion before breakfast. Check out of the lodge and begin the return trip to Lago Agrio, where this tour concludes.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.