OVERVIEW:
Discover the magic of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest in just 4 days. This program at Waita Lodge has been designed to combine wildlife observation, cultural encounters, and canoe explorations with the comfort of a jungle lodge. Guided by expert naturalists, you’ll travel deep into the Cuyabeno Reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. Expect to see pink river dolphins, monkeys, sloths, caimans, anacondas, parrots, macaws, and countless bird species, while enjoying canoe rides, jungle hikes, night walks, and cultural visits with local communities.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Canoe Trip & Night Walk
Your adventure begins in Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja) at 08:00 AM, where we meet at Meeting Point Restaurant (formerly Blue Planet Hotel). From here, a private bus takes you on a two-hour journey to Tierras Orientales, the gateway to the rainforest. After enjoying a box lunch, you will board a motorized canoe for a 3.5-hour ride along the Cuyabeno River. Along the way, you may spot monkeys, pink dolphins, and a wide variety of birds, while taking in the first stunning views of the rainforest. Upon arrival at Waita Lodge, you will settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome dinner. In the evening, your naturalist guide will introduce the program and activities for the following days. Then, grab your flashlight for your first night walk, an exciting chance to spot insects, frogs, snakes, and other nocturnal animals.
Hike in Primary Forest & Wildlife Watching
Rise early to enjoy the magic of sunrise during a birdwatching excursion by rowing canoe. Surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest, you’ll glide across quiet lagoons and rivers, observing colorful bird species and perhaps some mammals. After breakfast and a short rest, your guide leads you on a three-hour jungle trek, where you’ll learn about medicinal plants, giant trees, and survival techniques in the Amazon. Returning to the lodge, a hearty lunch awaits. In the afternoon, you’ll set off again by canoe to explore the blackwater flooded forest and narrow whitewater channels, where rare species thrive. As night falls, you’ll search for caimans, tree boas, fishing bats, and nocturnal birds before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Siona Indigenous Community & Shamanic Experience
At dawn, you’ll embark on a motorized canoe trip down the Cuyabeno River. This excursion offers spectacular wildlife encounters, including the breathtaking sight of parrots and parakeets gathering for their morning rituals. After breakfast at the lodge and a rest, another canoe ride takes you to the meeting point of two rivers, a perfect location for spotting pink river dolphins. After lunch, the afternoon adventure brings you to the Bird Observation Tower, a 28-meter (92 ft) platform built around one of the tallest trees in the rainforest. From the canopy, you’ll enjoy panoramic views and the chance to spot rare species. Before returning to the lodge, you’ll take a short night walk near the tower, searching for nocturnal insects and other creatures. Dinner is served at the lodge.
Return to Cuyabeno Bridge and End of Tour
On your last morning in the Amazon, you’ll head out for one final short hike or canoe excursion, a last chance to soak in the atmosphere of the rainforest and look for wildlife. After breakfast, you’ll pack your bags and board the canoe for the 3.5-hour journey back to Tierras Orientales. From there, our bus takes you to Lago Agrio, arriving around 3:00 PM, where you can catch your bus or flight back to Quito. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey into the Cuyabeno Rainforest.
SERVICES
Include
Bilingual naturalist guide (English/Spanish)
River transport inside Cuyabeno Reserve
Accommodation in traditional cabins with private bathroom
All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Coffee, tea & hot chocolate available all day
Vegetarian/vegan meals available
Electricity for charging batteries
Equipment: rain poncho, rubber boots, binoculars
Roundtrip transport Lago Agrio – Cuyabeno – Lago Agrio
Not include
- Ground or air transport Quito ↔ Lago Agrio
Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, etc.)
Entrance to Observation Tower: $6 USD per person
First day breakfast & last day dinner
Tips for guides and staff
Transport Options
Option 1 – Quito to Lago Agrio Shuttle ($20 p.p.)
Shared shuttle service departing Quito at scheduled times to Meeting Point Restaurant in Lago Agrio. Taxi from Lago Agrio terminal to Meeting Point: $4.
No ATM available at Meeting Point – bring sufficient cash.
Option 2 – Public Bus ($17 p.p.)
Daily departures from Quitumbe or Carcelén terminals in Quito to Lago Agrio. Taxi to Meeting Point: $4.
Option 3 – Private Transfer
Comfortable and flexible option. Price varies depending on group size and vehicle type.
Option 4 – Flight Quito → Coca (LATAM)
Daily flight departs Quito at 09:00 AM. Transfer from Coca to Tierras Orientales costs $120 (1–4 people). Return requires overnight stay in Coca due to flight schedules.
MAPS
EQUIPMENT
What to Bring
Passport (original or color copy)
Lightweight, quick-dry short-sleeve shirts
Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts
Long pants made of quick-dry material
Sandals or comfortable shoes
Swimsuit and personal towel
Hat or cap with strap
Sunglasses with UV protection
Backpack with waterproof cover
Insect repellent (preferably citronella-based)
Sunscreen
Refillable personal water bottle
Flashlight with spare batteries or rechargeable LED flashlight (500 lumens)
Binoculars (10×42) for better observation
Notebook for daily checklist
Small pocketknife (can be useful in some cases)
Reading material for your free time
FAQ
1. How long is the Cuyabeno Amazon Rainforest Tour?
The program lasts 4 days and 3 nights, including canoe rides, guided hikes, and accommodation in a jungle lodge.
2. You may encounter pink river dolphins, monkeys, caimans, anacondas, toucans, and many more species in the rainforest
You may encounter pink river dolphins, monkeys, caimans, anacondas, toucans, and many more species in the rainforest.
3.Is the Cuyabeno tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s designed for families, couples, and solo travelers. Activities are safe and guided by expert naturalists.
4. What’s included in the 4D/3N Amazon tour?
Accommodation, meals, transportation within the reserve, guided activities, and naturalist guides.
5. When is the best time to visit Cuyabeno?
Wildlife is visible year-round, but from March to August the higher water levels offer more chances to spot pink dolphins.
