OVERVIEW:
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is one of Ecuador’s richest areas in biodiversity. This 5-day / 4-night expedition offers the most complete immersion in the Amazon rainforest: canoe rides, hikes, birdwatching, night explorations, sunrise and sunset tours, and cultural encounters with the Siona indigenous community. Staying in eco-lodges and guided by certified naturalists, you will experience the best of the jungle’s wildlife, landscapes, and traditions.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Arrival in Cuyabeno – Canoe Navigation & Sunset
Arrival in Lago Agrio and private transfer to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Registration and introductory talk by park rangers. Canoe navigation along the Cuyabeno River with chances to see monkeys, macaws, anacondas, and other wildlife. Arrival at Piranha Ecolodge, lunch, and room assignment.
Afternoon canoe excursion to observe pink river dolphins at the confluence with La Hormiga River. Continue to Laguna Grande to swim and enjoy one of the Amazon’s most beautiful sunsets. Evening walk to spot nocturnal insects, amphibians, and reptiles, followed by a canoe ride in search of caimans and boas.
Max Altitude
(250 meters / 820 feet)
Accomodation
Piranha Ecolodge
Meals
(-/Lunch, Dinner)
Distance
2h transfer + canoe navigation
Duration
Full day
Birdwatching, Jungle Walk & Caimancocha Lagoon
Early morning birdwatching from an observation tower: parrots, toucans, macaws, and sloths. After breakfast, mixed activity with canoe paddling and guided hike to learn about Amazon ecosystems. Lunch and rest in hammocks.
Afternoon visit to the Interpretation Center to learn about Cuyabeno’s indigenous cultures. Evening motor canoe trip to Laguna Caimancocha, one of the most beautiful lagoons, where you’ll enjoy its wildlife and a breathtaking Amazon sunset.
Max Altitude
(250 meters / 820 feet)
Accomodation
Piranha Ecolodge
Meals
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Distance
Canoe navigation + short jungle hikes
Duration
Full day
Siona Community & Shaman Experience
Morning canoe trip to the Siona Community of Puerto Bolívar. A local woman will demonstrate the preparation of traditional cassava bread (casabe). Lunch with the community.
Afternoon visit to one of the last Siona shamans, learning about ancestral knowledge and Ayahuasca traditions. Jungle walk in search of snakes, monkeys, and more. Visit the giant Ceiba tree, one of Ecuador’s largest. Evening canoe excursion to spot monkeys, sloths, and birds.
Max Altitude
(250 meters / 820 feet)
Accomodation
Piranha Ecolodge
Meals
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Distance
Canoe navigation + cultural visits
Duration
Full day
Full Day Amazon Adventure – Cananbuena Lagoon
Breakfast and departure for a full-day canoe adventure to Laguna Cananbuena, one of the most pristine lagoons of the reserve, sanctuary for giant otters and black caimans. Picnic lunch in the jungle. Afternoon hike and rest in hammocks. Evening activity at the ecolodge to learn how to prepare traditional Amazonian chocolate with fresh cocoa. Night walk around the lodge to observe frogs, insects, and other nocturnal species.
Max Altitude
(250 meters / 820 feet)
Accomodation
Piranha Ecolodge
Meals
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Distance
Full-day canoe + hike
Duration
6-7 hours activities
Sunrise in Laguna Grande – Return to Lago Agrio
Early morning canoe excursion to Laguna Grande to admire the Amazon sunrise and spot dolphins, birds, and monkeys at their most active. Breakfast at the lodge. Return canoe navigation to Cuyabeno Bridge and private transfer back to Lago Agrio. Farewell lunch at Hotel Magic Paradise. End of the tour.
Max Altitude
(250 meters / 820 feet)
Accomodation
---
Meals
(-/Breakfast, Lunch)
Distance
2h canoe + 2h transfer
Duration
Half day
SERVICES
Include
Private transport Lago Agrio – Cuyabeno – Lago Agrio
Fluvial transport (canoe navigation)
All scheduled excursions and activities
Rubber boots, rain ponchos, hammocks
Meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5
Accommodation at Piranha Ecolodge
Professional bilingual guides
Not include
Transport Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito (approx. $20 each way)
Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
Optional community activities ($10)
Recommendation
Private Transportation Quito- Lago Agrio- Quito
Routes & Schedule
- Quito – Lago Agrio: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Departure 23:00 | Arrival 06:30 | $20
- Lago Agrio – Quito: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Departure 14:30 | Arrival 22:00 | $20
Meeting Points
- Quito: Hostal La Guayunga – Calle José Antepara E4-27 y Vicente León, Quito 170113
- Lago Agrio: Hotel Campestre Magic Paradise – Av. Puerto Aguarico, Nueva Loja, Lago Agrio
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. What is included in the Cuyabeno Canangueno Tour – 5 Days / 4 Nights?
The tour includes accommodation at Canangueno Lodge, all meals, canoe transportation within the reserve, guided jungle hikes, dolphin-watching excursions, and certified naturalist guides.
2. What wildlife can I see during the Cuyabeno tour?
Travelers often spot pink river dolphins, monkeys, toucans, caimans, anacondas, sloths, and hundreds of bird species in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.
3. How do I get to Canangueno Lodge in Cuyabeno?
The journey starts in Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja). From there, our team will meet you and provide a canoe transfer deep into the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve to reach the lodge.
4. Is the 5-day Amazon tour suitable for families and children?
Yes. The program is designed for families, couples, and solo travelers. All activities are safe, educational, and guided by experienced naturalists.
5. When is the best time to visit Cuyabeno?
The reserve can be visited year-round. However, during the rainy season (March–August), water levels rise, offering better chances to spot pink river dolphins.
6. What should I pack for the Cuyabeno Canangueno Tour?
We recommend bringing lightweight clothing, long sleeves for mosquito protection, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, flashlight, reusable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes.
7. Is the Cuyabeno Canangueno Tour safe?
Yes. All excursions are led by certified guides. Life jackets, purified drinking water, and well-maintained equipment are provided to ensure safety during your stay.
