5 Days Exploring Cuyabeno Reserve

You can take a tourist bus from Quito to Cuyabeno, which takes about 9-10 hours. The route takes you through the beautiful landscapes of rainforest, rivers, and small towns in the Sucumbíos province, ending at the Cuyabeno Bridge. After a break with a box lunch, you will board a motorized canoe to navigate the Cuyabeno River for 2-3 hours, where you can admire the local wildlife and plants. You will then reach Tapir Lodge, where you can settle into your room. After dinner, the guide will provide an overview of the lodge, the reserve, and the activities for the coming days.

• Lunch
• Dinner

The day starts with a healthy breakfast, followed by a meet-up at the pier where guests are provided rubber boots for the excursion. The day’s adventure begins with a motorized canoe ride to Laguna Grande. Here, guests explore the lake in paddle boats, observing unique flora like the Igapo and Macrolobium trees. After the lake tour, we trek the “Palma Roja” path, searching for birds and monkeys. Lunch follows, and then there is a break. In the afternoon, another boat excursion around Laguna Grande offers more wildlife sightings, and guests can swim or enjoy the sunset. The day ends with drinks, a night trek for frogs, and a relaxing dinner at Tapir Lodge.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

The day begins with a bird-watching excursion along the river, followed by a paddle boat ride to search for butterflies and monkeys. We visit the Siona village and meet a local Shaman, who shares his knowledge of medicinal plants and offers a healing ceremony. After lunch, we learn how the Siona prepare Cassava bread. In the afternoon, we return to Tapir Lodge, with a possible sunset excursion to the big lake and a night hike to search for wildlife. The day concludes with dinner and a relaxing end to the adventure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

The day begins with a boat ride to the beautiful Canagueno Lake, where guests explore the area by paddle boat, spotting water birds, hoatzins, and orchids. This activity lasts all morning, returning to Tapir Lodge for lunch in the afternoon. Afterward, guests can relax and enjoy the sunset over the lake. In the evening, a farewell Passion fruit cocktail is served, and the hardworking staff at Tapir Lodge are introduced, highlighting their role in providing exceptional service throughout the stay.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

After breakfast at 7:30 AM, we will coordinate your departure from Tapir Lodge, usually around 9:30 AM, depending on weather and river conditions. Our staff will assist with luggage and ensure it is loaded onto the canoe. We will then travel back to the bridge, where transportation will be waiting to take you to your chosen destination, either Lago Agrio, Coca, or Quito. Safe Travels!

• Breakfast