 In the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve we will be able to explore from very close the jungle wildlife and different indigenous communities. In Cuyabeno it is possible to identify many species of birds, plants with medical porpouses, jaguars, monkeys, anteaters, sloth, dolphins, manatees, armadillos, anacondas, caimans, piranhas, catfish, the gigantic arapaima, and other species of fish.
From : $220 USD (4 day trip)
Gallery:
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: FLIGHT QUITO - LAGO AGRIO/ CANOE RIDE TO THE LODGE In the morning flight to Lago Agrio. Upon arrival in Lago Agrio, you will go by private bus to the entrance of Cuyabeno wildlife reserve (2 hours), where we will have a box lunch. At this point the visitors have to register in the Reserve’s office and pay the entrance fee. Our Naturalist Guide will give information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the two hours navigation on the Cuyabeno River to reach Jamu Lodge in the afternoon. At that time you will be shown to your rooms and you can relax a little. After a siesta, we will leave the camp for a swim in the lagoon and to watch a beautiful sunset in the middle of the Laguna Grande. You will then return to the camp for dinner. You will spend the night in bungalows with double beds and Mosquito nets.
DAY 2 : JUNGLE EXPEDITION / GUIDED EXPLANATION ABOUT FLORA AND FAUNA / PIRANHA FISHING / CAIMAN CANOE RIDE BY NIGHT After breakfast we will take a trek in the primary forest for 3 to 4 hours, where your guide will explain how the complex tropical ecosystem works. You will be able to learn about medicinal plants and might be able to see some exotic birds or monkeys. We will then return to the camp for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon, we will go piranha fishing, have a swim in the lagoon and watch the sunset. With a little luck you can observe the pink river dolphins or an anaconda sunbathing in a tree. You will return to the camp and take a canoe night ride to look for caimans.
DAY 3: SIONA COMMUNITY / SHAMAN / HIKE BY NIGHT After breakfast, we depart to head to the Siona Community of Puerto Bolivar, the largest ethnic group in the Cuyabeno wildlife reserve. During this tour you will learn their customs, traditions and way of life. You will be part of the elaboration of the Casabe; local dish made of yucca (carbohydrates are the principal food of the community). The trip takes 2 hours navigation downstream to get there, in the route will be possible to admire the existing fauna along the Rio Cuyabeno such as: birds, monkeys, snakes, pink dolphins, tortoises and many others. A visit to the Shaman, is also included. This is a full day excursion with Lunch in the Community. After that we return to the lodge to go for a nocturnal hike through the primary forest in search of insects, spiders, geckos or scorpions, and listen to the night sounds of the jungle. We will have dinner and spend the night in the lodge.
DAY 4: BIRD WATCHING OPTIONAL IN THE MORNING / BACK TO LAGO AGRIO - QUITO Early in the morning before breakfast a bird-watching excursion is optional. Back at the lodge we have breakfast and you will start the journey back upstream on the Cuyabeno River. Lunch (lunch box) at the bridge. The bus will take you to Lago Agrio. Return to Quito.
In the 5 days 4 nights tour, a visit to the Laguna Canangüeno for bird-watching by native dugout canoe, called “quilla”, and another hike in the forest are the activities for the 5th day. While paddling you have a better opportunity to see more fauna and flora, and you can get a good idea of what a flooded forest looks like. You can observe a variety of different birds and monkeys. Because this activity is about 4 – 5 hours long, we take a box lunch with us.
Prices:
4-day tour
Double room (private bathroom): $255 USD per person
Single supplement: + 50%
Multiple accommodation (5 people): $220 USD per person
(shared bathroom)
5-day tour
Double room (private bathroom): $295 USD per person
Single supplement: + 50%
Multiple accommodation (5 people): $260 USD per person
(shared bathroom)
Included: Stay in multiple or double accommodation - 3 meals per day except breakfast (first day) and lunch (last day), Coffee, tea, purified water 24 hrs - Transportation Lago Agrio – Cuyabeno – Lago Agrio - River transportation in motorized canoe - Certified bilingual guide (English, naturally Spanish) - Excursions & activities - Rain boots and poncho
Not included: - Transportation Quito-Lago Agrio-Quito (bus $8 one way, flight aprox. $165 round-trip) - Entrance fee to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve $2 tourist - Community $4 - Alcoholic beverages, extra drinks - Personal expenses - Tips
Should bring: Insect repellent, sun cream, camera, binoculars, light pants, about 4 t-shirts, long sleeve for night hikes, couple of shorts, Flash Light with enough batteries for 4 days, camera fully charged, small cash, copy of your passport, cap, bathing suit, towel, needed medicines if you use, sunglasses, plastic bags big enough for your back pack, sandals (flip flops or water shoes), water bottle, small first aid kit.
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