AMAZON, ECUADOR, TOURS

Tours to the Amazon of Ecuador

Why are these the best trips to travel the Amazon of Ecuador?

Lagartococha is an marsh area is located in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve at the border with Peru, where three great nature reserves come together from Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, together forming about 2.5 million hectares of Amazon protected areas. At the Peruvian side of the border river, the Lagartococha River, there is a wonderful Sequoia Indian community that host our guests. Other than this community, nobody even lives near this region and is one of the most isolated regions of the entire Amazon of Ecuador and Peru. Wildlife watching is great, and in the river mouth of the Lagartococha River into the Aguarico River, one almost always finds Pink Dolphins. The area consists of a network of lakes and creeks, that often are covered with floating vegetation and fallen trees. Navigating in this area always requires some searching and exploring, as the floating vegetation moves around and may block passages to the lakes and creeks. As a result, this is the most adventurous part of Amazon to visit from Ecuador.

How to get to the Laguna Lagartococha?

Your tour starts in the Amazon town Coca, where you board a high velocity river transport to the hamlet of Nuevorocafuerte at the border with Peru.

Butterfly licking salt from boy's face.

Picnicking on a "blanket" of palm leaves.

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 1

Our transport meets you in Lagoagrio to take you in about 1 hour 30 minutes to the the canoe landing location Nuevo Uni?, on the Aguarico River.

Cuyabeno Loop route takes you on a 200km odyssey through the Western Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.

The tourist canoe of the Cofan Lodge.

Upon arrival in Zabalo, you will be shown around in the village and taken to your cabins to freshen up and rest, as it has been a long day since your departure from Quito.

The restaurant of our Cofan Lodge.

One of the cabins of the Cofan Lodge.

Upon arrival in Z?alo, you will be shown around in the village and taken to your cabins to freshen up and rest, as it has been a long day since your departure from Quito.

Relaxing in the hammocks in our restaurant.

A view of our Z?alo village.

In the evening, you will be taken on a night excursion to discover the critters of the night.

Tree frogs are everywhere, but it is a bit difficult to spot them. The moment you think you finally have one in your camera, they leap away to never be found again . On a rare occasion, with lots of luck you may catch the green eyes of a wandering Ocelot Cat in the beam of your flash light.

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 2

Early in the morning, we take on one of the few Ecuadorian black water rivers, where the clear water provides an ideal conditions for Giant Otters. Black water gets it color from decaying leaves fallen in the forested lowlands and swamps, while there are little or no sediments. There is also a vivid population of Scarlet Macaws as well as a great variety of tropical birds and monkeys.

The Zabalo River is one of the few clear black water rivers in the Amazon of Ecuador.

The clear black - sediment poor - water of the Z?alo river mixes with the sediment loaded water of the Aguarico River. The color comes from the soil particles dispersed in the water.

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 3

The day starts out with a discovery of the Cofan ways. You will be taught how to use a blowgun, and

get to see the traditional Cofan dresses.

Learning how to shoot with a blowgun.

The shaman with some of the children of the village and of visitors.

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 1

The traditional Cofan vegetable garden produces a part of your food.

The Cofan turtle breeding program has restored the turtle population in the Z?alo River.

After breakfast, we take you to the mouth of the Cuyabeno River, where usually some river dolphins hang out. From there you will be taken to the Canopy tower, to have an impression of the natural canopy.

The Mouth of the Cuyabeno River is frequented by Amazon Dolphins.

The highest canopy tower in Cuyabeno takes you all the way into the crown of a gigantic tree.

Admiring the view from the canopy tower platform.

Looking down from the canopy tower.

Most of the time you will be able to spot an Amazon Dolphin (of course no we can never guarantee this) or maybe, if you are very lucky, even a Manatee.

Blue and Yellow Macaws fly noisily over the jungle, while Hoatzins whisper their hoarse sounds as they scope the Macrolobium trees for food. You may also hear the mysterious swelling sound of the Howler Monkeys or see a troop of squirrel monkeys bouncing through the treetops. In fact, 10 species of monkeys have been recorded in the reserve.

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 4

Bird and wildlife watching

Blue and yellow Macaws are fairly common in Cuyabeno.

Brown Woolly Monkeys are also common in Cuyabeno.

The Cofan Lodge standard program will take you on a fabulous excursion into the Amazon jungle, after which it takes you back to the Cofan Lodge.

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 4

On day four, of the standard Amazon Ecuador Tour takes you back on a ride on the Aguarico River, and from there back to Quito.

CUYABENO, GETTING THERE AND BACK

There are 3 options to travel to the Amazon Lowlands:

Take the night bus on the Putumayo bus cooperative from Quito to the Cuyabeno Reserve (usually leaves at 11 at night) from the "Terminal Carcelen (Norte)" in Quito and arrive in Lagoagrio the next day. Another option is from the "terminal Quitumbe (Sur). As a result of major construction works it now takes about 13 hours. It costs about $ 25 one way and you have to leave from your hotel in Quito to the terminal an hour before departure (by taxi).
Fly Quito - Lagoagrio, which about $ 200 round trip, but it takes 2 X $25 to take a taxi to Quito airport. The flight usually leaves at 9 in the morning, and takes 30 minutes to arrive. After getting your luggage, it will be 10:30. We'll pick you up at the airport.
Fly Quito - Coca, which about $ 180 round trip, but it takes 2 X $25 to take a taxi to Quito airport. The flight usually leaves at 9 in the morning, and takes 30 minutes to arrive. After getting your luggage, it will be 10:30. This fight is great for the Yasuní - Napo River Cruise and the Lagartococha tour. We can coordinate a 3 hours private transportation to Cuyabeno for $60 with a minimum of 2 persons.
Take our Private Trans-Andean bus Transportation to Coca and the Cuyabeno Reserve. It will pick you up at your hotel early in the morning and take to the Aguarico River in about 8 - 9 hours depending how much time we spend on the way at the overlooks into the Cayambe - Coca Ecological Reserve, the San Rafael Falls, the Reventador Volcano and the Papallacta spas. The same applies for the Lake Cuyabeno accommodations which pass through the main park entrance on the Cuyabeno River.

CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE MAP: Lake area tours.

CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE MAP: Cuyabeno Loop.

Routes of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and Yasuní programs of Parks and Tribes / Cofan Lodge:

Cuyabeno Lake Area including our new 1 Day Trip;
Lagarto Coche Expedition Leaving from Nuevo Rocafuerte at the border with Peru;
Cuyabeno Loop;
Yasuní - Napo River Expedition.

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION QUITO - AGUARICO

Near the mountain pass you pass by beautiful paramos and some of the highest rainforests in the world along Lake Papallacta.

The San Rafael waterfall has collapsed into a sinkhole and is no longer accessible.

Bordering Lake Papallacta is the Jamanco Spa with great mineral water without prior filtration as done in the Papallacta resorts. As a result, the mineral quality is supposed to be better, while resort prices are a fraction of the spas in Papallacta.

The Reventador is Ecuador's most active volcano and frequently runs of lava can be seen glowing in the night.

It is possible to arrange for spending the night at either a Papallacta (costly) or Jamanco (friendly and much more economical) Spa, but then another day is needed to get to the reserve.
Many passengers who take the private transportation, chose to fly back from Coca or visa versa.

Arrival at the airport of Coca.

On a clear day one can see the Antisana Volcano, as you fly passed it.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

National Parks Tours

All hotels and lodges;
Transportation: All ground transportation on the National Parks tours;
In-country flights where included in the national parks tour program, but NOT to/fro Galapagos or Lagoagrio;
An English speaking naturalist guide. A German or French speaking guide may also be available, but can't be guaranteed.
All entry fees.

NOT INCLUDED:

Meals and beverages.

Amazon Tours

Lodging;
Excursions with professional nature guides;
All Amazon programs include all meals, and fruit juices served with the meals. Our restaurants serve a mix of international cuisine and occasionally, the Cofan Lodge offers a sample meal of traditional Cofan dishes.
Meals include coffee, tea and bottled water;
Transportation between Lagoagrio and the access rivers.

NOT INCLUDED:

Bottled and alcoholic beverages need to be paid.

COMBI-DISCOUNTS

Depending on the program you selected, we always try to give you a discount on combined modules. Groups above 4 passengers will receive discounts, depending on group size.

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR?

Our programs are rather customized and we try to accommodate the travel needs of our customers. To avoid misunderstandings, we don't offer a prepaid travel option. Just send an email to or contact us through our contact data below.

From Abroad:

Sending money from abroad is rather costly and we try to minimize money going to bank transfers. Once your schedule has been worked out, we kindly request you to make a reservation guarantee transfer of only $100 by Western Union or Moneygram. The balance you pay in CASH in Quito upon arrival (we don't take credit cards!) This way you don't lose a lot of money sending money. The $100 is NOT recoverable upon cancellation.

Why we don't accept credit cards in Ecuador either? The credit card services charge 7%! We would have to charge you for that, making your trip more expensive. We do everything to make your trip as cost effective as possible.

Already in Ecuador?

You can pay in our office mentioned below. We apply a cancellation fee of $100.

WHAT IS ESSENTIAL TO BRING?

For this question we link to our special vacation packing list.

2023 COFAN LODGE / CUYABENO LODGE / PARKS AND TRIBES PRICES

PARKS AND TRIBES AMAZON PROGRAMS
CUYABENO DAY TRIP
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
1 DAY	$ 99
Discounts for families with children NAPO RIVER CRUISE
DURATION STAY	Prices per person in US$
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS	$ 450
LAGARTO COCHA EXPEDITION
DURATION STAY	Prices per person in US$
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS	$ 450
Departure from Nuevo Rocafuerte at the border with Peru. There is a daily rapid public boat services between Coca and Nuevo Rocafuerte for about $50 (not included).
Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.
COFAN LODGE PROGRAMS
COFAN LODGE STANDARD PROGRAM
DURATION STAY	Prices per person in US$
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS	$ 499

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

CUYABENO LOOP
DURATION STAY	Prices per person in US$
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Standard room at the Cuyabeno Lodge part (nights 3 &4)	$ 799
Standard room in the Cofan Lodge (nights 1 & 2) and Deluxe room at the Cuyabeno Lodge (nights 3 & 4)	$ 899

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

CUYABENO LODGE PROGRAMS
CUYABENO LODGE STANDARD PROGRAM
DURATION	Prices per person in US$
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Standard room (17 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 280
Standard room Plus (±20 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 350
Deluxe room (25m², private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)	$ 370
Suite (36m², private bathroom, private balcony)	$ 390

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Shared budget room (Dormitory shared among 4 people, shared bathrooms)	$ 280
Standard room (17 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 390
Standard room Plus (±20 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 430
Deluxe room (25m², private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)	$ 480
Suite (36m², private bathroom, private balcony)	$ 510

CUYABENO ADVENTURE
DURATION	Prices per person in US$
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Shared budget room (Dormitory shared among 4 people, shared bathrooms)	$ 340
Standard room (17 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 420
Standard room Plus (±20 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 535
Deluxe room (25m², private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)	$ 595
Suite (36m², private bathroom, private balcony)	$ 635
Single occupancy surcharge (for the entire trip)	$ 100

Individual bookings are WELCOME

QUITO - LAGOAGRIO (or visa versa) PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
	Prices in US$
One way per party price from or to Quito. Group Price for parties of 2 - 7 to the park entrance (minivan) who share the costs.	$ 300
One way Coca to Park entrance per taxi (Japanes size). Minimum 2 maximum 4 A 6 persons minivan is also available.Luggage capacity for carry-ons only.	$ 120 / $150

NATIONAL PARKS TOUR PROGRAM
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
OPTION A: Complete national Parks Tour (10 days)	$ 1999
OPTION B: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days)	$ 1349
OPTION C: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days) via Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve (7 days)	$ 1399
OPTION D: Start and finish in Guayaquil (5 days)	$ 1149
OPTION E: Start in Cuenca and Finish in Guayaquil (5 days)	$ 1149

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

LIMA CUSCO MACHU PICCHU
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
6 or 7 days (subject to flight itineraries)
LIMA - CUSCO MODULE (Read details)	$ 1199

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

What is essential to bring?

For this question we link to our special vacation packing list for the Amazon of Ecuador Tours.

PARKS & TRIBES Travel Agency

Street: Las Casas, Side street: Jose Coudrin, 2 blocks above the Occidental Highway

Cantón Quito, Prov. Pichincha, Parroquia Belisario Quevedo

Tel: (++593)(02) 2 2324 4086, Cell phone: (++593) (0) 99 283 2187 Whatsapp: (++)1 304 901 0718

Email: info@parks-and-tribes.com

NO SEXI VIDEOS BUT SOLID INFORMATION FROM TRUE EXPERTS

AMAZON, ECUADOR, TOURS

Tours to the Amazon of Ecuador

Why are these the best trips to travel the Amazon of Ecuador?

How to get to the Laguna Lagartococha?

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 1

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 2

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 3

Lagartococha Ecuador Amazon Tour, Day 4

CUYABENO, GETTING THERE AND BACK

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION QUITO - AGUARICO

COFAN LODGE PROGRAMS

QUITO - LAGOAGRIO

(or visa versa)

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

What is essential to bring?