10 BEST ECUADOR AMAZON TOURS

Amazon Ecuador TRIPS

CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE MAP: Lake area tours.

CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE MAP: Cuyabeno Loop.

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

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

Are these really the 10 Best Amazon Trips for seeing wildlife?

YES! This is why...

When one walks in the forest, the animals above you in the the crowns are difficult to observe. Looking up you hardly see anything. The contrast between the sky and the leaves is so overwhelming, that they appear almost black. On the other hand, along narrow rivers, the light can break through the canopy, illuminating lower braches and wildlife. So, from the water you see the birds, flowers and mammals much better, as they frolic through the shrubs and lower trees along the shores.

So what makes Cuyabeno so special...

It's the only Amazon park in all Amazon-Andean countries with wide flat plains. Slow-flowing narrow creeks, rivers and many lakes can only develop in flat lowlands; not in hilly terrain. This makes Cuyabeno so unique!
In the dryer sections, one gets to see the terrestrial animals and birds. With so much water, one also gets to see water animals like: Dolphins, Manatees, Capybaras, Cayman, Ducks, Cormorants, Herons, etc.
Spotting wildlife from a canoe is much easier than when walking on a trail. You have your birding and wildlife books, your binoculars and your camera all close at hand.

But there is more...

Getting from Lagoagrio to Cuyabeno is (mostly) over an asphalt road. Distances over water are much shorter than to other reserves, like Yasuni National Park;
Our programs are organized by or in collaboration with small Indian tribes, the Cofans and Sionas;
All programs are so child friendly, I took my grandchildren (3,5 & 6) there. Wao, did they love it!

5 DAYS' CUYABENO LOOP

Butterfly licking salt from boy's face.

Picnicking on a "blanket" of palm leaves.

4 DAYS' STANDARD COFAN LODGE TRIP

Cuyabeno loop, Day 1

Our transport meets you in Lagoagrio to take you in about 1 hour 30 minutes to the the canoe landing location Nuevo Union, 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.

Relaxing in the hammocks in our restaurant.

A view of our Zabalo 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.

Cuyabeno loop, 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 Zabalo river mixes with the sediment loaded water of the Aguarico River. The color comes from the soil particles dispersed in the water.

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.

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

The Cofan turtle breeding program has restored the turtle population in the Zabalo River.

Cuyabeno loop, Day 3

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.

Cuyabeno loop, Day 3

The Cuyabeno loop continues its journey upstream to the Cuyabeno Lake, from where the program will be taken over by one of the lodges at the Cuyabeno Lake, of which the most famous it the Cuyabeno Lodge

Continuing the journey upstream the Cuyabeno River.

The Macrolobium trees at the border of the Cuyabeno lake are like giant Bonsai trees and full of epiphytes.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you can take a hot shower and rest up a bit and take a swim in the lake at sunset:

A swim at the lake is always wonderfully refreshing and a lot of fun.

Dinner in the restaurant of the Cuyabeno Lodge.

At night you can take an night excursion at the lake to look for the orange eyes of Caymans and other nocturnal animals that hide in the Macrolobium swamps.

Cuyabeno loop, Day 4

After a well-deserved night's rest, you will explore the Cuyabeno Lake and its surrounding Macrolobium swamps.

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 across the Cuyabeno Lake, 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.

Bird and wildlife watching

Bright red Achiote bixa Orellana shrubs adorn the Amazon jungle, an epiphytic cactus with a really big (10cm+) flower, Perisan Silk tree, Albizia julibrissin. a pretty but invasive from Asia invaded the Amazon jungle, the Lobster Claw hanging Heliconia Rostrata.

Blue and yellow Macaws are fairly common around Lake Cuyabeno.

Brown Woolly Monkeys are common in Cuyabeno.

Cuyabeno loop, Day 5

On day five, you will experience the feel of so many of our visitors: "It all went by too quickly". Maybe you will become one of our frequent visitors that keep coming back for a special program. Anyway, you will have to leave in the morning to get back on time to catch the plane or bus in Lagoagrio. You will ride the canoe up the Cuyabeno River to the main entrance of the park, the "Cuyabeno Bridge", where your transport will be waiting for you to bring you to the airport or to the bus station to take you on your trip back to Quito. No wonder that this is one of the Best Tropical Adventure Tours for seeing wildlife in Ecuador.

2023 COFAN LODGE / CUYABENO LODGE / PARKS AND TRIBES PRICES

PARKS AND TRIBES AMAZON PROGRAMS WHAT's INCLUDED? HOW GET TO THE AMAZON? Prices excluded meals
CUYABENO DAY TRIP
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
1 DAY	$ 99
Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers. Discounts for families with children NAPO RIVER CRUISE
DURATION STAY	Prices per person in US$
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS	$ 450
LAGARTOCOCHE 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). From	$ 1399
OPTION B: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days). From	$ 999
OPTION C: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days) via Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve (7 days). From	$ 1099
OPTION D: Start and finish in Guayaquil (5 days). From	$999
OPTION E: Start in Cuenca and Finish in Guayaquil (5 days). From	$ 999

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

GALAPAGOS TOURS

Prices in US$

Galapagos Tours From:

Island Hopping. Prices for 6 days, 5 nights starting at:

Additional day trips available at various costs.

$ 749

Prices excluding flight and park entrance fees. Mínimum 2 persons.

LIMA CUSCO MACHU PICCHU
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
6 or 7 days (subject to flight itineraries). Prices may vary from:	$ 1099

Flights not included. Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

10 BEST ECUADOR AMAZON TOURS

10 BEST ECUADOR AMAZON TOURS

Amazon Ecuador TRIPS

Are these really the 10 Best Amazon Trips for seeing wildlife?

5 DAYS' CUYABENO LOOP

4 DAYS' STANDARD COFAN LODGE TRIP

Cuyabeno loop, Day 1

Cuyabeno loop, Day 2

Cuyabeno loop, Day 4

Cuyabeno loop, Day 5

COFAN LODGE PROGRAMS

QUITO - LAGOAGRIO

(or visa versa)

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION