10 BEST AMAZON TRIPS [ECUADOR 2023]

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.

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 frolick 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!

Butterfly licking salt from boy's face.

Picnicking on a "blanket" of palm leaves.

NEW! CUYABENO AMAZON DAY TRIP

4 DAYS' STANDARD COFAN LODGE PROGRAM

Day one

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 Two

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.

5 DAYS' CUYABENO LOOP

Cuyabeno loop, Day Three

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.

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.

After the visit to the canopy tower, the programs split into:

Cofan standard program and the
Cuyabeno Loop

The Standard Ecuador Trip to the Amazon

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.

Standard Program, Day 4

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

The Cuyabeno Loop

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 Four

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 Five

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.

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 Lagartocoche 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.

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:

Once your schedule has been worked out, we kindly request you to make a reservation guarantee transfer by Western Union or Moneygram or bank transfer, as we need to consolidate your reservation with providers. For customized itineraries, the cancellation fee is 10%, as customizing a tour requires a considerable amount of work. Cancellation 30 days from the departure date is 50% and 15 days prior to departure 100%.

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 WHAT's INCLUDED? HOW GET TO THE AMAZON?
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). 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.

LIMA CUSCO MACHU PICCHU
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
6 or 7 days (subject to flight itineraries). From	$ 1199

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

10 BEST AMAZON TRIPS IN ECUADOR

PARKS & TRIBES Travel Agency

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

Canton 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

10 BEST AMAZON TRIPS [ECUADOR 2023]

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

NEW! CUYABENO AMAZON DAY TRIP

4 DAYS' STANDARD COFAN LODGE PROGRAM

Day one

Cuyabeno loop, Day Two

5 DAYS' CUYABENO LOOP

Cuyabeno loop, Day Three

The Standard Ecuador Trip to the Amazon

Standard Program, Day 4

The Cuyabeno Loop

Cuyabeno loop, Day Four

Cuyabeno loop, Day Five

CUYABENO, GETTING THERE AND BACK

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION QUITO - AGUARICO

COFAN LODGE PROGRAMS

QUITO - LAGOAGRIO

(or visa versa)

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION