Dracaena Lodge Jungle Tour Cuyabeno

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve protects (603.380 hectares). Located just on the Equator, in the northeast area of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, Cuyabeno is home to some different communities each one with its own cultural identity. In Cuyabeno it is possible to identify over 500 different species of colorful birds starting from tiny hummingbirds to the majestic Harpy Eagle, which is found just in the rainforest, there are 240 different species of plants in one hectare, each one with a specific practical and medical use. Jaguars, Monkeys, Anteaters, Sloths, Dolphins, Manatees and Armadillos, are just some of the mammals that live in the Cuyabeno reserve. Piranhas, Catfish, the gigantic Arapaima (reaching over 2 meters), and other species of fish thrive here in the black water rivers and lakes. Colorful poison arrow frogs, tree frogs, amazing anacondas and fer de lances are some of the reptiles found in the Cuyabeno reserve.

At the Cuyabeno reserve the night will be ruled by Frogs living down on the ground and also up in the hollow trees, night Birds, big Grasshoppers, Crickets, Lizards, and Geckos, who will play a natural and harmonious orchestra while the night is reaching in the Cuyabeno Amazon rainforest.

TOUR : 4 DAYS ‑ 3 NIGHTS Friday to Monday
* Location: lower part of Cuyabeno Reserve ( Aguarico and Cuyabeno Rivers)
DAY 1.- There are two direct ways of travelling from Quito to Lago Agrio – by plane or bus: If you travel by plane, you will arrive in Lago Agrio at 11h00 am. If you travel by bus , you must leave Quito a day in advance in order to reach Lago Agrio in time for the tour. Travelling by bus is 8 hours. Our adventure begins at 11h00am. We travel by bus/truck to Chiritza (1 ½ hour ), where we start our canoe journey down the Aguarico and continue along the Cuyabeno black water river, to our campsite. ( 3 ½ hours aprox. ) After dinner our naturalist bilingual guide give us a captivating lecture.

DAY 2.- Starting early in the morning we spend the whole day exploring. Observing the enchanting salt lick (exposed clay bank) where colourful Parrots and Parakeets feed on the clay to draw the toxins from their bodies. We visit the Quichua Birdwatching Tower. Here above the canopy we see a breathtaking view of the surrounding rainforest. From the tower we can observe a variety of species; including Toucans, Parrots, Monkeys, and many more. We trek into pristine primary rainforest. Our native guide shares his wealth of knowledge, showing us the medicinal and practical uses of the rainforests flora and fauna that their ancestors have taught throughout generations and we learn how all life in the tropical rainforest co-exists in a fragile balance. Lunch. In the afternoon, we explore the Balata blackwater river observing different habitats and looking for new species. Back to the Cuyabeno river we have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink and grey river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) in the spectacular scenery. After dinner, we venture out on a night excursion to search for Caimans (alligator family) and nocturnal birds.

DAY 3.- After breakfast, we trek to the Quechua Indian Community where our naturalist guide explains the culture and traditions of the native people from the past to the present. Back to the campsite. Lunch. After lunch travelling by canoe we fish for Piranhas enjoying rainforest wildlife and exotic surroundings.

DAY 4.- Early morning a canoe excursion, the brisk morning hours are the best time to see the rainforest thriving activity. After breakfast, we travel by canoe down the Cuyabeno River and back along the Aguarico river to Chiritza where our bus/truck will take us to Lago Agrio 16h00 aprox. Departure fight/bus to Quito.

TOUR : 5 DAYS –4 NIGHTS Monday to Friday
* Location: lower part of Cuyabeno Reserve ( Aguarico and Cuyabeno Rivers)
DAY 1.- There are two direct ways of travelling from Quito to Lago Agrio – by plane or bus: If you travel by plane, you will arrive in Lago Agrio at 11h00 am. If you travel by bus , you must leave Quito a day in advance in order to reach Lago Agrio in time for the tour. Travelling by bus is 8 hours. Our adventure begins at 11h00am. We travel by bus/truck to Chiritza (1 ½ hour ), where we start our canoe journey down the Aguarico and continue along the Cuyabeno black water river, to our campsite. ( 3 ½ hours aprox. ) After dinner our naturalist bilingual guide give us a captivating lecture and take an adventurous night walk, where it is possible to view nocturnal animals and giant insects.
DAY 2.- After breakfast, we visit the Quichua Birdwatching Tower. Here above the canopy we see a breathtaking view of the surrounding rainforest. From the tower we can observe a variety of species; including Toucans, Parrots, Monkeys, and many more. After lunch, Later we paddle by traditional dug-out canoe, enabling us to enjoy the sounds of the jungle….from the smallest insect to the fierce sounding Howler monkeys. We paddle back to our campsite, bird watching, observing wildlife and being overwhelmed by breathtaking scenery.

DAY 3.- Starting early in the morning we spend the whole day exploring. Observing the enchanting salt lick (exposed clay bank) where colourful Parrots and Parakeets feed on the clay to draw the toxins from their bodies. After breakfast. We trek into pristine primary rainforest. Our native guide shares his wealth of knowledge, showing us the medicinal and practical uses of the rainforests flora and fauna that their ancestors have taught throughout generations and we learn how all life in the tropical rainforest co-exists in a fragile balance. Lunch. In the afternoon, we explore the Balata blackwater river observing different habitats and looking for new species. Back to the Cuyabeno river we have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink and grey river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) in the spectacular scenery. After dinner, we venture out on a night excursion to search for Caimans (alligator family) and nocturnal birds.

DAY 4.- After breakfast, we trek to the Quechua Indian Community where our naturalist guide explains the culture and traditions of the native people from the past to the present. Back to the campsite. Lunch. After lunch travelling by canoe we fish for Piranhas enjoying rainforest wildlife and exotic surroundings.

DAY 5.- Early morning a canoe excursion, the brisk morning hours are the best time to see the rainforest thriving activity. After breakfast, we travel by canoe down the Cuyabeno River and back along the Aguarico river to Chiritza where our bus/truck will take us to Lago Agrio 16h00 aprox. Departure fight/bus to Quito.

INCLUDES:
• Return transport to Lago Agrio
• (Tourism Ministry Licensed) bilingual naturalist guides trained in biology and Eco-tourism
• Native guide
• High Quality Camping Equipment, tents, bedding, mosquito nets, rubber boots, raincoats and
lifejackets.
• All equipment is of high quality and in excellent condition.
• Three nutritious meals a day (including purified bottled water)
• Tea, Coffee, hot chocolate available all day
• Catering for vegetarians
• Traditional hut accommodation ( showers and toilets are available )

NOT INCLUDED:
• Cuyabeno Park Entrance fee US $20 Dollars paid at El Puente- Cuyabeno
• Roundtrip transportation between Quito and Lago Agrio: Flight U$ 57,15/one way;
• or public bus $ 8 one way ( fares at the moment )
• Additional beverages and tips
• Extra meals before and after trip

For more information about tour of exploration on the jungle of Cuyabeno, click here: