The Best of The Cuyabeno Tour

Best of the Cuyabeno Tour, 4-Days / 3-Nights

$760 per person

Quito – Cuyabeno – Quito

updated prices for 2024

Man stands in bow of canoe with setting sun reflected in water in the background

Day 1 – Experience the Rio Aguarico

Your day begins with an early morning flight from Quito to Francisco Orellana Airport in Coca where our Kichwa guide will welcome you. From there, we depart for Tierras Orientales, eat at a light lunch before boarding our private, motorized canoe and begin our journey into the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Appreciate the spectacular views and wildlife sightings along the Rio Aguarico.

We will arrive at the lodge in the afternoon with an opportunity for time in the hammocks before heading out for the golden hour, a time of day when wildlife are more active. After admiring a gorgeous sunset reflected in the calm waters of the reserve, we will return to the lodge, maybe spotting a caiman along the way. Our evening will include a night walk in the jungle and a delicious dinner prepared by our local staff.

A bird with a bright scarlet crown, orange-yellow chest, and dark brown wings perches on a branch

A russet red moneky with white brow grasps a branch overhead

A man paddles a traditional wooden canoe on the deep blue, gray river backed by dense jungle foliage

Day 2 – Immerse in Kichwa Culture

In the earliest morning hours, we will head out on the water to observe birds, monkeys, pink dolphins, anacondas, and other animals that are most active just after dawn. When the sun is higher in the sky, we will return to the lodge for a light breakfast.

In the afternoon, we will introduce Kichwa traditions with a walk in the jungle, learning about traditional medicines and survival strategies. In the late afternoon, we will head back to the river in search of birds and pink dolphins and, as evening settles, we hope to see caiman, snakes, and owls.

Wasps begin to build a nest in the dark jungle light

a four petaled, creamy yellow flower at the end of a stubby branch

A man sits at the the head of a motorized canoe looking onto a river and the shore covered by trees. The sky is blue with white, puffy clouds

Day 3 – Visit the Cofán of Zabalo River

Immediately after our breakfast, we head downriver on the Rio Aguarico to visit our neighbors, the Cofán of Zabalo River. We will tour their territory and learn about their sustainability projects. While visiting, we will be offered the opportunity to buy artisan goods made by Cofán women.

After lunch, we will walk along trails to learn and cross the Zabalo River where we will observe local wildlife. Depending on the season, we might see monkeys, river otters, and caimans. We always get to see many types of birds!

We will return to the Kichwa Lodge in the evening and enjoy dinner.

The snout and eye of a water snake sits just above the river tucked next to a log and branches

four turtles lined up a long sticking up out of the brackish looking water

Two blue and gold macaws take flight in a bright blue sky

Days 4 – Farewell to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

We will serve a light breakfast before an early departure by motorized canoe, repeating our journey back to Tierras Orientales then boarding a van or bus to the airport in Coca for your return to Quito.

If this trip seems a little too short, please check out our 7-day adventure that includes camping further inside the reserve.

This Itinerary Includes

Pick up at the Quito International Airport the day before this trip begins (please inform of us of your flight number and arrival time upon booking)
One night of lodging in Quito at Hostel Alpachaca BEFORE the official first day of this itinerary.
Pick up at the Hostel Alpachaca and transport to the Quito Airport for your flight to Coca; further assistance at the airport.
Flight to and from Quito to Coca
Land and river transport from/to Francisco Orellana International Airport in Coca to our lodge.
Tour Guide who speaks English, Spanish, and Kichwa (if you require another language, we can hire another guide at additional cost)
On the Cuyabeno-Yasuni Combo Tour a local, indigenous guide who knows the flora and fauna of their region will join your group.
Lodging & Meals, including purified water and hot beverages
Rain ponchos and rubber boots for your stay.

Not Included

Professional Birding Guide (available at additional cost)
Tips for guides, drivers, and staff
Alcholic beverages
Travel insurance

Additional Information

Suggested Items to Pack

Headlamp or flashlight, waterproof 10x42 binoculars, lightweight clothing, long pants (not shorts), sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellant with Deet, your personal medications, and US currency in small bills or coins.

Payment for Tours

Western Union or International Bank Transfer:

We will send banking information after confirming the dates for your reservation.

Specialized Guides

Naturalist Guide who speaks French or German: $110 per day

Specialized Birdwatching Guide, available with advanced notice in English, French, or German: $130 per day

Reservation Policy

Reservations must be made with 3 months advance notice; last minute reservations will be charged an additional fee.

This itinerary is priced per person. However, a minimum of two people are required to make a reservation. If you are a single person wanting to schedule this trip, the single person upgrade is the equivalent of 30% above the advertised price.

Children under 5 years of age stay free in the same cabin as their parents. However, we will charge for a roundtrip ticket to-from Quito-Coca. Children 5 years and older pay full price.

We can arrange small group tours for 6-12 people at a time. Contact us about pricing.

Entrance to the Kichwa Lodge is possible every day of the week except for Sundays.

Reservation Request for The Best of The Cuyabeno Tour

Would you like to make a reservation? Please fill out this form. If this is an urgent request, please contact us directly via WhatsApp at +593 96 073 6216.

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