The Complete Cuyabeno Tour, 7-Days / 6-Nights
$1,220 per person
Quito – Cuyabeno – Quito
Updated prices for 2024
Day 1 – Experience the Rio Aguarico
Your Complete Cuyabeno Tour begins with an early morning flight from Quito to Francisco Orellana Airport in Coca. Our Kichwa guide will be there to welcome you. Next, we depart for Tierras Orientales and eat a light lunch. Then, we begin our journey into the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve on our motorized canoe! Appreciate the spectacular views and wildlife sightings along the Rio Aguarico.
We will arrive at the lodge in the afternoon. Take some time to unpack and enjoy the hammocks before heading out for 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. Hopefully, we will spot some caiman along the way! Lastly, our evening will include a night walk in the jungle and a delicious dinner prepared by our local staff.
Day 2 – Journey to Zancudo Cocha
In the earliest morning hours, we will awake to the sound of the jungle and head out to observe the birds and animals that are most active just after dawn.
After breakfast, we head out on our journey to see one of the largest lakes in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Zancudo Cocha. We will stay overnight on the shores of the lake with a local community that offers camping, dinner, and hiking. This provides a great opportunity to take a night hike, spotting reptiles, amphibians, and insects like none you have ever seen before.
Day 3 – Rainforest Adventure
Birdsong invites us to explore an early morning walk along the shores of Zancudo Cocha where the keen eye will spot many animals hunting for breakfast.
After breakfast, we will hike into the primary forests to learn about indigenous customs and traditions that include hunting and the use of medicinal plants. Then, we head back out in the canoe, picnicking along the river.
Our afternoon should include animal and bird sightings along the Rio Aguarico. Finally, we will dine al fresco at our campsite near the Lagarto Cocha river.
Day 4 – Emuya, Delfin Cocha, & Lagarto Cocha
We will need an early start on this morning to take advantage of the entire day. After breakfast, we will board our canoe and visit several lakes up the Lagarto Cocha River. During the day, we will enjoy spectacular views, a picnic lunch, swim in waters with pink dolphins, observe macaws at clay licks, and so much more. At the end of the day, we will return to our campsite of the night before for our evening meal and a well deserved night of rest.
Day 5 – A Day For Further Exploration
We will remain in the area of Lagarto Cocha to see even more of this remote part of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Fortunately, because we travel in a small group, we will be able to tailor this day to your preferences… birds, monkeys, dolphins, swimming, hiking, touring by canoe. The options are almost endless.
Day 6 – Up the Rio Aguarico to the Kichwa Lodge
With a little sadness, today begins our return trip home. While our goal is to reach the wonderful Kichwa Lodge by late afternoon, we will enjoy the spectacular views from our canoe and spot as many monkeys in the trees, birds along the shore, and dolphins in the river as we possibly can.
A wonderful home-cooked dinner will await us at the lodge!
Day 7 – Farewell to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
We will start the day with a light breakfast before our early-morning 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.
Looking to visit the Yasuni afterwards? Take a look at our Cuyabeno Yasuni Combo Tour and mention it when making your reservation.
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 Complete 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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