EXCELLENT
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Based on 16 reviews
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Phayz3d
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Edgar is kind, knowledgeable, and likely speaks your language. Sisa makes yummy food. Nito is a pro with the boat and when you inevitably encounter wildlife he will keep the boat there until you’ve made the sighting / taken photos. You can tell that everybody involved wants you to enjoy your visit. The rooms are clean, have electricity, and there’s even internet. Prepare for an adventure! Did I mention birds? You’ll see birds. Have fun!
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TAGE Krarup
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Here you go—full English first, then full Spanish: ⸻ ENGLISH If you are looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Kichwa Lodge in Cuyabeno is simply unmatched. Edgar, the host and guide, is extraordinary. He has built this lodge himself together with his community—without outside interference—making the entire experience authentic, meaningful, and deeply connected to local traditions. What makes this place exceptional is its exclusivity. The lodge hosts only around 8–10 guests, and in our case, we had the entire property to ourselves. This is not just a lodge—it’s a private, boutique luxury experience. Every meal, every excursion, every moment is tailored to your group. No crowds, no mixing with other tourists—just you and the Amazon. The setting in Cuyabeno is breathtaking. Wildlife is everywhere—we’ve already seen dolphins and countless other incredible species—and every day brings new discoveries guided by Edgar’s deep knowledge. The lodge itself is beautifully simple yet refined: ecological, sustainable, and thoughtfully designed. It runs on solar energy and river resources while still offering comfort and elegance. The food is outstanding, combining local jungle ingredients with a chef’s touch. What stood out most is how perfect it is for all ages. Our group ranged from 4 to 76 years old—family across three generations—and everyone had an amazing time. Swimming in the river, exploring the jungle, relaxing in comfortable rooms—it truly offers something for everyone. This is the ideal destination for families, private groups, corporate retreats, or anyone seeking a high-end, exclusive stay without compromising nature. It’s rare to find a place that combines luxury, privacy, and deep respect for the environment so seamlessly. A truly unforgettable experience—worth every moment. Thank you, Edgar. ⸻ ESPAÑOL Si estás buscando una experiencia verdaderamente única e inolvidable en la Amazonía ecuatoriana, Kichwa Lodge en Cuyabeno es simplemente incomparable. Edgar, el anfitrión y guía, es extraordinario. Ha construido este lodge él mismo junto con su comunidad, sin intervención externa, lo que hace que toda la experiencia sea auténtica, significativa y profundamente conectada con las tradiciones locales. Lo que hace excepcional este lugar es su exclusividad. El lodge alberga solo entre 8 y 10 huéspedes, y en nuestro caso tuvimos toda la propiedad para nosotros. No es solo un lodge, es una experiencia privada de lujo tipo boutique. Cada comida, cada excursión, cada momento está diseñado para tu grupo. Sin multitudes, sin mezclarse con otros turistas—solo tú y la Amazonía. El entorno en Cuyabeno es impresionante. La vida silvestre está por todas partes—ya hemos visto delfines y muchas otras especies increíbles—y cada día trae nuevos descubrimientos guiados por el profundo conocimiento de Edgar. El lodge en sí es hermoso en su simplicidad pero refinado: ecológico, sostenible y cuidadosamente diseñado. Funciona con energía solar y recursos del río, ofreciendo al mismo tiempo comodidad y elegancia. La comida es excelente, combinando ingredientes locales de la selva con un toque de chef. Lo que más destacó es lo perfecto que es para todas las edades. Nuestro grupo iba de 4 a 76 años—familia de tres generaciones—y todos lo pasamos increíble. Nadar en el río, explorar la selva, relajarse en habitaciones cómodas—realmente ofrece algo para todos. Este es el destino ideal para familias, grupos privados, retiros corporativos o cualquier persona que busque una estancia exclusiva de alto nivel sin comprometer la naturaleza. Es raro encontrar un lugar que combine lujo, privacidad y un profundo respeto por el medio ambiente de forma tan armoniosa. Una experiencia verdaderamente inolvidable—vale cada momento. Gracias, Edgar.
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Vasana Bhaskaran
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My partner and I did a 7 day eco-camping tour of Lagarto Cocha with Edgar and his team at Kichwa Lodge. This is a totally community owned and operated company, with all profits going toward resourcing the Cuyabeno Kichwa community and improving conservation efforts in the Amazon. Edgar was a gracious host with great communication and organisation prior to the tour. Benito and Frank were our guides for the camping portion. Frank was enthusiastic and personable, and was open to introducing us to his experiences as a young Kichwa man. Benito expertly navigated the waterways to and from our destination on the Ecuador/Peru border, worked tirelessly to ensure we had delicious healthy meals during our camping trip, and had an amazing wealth of knowledge about the wildlife we encountered on our trip. The whole team maintained professional and reassuring disposition even when plans required changing due to environmental reasons (eg waterways drying up due to the dry season). This was a truly unforgettable tour, and I thank Edgar and the Kichwa Lodge team for providing us with a wonderful experience in the Amazon. I absolutely recommend this company for anyone looking for an ethical and authentic experience in the Amazon.
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Dana Hendricks
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Many of the Amazonian tour companies are unfortunately exploitative, so we were super grateful to find this truly authentic indigenous-run lodge. If you’re looking to be immersed deep, deep, deep within the rainforest, where every square inch is magically pulsing with life, and to learn from a lifelong native expert, look no further. Edgar‘s English is good, his knowledge is deep, and his passion for conservation is inspiring. We were happy to be able to support his vision for the Cuyabeno, as he actively works to provide viable alternatives for his people besides slash and burn agriculture and resource extraction.
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Namita Shah
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I was eager to visit the Amazon with my family of 5 and was looking for an authentic, cultural experience. When I was looking for options, the large lodges didn’t appeal. I have nothing against big brands, but for this experience, I really wanted to give the kids a unique adventure and support local communities. I was nervous bringing my 11, 9 and 7 year old. We are not a camping family and really do prefer the comforts of more established hotels but I was determined to find something that gave us comfort and help us better understand local life. Edgar and his family and staff provided a wonderful experience. Edgar showed us his community and family and helped us better understand the way of life there and of course, we saw insects and animals and or days were full of adventure. Edgar was flexible with the itinerary, so it was a very private, bespoke experience. The kids also LOVED the home cooked meals by Sisa and my youngest made a new friend with Edgar’s son. If you are considering coming to the Amazon, I would do it sooner than later and before everyone finds out about this Lodge!
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Alex F
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Pasamos un tiempo muy lindo aqui.
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Jan Hammerbeck
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Best Place in Ecuador amazon. Great people, amazing nature. I saw river dolphins, giant others, lot's of birds, frogs, snakes,....simple but clean rooms, very good food. They can organise everything including transport. Pick up at coca airport. Ecuador amazon is very safe for staying and travelling.
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R Bright
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Kichwa Lodge is the only fully community built, owned and run lodge in the Cuyabeno reserve. The lodge not only provides an incredible experience, but also directly supports the local community. Edgar and his team are very generous, sharing their culture, with meals cooked using traditional flavours. Edgar’s knowledge of the plants is huge and he can spot and name a wide variety of birds from a distance. I highly recommend this lodge - you get a fully immersive experience, falling asleep to a concert of insects and waking up to the amazing birds - thanks to being fully solar powered (meaning no generator noise!).
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Stephanie M
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El dueño no es una persona de confianza, se a brindado servicios como proveedor y no paga, solo pone excusas diferentes. A parte este no es un buen lodge en el cuyabeno, es sumamente costoso y la atención desde un inicio es pésima haciéndote esperar en el carro desde el Coca más de 3 horas para que recien puedan hacer compras de suministros para llevar a su lodge (cómo cliente yo lo viví) El ingles que se maneja es sumamente básico, no hay agua caliente en el lodge, no hay conexión electrica. Indico está publicación para que el público tome en consideración con quien van al cuyabeno puedan ir a otros lodges confiables con gente confiable, porque no es lo que promete el lugar.
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Nothing tells the story of Cuyabeno Kichwa Lodge better than the people who’ve paddled our waters, spotted our wildlife, and slept beneath our jungle canopy. Below are reviews from guests who’ve stayed with us in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. If you’ve traveled with us, we’d love to hear from you too — here’s where to leave your own review.

TripAdvisor — 4.8 out of 5 Visit our TripAdvisor page and click “Write a review.” You’ll need a free TripAdvisor account to post.

Google Reviews Search “Cuyabeno Kichwa Lodge” on Google Maps or Google Search, then select “Write a review” under our listing. You’ll need to be signed in to a Google account.

Facebook — 100% recommended (6 reviews) Head to our Facebook page and leave a recommendation under the Reviews tab.

Booked through WeTravel? If you reserved your trip through WeTravel, you may receive an automatic email invitation to review your experience after your stay. Your review will also appear in the widget on this page.

However you choose to share it, your feedback helps future travelers picture what a stay in the Amazon rainforest with us is really like — and helps us keep improving. Thank you for taking the time.

Comments

11 responses to “Guest Reviews for Cuyabeno Kichwa Lodge”

  1. Heidi Ortega Avatar
    Heidi Ortega

    Super buenos los tours excelente guía y la comida exquisita tuve la oportunidad de hospedarme en el lodge y el servicio y la hospitalidad están a la altura.Sigan así

    1. Edgar Noteno Avatar

      Thank you so much for your visit. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed our services. Your support and enthusiasm not only bring us great joy but are also crucial for the success and growth of our project. Every positive experience you share helps us continue to improve and provide the best possible service. We look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you back in the future and sharing more special moments with you!

  2. Kelly Raghavan Avatar
    Kelly Raghavan

    We had the most amazing time with Edgar in April 2023. I traveled with my husband and our two children in their 20s. This was the experience of a lifetime. Edgar and his teammates knew exactly where to go to see the most astounding flora and fauna in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

    We stayed in the jungle lodge and in tents on platforms along the river. The hikes and boat excursions happened at all different times of day, the better to catch jungle lifewhen active.

    One of the most amazing sights was seeing an anaconda wrapped around a caiman in one of the tributaries. We were within an arm’s length of the deathly embrace. We were shocked when we returned the next day to see the dead caiman floating—confused as to why the anaconda killed it and left.

    I started keeping track of the wildlife we saw, but then had to give up because it was so abundant. Our guides were so adept at spotting things that very few mere mortals can. They patiently waited until we could zero in with our binoculars or cameras.

    We always felt safe and well fed. I would highly recommend this tour to travelers who are seeking a rustic, authentic adventure.

    1. Edgar Noteno Avatar

      Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re thrilled to hear that your visit to the deep Amazon was such an unforgettable experience and that you enjoyed the trip with us. We’re excited to have been part of your adventure and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.

  3. AllenB Avatar
    AllenB

    Absolutely one of the very best adventures we’ve had in all our travels. Edgar Noteno and his team are fantastic and really went out of their way to make this a very special trip for me and my family. If you want a really special and memorable adventure, Edgar and his staff will make it happen for you.

    1. Name *Edgar Avatar

      Hoa Allen, gracias por tu visita estamos muy emocionado que hayas pasado de lo mejor en nuestra casa en la selva tropical. Estamos muy felices por tu visita en el futuro si vuelves estamos aqui .
      Muchos abrazos.

  4. Johanna Avatar

    Hey people,
    we have been with Edgar and team on an canoe trip to the selva. It was in every aspect a totally magnificant trip: we have seen a lot of interesting animals: the rose river doplphins, the american kingfisher, different species of monkeys and fish, kaimans… Maria cooked very lovely vegetarian food for us and Domingo installed a full campsite in the wood for us. And Edgar guided us, explained us everything and tought us the way of living in the woods. We recomend every adventurer under you to go to Kichwa Lodge. They are authentic people who provide a real adventure and the tourism can help the indigineous community to purchase a sustainable way of living without being dependend on petrol companies or wood exploitation.

    1. Edgar Noteno Avatar

      Hola Joahna gracias por tus comentrios . Estamos muy felices que disfrutaron en este viaje a las profundidaes de la selva tropical. Muchas y muchas gracias.
      Si vuelven en el futuro te esperamos.

  5. Tom Denberg Avatar
    Tom Denberg

    Kichwa Lodge is the only eco-tour option in the Cuyabeno region owned and operated by a local indigenous community. It is based about 2.5 hours in a motorized fiberglass canoe down the Aguarico river from the launch point near Shushifindi which, in turn, is about a two hour car ride from Coca. Thus, it’s quite distant from any major population center and from other eco-lodges which, almost uniformly, are owned and operated by more upscale, Quito-based concerns.

    The above holds definite advantages for the visitor who appreciates a more rustic (e.g. no internet) experience and who has a genuine interest in directly supporting a local indigenous community that has extremely limited employment opportunities and faces significant hardship. Compared with regional alternatives, I suspect the flora and fauna and degree of personalization are also significantly enhanced with Kichwa Lodge.

    Edgar Noteno, a local Kichwa, established and manages the lodge. He employs on a part-time basis about 20 individuals from his community of about 1,600 who live in nearby Playas de Cuyabeno. Edgar speaks passable English and is directly involved in making all arrangements with and on behalf of potential visitors. This includes arranging air transfers to Coca (usually from Quito), transportation to and from the lodge, and overnight accommodations in Coca, if needed. In other words, to the extent possible, he provides “full service.“

    Activities are varied (and can be tailored). Examples include canoe trips to identify exotic avian species, daytime and nighttime walks through the forest to see and learn about an amazing variety of Amazonian plants and animals, and visits to the Kichwa and Cofan communities. Those who have more time can even plan camping trips to the Ecuadorian-Peruvian border. Edgar is often the guide, but others may assist. They share information from a local indigenous perspective so that there are opportunities not only to experience nature, but to get a sense of the Kichwa culture and how it is changing. (I experienced an unfortunate but mild and brief intestinal contratemp which, interpreted as a “bad spirit,” two of my guides extracted by waving healing plants over me in the forest… I felt completely better later that evening.)

    Kichwa Lodge is a genuine, once-in-a-lifetime adventure for those willing to go further afield. The staff work very hard to make your experience comfortable and rewarding. It is best to make arrangements directly through Edgar (at the time of this writing, working through a travel agent or third party was not possible). If you are unable to reach Edgar through WhatsApp, communicate with him by email. He will step you through the process.

  6. Marine Avatar
    Marine

    Je reviens du Kichwa lodge où j’ai passé 5 jours et 4 nuits incroyables ! L’organisation était très bonne, la nourriture délicieuse, la chambre confortable et le guide excellent ! Le projet a été créé par les gens de la communauté Kichwa de playa de Cuyabeno, l’argent reste sur place pour aider les populations locales. Je recommande chaudement ce lodge si vous voulez découvrir ce merveilleux parc naturel qu’est le Cuyabeno.

    1. Edgar Noteno Avatar

      Merci beaucoup pour votre visite, nous sommes très heureux que vous ayez passé un bon moment avec nous et que vous ayez appris à connaître notre travail.
      Quand vous voudrez revenir, nous vous accueillerons à bras ouverts.
      Merci

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