Cuyabeno 3-Day Tour - Ecuador Amazon

Meeting point at Puente Cuyabeno

Your adventure begins at Puente Cuyabeno, where you’ll meet the group between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. After checking in at the reserve office, your naturalist guide will give you a short briefing with important information about the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, safety recommendations, and tips for your Amazon experience.

Canoe ride along the Cuyabeno River

Next, you’ll board a motorized canoe and travel along the Cuyabeno River for approximately 2 hours until you reach Caiman Lodge. Along the way, you’ll begin to experience the Amazon’s incredible scenery and may spot monkeys, birds, and other wildlife depending on the conditions that day.

Arrival at Caiman Lodge

You’ll arrive at Caiman Lodge around 1:30 p.m. and enjoy lunch. Afterward, you’ll check into your room and have some time to rest, relax, and take in the sounds of the jungle.

Afternoon canoe excursion

At 4:30 p.m., you’ll set off by motorized canoe to explore the flooded rainforest. During the ride, you’ll have the chance to observe different species of plants and animals, such as sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, and, with some luck, pink river dolphins.

Sunset at Laguna Grande

You’ll continue to Laguna Grande and navigate toward the center of the lagoon to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Ecuadorian Amazon. If conditions allow, you’ll also have the chance to swim in this unique natural setting.

Dinner and nighttime caiman spotting

After the activity, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner and a welcome cocktail. Later, you’ll head back out by canoe to search for caimans, snakes, and nocturnal birds before spending your first night at Caiman Lodge.

Breakfast and guided hike through the primary forest.

Your second day in Cuyabeno is dedicated to exploring the rainforest in depth. After breakfast at 7:00 a.m., you’ll take a paddle canoe to one of the reserve’s trails. From there, you’ll begin a guided walk through the primary forest, lasting approximately 3 hours.

During the hike, your guide will explain the ecology of the Amazon rainforest, the traditional uses of medicinal plants, the wildlife that inhabits the area, and the connections between the ecosystems of one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

After the hike, at 1:30 PM, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and have free time to relax in the hammocks or rest in your room.

💡HOWLANDERS TIP: During jungle hikes and excursions, it’s important to always follow the naturalist guide’s instructions, as this is the best way to observe wildlife without interfering with its habitat. Patience is key: many animals are heard or detected before they are seen, so keep your senses alert at all times.

Catamaran ride on Laguna Grande

At 4:30 p.m., you’ll take a catamaran ride across Laguna Grande. This peaceful activity is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery, relax, and look for wildlife such as pink river dolphins, monkeys, birds, and other Amazonian species.

If conditions are suitable, you may also swim in the lagoon and enjoy another unforgettable Amazon sunset.

Night walk, dinner, and farewell cocktail

Later in the evening, you’ll go on a night walk lasting approximately 1 hour. With your guide, you’ll look for spiders, insects, amphibians, and, with some luck, nocturnal reptiles.

At 8:00 p.m., you’ll enjoy a special dinner with your guide, share stories from your time in the jungle, and end the day with a farewell cocktail.

Sunrise outing and bird watching

Your final day begins at 5:30 a.m. with an early sunrise outing and birdwatching activity. The jungle is especially active in the early morning, making this one of the best times to listen to and observe tropical species.

Breakfast and return canoe transfer

At 8:00 a.m., you’ll return to the lodge for breakfast and time to pack your luggage. At 9:30 a.m., you’ll board the canoe for the return trip to Puente Cuyabeno.

Arrival at Puente Cuyabeno

During the transfer or upon arrival, you’ll receive a boxed picnic lunch. The 3-day Cuyabeno tour ends at Cuyabeno Bridge, where you can continue your journey to Lago Agrio or Quito depending on the transportation option you have arranged.