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Tour Type
Our Destinations
Cuyabeno Reserve, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve 524078 Ecuador See Map
$116 $121 /Per Night
Overview
About Cuyabeno Lodge
Cuyabeno Lodge is located on a peninsula on Cuyabeno Lake, deep within the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve in the northeastern Ecuadorian Amazon. Surrounded by pristine rainforest, the lodge offers an authentic Amazon experience combined with comfortable accommodation and sustainable tourism practices.
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve covers more than 650,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of primary rainforest and is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, including 12 species of monkeys and more than 600 bird species.
The Lodge & Sustainability
Cuyabeno Lodge began operating in 1988 with the goal of providing travelers with comfortable accommodation while remaining in harmony with the surrounding rainforest. The lodge is certified by the Rainforest Alliance for its sustainable tourism practices and its use of local materials in construction.
The lodge also works closely with the local Siona Indigenous Community, whose members provide motorized canoe transportation for lodge excursions, creating a direct connection between tourism and the local community.
Location & Getting There
Cuyabeno Lodge is located in the province of Sucumbíos, in the northeastern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The journey begins with a flight from Quito to Nueva Loja (Lago Agrio), followed by a lodge transfer by bus.
From Nueva Loja, the lodge’s bus takes approximately two hours to reach the Cuyabeno River bridge, where passengers stop for a box lunch. The journey then continues by motorized canoe for approximately 2–3 hours during the wet season, arriving at the lodge in the afternoon. Travel time can be longer during the dry season.
Seasons & Wildlife
The rainy season generally runs from mid-March through August. During this period, higher water levels can provide opportunities to observe Amazon river dolphins and manatees.
The dry season extends from December to early March. In particularly dry conditions, the lake may become difficult or impossible to navigate, and access to the lodge may require walking.
Accommodation
Accommodation includes 7 detached thatched-roof wooden cabins and 3 Superior Rooms located at observation-tower level, offering elevated views over the rainforest canopy.
The cabins are available in several configurations, including matrimonial, double, triple, quadruple and family units with up to six beds, as well as suite-style accommodation. Each unit includes a private bathroom, mosquito nets, electricity (120V), hot-water showers and a balcony or terrace.
Facilities
The main lodge building includes a kitchen, bar, hammock room, observation point and restaurant, providing comfortable spaces to relax and enjoy the surrounding rainforest.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Quito / Lago Agrio / Cuyabeno Reserve
Meet your lodge representative at the Entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve between 11:00 and 11:30 am. From there, take a canoe ride down the Cuyabeno River for approximately two hours to the lodge. Lunch is served around 2:00 pm.
At 4:00 pm, visit Laguna Grande for wildlife observation. Around 5:30 pm, enjoy swimming in the lagoon and a spectacular sunset. At 6:00 pm, take a night walk to look for insects, spiders and tarantulas while experiencing the sounds of the rainforest at night.
Dinner is served at 8:00 pm, followed by a short briefing about the Cuyabeno Reserve and the activities planned for the following day.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Laguna Grande
After breakfast, trek through primary rainforest to learn about medicinal plants and discover the area’s flora and fauna.
After lunch, relax by the river or enjoy a siesta in one of the hammocks. In the afternoon, enjoy swimming in the lagoon and caiman spotting, followed by a beautiful sunset and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Cuyabeno River & Indigenous Community
Hike in a different area of the forest, with opportunities to see some of the largest trees in the Amazon rainforest and explore different ecosystems.
Visit an Indigenous community where your naturalist guide will explain local culture and traditions. Participate in preparing traditional food before enjoying lunch.
Conclude the day with a beautiful sunset at the lagoon and more opportunities for wildlife observation before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Ecological Canoe Adventure
Enjoy a peaceful paddle in an ecological canoe and experience jungle life at a slower pace. This excursion provides additional opportunities to discover elusive wildlife not previously spotted during the tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – El Puente / Lago Agrio / Quito
Begin with early morning birdwatching and wildlife observation in the quiet rainforest. Enjoy the sunrise over the jungle canopy before breakfast.
After breakfast, travel upriver along the Cuyabeno River toward El Puente, enjoying a final opportunity to observe the area’s wildlife, flora and fauna.
Arrive at the entrance of the reserve around 11:30 am, where the tour ends. From there, you can continue by tourist bus to Quito or Lago Agrio.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 1 – Quito / Lago Agrio / Cuyabeno Reserve
Meet your lodge representative at the Entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve between 11:00 and 11:30 am. Travel by canoe down the Cuyabeno River for approximately two hours to the lodge. Lunch is served around 2:00 pm.
At 4:00 pm, visit Laguna Grande for wildlife observation. Around 5:30 pm, swim in the lagoon and enjoy the sunset. At 6:00 pm, take a night walk to observe insects, spiders and tarantulas and experience the rainforest after dark.
Dinner is served at 8:00 pm, followed by a short briefing about the reserve and the following day’s activities.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Laguna Grande
After breakfast, trek through primary rainforest while learning about medicinal plants and observing the area’s flora and fauna.
After lunch, relax by the river or in the hammocks. Afternoon activities include lagoon swimming and caiman spotting, followed by sunset and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Cuyabeno River & Indigenous Community
Explore another section of the forest, with opportunities to see large Amazonian trees and different ecosystems.
Visit an Indigenous community and learn about local culture and traditions with your naturalist guide. Participate in preparing traditional food before lunch.
Finish the day with sunset and wildlife observation at the lagoon before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – El Puente / Lago Agrio / Quito
Enjoy early morning birdwatching and observe wildlife in the tranquil rainforest. Watch the sunrise over the jungle canopy before breakfast.
After breakfast, travel upriver along the Cuyabeno River to El Puente, enjoying a final look at the rainforest and its wildlife.
Arrive at the reserve entrance around 11:30 am, where the tour ends. From there, continue by tourist bus to Quito or Lago Agrio.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 1 – Quito / Lago Agrio / Cuyabeno Reserve
Meet your lodge representative at the Entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve between 11:00 and 11:30 am. Take a canoe ride of approximately two hours down the Cuyabeno River to the lodge. Lunch is served around 2:00 pm.
At 4:00 pm, visit Laguna Grande to look for wildlife. Around 5:30 pm, swim in the lagoon and enjoy the sunset. At 6:00 pm, take an exciting night walk to observe insects, spiders and tarantulas and experience the sounds of the jungle.
Dinner is served at 8:00 pm, followed by a short guide briefing about the Cuyabeno Reserve and the next day’s activities.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Laguna Grande
After breakfast, trek into the primary rainforest to learn about medicinal plants and discover the area’s flora and fauna.
After lunch, relax by the river or in one of the hammocks. Enjoy lagoon swimming and caiman spotting in the afternoon, followed by a beautiful sunset and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Return to El Puente
Begin with early morning birdwatching and observe animals in the peaceful jungle. Watch the sunrise over the rainforest canopy before breakfast.
After breakfast, travel upriver along the Cuyabeno River to El Puente, enjoying a final opportunity to observe the rainforest’s wildlife, flora and fauna.
Arrive at the reserve entrance around 11:30 am, where the tour ends. From there, you can continue by tourist bus to Quito or Lago Agrio.
Meals: Breakfast
What to Bring
Recommended essentials for your Amazon adventure
🦟 Protection
Insect repellent and sun cream
👕 Clothing
Light pants, T-shirts, long sleeves for night hikes, and a couple of shorts
🩴 Footwear
Sandals, flip-flops or water shoes
🔦 Night Gear
Flashlight with enough batteries for 4 or 5 days
📷 Photography
Camera, fully charged
🔭 Wildlife
Binoculars
🪪 Documents
Copy of your passport
💵 Money
Small amount of cash
🧢 Personal Items
Cap, swimsuit, towel, sunglasses and water bottle
💊 Health
Any medications you need and a small first aid kit
🛍️ Waterproofing
Large plastic bags to protect your backpack and belongings
Prices & Details
| Tour | Matrimonial / Double / Triple | Flights | Tourist Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Days | $280 USD | $300 USD | $80 round trip |
| 4 Days | $340 USD | $300 USD | $80 USD |
| 5 Days | $420 USD | $300 USD | $80 USD |
3 Days
Matrimonial / Double / Triple: $280 USD
Flights: $300 USD
Tourist Bus: $80 round trip
4 Days
Matrimonial / Double / Triple: $340 USD
Flights: $300 USD
Tourist Bus: $80 USD
5 Days
Matrimonial / Double / Triple: $420 USD
Flights: $300 USD
Tourist Bus: $80 USD
✓ Included
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Transportation from Lago Agrio (bus & canoe)
- Amazon jungle lodge accommodation
- Meals during the tour
- Guided excursions
- All equipment
✕ Not Included
- Transportation Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito
- Entrance to Indigenous Communities: $20 USD
- Additional beverages
- Meals before and after the tour
- Tips and gratuities
Route
How to Get to Cuyabeno
Option 1
Flight: Quito → Lago Agrio
Flights to Lago Agrio are not available.
Flights from Quito operate only to Coca. See the bus options below to reach the Cuyabeno Reserve.
Bus Ride Quito – Entrance Reserve Cuyabeno
There are several options to travel to the meeting point. You can take a bus from Quito to Lago Agrio and continue to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.
Option 2
Tourist Bus: Quito → Cuyabeno Reserve
RecommendedWe can book the shared tourist bus for you as part of the package. This is one of the easiest ways to reach the reserve.
Quito → Entrance Reserve Cuyabeno
Departure Days
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
Departure Time
10:00 PM
Meeting Point
Guayunga Hostel in Quito
Address
Antepara and Los Ríos St., Quito
Price
$40 USD one way
Entrance Reserve Cuyabeno → Quito
Departure Days
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
Departure Time
11:00 AM
Meeting Point
Entrance Reserve Cuyabeno
Price
$40 USD one way
Baños ↔ Lago Agrio
If you are traveling from Baños, you can take the public bus to Lago Agrio. The journey takes approximately 8 hours.
Departure
10:45 PM from Baños Bus Station
Price
$17 USD one way
Option 3
Public Bus: Quito → Lago Agrio
A more flexible and budget-friendly alternative is taking a public bus from Quito to Lago Agrio.
Recommended Bus Company
Baños
Departure Stations
Carcelén (North) or Quitumbe (South)
Frequency
Buses depart approximately every hour
Ticket Purchase
Tickets can be purchased directly at Carcelén or Quitumbe bus station
Reserve Meeting Point
Entrance Reserve Cuyabeno at 11:00 AM
Which option is best for you?
🚍 Easiest
Option 2 – Tourist Bus
💰 Flexible
Option 3 – Public Bus
✈️ Flights
Quito → Coca only
Highlights
-
TV -
Heater -
Saving Safe -
Free Wifi -
Phone -
Towels -
Air Condition -
Hair Dryer -
Laundry
Facilities
- Airport transfer
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Fitness center
- Luggage storage
- Car park
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Sauna
- Breakfast [free]
Location Map
Book Your Room
Reserve your ideal Room early for a hassle-free trip; secure comfort and convenience!
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+91 656 786 53
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