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Eight days in Cuyabeno, deep in the Ecuador Amazon rainforest jungle
Itinerary
Day 1:
Quito-Lago Agria-Cuyabeno River-Lodge. Flight (11:30am) or bus journey (one day before 8 hours) to Lago Agrio. Groups are picked up in Lago Agria and driven to the bridge over the Rio Cuyabeno. From there it is a lengthy canoe ride (2+ hours) down the Cuyabeno River to the Aguarico River and the first campsite. On the journey you begin learning about the Amazon from the naturalist, bilingual guide. Colorful birds, irridescent butterflies, and monkeys are highlights along the river. After dinner experience and adventurous night hike in the primary forest to view nocturnal animals and giant insects.
Day 2:
The second day begins early with another motorized canoe ride on the Aguarico deep into dense jungle to our second campsite on Parrots Island. Spot the different species along the river not seen on the previous day. Sloths are sometimes seen in the early morning.
Day 3:
Starting early again, we spend the whole day exploring. The brisk morning hours are the best time to see the rainforest's thriving activity. We contining further down the Aguarico River to the confluence with the Lagartococha River where the canoe turns upriver. The third campsite is situated in remote jungle near the Peruvian border. Before dinner we enjoy a swim in Delfin Cocha (Dolphin Lake) surrounded by breathtaking tropical scenery.
Day 4:
The morning is filled by an exciting trek into pristine primary rainforest. Our native guide shares his wealth of knowledge, showing us the medicinal and practical uses of the local flora and fauna. In the afternoon we continue our search for new species in different habitats. There is a very good chance of seeing Freshwater Pink and Grey River Dolphins near dusk. After dinner we venture out on a night excursion to search for caimans (alligator family) and nocturnal birds along the river.
Day 5:
After breakfast the guide takes groups to a different ecosystem, Terra Firme forest, where they explain the difference between this area and the locations we have observed previously. We return to our campsite for lunch. Then it is piranha fishing in the afternoon followed by a relaxed dinner at the campsite.
Day 6:
In the morning we travel by motorized canoe up the Lagartococha River for bird and wildlife watching. After breakfast we continue down the river back to the Aguarico River where we reach our fourth campsite located in a Quichua community.
Day 7:
After breakfast we climb the birdwatching tower. Here above the canopy we see a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle. From the tower we can observe a variety of species: toucans, parrots, monkeys, butterflies, and many more. After lunch we head up the Cuyabeno river to the last campsite. Along the way we stop to observe the enchanting salt lick where hundreds of colorful parrots and parakeets feed on the clay to draw the toxins from their bodies. In the late afternoon we relax and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest.
Day 8:
After one last breakfast we travel by canoe up the Cuyabeno River to the bridge where transport will take us to Lago Agrio for our connection to Quito around 16.00.
Price includes:
All transportation from Lago Agrio (bus and canoe)
Experienced bi-lingual naturalist guide
Traditional hut accomodation
Equipment: rainwear, rubber boots, and lifejacket
Three nutritious meals per day
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, purified drinking water available all day
Indian Community entrance fee
Camping Equipment: tents, bedding, mosquito netsNot included:
Quito to Lago Agrio: currently by air about $60 one way
by bus around $9 (8 hours)
Cuyabeno Reserve US$20 per person
Tips or additional beverages
