Dracaena Wildlife Lodge
About
Highlights
Participate in early-morning activities to observe many bird species
Observe the Amazon’s Pink and grey dolphins Inia Geoffrensis & Sotalia Fluviatilis
Hike into the rainforest and learn about the medicinal and practical uses of plants
Visit a Siona Family
Go on night walks to observe insects, spiders, snakes, and amphibians and listen to nocturnal animals
EXPLORE LAGUNA GRANDE AND THE FLOODED FOREST (MACROLOBIUM)
NAVIGATE IN SEARCH OF CAIMANS (ALLIGATORS)
Learn about the different eco-systems and their balance in the rainforest
Paddle silently in a dugout canoe to enjoy the sounds of the jungle
Relax at a natural and spectacular place
Learn more during captivating lectures given by our Bilingual Naturalist Guides
Enjoy an amazing experience deep in the Amazon rainforest.
CUYABENO JUNGLE TRIP 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
LOCATION: Upper area of the Cuyabeno Reserve (Cuyabeno River)
DEPARTURES: Monday, Thursday, and Friday
* Daily for groups of 6 or more
DAY 1: ADVENTURE IN AMAZONAS (BL / D)
In the morning you will reach Lago Agrio, a small town at 500 meters above sea level on the edge of the Ecuadorian rainforest. The actual tour into the rainforest starts at 09:30 AM in the morning. You will drive for about 2 hours until you reach ‘El Puente’, the main access to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and the last place in civilization. Here you will have lunch (box lunch) and then drive in a motorized canoe on the Cuyabeno River for about 2 hours until you reach the lodge. With a little luck you can already observe the first monkey and bird species on the way. The river is extremely narrow in this region and allows you to experience the wildlife up close. After your arrival at the lodge, you will have time to recover and go on your first exploratory tour in the surroundings of the lodge. After dinner your bilingual guide will inform you about the activities of the following days.
DAY 2: ADVENTURE IN AMAZONAS (B / L / D)
Early in the morning you will explore and observe some species of monkeys and birds, activities of the awakening tropical forest. Breakfast. After a relax time we will hike through the rainforest your guide will share his knowledge and experience with you. You will learn how the most diverse life forms can coexist in the jungle and survive side by side within a delicate balance. Watch out for colorful butterflies, frogs and birds as you learn more about the great variety of flora. Later you will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon you will take a trip on the Cuyabeno River, which will lead you through the dense forest landscape. You will be able to observe the wildlife found on the riverbanks, especially monkeys, macaws, toucans and sloths. Here you also have good chances to see pink river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis) in the impressive river landscape. Before dinner, after dusk, you will explore the lodge’s surroundings to look for nocturnal animals become active when the sun sets, such as insects, spiders, snakes and frogs.
DAY 3: ADVENTURE IN AMAZONAS (B / L / D)
Early morning excursion, you will have a canoe ride to enjoy the awake of the nature. After having your breakfast, you will take a motorized canoe to visit the Seoqueya community, home to some Siona indigenous families. The family members will show you how to make ‘Cassave’ (typical Yuca bread for the region). Your guide will explain the local customs and traditions of their past and present culture while we have lunch. Later return to the lodge.
In the afternoon you will travel by motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River to the Laguna Grande. As you explore the lagoon, you will get to know ‘Igapó’, the flooded rainforest. This is a very special rainforest ecosystem dominated by giant macrolobium trees which, provide habitat for epiphytes and specialized bird species. After exploring the lagoon, you can refresh yourself off with a swim in the calm waters while watching the spectacular sunset of the Amazon. Later you will continue your adventure and observe the nocturnal fauna of the river landscape. In particular, watch out for caimans before returning to the lodge. Dinner.
DAY 4: ADVENTURE IN AMAZONAS (B / L / D)
This morning you have the opportunity to make an additional excursion, either by canoe or hiking. The choice depends on the weather conditions and the interests of the group. After breakfast, explore a pristine stretch of the jungle with your guide. He will tell you more about the medicinal use of the flora as it has been used by native cultures for generations. At lunchtime, you will return to the lodge for a rest. In the afternoon, you will be able to explore the Cuyabeno River by paddle canoe and enjoy the views of the exceptional scenery and listen to the sounds of the jungle as you watch out for the exotic local exotic species.
DAY 5: AMAZONAS – QUITO (B / BL)
Today’s morning excursion includes a short trip by canoe. Take advantage of the early morning hours to observe the animals during their morning activities and to say goodbye to the jungle. After breakfast at the lodge you will have sufficient time to pack up your luggage for the return journey. The ride takes us upstream back to the civilization, ‘El Puente de Cuyabeno’. After lunch (box lunch), a private bus will take you back to Lago Agrio at 15h00 and from there you will return back to Quito.
Note: Please read all routes only as a guideline. All routes and programs are subject to change without notice due to national park regulations, weather conditions, natural events, seasonal changes, or for security reasons. Flexibility is the key to the success of every tour. The safety of our passengers is our top priority.
B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / BL: Box Lunch / D: Dinner
Double, matrimonial, triple US$ 370
Multiple (4 pax ) US$ 370
- Prices per person
- All prices are listed in US dollars
- Children under 12 years old receive 25% discount
- Children under 3 years old (FREE)
Additional services:
- Cost of a French or German translator service per day = US $ 95 (minimum 4 days)
- Private tour services available upon request with an additional cost per person or group. Inquire within for a quote.
- Everything about the route, prices, activities, land and river transport, guides, etc., is shared based on groups of 12 or 13 people maximum.
Departures:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday* (Daily for groups of 6 or more)
- Private transportation from Lago Agrio to El Puente de Cuyabeno and back
- Transportation during excursions by motor canoe from the lodge to El Puente de Cuyabeno and back
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) Naturalist guide during all excursions
- 4 nights of accommodation in a comfortable lodge of the tourist class with mosquito nets and private bathroom
- All mentioned meals, purified drinking water, coffee and tea, and vegetarian food upon request if you require
- Life jackets and rubber boots (up to size 45 – from size 45 up, on request without additional cost)
- Transfer by private bus from Quito to Lago Agrio and back
- Visit to the Siona family in Cuyabeno, ( $ 5 per person; to be paid locally)
- Rain poncho
- Additional drinks and meals
- Single supplement
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Short-term price increases regarding fees and taxes.
* All services not listed in the private excursions can be arranged upon request and at extra cost according to your interests, such as jungle walks, canoe tours with your bilingual naturalist guide or a local guide from the Siona community. Especially if you travel with children we recommend you take a guide for personal excursions to enjoy your trip with the family
- An original ID document with photo (passport or identity card)
- Rain poncho
- Long sleeve T-shirt
- Cotton socks
- Shorts
- Sandals or comfortable walking shoes
- Sweatshirt
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Personal medicine
- Toiletry bag (IMPORTANT: biodegradable soap and shampoo)
- Swimwear and towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with tether
- A waterproof or water-repellent backpack
- Insect repellent
- Zip lock bag or plastic bag
- Camera
- Binoculars (We recommend 10X40)
- Notepad
- Swiss army knife
- Wet wipes
- Reading material.
For this trip, you should be in good enough physical shape to enjoy jungle treks for 2-3 hours in a humid, tropical climate. However, if you would like to skip the hikes and other activities described above and only want to take part in the canoe trips, you can, of course make use of the lodge´s facilities instead, for example: Relax in the hammock.
Tours at the lodges in Cuyabeno National Park start in Lago Agrio. The journey to Lago Agrio takes place from Quito either by private bus (about 6 hours each way, overnight bus with a 23:00h departure from Quito the evening before the tour and return trip with arrival in Quito at about 9:30 PM after the tour) or by flight (about 40 minutes each way).
CUYABENO JUNGLE TRIP 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS.
LOCATION: Upper area of the Cuyabeno Reserve (Cuyabeno River)
DEPARTURES: Monday, Tuesday and Friday
* Daily for groups of 6 or more
DAY 1: ADVENTURE IN AMAZONAS (BL / D)
In the morning you will reach Lago Agrio, a small town at 500 meters above sea level on the edge of the Ecuadorian rainforest. The actual tour into the rainforest starts at 09:30 AM in the morning. You will drive for about 2 hours until you reach ‘El Puente’, the main access to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and the last place in civilization. Here you will have lunch (box lunch) and then drive in a motorized canoe on the Cuyabeno River for about 2 hours until you reach the lodge. With a little luck you can already observe the first monkey and bird species on the way. The river is extremely narrow in this region and allows you to experience the wildlife up close. After your arrival at the lodge, you will have time to recover and go on your first exploratory tour in the surroundings of the lodge. After dinner your bilingual guide will inform you about the activities of the following days.
DAY 2: ADVENTURE IN AMAZONAS (B / L / D)
Early in the morning you will explore and observe some species of monkeys and birds, activities of the awakening tropical forest. Breakfast. After a relax time we will hike through the rainforest your guide will share his knowledge and experience with you. You will learn how the most diverse life forms can coexist in the jungle and survive side by side within a delicate balance. Watch out for colorful butterflies, frogs and birds as you learn more about the great variety of flora. Later you will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon you will take a trip on the Cuyabeno River, which will lead you through the dense forest landscape. You will be able to observe the wildlife found on the riverbanks, especially monkeys, macaws, toucans and sloths. Here you also have good chances to see pink river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis) in the impressive river landscape. Before dinner, after dusk, you will explore the lodge’s surroundings to look for nocturnal animals become active when the sun sets, such as insects, spiders, snakes and frogs.
DAY 3: ADVENTURE IN AMAZONAS (B / L / D)
Early morning excursion, you will have a canoe ride to enjoy the awake of the nature. After having your breakfast, you will take a motorized canoe to visit the Seoqueya community, home to some Siona indigenous families. The family members will show you how to make ‘Cassave’ (typical Yuca bread for the region). Your guide will explain the local customs and traditions of their past and present culture while we have lunch. Later return to the lodge.
In the afternoon you will travel by motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River to the Laguna Grande. As you explore the lagoon, you will get to know ‘Igapó’, the flooded rainforest. This is a very special rainforest ecosystem dominated by giant macrolobium trees which, provide habitat for epiphytes and specialized bird species. After exploring the lagoon, you can refresh yourself off with a swim in the calm waters while watching the spectacular sunset of the Amazon. Later you will continue your adventure and observe the nocturnal fauna of the river landscape. In particular, watch out for caimans before returning to the lodge. Dinner.
DAY 4: AMAZONAS – QUITO (B / BL)
Today’s morning excursion includes a short trip by canoe. Take advantage of the early morning hours to observe the animals during their morning activities and to say goodbye to the jungle. After breakfast at the lodge you will have sufficient time to pack up your luggage for the return journey. The ride takes us upstream back to the civilization, ‘El Puente de Cuyabeno’. After lunch (box lunch), a private bus will take you back to Lago Agrio at 15h00 and from there you will return back to Quito.
Note: Please read all routes only as a guideline. All routes and programs are subject to change without notice due to national park regulations, weather conditions, natural events, seasonal changes, or for security reasons. Flexibility is the key to the success of every tour. The safety of our passengers is our top priority.
B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / BL: Box Lunch / D: Dinner
Double, matrimonial, triple US$ 330
Multiple (4 pax ) US$ 330
- Prices per person
- All prices are listed in US dollars
- Children under 12 years old receive 25% discount
- Children under 3 years old (FREE)
Additional services:
- Cost of a French or German translator service per day = US $ 95 (minimum 4 days)
- Private tour services available upon request with an additional cost per person or group. Inquire within for a quote.
- Everything about the route, prices, activities, land and river transport, guides, etc., is shared based on groups of 12 or 13 people maximum.
Departures:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday* (Daily for groups of 6 or more)
- Private transportation from Lago Agrio to El Puente de Cuyabeno and back
- Transportation during excursions by motor canoe from the lodge to El Puente de Cuyabeno and back
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) Naturalist guide during all excursions
- 4 nights of accommodation in a comfortable lodge of the tourist class with mosquito nets and private bathroom
- All mentioned meals, purified drinking water, coffee and tea, and vegetarian food upon request if you require
- Life jackets and rubber boots (up to size 45 – from size 45 up, on request without additional cost)
- Transfer by private bus from Quito to Lago Agrio and back
- Visit to the Siona family in Cuyabeno, ( $ 5 per person; to be paid locally)
- Rain poncho
- Additional drinks and meals
- Single supplement
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Short-term price increases regarding fees and taxes.
* All services not listed in the private excursions can be arranged upon request and at extra cost according to your interests, such as jungle walks, canoe tours with your bilingual naturalist guide or a local guide from the Siona community. Especially if you travel with children we recommend you take a guide for personal excursions to enjoy your trip with the family
- An original ID document with photo (passport or identity card)
- Rain poncho
- Long sleeve T-shirt
- Cotton socks
- Shorts
- Sandals or comfortable walking shoes
- Sweatshirt
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Personal medicine
- Toiletry bag (IMPORTANT: biodegradable soap and shampoo)
- Swimwear and towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with tether
- A waterproof or water-repellent backpack
- Insect repellent
- Zip lock bag or plastic bag
- Camera
- Binoculars (We recommend 10X40)
- Notepad
- Swiss army knife
- Wet wipes
- Reading material.
For this trip, you should be in good enough physical shape to enjoy jungle treks for 2-3 hours in a humid, tropical climate. However, if you would like to skip the hikes and other activities described above and only want to take part in the canoe trips, you can, of course make use of the lodge´s facilities instead, for example: Relax in the hammock.
Tours at the lodges in Cuyabeno National Park start in Lago Agrio. The journey to Lago Agrio takes place from Quito either by private bus (about 6 hours each way, overnight bus with a 23:00h departure from Quito the evening before the tour and return trip with arrival in Quito at about 9:30 PM after the tour) or by flight (about 40 minutes each way).
TOUR ZANCUDOCOCHA 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
LOCATION: Upper and lower part of Cuyabeno Reserve.
Navigate along the Cuyabeno & Aguarico rivers to Zancudococha (Iripari Lake) one of the big lakes in the Amazon Basin. This tour includes a full day to explore the Lagartococha River near the border with Perú
DEPARTURES: Tuesday and Friday
Note: shared group departures are available; please contact us for details.
The tour begins at 09:30 in Lago Agrio. Your transfer by bus/truck brings you to El Puente (Approx. 2 hours) the main access to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and the last place in civilization. Here you will have lunch (box lunch) and then drive in a motorized canoe on the Cuyabeno River for about 2 hours until you reach the lodge. With a little luck you can already observe the first monkey and bird species along the way. The river is extremely narrow in this region and allows you to experience the wildlife up close. After your arrival at the lodge, you will have time to recover and go on your first exploratory tour in the surroundings of the lodge. After dinner your bilingual guide will inform you about the activities of the following days.
Day 2: Through the dense Jungle to Zancudo Campsite
After breakfast, you will start your adventure in a motor canoe along the Cuyabeno and Aguarico Rivers, entering the Amazon until you reach your campsite, looking out for birds, sloths and monkeys along the way. Box lunch. The canoe ride will take approx. 4 hours but you will make stops to stretch your legs and enjoy the sand beaches of the Aguarico river. In the afternoon you will arrive at the Zancudo campsite of the local Kichwa community.
Day 3: Zancudococha explorations
After breakfast you will hike into the forest to learn more about the jungle and the medicinal plants and their use. Lunch. In the afternoon you will navigate to one of the big lakes of the Ecuadorian amazon basin, Zancudococha. Here you will explore with your paddle canoe the different ecosystems such as Varzea and flooded forest inhabited by many tropical birds. Later enjoy the sunset in this wonderful setting in the middle of the jungle. Good chance to look for caimans (alligators).
Day 4.- Zancudococha – Lagartococha
After breakfast we continue our expedition downstream the Aguarico River by motor canoe. Near the border of Perú you leave the Aguarico River and navigate upstream the Lagartococha River accessing the flooded area shaped by a system of lakes and small rivers. Here you will have the opportunity to discover some lagoons connected by Black water rivers and explore the different ecosystems of the flooded forest or Varzea region. Box lunch. In the afternoon enjoy swimming in the Delfin Cocha Lake while observing some of the name giving freshwater pink dolphins (Inia Geofrensis). Later you will return to the Kichwa campsite located 30 minutes from the junction of Aguarico and Cuyabeno rivers.
Day 5.- Kichwa camp & Tower
Early breakfast; then you will visit a salt lick at the riverbank which many parakeets and parrots visit (note: on rainy days only few birds come to these places). From here you continue to the Kichwa Tower built around a tall Ceibo tree (kapok tree), where you can climb up 26 mts of altitude to enjoy the views on the canopy of the rainforest. Later you navigate upstream Cuyabeno River for about 2 ½ hours to visit a family from the indigenous group of the Siona. Here you will learn about the local Casave (Manioc bread) preparation. Box lunch. In the afternoon you return to the lodge. Optional night walk.
Day 6 Lodge – Return
Before breakfast you have the option to make some last memories of this wonderful place experiencing the jungle waking up when rowing silently with your canoe along the river. After breakfast it is time to get your luggage ready for your trip back. You navigate along Cuyabeno River upriver to “El Puente” where a Box lunch awaits you before taking your bus/truck back to Lago Agrio, where you will arrive approx. at 15h00.
- Hike in the rainforest and learn about the medicinal and practical uses of the plants
- Learn about the different eco-systems and their balance in the rainforest
- Go on night walks to observe insects, spiders, snakes, amphibians and listen to nocturnal animals
- Climb the Kichwa Bird Watching Tower with approx. 26 mts altitude.
- Visit the Salt lick where you can see parakeets and parrots (depending on the climate)
- Go on an excursion to Zancudococha Lake to explore the flooded forest
- Participate in early-morning bird watching activities to observe many species of tropical birds
- Observe the Amazon’s Pink and grey dolphins (Inia Geoffrensis & Sotalia Fluviatilis)
- Go on canoe safaris in search of caimans (alligators)
- Visit a Siona Family
- Learn more during captivating lectures given by our Bilingual Naturalist Guides
- Have an amazing experience in the deep Amazon rainforest.
- Explore the rainforest off the beaten track
This tour operates on 4-person minimum
Prices per person
Double, matrimonial, triple US$ 620
- All prices are listed in US dollars
- Children under 12 years old receive a 25% discount
Additional services:
- Cost of a French or German translator service per day = US $ 95 (minimum 4 days)
- Private tour services available upon request with an additional cost per person or group. Inquire within for a quote
- Everything about the route, prices, activities, land and river transport, guides, etc., is shared based on groups of 12 or 13 people maximum.
Departures:
Tuesday and Friday
(Daily for groups of 6 or more)
Note: shared group departures are available; please contact us for details
- Bus transportation from Lago Agrio to El Puente and back to Lago Agrio
- (Tourism Ministry-Licensed) bilingual naturalist guides trained in eco-tourism
- All meals from Lunch on day one until box lunch for the last day (including purified water)
- Accommodation according to the program at the lodge in double rooms with private bathroom and at the camp sites in double tents including all camping equipment, such as bedding for long expeditions (sleeping mats, bed sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels). This kind of adventurous trip means that simple camping toilets and showers will be shared.
- Personal equipment: lifejackets and rubber boots (up to size 45 – size 45 and up provided upon request prior to the tour without additional cost).
- Tea, Coffee, hot chocolate available at the campsites
- Catering for vegetarians
- Trip Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito
- Airfare Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito US$ 230 (40 minutes one way)
- Bus Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito US$ 40 (6 hours one way – transport in a private bus in international groups)
- US $ 5 Dollars for the visit of a native family (to be paid on-site)
- US $ 5 Dollars for the visit to the Kichwa tower (to be paid on-site)
- Additional beverages and meals
- Single supplement
- Tips
- Personal Insurance and expenses
- Personal equipment besides lifejackets and rubber boots
- Any short-term price increases regarding fees and taxes.
- An original ID document with photo (passport or identity card)
- Rain poncho
- Long sleeve T-shirt
- Cotton socks
- Shorts
- Sandals or comfortable walking shoes
- Sweatshirt
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Personal medicine
- Toiletry bag (IMPORTANT: biodegradable soap and shampoo)
- Swimwear and towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with tether
- A waterproof or water-repellent backpack
- Insect repellent
- Zip lock bag or plastic bag
- Camera
- Binoculars (We recommend 10X40)
- Notepad
- Swiss army knife
- Wet wipes
- Reading material.
For this trip, you should be in good enough physical shape to enjoy jungle treks for 2-3 hours in a humid, tropical climate. However, if you would like to skip the hikes and other activities described above and only want to take part in the canoe trips, you can, of course make use of the lodge´s facilities instead, for example: Relax in the hammock.
Tours at the lodges in Cuyabeno National Park start in Lago Agrio. The journey to Lago Agrio takes place from Quito either by private bus (about 6 hours each way, overnight bus with a 23:00h departure from Quito the evening before the tour and return trip with arrival in Quito at about 9:30 PM after the tour) or by flight (about 40 minutes each way).
TOUR ZANCUDOCOCHA 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
LOCATION: Upper and lower part of Cuyabeno Reserve.
Navigate along the Cuyabeno & Aguarico rivers to Zancudococha (Iripari Lake) one of the big lakes in the Amazon Basin. This tour includes a full day to explore the Lagartococha River near the border with Perú
DEPARTURES: Tuesday and Friday
Note: shared group departures are available; please contact us for details.
This is the most adventurous tour into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest in our program and includes camps in different places deep in the Cuyabeno Reserve. The tour explores the upper and lower parts of the reserve, with canoe rides along the Cuyabeno & Aguarico Rivers until the border with Peru and exploring the Lagartococha Lakes. You visit native communities, stay at traditional open huts with thatched roofs and in tents at campsites deep in the rainforest (all beds/tents are equipped with mosquito nets). This kind of adventure trip involves simple accommodation but with high quality equipment and service and that toilet and showers will be shared.
ITINERARY.-
Day 1: Trip to the lodge.
The tour begins at 09:30 in Lago Agrio. Your transfer by bus/truck brings you to El Puente (Approx. 2 hours) the main access to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and the last place in civilization. Here you will have lunch (box lunch) and then drive in a motorized canoe on the Cuyabeno River for about 2 hours until you reach the lodge. With a little luck you can already observe the first monkey and bird species along the way. The river is extremely narrow in this region and allows you to experience the wildlife up close. After your arrival at the lodge, you will have time to recover and go on your first exploratory tour in the surroundings of the lodge. After dinner your bilingual guide will inform you about the activities of the following days.
Day 2: Navigation downstream Cuyabeno – Kichwa Campsite
After breakfast, you will start your adventure in a motor canoe along the Cuyabeno and Aguarico Rivers, entering the Amazon until you reach your campsite, looking out for birds, sloths and monkeys along the way. Box lunch.
The canoe ride will take approx. 4 hours, but you will make stops to stretch your legs and enjoy the sand beaches of the Aguarico river. In the afternoon you will arrive at the Zancudo campsite of the local Kichwa community.
Day 3: Salt Lick with Parakeets and Parrots – Night Swim in the Delfin Cocha Lake
Before breakfast, you will visit a salt lick at the riverbank which many parakeets and parrots visit (note: on rainy days only few birds come to these places). Then you continue downstream Cuyabeno River to the confluence of Cuyabeno and Aguarico River, the latter being a white-water river. You will continue for approx. another 3 ½ hours towards the border with Peru until you reach the Lagartococha River. Following the Lagartococha River upstream you reach the camp site situated deep in the remote jungle. accessing the flooded area shaped by a system of lakes and small rivers. Here you will have the opportunity to discover some lagoons connected by Black water rivers and explore the different ecosystems of the flooded forest or Varzea region. Box lunch. In the afternoon enjoy swimming in the Delfin Cocha Lake while observing some of the name giving freshwater pink dolphins (Inia Geofrensis). Overnight and dinner at the campsite.
Day 4: Remote Secoya Community – Caiman Night Excursion
Enjoy a silent exploration of the area with your paddle canoe before breakfast. Later you head up the Lagartococha River by motorized canoe looking for the Terra Firme forest, a pristine primary rainforest. Then you visit Puerto Estrella, a remote Secoya community, where indigenous Peruvians and Ecuadorians live together. Box lunch included. The local guides will explain the traditions that their ancestors have passed on from generation to generation until today. Secoya women usually offer jungle bread made from yucca (manioc) to their visitors. In the afternoon you will return to the camp and in the night have the possibility to go on a canoe trip to look for caimans (Alligator family). Overnight and dinner at the campsite.
Day 5: Birdwatching, Canoe journey to Zancudococha
Early in the morning you can enjoy a birdwatching tour with the paddle canoe. After breakfast you’ll start your way back down the Lagartococha River and then upstream Aguarico River to reach the Zancudococha campsite. After lunch you explore the area with the paddle canoe and enjoy the sunset in the jungle. Overnight and dinner at the campsite.
Day 6: Canoe navigation upstream Aguarico River – Visit the Cofan Community
After breakfast you continue the navigation upstream Aguarico River. Box lunch included. On the way you stop at one of the small riverside villages from the local Cofan community to see their handicrafts. In the evening you reach the Lodge. Here you have some time to relax, enjoy dinner and go on an optional night walk (no extra costs).
Day 7: Return to Lago Agrio
Before breakfast you have the option to make some last memories of this wonderful place experiencing the jungle waking up when rowing silently with your canoe along the river. After breakfast it is time to get your luggage ready for your trip back. You navigate along Cuyabeno River upriver to “El Puente” where a Box lunch awaits you before taking your bus/truck back to Lago Agrio, where you will arrive approx. at 15h00.
- Hike in the rainforest and learn about the medicinal and practical uses of the plants
- Learn about the different eco-systems and their balance in the rainforest
- Go on night walks to observe insects, spiders, snakes, amphibians and listen to nocturnal animals
- Climb the Kichwa Bird Watching Tower with approx. 26 mts altitude.
- Visit the Salt lick where you can see parakeets and parrots (depending on the climate)
- Go on an excursion to Zancudococha Lake to explore the flooded forest
- Participate in early-morning bird watching activities to observe many species of tropical birds
- Observe the Amazon’s Pink and grey dolphins (Inia Geoffrensis & Sotalia Fluviatilis)
- Go on canoe safaris in search of caimans (alligators)
- Visit a Siona Family
- Learn more during captivating lectures given by our Bilingual Naturalist Guides
- Have an amazing experience in the deep Amazon rainforest.
- Explore the rainforest off the beaten track
This tour operates on 4-person minimum
Double, matrimonial, triple US$ 730
- All prices are listed in US dollars
- Children under 12 years old receive a 25% discount
Additional services:
- Cost of a French or German translator service per day = US $ 95 (minimum 4 days)
- Private tour services available upon request with an additional cost per person or group. Inquire within for a quote
- Everything about the route, prices, activities, land and river transport, guides, etc., is shared based on groups of 12 or 13 people maximum.
Departures:
Tuesday and Friday
(Daily for groups of 6 or more)
Note: shared group departures are available; please contact us for details
- Bus transportation from Lago Agrio to El Puente and back to Lago Agrio
- (Tourism Ministry-Licensed) bilingual naturalist guides trained in eco-tourism
- All meals from Lunch on day one until box lunch for the last day (including purified water)
- Accommodation according to the program at the lodge in double rooms with private bathroom and at the camp sites in double tents including all camping equipment, such as bedding for long expeditions (sleeping mats, bed sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels). This kind of adventurous trip means that simple camping toilets and showers will be shared.
- Personal equipment: lifejackets and rubber boots (up to size 45 – size 45 and up provided upon request prior to the tour without additional cost).
- Tea, Coffee, hot chocolate available at the campsites
- Catering for vegetarians
- Trip Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito
- Airfare Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito US$ 230 (40 minutes one way)
- Bus Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito US$ 40 (6 hours one way – transport in a private bus in international groups)
- US $ 5 Dollars for the visit of a native family (to be paid on-site)
- US $ 5 Dollars for the visit to the Kichwa tower (to be paid on-site)
- Additional beverages and meals
- Single supplement
- Tips
- Personal Insurance and expenses
- Personal equipment besides lifejackets and rubber boots
- Any short-term price increases regarding fees and taxes.
- An original ID document with photo (passport or identity card)
- Rain poncho
- Long sleeve T-shirt
- Cotton socks
- Shorts
- Sandals or comfortable walking shoes
- Sweatshirt
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Personal medicine
- Toiletry bag (IMPORTANT: biodegradable soap and shampoo)
- Swimwear and towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with tether
- A waterproof or water-repellent backpack
- Insect repellent
- Zip lock bag or plastic bag
- Camera
- Binoculars (We recommend 10X40)
- Notepad
- Swiss army knife
- Wet wipes
- Reading material.
For this trip, you should be in good enough physical shape to enjoy jungle treks for 2-3 hours in a humid, tropical climate. However, if you would like to skip the hikes and other activities described above and only want to take part in the canoe trips, you can, of course make use of the lodge´s facilities instead, for example: Relax in the hammock.
Tours at the lodges in Cuyabeno National Park start in Lago Agrio. The journey to Lago Agrio takes place from Quito either by private bus (about 6 hours each way, overnight bus with a 23:00h departure from Quito the evening before the tour and return trip with arrival in Quito at about 9:30 PM after the tour) or by flight (about 40 minutes each way).
Dracaena Wildlife Lodge - Cuyabeno Rainforest Lodges
If you have questions about Dracaena Lodge, please, contact us directly or fill the following contact form
Dracaena Wildlife Lodge Map
