Cuyabeno Wildlife
Reserve
7 Days / 6 Nights
This 7-day expedition takes you deep into the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, exploring some of the most remote and pristine areas of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, the Lagartococha River, and the Zancudococha wetlands. Traveling by canoe through a network of blackwater and whitewater rivers, you will discover extraordinary ecosystems rich in wildlife, including pink river dolphins, giant otters, monkeys, sloths, caimans, capybaras, and hundreds of bird species. Visits to a parrot clay lick, secluded lagoons, and untouched primary rainforest offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
Combining lodge accommodation with wilderness camping, the journey provides an immersive experience in the Amazon’s remarkable biodiversity. Guided rainforest walks, canoe explorations, canopy observation, and nocturnal excursions reveal the hidden wonders of the jungle, from medicinal plants and towering trees to fascinating nocturnal creatures. This adventure is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Amazon experience, far from conventional routes, in one of South America’s most spectacular natural environments.
Itinerary
Arrival & Journey into the Reserve
Our adventure begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Meeting Point Restaurant in Lago Agrio.
If you arrive by public bus, please remain at the bus terminal and take a taxi to the restaurant. Guests arriving by tourist bus should remain at the designated meeting point.
If arriving by flight to Coca, airport pick-up can be arranged at 10:00 a.m. (additional cost).
We travel by private vehicle for approximately 2 hours to “Tierras Orientales,” located on the banks of the Aguarico River. After enjoying a box lunch, we board our motorized canoe and navigate downstream for approximately 3 hours to “La Bocana,” where the Aguarico and Cuyabeno Rivers meet.
Along the way, we may observe pink freshwater dolphins and learn about the differences between primary and secondary rainforest ecosystems.
We then continue upstream along the Cuyabeno River for 30 minutes to reach our Amazon Lodge inside the reserve.
After dinner, your guide provides an orientation briefing followed by an optional night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife such as insects, frogs, spiders, and tree snakes.
Parrot Clay Lick & Lagartococha River
We depart at 5:30 a.m., the best time for wildlife observation.
Navigate along the Cuyabeno River to visit a parrot clay lick, where colorful parrots and parakeets feed on mineral-rich clay.
After breakfast and a short rest at the lodge, we continue toward La Bocana and then travel downstream along the Aguarico River toward the Ecuador–Peru border (approximately 4 hours), observing flooded forest ecosystems and diverse wildlife.
We enter the Lagartococha River, navigating upstream in search of monkeys, pink dolphins, and a wide variety of bird species. Lunch is served at a local Kichwa family farm.
In the afternoon, we reach Redondococha, where we camp for two nights on raised platforms within primary rainforest (Igapó ecosystem).
After dinner, we explore by canoe in search of caimans.
Garzacocha Lagoon
Early breakfast at 5:30 a.m.
We navigate upstream along the Lagartococha River for approximately 3 hours to reach Garzacocha Lagoon, one of the largest lagoons in the reserve.
Possible wildlife sightings include:
- Monkeys
- Sloths
- Caimans
- Capybaras
- Giant otters
- Numerous bird species
After lunch near the lagoon, we explore its fascinating blackwater ecosystem and walk along a forest trail to discover the rich flora of the tropical rainforest.
At sunset, we return to camp. After dinner, we conduct a night canoe excursion searching for boas, fishing bats, nocturnal birds, and caimans.
Imuya Lagoon & Iripari (Zancudococha)
Breakfast at 5:30 a.m.
We explore Imuya Lagoon, navigating through narrow channels and floating vegetation islands.
Later, we continue toward the Kichwa community of Zancudococha and travel along the Iripari meander to reach Iripari Lagoon (Zancudococha Lagoon), one of the largest blackwater lagoons in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
We set up camp here for two nights.
In the afternoon, we explore the lagoon and enjoy a spectacular sunset if weather permits.
After dinner, we search for black caimans and admire the star-filled Amazon sky.
Optional activity: night walk in Terra Firme forest.
Moretal Ecosystem & Terra Firme Forest
Our day begins at 6:00 a.m.
We navigate slowly along the lagoon’s edge, exploring the Moretal ecosystem, characterized by abundant palm trees, especially the Morete palm.
After breakfast, we enjoy a guided walk through Terra Firme forest, where your guide shares knowledge about medicinal plants and traditional uses passed down through generations.
After lunch at camp, we explore the lagoon again by canoe in search of additional wildlife to expand our checklist.
There is also an opportunity to swim in the lagoon and experience the unique Amazon waters.
We enjoy our final dinner at camp, followed by an optional evening activity.
Zabalo River & Canopy Observation Tower
Early breakfast at 6:00 a.m.
We begin our return journey to the Amazon Lodge, navigating:
- Iripari meander
- Aguarico River
- Zabalo River (remote blackwater river between Kichwa and Cofán territories)
This isolated area offers unique opportunities to observe pristine rainforest ecosystems.
Lunch is served in the field.
In the afternoon, we arrive back at the Lodge and have time to rest.
At 5:00 p.m., we visit the 28-meter Ceibo Tree Observation Tower, offering panoramic views of the rainforest canopy and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Short night walk before farewell dinner.
Final Morning & Return
Early morning canoe ride or forest walk to observe the awakening of the rainforest.
After breakfast at 7:00 a.m., we pack and prepare for departure.
We navigate approximately:
- 30 minutes along the Cuyabeno River
- 3 hours along the Aguarico River
- Upon arrival at Tierras Orientales, our private vehicle transfers us to Lago Agrio (arrival around 2:30 p.m.).
Guests may then continue by public or tourist bus back to Quito.
*Important Info: Itineraries & prices are subject to change due to many different elements such as weather, park authorities and regulations, airline / tourist bus operations out of our control, guide experience, and safety concerns.
Included
- Licensed naturalist guide with all required permits
- Camping accommodation during expedition
- Catering for vegetarians or vegans
- Electricity to charge the batteries
- Equipment (poncho, rubber boots, binoculars Happy time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Lodging in traditional cabins.
- Meals on tour (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Private bathroom
- River transport
- Tea, coffee, chocolate enabled all day.
Not included
- Additional beverages such as beer and wine inside and outside the Lodge
- Breakfast on the first day
- Family visit Local 6 dollars per passenger
- Ground / Air transportation from Quito to Lago Agrio – Lago Agrio to Quito
- Last Day Dinner
- Tips for our crew and guides
- Transportation Lago Agrio – Cuyabeno – Lago Agrio
- Visit observation tower 6 dollars per passenger
- Transfer to Coca airport
Prices are Per Person – 2026
This tour operates with 4 people minimum
Unique Experiences
Highlights
This program perfectly balances adventure, wildlife exploration, learning, and relaxation, making it ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking a deep Amazon experience without rushing.
- More canoe rides through remote rivers and flooded forests
- Long jungle walks in primary rainforest
- Exceptional birdwatching opportunities
- 28-meter canopy tower with panoramic rainforest views
- Wildlife spotting: monkeys, sloths, caimans, reptiles & rare Amazon species
- Night excursions to experience the jungle after dark
- Plenty of time to relax at Waita Lodge, surrounded by pristine nature
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