Day 1. First Encounter with the Amazon Rainforest

After a scenic 30-minute flight over the Eastern Andean Cordillera to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (El Coca), our expedition continues with a private overland transfer of approximately 3.5 hours.

Our adventure begins upon arrival at El Puente del Cuyabeno at around 2:00 pm, where there is a brief stop for a box lunch and final logistical preparations before entering the reserve by motorized canoe. Equipped with rain ponchos, life vests, and protected luggage, the expedition continues downstream along the narrow Cuyabeno River, a blackwater system rich in biodiversity.

During the 2–3-hour navigation, guests have the opportunity to observe riparian forests, aquatic ecosystems, and a wide variety of flora and fauna, including birds, primates, reptiles, and aquatic species.

Upon arrival at the lodge, guests settle into their accommodations before dinner. In the evening, a comprehensive orientation is provided by the naturalist guide, introducing the ecological significance of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, the lodge’s conservation approach, and the scientific and interpretive activities planned for the following days. 

-/L/D

Day 3. Birdwatching, Siona Community & Shaman Experience

Begin the morning with an early birdwatching excursion along the calm waters of the Cuyabeno River, paddling in traditional Killas canoes. This serene, silent navigation allows guests to observe a wide variety of Amazonian bird species, hear the calls of primates, and appreciate the peaceful beauty of the river and surrounding rainforest.

Return to the lodge for breakfast before heading to a Siona community, where guests engage in local traditions. Participate in the preparation of cassave bread (yuca), a staple of the Amazonian diet, while learning about sustainable practices and daily life along the river. This hands-on experience offers a meaningful connection to the indigenous culture and its relationship with the surrounding ecosystem.

In the afternoon, take a guided walk along the Ceibos Trail, exploring the forest beneath towering Ceibo trees. Observe the rich diversity of flora and fauna, from colorful birds and insects to amphibians and small mammals, while the guide explains the ecological processes that sustain this vibrant rainforest.

The day concludes with a visit to a local shaman, who shares knowledge of medicinal plants and ancestral healing practices. Guests gain insight into traditional Amazonian medicine and may have the opportunity to participate in a brief, optional healing demonstration, completing a full day of cultural immersion, ecological discovery, and rainforest exploration.

B/L/D

Day 4. Lagoons Day

This day is dedicated to exploring the lagoons of the Cuyabeno Reserve aboard Killas, traditional dugout canoes carved from a single tree trunk and historically used by Amazonian communities as their primary means of navigation. The experience begins with a quiet and unhurried journey through natural waterways, allowing for respectful wildlife observation and a deep connection with the surrounding environment.

Throughout the excursion, we visit several blackwater lagoons, including Laguna Grande, bordered by flooded igapó forest. These ecosystems provide excellent opportunities to observe aquatic birds, primates, reptiles, and a wide variety of plant species specially adapted to seasonal flooding. Traveling without motors enhances the sensory experience—the sounds of the forest, the movement of water, and the rhythm of nature—creating a peaceful and immersive encounter. The day may conclude with a sunset over the lagoon, an ideal moment to observe shifts in light, animal activity, and the tranquil beauty of the Amazon, bringing the day to a meaningful close rooted in ancestral navigation and rainforest ecology.

B/L/D

Day 5. Farewell to the Amazon – Return to Coca

Enjoy breakfast at 7:30 a.m. before preparing for your departure from Tapir Lodge, typically around 9:30 a.m.

On this final day, we will board a motorized canoe and navigate upriver, enjoying one last view of the landscapes and biodiversity of the Reserva de Producción Faunística Cuyabeno, until reaching the Cuyabeno Bridge.

Arrival at the bridge is scheduled for approximately 10:30 – 11:00 am, where you will connect with your transportation to Quito.

B/-/-