Waita Lodge - 4 days / 3 nights
Experience the Lower Cuyabeno like never before aboard Killas (traditional dugout canoes), gliding silently through winding rivers and hidden lagoons. This immersive journey allows travelers to explore pristine blackwater forests (igapó), spot diverse wildlife, and witness the rainforest waking up at dawn. The slow pace of the canoes provides the perfect opportunity to observe birds, mammals, and aquatic species in their natural habitat, while taking in the unique beauty of the Amazon ecosystem.
As you navigate deeper into the heart of the Cuyabeno Reserve, each bend in the river reveals new surprises—from flocks of colorful parrots at clay licks to the lush flora of primary rainforest. Guided by expert naturalists, this expedition offers a perfect blend of adventure and discovery, connecting travelers with the rhythms of the Amazon and creating memorable wildlife encounters that last a lifetime.
Itinerary
First Contact with the Amazon Rainforest
Travel from Quito to Lago Agrio, where you will arrive at the designated meeting point. The meeting time is 8:00 a.m., after which the group will depart towards the Ecuadorian Amazon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local naturalist guide, who will provide an introduction to the region and assist with the transfer. We will then continue our journey to the lodge, where you will check in and begin your Amazon adventure.
We travel downstream for nearly three hours, toward La Bocana, where the Aguarico and Cuyabeno Rivers converge. From La Bocana, we continue upstream along the Cuyabeno River for approximately 30 minutes, penetrating deeper into the reserve until reaching our remote Amazon Lodge, strategically located along the riverbanks.
Upon arrival, there is time to settle into camp and acclimate to the rhythms of the rainforest, surrounded by the sounds of insects, birds, and distant wildlife.
After dinner, the expedition continues with a guided nocturnal exploration around the lodge. Equipped with flashlights, we search for the Amazon’s lesser-seen inhabitants, including amphibians, arboreal snakes, insects, spiders, and other nocturnal species that emerge under the cover of darkness.
-/BL/D
Amazon at First Light: Clay Licks & Jungle Exploration
Before dawn, we embark on a pre-sunrise expedition with our naturalist guide, when the rainforest is at its most active. At 5:30 a.m., we set out in a motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River, heading to a natural clay lick where parrots and parakeets feed on mineral-rich clay. We enjoy a field breakfast while observing this spectacular wildlife display.
The journey continues in our killas through a blackwater meander, spotting flora and fauna along the forest edges navigating through a vast and pristine river corridor, this stretch offers exceptional opportunities to encounter pink river dolphins, diverse riverine birdlife, and striking transitions between primary and secondary rainforest. Along the way, our experienced naturalist guide provides in-depth interpretation of the ecosystems and wildlife, while the slow-paced navigation allows ample time for careful observation and photography of the surrounding flora and fauna, before returning to our lodge after approximately 4 hours of navigation.
After lunch and rest, we head to the Observation Tower, built around a towering Ceibo tree, for panoramic views of the canopy and wildlife activity. As night falls, we embark on a nocturnal canoe ride, searching for caimans and other nocturnal creatures, and, weather permitting, marvel at a starlit Amazon sky. The day concludes with a hearty dinner at the lodge.
B/L/D
Amazon Expedition: Dawn to Sunset Adventure
The best time to experience the rainforest, its birds, and its wildlife is before sunrise. We begin the day with an early-morning expedition, navigating slowly through the San Francisco lagoons and the blackwater flooded forest (igapó). Here, ancient Macrolobium trees rise above the water, and wildlife adapted to this unique ecosystem can be spotted along the way. The quiet of the early morning enhances every sight and sound, immersing us fully in the jungle.
After a morning of discovery, we return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and a brief rest before heading out again.
We then board our killas to explore the San Francisco River, a whitewater tributary within the Cuyabeno Reserve. Paddling upstream through dense forest, we stop to venture into primary rainforest, observing the incredible diversity of plants and wildlife, while taking in the spiritual energy of this untouched environment. Back at the lodge, we enjoy lunch before setting out in the afternoon for a downstream canoe journey along the Cuyabeno River. We pass small blackwater lagoons, including Balata Yacu, and make our way to La Bocana, where the Aguarico and Cuyabeno Rivers converge. Here we may spot pink river dolphins, swim in the river, and take in the breathtaking Amazon scenery.
As the sun sets over the jungle, we return to the lodge by motorized canoe, concluding the day with a delicious farewell dinner. This full day of exploration offers a true immersion into the heart of the Amazon, combining adventure, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable landscapes.
B/L/D
Farewell Expedition: Last Moments in the Amazon
As this is our final day in this wonderful place, we will begin with an early activity — a short walk in the forest or a canoe excursion — to enjoy the awakening of nature and observe the birds. This activity allows us to take one last special memory from this extraordinary destination.
After an early breakfast at 7:00 a.m., we will prepare our luggage for the return journey. We will navigate for about 30 minutes downstream along the Cuyabeno River, then continue upstream on the Aguarico River (approximately 3 hours) until reaching the village of “Tierras Orientales.” There, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer us to the city of Lago Agrio, arriving at approximately 2:00 p.m., in time to take either the public bus or the tourist bus back to Quito.
B/-/-
*Important Info: Itineraries are subject to change due to many different elements such as weather, park authorities and regulations, airline operations out of our control, guide experience, and safety concerns.
- River transport and expert naturalist guide (English & Spanish).
- Accommodation in traditional cabins with private bathroom (twin or double).
- Three daily meals (breakfast 8:30 a.m., lunch 1:30 p.m., dinner 7:00 p.m.) + purified water.
- Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate available all day.
- Vegetarian and vegan options available.
- Nighttime electricity for device charging.
- Rubber boots, biodegradable shampoo and soap.
- Visit to the Observation Tower.
- Ground or air transport Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito.
- Extra drinks (beer, wine, etc.).
- Rain poncho.
- Breakfast on the first day / dinner on the last day.
- Tips for guides and crew.
- Transfer from Coca Airport to Tierras Orientales and way back.
- 1 night in Coca at Gran Hotel del Lago with breakfast included.
- Transfer to Coca Airport.
Prices are Per Person – 2026
Location:
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Start Days:
Mondays
Accommodation
- Waita Lodge
- Standard
- Double Room (Matrimonial Bed or 2 Twin Beds)
Minimum 2 people
Single supplement +40%
Killas Experience
Tapir Lodge
4 days – 3 nights
Tapir Lodge
4 days – 3 nights
The Killas Experience with Tapir Lodge is an authentic Amazon adventure in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, ideal for travelers looking to connect with nature, culture, and the peaceful rhythm of the rainforest. During this 4-day / 3-night tour, guests explore the Amazon by traditional hand-crafted canoe, known as Killas, offering
Killas Experience
Tapir Lodge
5 days – 4 nights
Tapir Lodge
5 days – 4 nights
During this 5-day / 4-night program, guests explore rivers, lagoons, and primary forest while navigating in traditional hand-crafted canoes known as Killas, once used by Indigenous communities of the Amazon. This experience combines quiet canoe navigation, wildlife observation, interpretive rainforest walks, birdwatching,
Killas Experience
Waita Lodge
4 days – 3 nights
Waita Lodge
4 days – 3 nights
Designed for travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature, this 4-day / 3-night adventure takes you through winding rivers, hidden lagoons, and enchanting flooded forests aboard traditional dugout canoes known as Killas.
Gliding silently across the water, guests can experience the rainforest at its natural rhythm, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes,
Killas Experience
Waita Lodge
5 days – 4 nights
Waita Lodge
5 days – 4 nights
The Killas Experience with Waita Lodge is a deeper Amazon journey into the Cofán area of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, designed for travelers who want to explore the rainforest in a quiet, authentic, and respectful way. During this 5-day / 4-night program, guests navigate rivers, lagoons, and flooded forests using
