Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
7 Days / 6 Nights
Set out on an extraordinary seven-day journey into Lagartococha, one of the most remote and pristine areas of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Surrounded by untouched rainforest, winding rivers, and peaceful lagoons, this expedition is designed for travelers seeking a deeper and more authentic connection with the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Navigate through hidden waterways by canoe, explore jungle trails with experienced local guides, and discover an impressive variety of wildlife, including monkeys, river dolphins, caimans, tropical birds, and countless rainforest species. Each day offers new opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, cultural encounters, and unforgettable sunsets over the Amazonian waters.
With six nights immersed in the heart of the rainforest, the Lagartococha experience combines adventure, tranquility, and nature in one of Ecuador’s most exclusive Amazon destinations.
Itinerary
Start of the Tour – Navigation along the Aguarico river
Your Amazon adventure begins with two travel options from Quito. You can choose to fly to Coca city, arriving around 10:15 AM, or you can take an overnight bus trip from Quito, arriving in the city of Lago Agrio around 7:30 AM – the meeting is the Meeting Point Restaurant, here you can have breakfast and rest until the guide arrives at 10:30 AM for your private transfer to Tierras Orientales.
At 12:30 PM, we set off from Tierras Orientales, taking an alternate route into the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Enjoy a delicious box lunch as we navigate the Aguarico River, characterized by its white waters and surrounded by local communities including the Secoya and the Shuar indigenous nationalities
After about 3 hours of navigation, we enter the Cuyabeno River, a black water river teeming with biodiversity, good chance to observe the pink river dolphins as we glide through the stunning scenery.
Upon reaching our first campsite, we’ll set up our camping equipment, immersing ourselves in the jungle atmosphere. Later, explore the tropical rainforest and ascend the Kichwa tower for breathtaking views of the forest canopy. Here, you can spot various bird species while enjoying the beautiful sunset.
As night falls, embark on a guided walk to discover the nocturnal life of the rainforest. Listen to the sounds of insects, frogs, and snakes, gaining insight into the vibrant ecosystem around you. After a hearty dinner, gather for a briefing with your guide, who will outline the exciting activities planned for the next day.
Kichwa Territory – downstream the Aguarico – Lagartococha
Awake to the sounds of the rainforest and join us for an early morning activity to search for monkeys and various bird species. This is the perfect time to appreciate the vibrant wildlife that thrives in the Amazon Basin.
After a delicious and healthy breakfast, we’ll enjoy a walk through the rainforest exploring this incredible ecosystem, we’ll learn how the myriad life forms coexist and thrive in a delicate balance besides we learn about the using of the medicinal plants. Return to the campsite. After we’ll continue our journey downstream to the confluence of the Cuyabeno and Aguarico rivers stop to observe the stunning union of the black water and white-water rivers.
We’ll navigate for approximately 2 ½ hours along the Aguarico white waters river. A stop in the sand beaches to stretch the legs taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Time to enjoy a nutritious box lunch. In the Afternoon we will arrive in the entrance to campsite. We navigate along the narrow river admiring the forest over our hads for 30 minutes approx until reach the beautiful Iripari Lake better known as Zancudococha by the kichwa community. A fresh swimming in the lake enjoying the sunset. Night walk around observing the nocturnal life. Dinner
From Iripari Lake to the Hidden Waters of Lagartococha
After breakfast, we’ll visit Iripari Lake (name of a special drink for the kichwa community made with morete seed and ungurahua plants) it is one of the largest lakes in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Here, you can explore the lake’s surroundings, spot some species of birds and find some fish like paiche, tucunari, pirañas and others that inhabit these black waters.
After lunch enjoying the views stunning natural beauty of the lake. We start the navigation return to the Aguarico river towards the Peruvian border, making our way to the Lagartococha river upstream, finally we reach our third campsite, nestled deep within the remote jungle. Here, we access flooded areas formed by a network of lagoons and small rivers, a spectacular area of the tropical rainforest, it is Lagartococha.
Take the opportunity to explore the interconnected lagoons and black water rivers, experiencing the diverse ecosystems of the flooded and Varzea areas of the tropical rainforest. This is a chance to witness the unique flora and fauna that thrive in these environments. After dinner feedback with more information about the experiences of these days.
Remote Community visit – Night Excursion
Start your day with an early morning canoe ride, immersing yourself in the sounds and sights of nature awakening around you. This peaceful experience is a perfect way to appreciate the beauty of the Amazon good chance to observe some species of monkeys such as red howler monkey, saki monkey and others. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, then we’ll navigate upstream along the Lagartococha River towards the Secoya community in Puerto Estrella, located on the border of Peru and Ecuador. Upon arrival, the Secoya people will warmly welcome us, sharing their rich customs and traditions passed down through generations. Engage with community members and learn about their way of life, including a fascinating demonstration by Secoya women on how to prepare traditional cassabe bread.
After our cultural exchange, we’ll return to campsite. As evening falls, prepare for an exciting canoe excursion in search of caimans. Glide silently through the waters, keeping your eyes peeled for these fascinating reptiles and other nocturnal wildlife.
Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at the camp, sharing stories and experiences with fellow travellers under the stars.
Get ready for another unforgettable day in the heart of the Amazon!
Delfin Cocha Lagoon Exploration
An early activity by paddling canoe, bird watching just enjoy the awake up of the nature.
After back to the campsite for the breakfast. Navigation into the flooded area shaped by a system of lakes and small rivers, here we discover lagoons connected by black water rivers and explore the different ecosystems of the flooded forest or Varzea. Box lunch.
In the afternoon we enjoy a refreshing swim in the Delfin Cocha lake while observing some of the freshwater pink dolphins (Inia Geofrensis) that gave the lake its name. Overnight and dinner at the campsite.
Lagartococha Lagoon Exploration
After breakfast. We start a navigation down the Lagartococha river and then by the Aguarico river upstream back to our campsite 4 hours approx.
In the way we look a nice place to take the box lunch. In the afternoon, we arrive the cuyabeno river, where return to our campsite.
Later we hike into the tierra firme of the jungle. Dinner and overnight at the campsite kichwa project.
Return to Tierras Orientales and Quito
After an early breakfast, we’ll begin our final navigation upstream along the Aguarico River, enjoying the last breathtaking views of the Amazon Basin.
We expect to arrive at Tierras Orientales around 11:30 AM. This is your last chance to appreciate the stunning landscape before transitioning back to civilization.
Return to Quito.
If you’re returning to Quito by bus, we’ll connect you with the tourist bus for your journey back. For those flying, we’ll drop you off in Coca, where you’ll spend the night by yourself before catching your flight the next day at 10:00 AM.
*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.
- 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 with parakeets and parrots (depending on the climate).
- Go on an excursion to Zancudo Cocha 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.
- Amazing experience in the deep Amazon rainforest.
- Explore the rainforest off the beaten track.
- Transportation by bus from Coca or Lago Agrio
- Transfers between Coca and the Aguarico / eastern Amazon region
- River transportation by motorized canoe (open boats without roof)
- Camping equipment, including all bedding for extended expeditions (sleeping mats, sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels). Please note that this type of adventure trip includes shared shower facilities
- Rubber boots for jungle walks
- All meals during the tour
- Licensed naturalist guide with all required permits
- Transportation from Quito:
- Flight from / to Quito: USD 280 Roundtrip
- Tourist bus to Lago Agrio: USD 80 round trip (includes breakfast and lunch)
- Rain poncho
- Additional beverages and tips
Community Contributions / Additional Fees:
Kichwa Observation Tower Visit: US$ 7 per person (payable locally).
- Secoya Community Visit (Puerto Estrella): US$ 10 per person (payable locally).
- Kichwa Community Visit (Cocaya & Pink Dolphin Observation): US$ 10 per person (payable locally).
- International flights.
- Transfer to the meeting point in Quito.
- Excursions and activities not specified in the program.
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Travel and health insurance.
- Tips and personal extras.
- Hotel night accommodation is not included; there is two options (ask for prices):
- GRAND HOTEL DE LAGO buffet breakfast included.
- HOTEL LAS ORQUIDEAS breakfast included
- Transfer from the port to the hotel and/or airport
- Farewell dinner in Coca
- Transfer to Coca airport
Prices are Per Person – 2026
Location: Upper and lower parts of Cuyabeno Reserve
Navigate along the Cuyabeno & Aguarico rivers to ZancudoCocha (Iripari Lake) one of the big lakes in the Amazon Basin. Full day to explore the LagartoCocha River near the border to Perú
Accommodations:
- 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 and all bedding for long expeditions (sleeping mats, bed sheets, blankets, pillows and towels). This kind of adventurous trip involves that simple camping toilets and showers will be shared.
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Lagartococha Unique Experiences
Lagartococha 7 days / 6 nights
Set out on an extraordinary seven-day journey into Lagartococha, one of the most remote and pristine areas of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Surrounded by untouched rainforest, winding rivers, and peaceful lagoons, this expedition is designed for travelers seeking a deeper and more authentic connection with the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Lagartococha 5 days / 4 nights
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