Amazon Extension 4D/3N - Cuyabeno Reserve
Cuyabeno, in the Heart of Wild Amazonia Enter a Fascinating World Where the Tropical Forest Meets the Mysterious Waters of Amazonia
Duration
4 days
From
US$500/pers.
The spirit of travel
A true sanctuary of biodiversity, the Cuyabeno reserve is one of the most extraordinary destinations in Équateur. Here, nature reigns supreme: winding rivers traverse lush vegetation, shimmering lagoons hide beneath the canopy, and an incredible diversity of animals inhabit this preserved tropical forest.
Along the water, by canoe or on foot accompanied by a naturalist guide, embark on the discovery of a living and mysterious universe. Monkeys, sloths, caimans, anacondas, giant otters, pink river dolphins, toucans and colorful macaws compose the fascinating spectacle of this exuberant nature.
As day falls, let yourself be enchanted by the sunsets over the great Cuyabeno lagoon, the songs of the forest and the nocturnal concert of thousands of species awakening in the darkness.
Cuyabeno is much more than a destination: it is an immersion in the heart of the Amazon, an encounter with exceptional nature and an invitation to discover one of the most precious ecosystems on our planet.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Quito - Amazon - Cuyabeno Reserve Day 1
Overnight transfer by semi-private bus - Departure at 11pm from the Mariscale area in Quito.
Expected arrival at the Cuyabeno landing dock around 10am. Breakfast on your own.
Services begin around 11am: welcome by your native English-speaking/Spanish-speaking lodge guide and departure by canoe on the Cuyabeno River, the journey lasts approximately 2-3 hours, in search of the first monkeys or birds.
After lunch and time to settle in, you set out again to explore the river and lagoon by canoe. If you feel like it, enjoy a refreshing swim before admiring the sunset.
At nightfall, another canoe trip takes you in search of caimans along the riverbanks. After dinner, your guide will share with you the stories and secrets of this fascinating place, its culture, its exceptional wildlife as well as the efforts being made to preserve this unique environment.
Amazonia - Cuyabeno Reserve Day 2
The forest, the river and the flavors you prepare yourself
After breakfast, set off on a hike of approximately four hours into the heart of the primary forest. Your guide will reveal the secrets of the jungle to you: medicinal plants, frogs, insects and fascinating birds that you would probably never have spotted on your own.
Back at the lodge, enjoy lunch and a moment of rest before discovering local traditions by learning to roast and grind cocoa and coffee, as Amazonian families do.
In the afternoon, board a traditional paddle canoe to explore the most peaceful small waterways. Let yourself drift along the water until sunset and, if the river surprises you with this beautiful gift, set off in search of Amazon pink river dolphins.
As night falls, a night hike will allow you to discover a completely different face of the forest. Later, around dinner, end this day with a tasting of traditional Amazonian beverages.
Amazon - Cuyabeno Reserve D3
A day at the heart of the Siona community
After breakfast, meet the Siona community. A woman from the community will welcome you and introduce you to her way of life, language, cuisine and daily life in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Together, you will prepare and share lunch, in a moment of exchange and conviviality.
In the afternoon, you will meet the community's shaman, who will share his knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional Amazonian rituals.
Back at the lodge, extend this immersion through exchanges and discussions after dinner. And if adventure tempts you, treat yourself to an extraordinary experience: spend a few hours, or even an entire night, in a place set up in the heart of the jungle, to let yourself be lulled by the mysterious sounds of the Amazon rainforest.
Amazon - Cuyabeno Reserve J4 - Return to Civilization
Sunrise and Return
Depart early in the morning for a final bird-watching excursion and admire the sunrise over the river. You will then return to the lodge to have breakfast and prepare your luggage.
The return journey is made by the same route as the outbound trip, by canoe on the río Cuyabeno. Take advantage of a few more hours of navigation to observe the wonders that the Amazon rainforest will reveal to you, until you reach the entrance of the reserve in mid-morning, where you will take your return transport.
Return by semi-private bus to Quito - Arrival at night at the same location as departure (La Floresta or Mariscal neighborhood)
Hover over a destination or activity to learn more
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day.
- Additional beverages and tips.
- Community contribution ($10) and shaman visit ($10), totaling $20 per person for 4 and 5-day tours.
- Any service not expressly mentioned in the program.
- Bad mood (but don't worry, the jungle usually takes care of it!).
Included
- Transport Quito - Cuyabeno - Quito by semi-private bus
- Bilingual naturalist guide.
- Accommodation according to the chosen package.
- All meals during the stay (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Water, coffee and tea available all day at the lodge.
- All guided activities included in the program.
- Essential equipment provided (rain poncho and rubber boots up to size 46).
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 30 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
Concernant l’achat de billets d’avion :
Annulation : 100 % du prix du billet, car les billets achetés sont non remboursables.
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Ecuador for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays.
To date, this exemption allows for a stay of up to 90 days per 12-month period on Ecuadorian territory.
The authorities may also request:
a return ticket or proof of onward travel (return flight or continuation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in Ecuador.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Ecuador for travelers coming from Europe or Canada, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure, particularly regarding:
yellow fever (recommended for certain regions of the country, particularly in the Amazon),
typhoid,
hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. Ecuadorian authorities may also request documents certifying the minor's family situation.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should consult the embassy or consulate of Ecuador in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have coverage for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage options and rates, please follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for worry-free travel!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to purchase one of these policies, the full policy document detailing all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for following the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Departures take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, depending on the chosen circuit.
The circuits begin on Day 1 at 11:30 AM at the bridge over the río Cuyabeno.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Ecuador visa-free, provided they present a valid passport for at least 6 months after entry, a return ticket, and mandatory travel insurance upon arrival. Visa exemption conditions and authorized stay lengths depend on nationality; check the rules applicable to your situation with the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 280 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1300 euros return) are additional. The Galápagos represent a separate budget (cruise or inter-island navigation).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match traveler profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your next trip to Ecuador
Accomplice in Ecuadorian adventures, based in Quito
Ecuador is a country where you can shift between completely different worlds in just a few hours. It's this constant diversity—between volcanoes, forests, villages, and encounters—that still fascinates me today.
— Carole
