Exploring the Amazonia

Spectacular excursions in Cuyabeno forest reserve, in the middle of the Amazonia.  In this exuberant and dense vegetation you will find a very good amount of flora and fauna species. Ecuador is home of the largest diversity of the world in animals and plants per square km. The species of amphibians and butterflies have put Ecuador in the third and fifth places worldwide.  Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is a unique place, home for reptiles and pink dolphins and inhabited by the Siona Indian Community.

Itinerary

D 1  Quito - Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno Lodge

Departure from Quito on a flight to Lago Agrio.  3 hours drive to Cuyabeno River.  You have a welcome orientation in " el puente " and start a  2 1/2 hours ride on a motorized canoe to the lodge.  After a captivating journey you arrive at Cocha Grande, the largest lake in the Reserve and where Cuyabeno lodge is located.  Distribution of the twin bed bungalows (mosquito nets provided) and time to relax or have a swim in the river.  When dark you can go to see caimans and if you are lucky you can catch the eyes of a wandering wild cat with your torch.  Dinner and night at the lodge.  

D 2  Jungle Program

At dawn you can easily see the fresh water amazon dolphins and manatees streaking across the lake while Blue and Yellow Macaws noisily fly over the lake.  Back to the lodge you have your breakfast before having a walk in the forest.  This morning you have a Siona and a naturalist guide to explore the forest and learn about plants and wildlife.  Your Siona guide will teach you about the rainforest´s medicinal plants and traditions.  After lunch you have a ride on a motorized canoe to go to a flooded amazon swamp to spot monkeys and birds.  There is a posibility to swim here and also fish piranhas.  Back to the lodge for dinner. 

D 3  Jungle Program

Early morning rise for bird watching.  After breakfast  a ride on the canoe to go a place for a short walk and a picnic lunch.  You can swim in Aguas negras lake.  Back to the lodge dinner and soon after you grab your torch for a night visit, you might see there translucent tree frogs, armadillos, fruitbats and some others.  Night at the lodge 

D 4  Indian community

A day to share with an Indian community of Tarapuy - Siona.  A walk of 2 hours through the jungle will make you discover more medicinal plants and leads you to a native community where you will be taking part of their daily activities.  You will try Casabe, the bread of the jungle.  An interesting day to learn about life of the Siona group.  Return to the lodge for dinner. 

D 5  Cuyabeno Lodge - Lago Agrio – Quito

On this day you will share the feel of many visitors to this Reserve ºAll went by too quicklyº.  You leave in the morning to catch the flight to Quito from Lago Agrio.  You have a canoe ride back to EL Puente where the car will be waiting for you to take you to the Lago Agrio airport.  Night in Quito.

PRICES 2011

Price includes :
— Full board and lodging.
— Native Guide.
— A bilingual naturalist guide.
— Rubber boots ºwelliesº for the excursions.
— Transport from and to Lago Agrio
— Air ticket Quito - Lago Agrio - Quito.

Price does not include:
— Drinks and personal expenses
— International flight to and from Quito.
— Any travel insurance
— Tips for guides and drivers.
— Anything not mentioned in the tour.

The program can be adapted to the wish and demands of the traveller such as length, lodging, program etc.  So, do not hesitate to contact us for more information.