Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, River Journey and First Camp Night
09:30 a.m: Meet at Lago Agrio
Your adventure starts at 9:30 a.m. in Lago Agrio. The meeting point depends on whether you arrive by shuttle, public bus or your own car. If you prefer flying, the closest airport is in Coca. See our transportation guide for more details.
Arrival at the river & Lunch
We’ll take our private bus for about two hours until we reach the village of King of the Andes, located along the Aguas Negras River. We’ll stop here for lunch and get our gear ready for the long ride into the forest.
Downriver navigation (approx. 3 hours)
The river journey takes about three hours. It’s a good stretch of water for spotting wildlife because the banks are full of plants and the channel is narrow. After arriving, we’ll set up our tents at our first campsite, located on a local family’s property.
Night walk
After dinner, your guide will explain the plan for the next days and take you on a night walk around the campsite. You can look for insects, spiders, frogs, tree snakes and other nocturnal animals.
Day 2: Paddle Canoe Navigation, Medicinal Plants, Camping and Night Exploration
Morning river paddle (approx. 4 hours)
After breakfast, we continue downstream for roughly four hours. This part of the river is narrow, which gives you a good chance to see wildlife along the edges.
Medicinal plant walk
After lunch and a short rest, we’ll go on a short hike. Your guide will show you medicinal and useful plants that local families have relied on for generations.
Afternoon paddle navigation
Later in the day, we’ll continue by rowing canoe, passing fallen trees and other natural obstacles until we reach our second campsite. We’ll set up our tents and take some time to relax before nightfall.
Night walk (45–60 minutes)
When it gets dark, we’ll head out again either by canoe or on foot. This is a good time to see fishing bats, tree boas, night birds and other nocturnal species.
Day 3: Exciting River Journey, River Fishing, Forest Hike, and Camping
Breakfast & downstream navigation
We start early with breakfast and continue our journey along the dark waters of the river.
Catch-and-release fishing
We’ll stop for traditional catch-and-release fishing using local techniques. It’s a simple way to see some of the river’s fish up close.
Rainforest hike
After the fishing activity, we’ll go on a forest hike. Walking inside the forest gives you a different perspective and makes it easier to spot certain animals and plants.
Campsite
By late afternoon, we’ll reach our next campsite. It may be deep in the forest or close to the riverbank, depending on conditions.
Day 4: Birdwatching, Arrival at the Lodge and Evening Hike
Early birdwatching & breakfast
We start early to enjoy sunrise on the water and look for active birdlife. After returning to camp, we’ll have breakfast before continuing the river journey.
Navigation to the lodge
We’ll follow the river until we reach the Cuyabeno River and continue on toward the lodge. Along the way, we’ll stop for short jungle activities and face a few natural obstacles. We’ll reach the lodge late in the afternoon and settle in for the night.
Night walk
After dinner, we’ll take a nighttime hike to look for new species and enjoy the forest after dark.
Day 5: Parrot Clay Lick, Canopy Tower and Return Journey
Parrot clay lick
We start early to visit the saladero, a clay bank where parrots and parakeets gather each morning. You can often see five species feeding or perched in the trees.
Bird Observation Tower
Next, we’ll visit the canopy tower. It’s built around a giant tree and rises more than 28 meters above the forest. From the top, you get a wide view of the canopy and a chance to see birds flying above the treetops.
Breakfast and departure
After breakfast at 7:00 a.m., we’ll pack up and begin the trip back. We’ll travel about 30 minutes down the Cuyabeno River, then turn onto the Aguarico River for roughly three hours until we reach Tierras Orientales.
Return to Lago Agrio
Our private transport will meet us there and take us back to Lago Agrio, arriving around 13:00. This timing works for most public buses, the tourist shuttle or your own car back to Quito.
For travelers planning to fly from Coca, flights should be scheduled for the next day. More details are available in our transportation guide.
The Lodge & Camping
Traditional Lodge - When exploring the deep jungle, this lodge is the ideal home base.
Pricing
Book your 5-day Cuyabeno tour with meals and accommodation.
Prices are per person for the entire itinerary, not per night.
For a private expedition with two guests. Accommodation, meals and itinerary remain the same.
Showers Available
Camping Bathrooms
Mosquito Nets
Soaps & Towels
Full Camping Gear
Tour Crew
Charging Devices
Sustainable Camping
This tour takes you along a narrow river, navigating around fallen trees by cutting through or passing over and under them. Depending on the season and water levels, you might need to walk or face extra challenges. Good stamina and strength are needed due to the tour’s physical nature.
Availability
The tour runs year-round, with 3 nights spent camping. We camp on wooden platforms owned by a local family, embracing a sustainable, true camping experience rather than glamping.
Water Levels by Season
- Late December to early February: Low water level.
- March to late August: High water level.
- September to November: Medium water level.
*Based on rain levels, water fluctions of last year’s forecast.
Feel free to ask about the forecast for your canoe paddle tour.
Please note that due to weather, water levels, and other factors, guides may adjust the itinerary to ensure the best experience.
During your stay, you’ll enjoy cozy tents with comfortable 80 cm by 2-meter mattresses, 5 cm thick, complete with sheets, a blanket, and a pillow.
Shower Facilities
There is a shower facility at the campsite that offers privacy. We provide biodegradable soap to help preserve the environment and offer towels, though you can bring your own if preferred.
Bathroom Facilities
A well-designed structure at the campsite offers comfortable seating and privacy.
Power
A reliable generator is available to keep your devices charged.
Tour Crew
Our dedicated team of four (adjusted based on group size) will ensure you have everything you need. All meals are prepared by a cook, and we accommodate dietary preferences.
Private room or a bed in a shared room for the entire duration of the tour.
Guided excursions
All activities listed in the itinerary with a bilingual, certified, local naturalist guide.
Gear Provided
Raincoats, rubber boots, life jackets for excursions, and paddle boards for free time.
Meals
All-inclusive buffet (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with purified water, coffee, and tea. Meals begin with lunch on the first day and end with breakfast on the last day.
*We can cater to vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary restrictions.
Transport
Canoe transfers to and from El Puente Cuyabeno and the lodge.
Amenities
Comfortable rooms with mosquito nets, hot water showers, towels (for room use only), soap, and shampoo.
Energy
Solar power available, with device charging in the main lobby.
Extras
Fresh fruits, water, and juice upon arrival. Massage service available for relaxation (tip-based).
Quito – El Puente Cuyabeno – Quito (we can help book the night shuttle bus).
Community Visit
If you visit the local community, there’s a $10 fee per person (cash payment).
Drinks
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (available for purchase at the bar).
Wi-Fi
To help you fully enjoy the jungle experience, Wi-Fi is not an open network. You can purchase access if needed, but we encourage guests to unplug and enjoy the Amazon.
Tips
Optional, but our crew really appreciates it.
Additional Expenses
Any costs not covered in the tour package.
Taxes
Applies to Ecuadorian travelers and companies.
Unique tour
Experience the Amazon like never before with our exclusive canoe paddle-based tour. We are the only operators offering this unique way to explore the jungle.
Availability & Group size
This tour is available any day with a minimum of 2 travelers. It accommodates up to 6 people. Solo travelers will be placed on a waiting list, and we will try to match you with one of our existing departures.
Pricing
Prices are per person for the full itinerary, not per night.
Rooms
All rooms are standard and include a private bathroom. We offer single, double, twin, triple, and family rooms. Shared rooms have low beds. During busy periods, you may share with up to four people. When it’s quieter, you may have a room with only one other guest.
Support at the lodge
A lodge manager is on-site to assist with anything you need during your stay.
Itinerary changes
Activities or the order of activities may change without notice, depending on the guide or operational needs.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Center owns and manages the itinerary. We work exclusively with one lodge to operate the tour.
If you are in Quito, we strongly advise taking the shuttle bus to reach our meeting point.
For more information about the different options, please visit: Transport options to the Cuyabeno.
This tour takes you along a narrow river, navigating around fallen trees by cutting through or passing over and under them. Depending on the season and water levels, you might need to walk or face extra challenges. Good stamina and strength are needed due to the tour’s physical nature.
Availability
The tour runs year-round, with 3 nights spent camping. We camp on wooden platforms owned by a local family, embracing a sustainable, true camping experience rather than glamping.
Water Levels by Season
- Late December to early February: Low water level.
- March to late August: High water level.
- September to November: Medium water level.
*Based on rain levels, water fluctions of last year’s forecast.
Feel free to ask about the forecast for your canoe paddle tour.
Please note that due to weather, water levels, and other factors, guides may adjust the itinerary to ensure the best experience.
During your stay, you’ll enjoy cozy tents with comfortable 80 cm by 2-meter mattresses, 5 cm thick, complete with sheets, a blanket, and a pillow.
Shower Facilities
There is a shower facility at the campsite that offers privacy. We provide biodegradable soap to help preserve the environment and offer towels, though you can bring your own if preferred.
Bathroom Facilities
A well-designed structure at the campsite offers comfortable seating and privacy.
Power
A reliable generator is available to keep your devices charged.
Tour Crew
Our dedicated team of four (adjusted based on group size) will ensure you have everything you need. All meals are prepared by a cook, and we accommodate dietary preferences.
Private room or a bed in a shared room for the entire duration of the tour.
Guided excursions
All activities listed in the itinerary with a bilingual, certified, local naturalist guide.
Gear Provided
Raincoats, rubber boots, life jackets for excursions, and paddle boards for free time.
Meals
All-inclusive buffet (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with purified water, coffee, and tea. Meals begin with lunch on the first day and end with breakfast on the last day.
*We can cater to vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary restrictions.
Transport
Canoe transfers to and from El Puente Cuyabeno and the lodge.
Amenities
Comfortable rooms with mosquito nets, hot water showers, towels (for room use only), soap, and shampoo.
Energy
Solar power available, with device charging in the main lobby.
Extras
Fresh fruits, water, and juice upon arrival. Massage service available for relaxation (tip-based).
Quito – El Puente Cuyabeno – Quito (we can help book the night shuttle bus).
Community Visit
If you visit the local community, there’s a $10 fee per person (cash payment).
Drinks
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (available for purchase at the bar).
Wi-Fi
To help you fully enjoy the jungle experience, Wi-Fi is not an open network. You can purchase access if needed, but we encourage guests to unplug and enjoy the Amazon.
Tips
Optional, but our crew really appreciates it.
Additional Expenses
Any costs not covered in the tour package.
Taxes
Applies to Ecuadorian travelers and companies.
Unique tour
Experience the Amazon like never before with our exclusive canoe paddle-based tour. We are the only operators offering this unique way to explore the jungle.
Availability & Group size
This tour is available any day with a minimum of 2 travelers. It accommodates up to 6 people. Solo travelers will be placed on a waiting list, and we will try to match you with one of our existing departures.
Pricing
Prices are per person for the full itinerary, not per night.
Rooms
All rooms are standard and include a private bathroom. We offer single, double, twin, triple, and family rooms. Shared rooms have low beds. During busy periods, you may share with up to four people. When it’s quieter, you may have a room with only one other guest.
Support at the lodge
A lodge manager is on-site to assist with anything you need during your stay.
Itinerary changes
Activities or the order of activities may change without notice, depending on the guide or operational needs.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Center owns and manages the itinerary. We work exclusively with one lodge to operate the tour.
If you are in Quito, we strongly advise taking the shuttle bus to reach our meeting point.
For more information about the different options, please visit: Transport options to the Cuyabeno.
Ready to discover the Amazon of Ecuador?
FAQ’s
Q: What makes this Cuyabeno tour different from lodge-based tours in Ecuador?
A: This tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the Amazon in a more active and remote way. Instead of only staying in a lodge, you travel by paddle canoe and camp in the jungle. You move deeper into the rainforest, visit areas with very little traffic, and experience the Cuyabeno region in a slower, more immersive way.
Q: Is this Cuyabeno tour suitable for first-time visitors to the Amazon?
Q: How physically demanding is the Canoe Paddle Paradise tour?
A: The tour involves several hours of paddling on calm rivers, short jungle hikes, and basic camping activities. Sometimes it will be necessary to cut fallen brances or to make detours. It’s active but not extreme. You need to be reasonably fit and comfortable being outdoors for multiple days.
Q: What kind of accommodation is included during the tour?
A: Most nights are spent camping in the rainforest on local family land. Tents, sleeping equipment, and meals are provided. One night is spent at a lodge inside the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, offering a shower and more comfort before the final day.
Q: What wildlife can I expect to see during this Cuyabeno tour in Ecuador?
Q: Is this tour environmentally responsible?
Do you still have a question or special request?