This tour starts every day, based on availability
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, River Journey and First Camp Night
09:30 am: Meet at Lago Agrio
Your adventure starts 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
We’ll take our private vehicle for about two hours until we reach the village of Rey de los Andes, located along the Aguas Negras River. We’ll stop here for lunch and get our gear ready for the ride into the forest. This is where we leave the road and start traveling by water.
Downriver navigation (approx. 3 hours)
The river journey takes about three hours to reach our first campsite. Because the river is narrow, it is a great place to spot wildlife like birds, monkeys, and caimans. When we arrive, we will set up our tents 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. The forest is very active at night. You can look for insects, spiders, frogs, tree snakes and other nocturnal animals.
Day 2: Paddle Canoe Navigation, Medicinal Plants, Camping and Night Activity
Morning river paddle (approx. 4 hours)
After breakfast, we travel by paddle canoe, moving quietly through the water. We paddle downstream for about four hours. We continue navigating the narrow river, which increases the chance to see wildlife along the edges.
Medicinal plant walk (approx. 1 hour)
After lunch and a short rest, we’ll continue with a walk in the rainforest. Your guide will show and explain medicinal plants that local families have relied on for generations. Welcome to the jungle pharmacy!
Afternoon paddle navigation
Later in the day, we’ll continue the narrow river by paddle canoe, passing fallen trees and other natural obstacles until we reach our second campsite. We’ll set up our tents, have dinner and take some time to relax.
Night activity
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, Forest Hike, and Camping
Downstream navigation
We start early with breakfast and continue our paddle canoe journey along the Amazon river. We will search for pink dolphins, monkeys, birds and more wildlife.
Catch-and-release fishing
We’ll stop in an area where catch-and-release fishing, using local techniques, can be done. It’s a different way to see some of the river’s fish.
Rainforest hike
We take a break for lunch. To compliment our day and stretch our legs, we’ll continue on a forest hike. Every hike is a new chance to spot wildlife and ecosystems.
Campsite
In the late afternoon, we will choose our next campsite based on the weather and conditions. Depending on the day, we may camp deep in the forest or right by the riverbank. After setting up, we’ll enjoy dinner and rest for the next day.
Day 4: Birdwatching, Paddle Canoe, Arrival at the Lodge and Night Walk
Early birdwatching
We start early to watch the sunrise and look for active birds. Afterwards, we return to camp for breakfast before starting our final journey by paddle canoe.
Last paddle canoe navigation
This is the final stretch of our canoe paddling. On our way to the lodge, we will travel up the Cuyabeno River and maybe face a few obstacles like fallen trees.
Arrival to the lodge
Upon arrival at the lodge, we’ll enjoy lunch, rest and get your room ready for the night.
Night walk
After dinner, we’ll take a nighttime walk to look for new nocturnal wildlife in the area.
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 usually gather. You could see up to five species feeding or perched in the trees.
Canopy Tower
Afterwards, we’ll visit the canopy tower. It’s built around a Ceibo 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.
Departure
After breakfast, 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 (1:00 pm). 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.
Full Camping Gear
Tour Crew
Camping and Lodging
Sustainable Camping
Included, Excluded
& More
Accommodation
3 nights camping in private tents. 1 night in private rooms with private bathrooms at the lodge.
Meals
All-inclusive meals (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.
Guided Excursions
All activities listed in the itinerary with a bilingual EN-ES, certified, local naturalist guide.
Tour Crew
A team of crewmembers (adjusted based on group size) who take care of all meals and camp setup.
Transport
Transfers between Lago Agrio and the lodge.
Gear Provided
Raincoats, rubber boots, life jackets for excursions. For available sizes check our Packing List.
Canopy Tower
Entrance fee.
Amenities at lodge room
Bed with mosquito nets, hot water showers, towels (for room use only), soap, and shampoo.
Energy at the lodge
Generators and solar panels for device charging.
Extras at the lodge
Fresh fruits, water, and juice upon arrival.
Transportation
Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito (we can help book the night shuttle bus).
Binoculars
Available for rent at the lodge for $10 per day (cash payment).
Drinks
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (available for purchase at the bar, cash payment).
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.
Tents
Camping tents, each set up with an 80 cm by 2-meter mattress, about 5 cm thick. Sheets, a blanket, and a pillow are provided.
Showers
There are no traditional showers during the camping nights. Instead, you can bathe in the nearby river, a simple and natural way to stay clean in the jungle. We provide biodegradable soap to protect the environment, as well as towels. You’re welcome to bring your own towel if you prefer.
Bathroom Facilities
A simple but well-built toilet structure is set up in the forest, offering privacy and comfortable seating. To reduce impact on the environment, the location is rotated regularly.
Electricity
A generator is available to charge devices during the camping days.
This tour takes you along a narrow river where we will navigate around fallen trees by passing over, under, or through them. Depending on the season and water levels, you might need to walk or face extra challenges. Because of the physical nature of this tour, good stamina and strength are recommended.
Availability
The tour runs year-round, with 3 nights spent camping. It’s a 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.
Unique Tour
This canoe paddle tour takes you on an adventure into the Amazon. We’re the only operators offering this type of expedition in Cuyabeno and we have an exclusive route.
Availability & Group size
This tour is available any day with a minimum of 2 travelers. Maximum group size is 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 different room setups depending on group size.
Wildlife Sightings
This is a 100% wildlife-focused tour. Our guides and team always do their best to help you spot as much wildlife as possible. Please keep in mind that we are in a natural reserve, and specific sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Itinerary changes
Activities or the order of activities may change without notice, depending on the guide or operational needs.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Center designs and manages this tour, including accommodation at our selected lodges and campsites inside the Cuyabeno Reserve.
This tour begins and ends at Lago Agrio.
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.
Accommodation
3 nights camping in private tents. 1 night in private rooms with private bathrooms at the lodge.
Meals
All-inclusive meals (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.
Guided Excursions
All activities listed in the itinerary with a bilingual EN-ES, certified, local naturalist guide.
Tour Crew
A team of crewmembers (adjusted based on group size) who take care of all meals and camp setup.
Transport
Transfers between Lago Agrio and the lodge.
Gear Provided
Raincoats, rubber boots, life jackets for excursions. For available sizes check our Packing List.
Canopy Tower
Entrance fee.
Amenities at lodge room
Bed with mosquito nets, hot water showers, towels (for room use only), soap, and shampoo.
Energy at the lodge
Generators and solar panels for device charging.
Extras at the lodge
Fresh fruits, water, and juice upon arrival.
Transportation
Quito – Lago Agrio – Quito (we can help book the night shuttle bus).
Binoculars
Available for rent at the lodge for $10 per day (cash payment).
Drinks
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (available for purchase at the bar, cash payment).
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.
Tents
Camping tents, each set up with an 80 cm by 2-meter mattress, about 5 cm thick. Sheets, a blanket, and a pillow are provided.
Showers
There are no traditional showers during the camping nights. Instead, you can bathe in the nearby river, a simple and natural way to stay clean in the jungle. We provide biodegradable soap to protect the environment, as well as towels. You’re welcome to bring your own towel if you prefer.
Bathroom Facilities
A simple but well-built toilet structure is set up in the forest, offering privacy and comfortable seating. To reduce impact on the environment, the location is rotated regularly.
Electricity
A generator is available to charge devices during the camping days.
This tour takes you along a narrow river where we will navigate around fallen trees by passing over, under, or through them. Depending on the season and water levels, you might need to walk or face extra challenges. Because of the physical nature of this tour, good stamina and strength are recommended.
Availability
The tour runs year-round, with 3 nights spent camping. It’s a 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.
Unique Tour
This canoe paddle tour takes you on an adventure into the Amazon. We’re the only operators offering this type of expedition in Cuyabeno and we have an exclusive route.
Availability & Group size
This tour is available any day with a minimum of 2 travelers. Maximum group size is 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 different room setups depending on group size.
Wildlife Sightings
This is a 100% wildlife-focused tour. Our guides and team always do their best to help you spot as much wildlife as possible. Please keep in mind that we are in a natural reserve, and specific sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Itinerary changes
Activities or the order of activities may change without notice, depending on the guide or operational needs.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Center designs and manages this tour, including accommodation at our selected lodges and campsites inside the Cuyabeno Reserve.
This tour begins and ends at Lago Agrio.
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. 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?
A: Yes. Traveling by paddle canoe reduces noise and fuel use, campsites are chosen carefully, and guides follow strict rules to minimize impact. Working with local families and communities also helps support the region directly.
Do you still have a question or special request?