Welcome to Cuyabeno Wildlife Center, 25 years of expertise

5-day Enchanted Cuyabeno

Embark on a mesmerizing journey with our 5-Day Enchanted Cuyabeno Tour! Discover the enchanting rainforests of Ecuador, where captivating wildlife and vibrant indigenous communities thrive. Our seasoned guides will unveil the mysteries of this biodiverse paradise, crafting unforgettable moments that will stay with you forever.

5-day-cuyabeno-tour

From $330 p.p.

5-day Enchanted Cuyabeno

Embark on a mesmerizing journey with our 5-Day Enchanted Cuyabeno Tour! Discover the enchanting rainforests of Ecuador, where captivating wildlife and vibrant indigenous communities thrive. Our seasoned guides will unveil the mysteries of this biodiverse paradise, crafting unforgettable moments that will stay with you forever.

An Expedition into the Jungle

Day 1: Arrival, Reach Jungle Lodge, Sunset at Laguna Grande & Night Search for Caimans

how-to-get-to-cuyabeno
  • Our guide will meet us at El Puente de Cuyabeno at 11:00 a.m., providing an introduction to the reserve and its entrance procedures. We recommend taking the night shuttle bus which includes breakfast. For more information, check our transportation guide.
  • We’ll embark on a captivating two-hour canoe journey along the Cuyabeno River to reach our Lodge. Along the way, if the weather is on our side, we might be lucky enough to spot various wildlife, including 10 different types of monkeys, with the pocket monkey being a unique find measuring just 10cm. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to observe a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
  • After this adventurous journey, we’ll welcome you with a satisfying lunch, allowing you to refuel. You’ll have time to check in and rest, preparing for the afternoon’s activities.
  • At 4:30 p.m., we’ll set out for our second activity, Laguna Grande. Here, you can enjoy swimming, capture stunning photos, and witness a mesmerizing sunset.
  • Upon returning to the lodge, we’ll embark on an excursion to search for Caimans and other nocturnal animals on the river, offering a thrilling night encounter with these creatures.
  • Dinner will be served at 8:00 p.m., providing a delicious conclusion to the day’s adventures. Afterward, you can retire to your lodging for a well-deserved rest.
how-to-get-to-cuyabeno

Day 1: Arrival, Reach Jungle Lodge, Sunset at Laguna Grande & Night Search for Caimans

Read Description
  • Our guide will meet us at El Puente de Cuyabeno at 11:00 a.m., providing an introduction to the reserve and its entrance procedures. We recommend taking the night shuttle bus which includes breakfast. For more information, check our transportation guide.
  • We’ll embark on a captivating two-hour canoe journey along the Cuyabeno River to reach our Lodge. Along the way, if the weather is on our side, we might be lucky enough to spot various wildlife, including 10 different types of monkeys, with the pocket monkey being a unique find measuring just 10cm. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to observe a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
  • After this adventurous journey, we’ll welcome you at the lodge with a satisfying lunch, allowing you to refuel. You’ll have time to check in and rest, preparing for the afternoon’s activities.
  • At 4:30 p.m., we’ll set out for our second activity, Laguna Grande. Here, you can enjoy swimming, capture stunning photos, and witness a mesmerizing sunset.
  • Upon returning to the lodge, we’ll embark on an excursion to search for Caimans and Boas in the river, offering a thrilling night encounter with these creatures.
  • Dinner will be served at 8:00 p.m., providing a delicious conclusion to the day’s adventures. Afterward, you can retire to your lodging for a well-deserved rest.

Day 2: Deep Jungle Walk, Canoe Expedition & Thrilling Night Walk

cuyabeno-tour-ecuador
  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
  • After breakfast, we’ll set out on a canoe ride to access a pristine trail within the primary rainforest. Accompanied by our native bilingual guide, you’ll embark on a 3-hour walk. During this immersive experience, you’ll learn about animals and medicinal plants found along the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, all in their natural habitat.
  • Lunch will be served to recharge your energy. Following lunch, you’ll have some leisure time to relax, read a book, or take a refreshing swim in front of the lodge. This is the perfect opportunity to observe dolphins if you’re visiting during their season and to embrace the serenity of the jungle.
  • At 4:30 p.m., we’ll leave the lodge by canoe for an exciting river expedition to spot animals like sloths, monkeys, parrots, dolphins, hoatzin, and caimans, among others.
  • As evening descends, we’ll embark on a captivating night walk around the lodge, lasting approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This unique experience allows us to observe the nocturnal animals that come to life in the rainforest.
  • The day concludes with a satisfying dinner, and you can retire to your lodging for a restful night in the heart of the jungle.
cuyabeno-tour-ecuador

Day 2: Deep Jungle Walk, Canoe Expedition & Thrilling Night Walk

Read Description
  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
  • After breakfast, we’ll set out on a canoe ride to access a pristine trail within the primary rainforest. Accompanied by our native bilingual guide, you’ll embark on a 3-hour walk. During this immersive experience, you’ll learn about animals and medicinal plants found along the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, all in their natural habitat.
  • Lunch will be served to recharge your energy. Following lunch, you’ll have some leisure time to relax, read a book, or take a refreshing swim in front of the lodge. This is the perfect opportunity to observe dolphins if you’re visiting during their season and to embrace the serenity of the jungle.
  • At 4:30 p.m., we’ll leave the lodge by canoe for an exciting river expedition to spot animals like sloths, monkeys, parrots, dolphins, hoatzin, and caimans, among others.
  • As evening descends, we’ll embark on a captivating night walk around the lodge, lasting approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This unique experience allows us to observe the nocturnal animals that come to life in the rainforest.
  • The day concludes with a satisfying dinner, and you can retire to your lodging for a restful night in the heart of the jungle.

Day 3: Deeper into the Jungle, Discover Community Life, Meeting the Shaman & Laguna Grande

lagarto-cocha-tour-cuyabeno-wildlife-center
  • Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
  • We’ll venture deeper into the primary rainforest, traveling by canoe from the Lodge to a place known as Taricaya. It’s about a one-hour walk to reach the community. Upon arrival, the local community warmly welcomes us with a taste of their typical, homegrown fruits.
  • In the company of the community’s women, we’ll engage in the preparation of CASABE, a traditional food made from yucca. We’ll take you through the entire process, from harvesting the yucca to cooking it over an open fire. You’ll have the opportunity to savor this unique dish, and we won’t be having lunch back at the Lodge today; it’ll be served within the community.
  • In the afternoon, we’ll pay a visit to the Shaman, the community’s healer. During our conversation, you’ll gain insights into their way of life, ancestral medicine, and an explanation about the preparation of an ancestral beverage (though it won’t be consumed during this visit). For those interested, you can also take part in an ancestral cleansing ceremony led by the Shaman.
  • We’ll return to the Lodge around 4:00 p.m.
  • Our next stop is Laguna Grande, where we’ll explore the stunning surroundings.
  • Finally, the day concludes with a satisfying dinner back at the Lodge.
lagarto-cocha-tour-cuyabeno-wildlife-center

Day 3: Deeper into the Jungle, Discover Community Life, Meeting the Shaman & Laguna Grande

Read Description
  • Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
  • We’ll venture deeper into the primary rainforest, traveling by canoe from the Lodge to a place known as Taricaya. It’s about a one-hour walk to reach the community. Upon arrival, the local community warmly welcomes us with a taste of their typical, homegrown fruits.
  • In the company of the community’s women, we’ll engage in the preparation of CASABE, a traditional food made from yucca. We’ll take you through the entire process, from harvesting the yucca to cooking it over an open fire. You’ll have the opportunity to savor this unique dish, and we won’t be having lunch back at the Lodge today; it’ll be served within the community.
  • In the afternoon, we’ll pay a visit to the Shaman, the community’s healer. During our conversation, you’ll gain insights into their way of life, ancestral medicine, and an explanation about the preparation of an ancestral beverage (though it won’t be consumed during this visit). For those interested, you can also take part in an ancestral cleansing ceremony led by the Shaman.
  • We’ll return to the Lodge around 4:00 p.m.
  • Our next stop is Laguna Grande, where we’ll explore the stunning surroundings.
  • Finally, the day concludes with a satisfying dinner back at the Lodge.

Day 4: Canoe Paddle Expedition, Visit Laguna Grande & Incredible Sunset

canoe-paddle-tour-cuyabeno-wildlife-center
  • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

  • After breakfast, we’ll gather the necessary equipment for our jungle expedition.

  • Our journey continues as we board a motorized canoe, heading upstream for approximately one hour. Our destination is Canangueno, where an exciting paddling activity awaits.

  • At Canangueno, we transition to paddle canoes, which provide a quieter and more environmentally friendly means of travel. This method offers an enhanced opportunity to observe the jungle’s remarkable wildlife. Your guide and fellow tourists will actively participate in paddling, creating a unique and immersive experience.

  • Following our morning activities, we’ll take a break for a satisfying lunch. Recharge for the adventures ahead. The afternoon presents a chance for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Take time to unwind and prepare for the evening.

  • As the day progresses, we’ll embark on a visit to Laguna Grande, a breathtaking location to witness the mesmerizing sunset over the lake and rainforest.

  • To conclude your day, enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers. It’s a perfect time to share stories and experiences from your jungle expedition.

canoe-paddle-tour-cuyabeno-wildlife-center

Day 4: Canoe Paddle Expedition, Visit Laguna Grande & Incredible Sunset

Read Description
  • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
  • After breakfast, we’ll gather the necessary equipment for our jungle expedition.
  • Our journey continues as we board a motorized canoe, heading upstream for approximately one hour. Our destination is Canangueno, where an exciting paddling activity awaits.
  • At Canangueno, we transition to paddle canoes, which provide a quieter and more environmentally friendly means of travel. This method offers an enhanced opportunity to observe the jungle’s remarkable wildlife. Your guide and fellow tourists will actively participate in paddling, creating a unique and immersive experience.
  • Following our morning activities, we’ll take a break for a satisfying lunch. Recharge for the adventures ahead. The afternoon presents a chance for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Take time to unwind and prepare for the evening.
  • As the day progresses, we’ll embark on a visit to Laguna Grande, a breathtaking location to witness the mesmerizing sunset over the lake and rainforest.
  • To conclude your day, enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers. It’s a perfect time to share stories and experiences from your jungle expedition.

Day 5: Return to Civilization: Final Canoe Ride and Jungle Excursion

cuyabeno-tour-amazon
  • Rise and shine at 5:30 a.m. for an early morning birdwatching experience. From 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., the avian world comes alive as birds seek their breakfast, offering us a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in action.
  • Enjoy your final breakfast at 7:30 a.m. After breakfast, we’ll begin the process of packing our luggage, getting ready for our departure.
  • The day’s last excursion involves a navigation from the lodge to El Puente de Cuyabeno, providing another opportunity for animal watching along the river. 
  • As the journey draws to a close, we’ll bid farewell, capture final photos, and at 11:00 AM at El Puente de Cuyabeno. We recommend taking the shuttle bus which includes lunch for the return journey. For more information, check our transportation guide.
cuyabeno-tour-amazon

Day 5: Return to Civilization: Final Canoe Ride and Jungle Excursion

Read Description
  • Rise and shine at 5:30 a.m. for an early morning birdwatching experience. From 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., the avian world comes alive as birds seek their breakfast, offering us a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in action.
  • Enjoy your final breakfast at 7:30 a.m. After breakfast, we’ll begin the process of packing our luggage, getting ready for our departure.
  • The day’s last excursion involves a navigation from the lodge to El Puente de Cuyabeno, providing another opportunity for animal watching along the river.
  • As the journey draws to a close, we’ll bid farewell, capture final photos, and at 11:00 AM at El Puente de Cuyabeno. We recommend taking the shuttle bus which includes lunch for the return journey. For more information, check our transportation guide.
Slide 3
The Lodge

The perfect location to connect with the jungle! The lodge’s dock or pink dolphin viewpoint offers a stunning entrance. The social lounge, complete with hammocks and a charging station, is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sounds of nature. The restaurant is ready to serve fresh, delicious meals every day, and our rooms are great—we’ll tell you more about them. Welcome to your jungle home!

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Slide 3
The Rooms

Who says we can’t have comfort in the heart of the Amazon? Our rooms provide a great space to rest after a day of activities. We offer various arrangements (single, double, and triple rooms), each equipped with private bathrooms. And yes, we have hot water showers. Amenities like towels and bio-soap will be ready for you. Our beds come with mosquito nets and are elevated off the ground. Since this is an ecolodge, we don’t have A/C, but our construction style ensures you stay cool and comfortable.

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cuyabeno-lodge-wildlife-center
Bromeliad
Slide 3
Activities

We want you to truly discover the jungle. We are passionate about what we do, and our activities will let you experience it firsthand. Our itineraries are designed to offer each traveler the opportunity to explore the Cuyabeno in their own unique way. We offer canoe expeditions, night walks, hikes in the deep jungle, paddle canoeing, local community visits, and more. We have a lot to offer, and we promise to do our utmost to ensure you have an unforgettable time.

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cuyabeno-lodge-wildlife-center
Bromeliad
Slide 3
Wildlife

You’re about to visit one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. The Cuyabeno Reserve is home to an incredible variety of species—mammals, insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians— all coexisting in one place, and you’re about to explore their home. Each day and activity will give us the chance to spot as much wildlife as possible. The jungle, in all its splendor, will put on an amazing show. Are you ready?

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Pricing & Details

We offer departures almost daily, so we can easily fit your schedule. Please choose the best option in our booking system.

Private Room with Private Bathroom: $330 USD per person (min. 2 people).

Solo Travelers (Private or Shared Room): $330 USD per person in a triple shared room. For a private room, there’s a 75% supplement.

Kids under 12: 20% discount.

Important notes:

  • Prices are per person for the entire itinerary, not per night.
  • All rooms are standard with an ensuite bathroom. We offer single, double, twin, triple, and family rooms.
  • A lodge manager is available to assist with anything you need during your stay.
  • The itinerary is subject to change due to external factors or to ensure the best experience.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Center owns and manages the itinerary, and we exclusively partner with a lodge to operate 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.

Transportation: Quito – El Puente Cuyabeno – Quito (we can help book the night shuttle bus).

Meals: Meals outside the tour, like breakfast on the first day and lunch and dinner on the last day. (Breakfast and lunch are included with the shuttle bus).

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 and is only available for emergencies. Please let us know in advance if you need it.

Community Visit: When you visit the local community, there’s a $10 contribution to support their families.

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.

This tour begins and ends at El Puente Cuyabeno.

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.

We offer departures almost daily, so we can easily fit your schedule. Please choose the best option in our booking system.

Private Room with Private Bathroom: $330 USD per person (min. 2 people).

Solo Travelers (Private or Shared Room): $330 USD per person in a triple shared room. For a private room, there’s a 75% supplement.

Kids under 12: 20% discount.

Important notes:

  • Prices are per person for the entire itinerary, not per night.
  • All rooms are standard with an ensuite bathroom. We offer single, double, twin, triple, and family rooms.
  • A lodge manager is available to assist with anything you need during your stay.
  • The itinerary is subject to change due to external factors or to ensure the best experience.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Center owns and manages the itinerary, and we exclusively partner with a lodge to operate the tour.

This tour begins and ends at El Puente Cuyabeno.

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.

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.

Transportation: Quito – El Puente Cuyabeno – Quito (we can help book the night shuttle bus).

Meals: Meals outside the tour, like breakfast on the first day and lunch and dinner on the last day. (Breakfast and lunch are included with the shuttle bus).

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 and is only available for emergencies. Please let us know in advance if you need it.

Community Visit: When you visit the local community, there’s a $10 contribution to support their families.

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.