Skill Level

7-Day Peru Border Explorer

• The adventure begins at 9:30 AM at Hotel D’ Mario’s restaurant in Lago Agrio. Whether you arrive by public bus, shuttle bus, or your own private transport, this is where we will meet. For those who prefer to fly, the nearest airport is located in Coca City. Be sure to check our transportation guide for more information.

• After that, you’ll travel by private bus for about two hours to the “Tierras Orientales” village and canoe pickup point on the Aguarico River. Here, you’ll have a boxed lunch and switch to a motorized canoe. The journey continues along the river for about 3 hours, taking you to “La Bocana,” where the Aguarico River meets the Cuyabeno River. You’ll have the chance to see pink river dolphins and explore the primary and secondary forests with a knowledgeable guide.

• Notably, many of these fascinating creatures can be readily seen without the assistance of binoculars. However, if you possess a pair, it’s encouraged to bring them along. Alternatively, we will happily provide binoculars to enhance your viewing experience.

• The next leg of the journey takes you 20 minutes up the Cuyabeno River to reach our Amazon Lodge on the shores of “Laguna San Francisco” within the Cuyabeno reserve. Along the way, you’ll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, reptiles, and aquatic mammals.

• Upon arrival at around 4:30 pm, take some time to settle in and explore the stunning surroundings of the lodge. Indulge in a delicious dinner while our local guide outlines the thrilling activities planned for the following days.

• Under the cloak of night, we will embark on a guided expedition along the trails encircling the lodge. This walk will unveil intriguing nocturnal animals, including insects, spiders, amphibians, and arboreal snakes among other unique species. 

Day 1: Arrival, First Animal Spotting & Into the Jungle After Dark

• At 5:30 am, a 1.5-hour excursion on the Cuyabeno River in a motorized canoe begins. This is the perfect time to spot a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. You’ll reach “Saladero,” a clay lick where five distinct species of colorful parrots and parakeets gather to feed on mineral-rich clay that purifies their bodies. After this captivating morning, return to the lodge for breakfast and a well-deserved rest.

• After some rest, your local guide will invite you to join a short but enriching walk. During this exploration, you’ll learn about the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations, focusing on the practical uses of medicinal plants in the forest. This experience will be enlightening and immersive. Then, return to the lodge for a delicious lunch.

• In the late afternoon at 4:00 pm, the adventure continues with a short canoe ride to the Birding Observational Tower, constructed around one of the region’s largest Kapok trees, reaching a height of 28 meters (65 feet). From here, you’ll have a stunning view of the forest canopy and the opportunity to observe and listen to a variety of forest animals.

• After descending from the tower, a short night walk around the area promises to reveal new species of insects. Finally, return to the lodge where a freshly prepared dinner will be served.

Day 2: Parrot Clay Lick, Deep Jungle Walk, Bird Observation Tower & Thrilling Night Walk

• The adventure starts at 6:00 am, just before dawn. You’ll begin with a paddle canoe excursion to fully immerse yourself in the lush rainforest. This serene experience allows you to get up close and personal with the wide array of bird and mammal species that call this ecosystem home. Afterward, you’ll return to the camp for a delightful breakfast.

• Following a short rest, prepare your luggage as instructed by the guide for a camping adventure. You’ll use a motor canoe to navigate the Cuyabeno River, searching for forest animals and enjoying the view at “Bocana,” where the pink river dolphins can be seen. Here, you’ll experience the colorful waters of the Aguarico River and the dark Cuyabeno River.

• Continue your journey on the Aguarico River for about 2 hours until you reach the disembarking point “Iripari.” Enjoy a boxed lunch and then embark on a short walk along a trail leading to one of the largest freshwater lagoons in the Amazon, “Zancudococha.” After enjoying the lagoon and the sunset landscape, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters before heading to the camping site for a delicious dinner.

• Before retiring for the evening, your guide will discuss the activities for the following day and provide an informational presentation about the area you’ll be visiting.

Day 3: Paddle Canoe Excursion, Cuyabeno River Adventure, Zancudococha Walk and Swim & Camping

• The day begins at 6:00 am as you set off in a motor canoe to explore the “Moretal,” a unique floating forest ecosystem in the Amazon rainforest. This area is characterized by the presence of majestic “Morete Palm” trees. After this immersive experience, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and a short break.

• Following your guide’s instructions, prepare your luggage for the next part of the adventure. Board the motor canoe for a 45-minute journey to “Iripari,” where you’ll witness the transition from the floating forest to the expansive hard earth rainforest as you travel along the Aguarico River toward the border between Ecuador and Peru.

• Enjoy the spectacle of nature, with an expansive floating forest and diverse flora and fauna. Continue upstream to “Lagartococha” for approximately two hours, where you’ll have the chance to spot monkeys, pink river dolphins, and various bird species. You can even swim alongside the dolphins, providing a unique experience.

• After a delicious lunch and a beautiful view, the adventure continues until you reach “Redondococha,” where you’ll camp for the next two nights. This area is surrounded by black waters and adjacent to the Igapó Lake, the largest in the Amazon, housing five distinct ecosystems. You’ll help the crew set up your camp in the primary forest, guided by their expertise. 

• As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner within the heart of the forest. Your guide will provide information about the plans for the following day and invite you to explore the pristine forest during a night exploration.

Day 4: Unique Ecosystems, Canoe to Lagartococha, Border with Peru & Camping

• You’ll embark on a canoe excursion, navigating through small lagoons that lead to Delfincocha Lake, known for its thriving population of pink dolphins. Here, you’ll have the extraordinary opportunity not only to observe these beautiful creatures but also to swim with them.

• After your aquatic adventure, return to the campsite for a delicious jungle breakfast. Following a short break, your guide will lead you on a short walk in the “Terra Firme” forest, where you’ll have the privilege of meeting an indigenous group from the ancestral “Secoya” people, providing insight into their cultural heritage.

• In the afternoon, after a boxed lunch, you’ll once again board your motor canoe to explore the small meandering outlets, serpentine waterways, and mysterious black water lagoons in this unique ecosystem. You’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the landscape and have the chance to take a refreshing plunge in the lagoon’s cool waters.

• As evening approaches, you’ll set out to find caimans, distant relatives of crocodiles, hidden just under the water’s surface and among snarled tree roots. During this excursion, you’ll also encounter nocturnal animals like fishing bats, arboreal boas, and nocturnal birds. 

• To conclude your busy day, return to the campsite where a delicious dinner awaits. You’ll be invited to join your guide for a night walk in search of a variety of insects in the forest’s nighttime embrace.

Day 5: Pink Dolphin Lake, Terra Firme Forest, Meeting Secoya, Small River Journeys, Search for Caimans, Night Walk & Camping

• The day begins at 6:00 am with an early morning activity in nature, followed by a hearty breakfast back at the campsite. After breakfast, you’ll prepare your equipment and bid farewell to the campsite as you return to the Amazon lodge.

• Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit diverse Amazon communities, gaining insight into their culture and daily lives. You’ll also support local economies by admiring the craftsmanship of local artisans who create masterpieces from materials sourced within the forest. A boxed lunch is provided, and you can take a dip in the inviting waters of the Aguarico River before returning to the lodge.

• Upon returning to the lodge, you can enjoy the comfort of your rooms, soft beds, and refreshing showers. After getting rested and cleaned up, a delicious homecooked dinner is served.

• Your guide will assist you with checklists, allowing you to revisit the incredible animals you’ve encountered during your adventure and gain new insights into these remarkable creatures and the forest they inhabit. The guide will be available to answer any questions, deepening your understanding of the captivating world you’ve had the privilege to explore.

Day 6: Hidden Gems of Local Communities and Nature’s Wonders

• Enjoy one last early excursion into the forest or by canoe with your guide.

• Return to the lodge for breakfast and pack your bags for the return trip.

• Take a 2.5-hour canoe ride back to Tierras Orientales, with opportunities for animal sightings and soaking up the beauty of the Cuyabeno rainforest.

• From Tierras Orientales take the private bus for around 2 hours to Lago Agrio.

• Arrive in Lago Agrio around 4:00 pm and take your bus or plane back to Quito. If you wish to use the shuttle bus option for your return, the itinerary can be adjusted on the final day to accommodate this.

Day 7: Return to Civilization: Final Canoe Ride and Jungle Excursion