7-Day Peru Border Explorer

• The adventure begins at 08:00 am in Lago Agrio City (Nueva Loja). The pick-up point may vary depending on your transportation method: shuttle bus, public bus, or your own vehicle. For those who prefer flying, the closest airport is in Coca. Be sure to check our transportation guide for more details about this option.

• After that, we’ll travel by private bus for about two hours to the “Tierras Orientales” village and canoe pickup point on the Aguarico River. Here, we’ll have a boxed lunch and switch to a motorized canoe. The journey continues along the river for about 3 hours, taking us to “La Bocana,” where the Aguarico River meets the Cuyabeno River. We’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.

• We’ll continue our journey for approximately 30 minutes along the Cuyabeno River, heading upstream until we reach the first Amazon Lodge, located on the riverbank within the reserve. Along the way, we’ll be able to appreciate, observe, and photograph the great diversity of flora and fauna.

• Once we arrive at the lodge around 04:30 pm, we’ll have some time to relax and get familiar with the surroundings.

• After dinner, our guide will give an informative talk about the activities planned for the following days and will invite us to take a night walk around the camp in search of interesting nocturnal species such as insects, spiders, amphibians, tree-dwelling snakes, and many more.

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

• At 5:30 am, an approximately 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. We’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, we’ll return to the lodge for breakfast and a well-deserved rest.

• Following our guide’s instructions, we’ll prepare our gear and board a motorized canoe to explore the Cuyabeno River, heading to the “Bocana,” where we may spot freshwater dolphins and enjoy the beautiful contrast of the white waters filled with sediments and the black waters rich in tannins. We’ll continue downstream along the Aguarico River to the Ecuador-Peru border (about 4 hours), passing flooded forests and seeing a wide variety of wildlife.

• Next, we’ll navigate Lagartococha River upstream in search of monkeys, pink dolphins, and birds. We’ll stop at a Kichwa family farm for a box lunch and to harvest local products for our meals.

• After a rewarding journey, we’ll camp for two nights at Redondococha on platforms in the Kichwa community of Zancudococha. Surrounded by lush trees and the tropical rainforest, this area is part of the largest Igapó (forest flooded by blackwater) in the Amazon, home to the Macrolobium trees, which are important for many types of wildlife. We’ll help set up camp and enjoy a delicious dinner in the jungle.

• Our guide will share more information about the area before inviting us to search for caimans and experience the untouched beauty of nature.

Day 2: Parrot Clay Lick, Peru Border Canoe Ride, Kichwa Community, Zancudococha & Camping

• The best time to enjoy the rainforest, its birds, and rich biodiversity is early in the morning.

• Our activity begins at 05:30 a.m. with a delicious breakfast surrounded by the sounds of the tropical forest. We then head upstream along the Lagartococha River to one of the largest lagoons in the Cuyabeno Reserve, Garzacocha (approx. 3-hour journey).

• Along the way, we’ll have the chance to spot countless birds, monkeys, caimans, sloths, and with some luck, capybaras and giant river otters.

• At Garzacocha, we’ll enjoy lunch in the heart of nature, then explore the lagoon and its fascinating blackwater ecosystem, where vegetation has adapted to seasonal flooding. We’ll also take a short walk along a trail by the lagoon to explore the forest on foot.

• As the afternoon fades, we’ll return to camp by motorized canoe while enjoying the sunset and the peaceful beauty of the rainforest. Back at camp, we’ll relax and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our amazing chef.

• Later, we’ll head out again by canoe for a night excursion to search for black caimans, tree boas, fishing bats, night birds, and many other species adapted to the nocturnal jungle.

Day 3: Garzacocha Lagoon Exploration, Jungle Walk, Night Search for Animals & Camping

• The day begins early. At 05:30 a.m., we’ll enjoy breakfast before following our guide downstream along the Lagartococha River to reach the mysterious Imuya Lagoon. Entering the lagoon is an adventure in itself, requiring us to navigate through floating islands of aquatic plants.

• We’ll explore Imuya’s winding waterways, home to birds adapted to life on floating grass islands. Surrounded by the sounds of macaws and howler monkeys, we’ll soak in the peace of this unique ecosystem before returning slowly to camp, where a delicious lunch awaits.

• After a short rest, we’ll take the canoe about an hour to the mouth of the Lagarto River, with another chance to spot the Amazon’s pink river dolphins. From there, we’ll travel upstream on the Aguarico River to the Kichwa community of Zancudococha. We’ll then navigate the Iripari creek for about 45 minutes to reach the Iripari or Zancudococha Lagoon, a stunning blackwater lake. As the waterway narrows, the journey becomes more intimate and exciting, offering close-up views of this special ecosystem.

• Upon arrival, we’ll set up camp for two nights next to the lagoon, one of the largest blackwater bodies in the region. After a break, we’ll explore the area slowly by canoe, admiring the local flora and fauna. With luck, we may witness a breathtaking sunset reflected on the still waters.

• As night falls, we return to camp under a sky full of stars and keep watch for the elusive black caiman. Back at camp, we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner.

• Depending on time and conditions, we may also head out on an optional night walk in the Terra Firme forest or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 4: Imuya Floating Islands, Narrow Waterways Adventure, Sunset, Caiman Search & Camping

• We start the day at 06:00 a.m. with a quiet canoe ride along the edge of the lagoon, exploring the Moretal, a flooded forest known for its tall morete palms and rich wildlife. It’s one of the most important ecosystems in the rainforest. After taking in this peaceful and fascinating place, we head back to camp for a well-deserved breakfast.

• Later in the morning, our guide will take us on a walk through Terra Firme forest, sharing how local communities use medicinal plants knowledge passed down for generations. We’ll return to camp in time for a tasty lunch and some rest.

• In the afternoon, we’ll head out again to explore more of the Moretal. We’ll keep an eye out for new species, enjoy the scenery, and take a refreshing swim in the lagoon, a perfect way to cool off and connect with nature.

• After a full and exciting day, we’ll return to camp for a special final dinner. If energy and time allow, you’re welcome to join an optional evening activity to end the day.

Day 5: Moretal Flooded Forest, Terra Firme Walk, Medicinal Plants, Lagoon Swim, Special Dinner & Last Camping Night

• We’ll enjoy an early breakfast at 06:00 a.m., surrounded by birdsong, before beginning our return journey to the Amazon Lodge. With our guide leading the way, we’ll board the motor canoe and navigate the Iripari meander for about 45 minutes. Along the way, you’ll notice the shift between flooded forest in the narrow parts of the river and Terra Firme forest in the wider sections. We’ll then reconnect with the Aguarico River and travel upstream for two hours toward Cofan territory.

• Next, we’ll take a short detour along the Zabalo River, a remote blackwater river between the Kichwa and Cofan lands. This is an exclusive route offered by Cuyabeno Wildlife Center, giving you the rare chance to explore untouched rainforest and discover flora and fauna unique to this region. After a picnic-style lunch in the field, we’ll continue upstream to the lodge for a well-earned rest.

• Later in the afternoon, at 05:00 p.m., we’ll head out for one final adventure, a visit to our Birdwatching Tower, built around a giant Ceibo tree. Standing 28 meters tall, it offers a stunning view over the canopy and surrounding forest, perfect for spotting wildlife in the treetops.

• Before returning for dinner to the lodge, we’ll take a short night walk near the tower in search of nocturnal insects and other creatures of the dark.

Day 6: Canoe Expedition, Exclusive River Route, Birdwatching Tower & Night Walk

• On our final day in this incredible place, we’ll start early with a short canoe ride or forest walk to enjoy the sounds of the jungle awakening, a peaceful farewell and a last chance to spot birds and wildlife.

• After an early breakfast at 07:00 a.m., we’ll pack our bags and begin the return journey. We’ll navigate down the Cuyabeno River for about 30 minutes, then head upstream on the Aguarico River for approximately three hours until we reach the town of Tierras Orientales. There, our private transport will be waiting to take us to Lago Agrio City (Nueva Loja), arriving around 13:00 p.m., just in time to catch your public bus, tourist shuttle or own car back to Quito.

• If you’re planning to fly out from Coca Airport, please note that this would need to be scheduled for the following day. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or check our transportation guide for more details about this option.

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