This tour starts every day, based on availability
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Lodge, Sunset Laguna Grande & Night Search Caimans
11:00 am: Meet at El Puente de Cuyabeno
Your guide will welcome you at the entrance point and explain how the visit to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve begins. If you’re arriving by bus, we suggest the night shuttle bus, the most popular option among our travelers. See our transportation guide for more details.
Canoe ride to the lodge (approx. 2 hours)
We’ll start the journey by canoe along the Cuyabeno River, one of the most scenic parts of any Amazon tour in Ecuador. During the ride, you may spot monkeys, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife along the riverbanks.
Lunch at the lodge
We’ll reach the lodge for lunch. After eating, you’ll have time to check in, relax, and get ready for the afternoon activities.
Afternoon Laguna Grande
In the late afternoon, we’ll visit Laguna Grande. You can swim, enjoy the calm water, and watch the sunset over the lake.
Night excursion: Search for Caimans and Boas
Back at the lodge, we’ll head out again for a night search along the river to look for caimans, boas, and other nocturnal animals.
Dinner
Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a good night’s rest before the next day.
Day 2: Deep Jungle Walk, River Wildlife and Night Exploration
Breakfast
Begin the morning with breakfast at the lodge.
Morning rainforest walk (approx. 3 hours)
After breakfast, we’ll take a short canoe ride to a trail in the primary rainforest. Your bilingual, certified guide will lead a walk through the jungle, explaining the plants and animals found along the way. Keep an eye out for birds, reptiles, amphibians and different mammals that live in this part of the Amazon.
Lunch and free time
We’ll return to the lodge for lunch. The early afternoon is free, so you can relax, swim in front of the lodge, read, or watch for dolphins if they’re around.
Afternoon River expedition
Later in the day, we’ll explore the river by canoe. This is a good moment to see wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, parrots, dolphins, hoatzins and caimans.
Night walk (45–60 minutes)
Once it gets dark, we’ll take a short walk near the lodge to look for animals that are active at night.
Dinner
We’ll finish the day with dinner at the lodge, followed by time to rest.
Day 3: Deeper Jungle, Community Visit, Shaman Meeting and Laguna Grande
Optional community visit
The community visit can be replaced with an additional full day in the rainforest for travelers who prefer more time exploring the jungle. Please let us know in advance or indicate your preference when booking.
Breakfast
Start the day with breakfast.
Canoe ride and walk to the community
We’ll travel deeper into the primary rainforest by canoe, heading toward an area known as Taricaya. From there, it’s about a one-hour walk to reach the community. When we arrive, the families welcome us and offer local fruits they grow themselves.
CASABE preparation and community lunch
Together with the women of the community, you’ll learn how they prepare CASABE, a traditional food made from yucca. You’ll see each step, from harvesting the root to cooking it over the fire. Lunch is served in the community today, so we won’t return to the lodge at midday.
Visit with the Shaman
In the afternoon, we’ll meet the community’s Shaman. You’ll hear about their daily life, their traditional medicine, and how they prepare an ancestral drink (we won’t drink it during the visit). If you’d like, you can also take part in a cleansing ceremony guided by the Shaman.
Return to the lodge and visit to Laguna Grande
We’ll arrive back at the lodge in the late afternoon. Later, we’ll head to Laguna Grande to explore the area and enjoy the scenery.
Dinner
Dinner will be served at the lodge, closing a full day in the Amazon.
Day 4: Early Birdwatching and Final Canoe Ride
Early birdwatching
We start the day early to watch the birds as they become active. You can see many species looking for their first meal of the morning.
Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast at the lodge. After eating, pack your things and prepare for the return trip.
Morning river ride
We’ll leave the lodge by canoe and travel back toward El Puente de Cuyabeno. This is one more chance to spot wildlife along the river before leaving the Amazon rainforest.
11:00 am.: Farewell
We’ll arrive at El Puente de Cuyabeno around 11:00 am. This brings the 4-day Amazon tour to an end. You can take final photos and say your goodbyes. More details are available in our transportation guide.
Is your preferred date sold out or unavailable? Contact us and we’ll help find an alternative.
The Lodge
Your home in the jungle during this tour.
Quiet Location - The lodge is in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, making it a peaceful stay.
Rooms & Pricing
Book your 4-day Cuyabeno tour with meals and accommodation.
Prices are per person for the entire itinerary, not per night.
A single bed in a shared dorm with other travelers (up to 4 people per room).
Ensuite Bathrooms
Hot Water Showers
Mosquito Nets
Soaps & Towels
Daily departures
We run tours almost every day, so it’s easy to match your travel dates. Choose your preferred date in our booking system. If you don’t see it there, feel free to contact us.
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.
Accommodation
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).
Transportation
Quito – El Puente Cuyabeno – Quito (we can help book the night shuttle bus).
Community Visit (optional)
If you visit the local community, there’s a $20 fee per person (cash payment).
Drinks
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (available for purchase at the bar, cash payment).
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.
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.
Accommodation
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).
Transportation
Quito – El Puente Cuyabeno – Quito (we can help book the night shuttle bus).
Community Visit (optional)
If you visit the local community, there’s a $20 fee per person (cash payment).
Drinks
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (available for purchase at the bar, cash payment).
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.
Daily departures
We run tours almost every day, so it’s easy to match your travel dates. Choose your preferred date in our booking system. If you don’t see it there, feel free to contact us.
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.
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.
Ready to discover the Amazon of Ecuador?
FAQ’s
Q: Is the 4-day tour different from a shorter Amazon tour in Ecuador?
A: Yes. The extra day gives you more time in the deeper part of the rainforest, plus a full cultural visit with the local community and a meeting with the Shaman. It’s a good option for travelers who want a fuller Amazon experience without rushing.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: We have frequent departures, but spaces fill up fast during busy months. It’s best to book your preferred date online. If the date you want doesn’t appear in the system, you can contact us to check availability.
Q: What’s included in the tour?
A: The price covers the full 4-day itinerary: transport from the Cuyabeno Bridge, lodging, meals, guided activities, canoe excursions and rubber boots. You only need to bring personal items and some cash.
Q: How active is the 4 day itinerary?
A: The activities are moderate and suit most travelers. Expect canoe rides, short jungle walks and evening outings. Your guide adjusts the pace to the group so everyone feels comfortable.
Q: What makes this tour stand out from other Amazon tours in Ecuador?
A: Many Amazon trips cover similar routes, but the lodge, guides and overall organization make a big difference. We keep groups small, work with trained local guides and stay in a quieter part of the reserve where there’s less traffic on the river. This usually means calmer wildlife moments and a more peaceful stay. The food is prepared fresh, the cabins are comfortable and the team is always nearby if you need something. Guests often mention that the tour feels personal and well handled from start to finish.
Q: Are your guides more experienced than those at other lodges?
A: All Cuyabeno guides must be certified, but experience levels aren’t the same everywhere. Many travelers tell us that the guiding was one of the highlights of their trip because the team really cares about what they do.
Our guides are from the region, know the trails and rivers well and are skilled at spotting animals, even in low light or changing weather. They take time to explain what you see, answer questions and share their knowledge of the forest.
Do you still have a question or special request?