Amazon · Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve · EcuadorInto the heart of
Into the heart of
the Amazon
Four days or five — deep in Ecuador's Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Rivers, jungle, wildlife, indigenous culture, and nights that belong to another world.
4 Days 3 Nights · per person
5 Days 4 Nights · per person
📍
Meeting Point
Hotel Casona 1914 — Quito Historic Center
Departure: Monday · Tuesday · Thursday · Friday · Gather at 11:00 PM (previous night to departure) About the ExperienceWhere the jungle takes over
Where the jungle takes over
and the city disappears
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth — a flooded Amazon jungle in northeastern Ecuador where over 500 species of birds, 165 species of reptiles, and dozens of mammal species share a territory the size of a small country. Most visitors never make it here. Those who do, never forget it.
This tour, operated in partnership with CarpeDM Adventure, takes you deep into the reserve — paddling canoes through flooded forests, spotting woolly monkeys, caimans, tarantulas, pink dolphins and the elusive Hoatzin bird. You'll sleep at a riverside jungle lodge, visit an indigenous Siona community, and experience a night safari that makes city life feel like a distant dream.
The meeting point is right here at our boutique hotel in Old Town Quito. We'll connect you with the CarpeDM team and make sure you're ready for one of the great Ecuadorian adventures.
Tour Options
Choose your adventure
Most Popular
4 Days
3 Nights
3 Nights
Contact us for pricing
- Meals from day 1 lunch through day 4 box lunch
- Round-trip transport Quito–Lago Agrio–Lodge–Quito
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Rubber boots & life jackets
- All canoe and kayak activities
- Laguna Grande night safari
- Indigenous Siona community visit
- Traditional paddling canoe experience
- Bird watching (5:30 AM)
Extended
5 Days
4 Nights
4 Nights
Contact us for pricing
- Everything in the 4-day package
- One full extra day deep in the reserve
- Additional wildlife tracking excursion
- More time for fishing, swimming & kayaking
- Extended primary forest hiking
- Additional night safari session
- More time to experience the Shaman ceremony
- Extra flora & fauna educational sessions
What's Included
Included in your tour
- All meals from day 1 lunch through final day
- Tea and coffee throughout the stay
- Double or shared accommodation at the lodge
- Round-trip transport Quito → Lago Agrio → Lodge
- Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish & English)
- All canoe activities and guided excursions
- Rubber boots and life jackets
- Community contribution — Siona Sierra
Not included
- Quito–Lago Agrio flights (optional)
- Bus Quito–Lago AgrioWe recommend TuVIPBus — picks up directly at our hotel at 11:00 PM and arrives in Lago Agrio in time for breakfast at 8:00 AM. One way: $37.
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Shaman ceremony contribution
- Guide tips (always appreciated)
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of personal nature
4-Day Itinerary
Day by day
The 5-day tour adds an extra full day of exploration after day 3, before returning on day 5.
01
Arrival at Lago Agrio — Into the Reserve
Meet at Lago Agrio at 9:00 AM. Transfer to the reserve entrance. Lunch on arrival, then two hours by canoe through the Río Cuyabeno to the lodge, arriving around 15:30. Relax and explore the surroundings before dinner. In the evening, a guided canoe night tour across Laguna Grande to observe nocturnal wildlife and return to the lodge.
02
Primary Forest — Canoe & Paddling
A full day of primary jungle exploration — walking through ancient forest canopy while your guide explains the flora and fauna all around you. In the afternoon, paddling in a traditional dugout canoe (no motor) across the flooded jungle, feeling the silence of the Amazon. If conditions allow, you can swim in the black waters of the lagoon. Dinner and return to lodge.
03
Siona Community — Indigenous Culture
Morning visit to the Siona indigenous community where you'll witness how the community prepares traditional yuca bread for breakfast, guided by the community members themselves. Visit the community Shaman, who will share the ceremonies and traditions central to their way of life. Return to lodge, lunch, and a final canoe excursion before dinner.
04
Bird Watching & Departure
Early morning bird watching at 5:30 AM — the best time to spot the reserve's extraordinary birdlife. Return to lodge for breakfast. Departure at 9:30 AM by boat to Puente del Cuyabeno. Box lunch for the journey back. Transport to Lago Agrio and return to Quito.
Wildlife & Landscapes
What you'll witness
Real photography from the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.
Packing List
What to bring
Light rain jacket or poncho
Long sleeve shirts (2–3)
Light trousers (2 pairs)
Shorts (1–2 pairs)
Swimsuit
Comfortable walking shoes
1 pair of socks per day
Biodegradable insect repellent
Sunscreen (biodegradable)
Headlamp or flashlight
Sunglasses
Hat or cap
Original passport copy
Waterproof dry bag
Zip-lock bags for electronics
Binoculars (highly recommended)
Book Your Amazon Adventure
Ready to go deep?
Your Amazon tour starts in Old Town Quito. Stay at Hotel Casona 1914 the night before departure — we'll connect you with the CarpeDM Adventure team and make sure you're set for the journey. Contact us for pricing and availability.
Contact CarpeDM Adventure: +593 985 341 575 · sales.carpedm@gmail.com
Getting There
Book your bus to Lago Agrio
TuVIPBus departs directly from Hotel Casona 1914 every night at 11:00 PM, arriving in Lago Agrio at 8:00 AM — just in time for the tour start. One-way ticket: $37. Select a departure date below to check availability.
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