The Cuyabeno Jungle Adventure departs from Quito on a spectacular 30 minute flight between the volcanoes and out over the upper Amazon to Lago Agrio. The journey continues to the Cuyabeno River and our lodge in the land of the Secoya Indians. Accommodation in Tapir Lodge. We may see tapir and hear the howls of the howler monkey. We will see a great variety of tropical insects such as butterflies and leaf cutter ants...

4 day, 3 night Sample Itinerary:

DAY 1: Meeting point is at Mariscal Sucre International Airport at the national departure information booth. An assistant from the lodge will help you checking in. The flight to Lago Agrio takes about 30 min. The airport is located outside the city; therefore you are not spending any time in Lago Agrio itself. Our private transportation (4x4 vehicles or buses) will drive (2 ˝ - 3 hours) us to “El Puente”, which is the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve. On this way you will have the chance to see a colorful landscape combining rainforest, rivers and small towns; a 40% of this road is paved and the other 60% is dirt road, this means that depending on the weather conditions, we could expect a dusty or muddy road.

Upon arrival at “El Puente” we’ll enjoy our box lunches and continue our trip on motorized dugout canoes (12mts. or 24 ft. long); the entire luggage will be covered in plastic, so it won’t get wet in case it rains. We provide rain ponchos and life vests as well. This narrow river allows us to admire the great variety of flora and fauna. After another 2 ˝ hours driving, we´ll arrive at the lodge around dusk (06:00 PM). Dinner will be served around 19:30. After dinner the guide will give a short briefing of the next day activities, and the needed gear. Overnight in our cozy Tapir Lodge.

DAY 2: Depending on the weather conditions, we can wake up early at 06:00 AM and drive with our canoe, looking for birds and other animals. We would return to the lodge around 8:00 AM. Breakfast (this consisting of eggs, bread, coffee / tea, fresh fruits and Juice) will be served around 08:30 AM. We´ll leave the lodge at 9:30 AM. We´ll provide our passengers with rubber boots. For larger shoe sizes than 11 ˝, please bring your own boots.

We will take our canoe (the passengers should carry life vests and rain ponchos all the time when leaving the Lodge; this will be the only responsibility they get during the tour) and depending on the size of the group (at least in the morning) we´ll take the motor canoe or take the paddle boat (small wood canoe of 5mts or 15ft. long which the indigenous people call Quillas. These small vessels can accommodate up to 4 people + guide. They are very stable). We´ll drive upstream to the “Laguna Grande” (Main lake) enjoying a slow drive in order to catch sight of animals and plants. Usually to get to the lake takes close to 30 minutes (paddle boat 1 hour). Once we get there, we will appreciate this flooded forest also known as Igapo. The trees are growing straight in the water, and many of them, real ancient; offer a perfect habitat for other plants, like Bromeliads, Orquids, Ferns and Cactuses.

We will leave the lake in order to reach solid ground. The path where we will walk today is called Palma Roja “Red Palm”, and used to be part of the scientific Station of the Catholic University. This will be our first encounter with primary forest. This type of forest is the habitat of many terrestrial mammals; these are usually shy or active during the night.

Before we begin walking, there is going to be a speech regarding basic ecology of the rainforest.

This walk shall take close to 3 ˝ hours of hiking. On the way you will find a swampy area. Do not worry, the guide will lead you through the right way. There is an opportunity to admire a big variety of ancient trees, long lianas, giant palms. We’ll also hope to catch sight and hear lots of birds such as woodpeckers, tanagers, macaws, and toucans; and with luck we’ll come across two or three species of monkeys. This hike makes a loop in the forest; we´ll return to the same place the canoe left us. We´ll arrive there at around 01:30 PM. We get in the canoe or boat and drive back to the Lodge. Lunch will be served at the lodge around 2:20 PM, and it’ll be followed by a short resting period of approximately 2 hours. During this time the guest will have the chance to relax in the hammocks, read, to sleep or try some Piranha fishing. We´ll meet again at 17:00 hours at the dock, to take the canoe and drive to “Laguna Grande” again. Once we get to the lake we will make a small drive in the surrounding area to look for birds and other animals. There is the chance as well for swimming. Swimming is perfectly save and relaxing. During all these years we have not heard of anyone (passenger or native) that got attacked by an animal while swimming. Depending on the weather, we can admire a wonderful sunset. We´ll wait on the lake until it gets dark enjoying the noises of the forest. Then with the aid of our flashlights we will look for animals on the shores of the river. Usually in very bright nights (full moon) the chance of finding caimans is very low, but there are other animals that can be found such as birds and snakes. Once more this drive shall take close to 30 minutes. We will get to the Lodge around 07:00 PM. The free time before dinner can be used to take a shower, to have a refreshing drink or to talk with the guide about the animals found during the day. Dinner will be served at 07:45 PM. After dinner depending on weather conditions we can take a small night walk around the lodge looking for frogs and other night wanderers.

DAY 03: Early breakfast at 07:30. After this, we´ll meet at the dock again, once more carrying all the gear. Today we´ll go downstream. We will enjoy a 2 hour-navigation looking at /Morphos/ (giant blue Butterfly), Toucans, Macaws and with some luck monkeys. We will get good glimpses of the surrounding forest. On the way we shall pass the village of Puerto Bolivar where the inhabitants of the area the Siona indians have chosen to live. After 20 minutes we´ll arrive to a small settlement. There we will get to know the Shaman, Alberto and his family. This people belong to the Cofan ethnic group. Nowadays Alberto conceals his time to cure and treat people with his vast knowledge of the medicinal plants. The visit to this place will be used also to walk inside the forest. This forest is the habitat of the tiny Ecuador poison Frog (/Ameerega bilinguis/). We´ll begin our trekking on the river bank. There, a marvelous ancient Kapok tree will meet us. This magnificent specimen is at least 800 years old, and the roots of it are as big as a small room. The path in the forest leads us trough small creeks. In the end (after close to 2 hours) we arrive to the backyard of Alberto’s house. A superb box lunch will be served.

After lunch, Alberto will share some of his time with us. This man carries upon his shoulders more than 50 years of knowledge of the rainforest and the use of medicinal plants. He will explain us his experiences with the forest, other shamans and process of healing people. This short “healing” ceremony should last 40 min approximately. There will be some free time for asking questions to Alberto or simply take some pictures of him. Some handicrafts are available, all of them done by hand and materials of the rain forest.

We say goodbye to the family (close to 3:00 PM) and drive back to Puerto Bolivar. There a Siona family is waiting for us. We will take part in the preparation of the cassava bread (/Manihot esculenta/).This root has always been an essential food supply, and perhaps the main supply of carbohydrates for the indigenous communities of the rainforest. After gathering the Yuca (cassava), it will be peeled off, and grinded. This “paste” is pressed to eliminate the humidity and the starch. The remaining dried product will be cooked in a pan. After some minutes, we obtain a “pancake” of neutral taste.

We say goodbye to the village and drive back to the lodge arriving there usually before dusk. Dinner will be served at around 20:00. After dinner the passengers will be introduced to the crew members who did work during those days. We will be joined by a Goodbye - Passion fruit cocktail. Overnight.

DAY 04: The passengers will be waked up by our staff. Waking up and departure time from the Lodge will be scheduled according to the river, road conditions, the decision of the guide and of course the flight operation from Lago Agrio back to Quito. This information shall be given to the passengers the day before. Breakfast will be served while our staff takes care that the luggage is carried to the canoe. We will leave the Lodge and head our way back to the bridge. Our private transportation is waiting for us. This time, the drive to Lago Agrio should take less. Arrival at the airport and flight back to Quito.

5 day, 4 night Sample Itinerary:

DAY 1: Meeting point is Mariscal Sucre International Airport, at 08:00 AM in the national departure information booth. A Nomadtrek assistant will help you checking in and giving you box lunches. The flight takes about 30 min to Lago Agrio city. The airport is located outside the city; therefore you are not spending any time in Lago Agrio itself. Our private transportation will drive (2 ˝ - 3 hours) us to the bridge( “El Puente”), which is the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve. On this way you will have the chance to see a colorful landscape combining rainforest, rivers and small towns; a 40% of this road is paved and the other 60% is an open road, this means that depending on the weather conditions, we could expect a dusty or muddy road.

On “El Puente” we’ll enjoy our box lunches and continue our trip on canoe. We provide rain Ponchos and life vests as well. This narrow river allows us to admire the wide variety of flora and fauna. After close to 2 ˝ hours driving, we arrive at the lodge around dusk (06:00 PM). Dinner will be served around 19:30. After dinner the guide will give a short explanation of the next day activities, and the needed gear. Overnight in our cozy Tapir Lodge.

DAY 2: Depending on the weather conditions, we can wake up early at 06:00 AM and drive with our canoe, looking for birds and other animals. We would return to the lodge around 8:00 AM. Breakfast (this consisting of eggs, bread, coffee / tea, fresh fruits and Juice) will be served around 08:30 AM. We´ll leave the lodge at 9:30 AM. We´ll provide our passengers with rubber boots. For bigger numbers than 45 EU shoe size, please bring your own boots.

We will take our canoe (the passengers should carry life vests and rain ponchos all the time we are leaving the Lodge, this will be the only responsibility they get during the tour) and depending on the size of the group (at least in the morning) we´ll take the motor canoe or take the paddle boat (small wood canoe of 5mts or 15ft. long which the indigenous people call Quillas. These small vessels can accommodate up to 4 people + guide. They are very stable). We´ll drive upstream to the “Laguna Grande” (Main lake) enjoying a slow drive in order to catch sight of animals and plants. Usually to get to the lake takes close to 30 minutes (paddle boat 1 hour). Once we get there, we will appreciate this flooded forest also known as Igapo. The trees are growing straight in the water, and many of them, real ancient; offer a perfect habitat for other plants, like Bromeliads, Orquids, Ferns and Cactuses.

We will leave the lake in order to reach solid ground. The path where we will walk today is called Palma Roja “Red Palm”, and used to be part of the scientific Station of the Catholic University. These will be our first encounter with primary forest. This type of forest is the habitat of many terrestrial mammals; these are usually shy or active during the night.
Before we begin walking, there is going to be a speech regarding basic ecology of the rainforest.

This walk shall take close to 3 ˝ hours of hiking. On the way you will find a swampy area. Do not worry, the guide will lead you trough the right way. There is an opportunity to admire a big variety of ancient trees, long lianas, giant palms. We’ll also hope to catch sight and hear lots of birds such as woodpeckers, tanagers, macaws, and toucans; and with luck we’ll come across two or three species of monkeys. This hike makes a loop in the forest; we´ll return to the same place the canoe left us. We´ll arrive there at around 01:30 PM. We get in the canoe or boat and drive back to the Lodge. Lunch will be served at the lodge around 2:20 PM, and it’ll be followed by a short resting period of approximately. 2 hours. During this time the guest will have the chance to relax in the hammocks, read, to sleep or try some Piranha fishing.

We´ll meet again at 17:00 hours at the dock, to take the canoe and drive to “Laguna Grande” again. Once we get to the lake we will make a small drive in the surrounding area to look for birds and other animals. There is the chance as well for swimming. Swimming is perfectly save and relaxing. During all this years we have not heard of anyone (passenger or native) that got attacked by an animal while swimming. Depending on the weather, we can admire a wonderful sunset. We´ll wait in the lake until it gets dark enjoying the voices of the forest. Then with the aid of our flashlights we will look for animals on the shores of the river. Usually in very bright nights (full moon) the chance of finding caimans is very low, but there are other animals that can be found such as birds and snakes. Once more this drive shall take close to 30 minutes. We will get to the Lodge around 07:00 PM. This free period before dinner can be used to take a shower, to have refreshing drink or to talk with the guide about the animals found during the day. Dinner will be served at 07:45 PM. After dinner depending on weather conditions we can take a small night walk around the lodge looking for frogs and other night wanderers.

DAY 3: Early breakfast at 07:30. After this, we´ll meet in the dock again, once more carrying all the gear (LV, RB, RP). Today we will drive downstream. We will enjoy a 2 hour-navigation looking at Morphos (giant blue Butterfly), Toucans, Macaws and with some luck monkeys. We will get good glimpses of the surrounding forest. On the way we shall pass the village of Puerto Bolivar where the inhabitants of the area the Siona have chosen to live. After 20 minutes we´ll arrive to a small settlement. There we will get to know the Shaman, Alberto and his family. This people belong to the Cofan ethnic group. Nowadays Alberto conceals his time to cure and treat people with his vast knowledge of the medicinal plants. The visit to this place will be used also to walk inside the forest. This forest is the habitat of the tiny Ecuador poison Frog (Ameerega bilinguis). We´ll begin our Trekking on the river bank. There, a marvelous ancient Kapok tree will meet us. This magnificent specimen is at least 800 years old, and the roots of it are as big as a small room. The path in the forest leads us trough small creeks. In the end (after close to 2 hours) we´ll arrive to the backyard of Alberto’s house. A superb box lunch will be served.

After lunch, Alberto will share some of his time with us. This man carries upon his shoulders more than 50 years of knowledge of the rainforest and the use of medicinal plants. He will explain us his experiences with the forest, other shamans and process of healing people. This short “healing” ceremony should last 40 min approximately. There will be some free time for asking questions to Alberto or simply take some pictures of him. Some handicrafts are available, all of them done by hand and materials of the rain forest.
After all these, we´ll say goodbye to the family (close to 3:00 PM) and drive back to Puerto Bolivar. There awaits a Siona family for us. We will take part in the preparation of the cassava bread (Manihot esculenta).This root has always been an essential food supply, and perhaps the main supply of carbohydrates, for the indigenous communities of the rainforest. After gathering the Yuca (cassava), it will be peeled off, and grinded. This “paste” is pressed to eliminate the humidity and the starch. The remaining dried product will be cooked in a pan. After some minutes, we obtain a “pancake” of neutral taste. We´ll say goodbye to the village and drive back to the lodge arriving there usually before dusk. Dinner will be served at around 20:00. After dinner the passengers will be introduced to the crew members who did work during those days. We will be joined by a Goodbye - Passion fruit cocktail.

The following day begins really early (around 04:00 in the morning), therefore it is recommend to pack all your stuff the same night, in order to get some extra minutes of resting before waking up

DAY 4: Breakfast will be served around 08:00. This day the passengers will have the chance to choose their activities with the guide. There are several options: birdwatching, rowing in the Lake, fishing, or walking in the Forest. According to what you choose, the day will be scheduled to fulfill your interests. Lunch will be served in the Lodge. In the afternoon our passengers will take part in a briefing. Dinner will be served at around 20:00. After dinner the passengers will be introduced to the crew members who did work during those days. We will be joined by a Goodbye - Passion fruit cocktail. Last Overnight at the Tapir Lodge.

DAY 5: The passengers will be waked up by somebody of our Staff. Waking up and departure time of the Lodge, will be scheduled according to the river, road conditions, the decision of the guide and of course the fight. This information shall be given to the passengers the day before. Breakfast will be served while our staff takes care that the luggage is carried to the canoe. We will leave the Lodge and head our way back to the bridge. Our private transportation is waiting for us. This time, the drive to Lago Agrio should take less. Arrival at the airport and flight back to Quito.

A UNIQUE COMBINATION FOR NATURE LOVERS!!!
7 days, 6 nights (by request)
(4 nights lodging & 2 nights camping)

DAY 1: Meeting point is at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, at 08:00 AM in the national departure information booth. A Nomadtrek representative will assist you with flight check in and provide you with your box lunch. The flight duration is about 30 minutes (Boeing / Embraer Aircraft average capacity 100 passengers) to the city of Lago Agrio. The airport is located outside the city; therefore we will not spend much time in Lago Agrio. Our private transportation (pick-up trucks, four wheel drive vehicles or buses) will drive us (2 ˝ - 3 hours) to “El Puente” (The Bridge), which is the entrance to the Cuyabeno Reserve. Throughout this drive you will have the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes created by the combination of rainforest, rivers and small towns; 60% of this road is paved and the following 40% is open road, this means that depending on the weather conditions, we could expect a dusty or muddy road. On “El Puente” we will enjoy our box lunches and continue our trip via motorized canoe (12mts. / 24 ft. long); the luggage will be covered with plastic for protection, to prevent it from getting wet in the event of rain. We will also provide you with rain ponchos and life vests. In this narrow river you will be able to admire some of the wide variety of flora and fauna the Cuyabeno Reserve has to offer. After close to 2 ˝ hours of navigating, we will arrive around dusk to the beautiful Tapir Lodge (05:00-06:00 PM). Dinner will be served at approximately 07:30 PM; after dinner the guide will inform our guest of the next day’s activities, and the required gear. Overnight spent in our cozy and relaxing lodge.

DAY 2: After a good night’s slumber, our day begins with our delicious breakfast, which is served at approximately 07:30 AM. Once breakfast is concluded, we will prepare to depart on our first journey of the day, but first we will provide our guests with rubber boots. At 08:30 AM we will meet at our pier and take our canoe; depending on the size of the group, we may take the motorized canoe or the paddle canoe (small wooden canoe 5mts. / 15ft. in length) which the indigenous inhabitants use as their main source of transportations and call them Quillas. These small yet stable vessels can accommodate up to four passengers and guide. We will navigate upstream to “Laguna Grande” (Big Lake) enjoying a slow ride in order to observe the surrounding Flora and Fauna. Our travel time should be about 30 minutes (paddle canoe 1 hour). Once we get there, we will appreciate this one of a kind Igapo or inundated forest. The Flora that can be found here is quite unique, with macrolobium trees abundant in numbers and ancient of age; which have adapted to the surrounding environment allowing them to grow straight out of the water. These majestic and antique trees create the perfect habitat for other plant life, such as Bromeliads, Orchids, Ferns and Cacti. Once we complete our Igapo excursion, we will travel to "Terra Firme" and begin a trek on a path called Palma Roja “Red Palm”; this path was once part of a scientific research station belonging to the Catholic University. This will be our first encounter with primary rainforest, which is the habitat for many terrestrial mammals; such as Tapirs, Capibaras, Jaguars, Agoutis and many more species native to the rainforest. These creatures are usually shy or active during nocturnal hours. Before our trek begins, there will be brief explanation regarding basic ecology of the rainforest. The duration of this trek is close to 3 ˝ hours. On the way you will come across a swampy area but not to worry, our expert guide will lead you through the right way. There will be the opportunity to admire a variety of ancient trees, long Lianas and Giant Palms. We also hope to have the opportunity to see and hear many species of birds such as Woodpeckers, Tanagers, Macaws, and Toucans; and with luck we will come across two or three species of Monkeys. This trek follows a path that loops around in the rainforest; bringing us back to our point of origin. Our return time should be around 01:30 PM, to take the canoe back to Tapir. Lunch will be served at the lodge at about 02:20 PM, followed by a resting period of approximately 2 hours. During this time guests will have the option to try Piranha fishing or just relax in our hammocks to read or take a “Siesta” (Spanish for nap). At 05:00 PM we will again meet at our pier, and take the canoe to a new area of “Laguna Grande”. Once we get to the lake we will navigate through the surrounding area searching for birds and other animals. The option of swimming is available and it is a perfectly safe and relaxing activity. Depending on the weather, we may be able to admire a breathtaking sunset, as we pass the time enjoying the surrounding symphonies of the rainforest until night fall. Once nighttime joins us, with the aid of our flashlights we will look for animals on the shores of the lake and river. Typically, in very bright nights (full moon) the chances of finding caimans is minimal, however there are other animals that may be found such as birds and tree snakes. Once the evening activities are concluded, we will return to Tapir around 07:00 PM. During this free period before dinner, guests are welcome to take a shower, have refreshing drink at our bar or to chat with the guide about the day’s events. Dinner will be served at 07:45 PM; after dinner depending on the weather conditions we can take a quick night trek around the lodge looking for frogs and other night wanderers. Overnight spent at Tapir Lodge.

DAY 3: After Breakfast, we will start our expedition by taking our canoe and navigating downstream for about 4 hours. A delicious box lunch will be provided. We will search for the perfect camp site on the shores of the Cuyabeno River, where we can settle our tents. Once camp is set up, the afternoon will be spent enjoying a trek through the rainforest. Due to the isolated location the chances to see diurnal mammals is greater, especially during dusk. Enjoy dinner as we overnight at our campsite, making this camping experience unique and memorable.

DAY 4: Early in the morning, we will take the canoe and just glide downstream. This will allow guests to enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and of the animals beginning their day. Breakfast will be served in the heart of the rainforest. There will be a 4 hour trek in the rainforest; in this area we will have the opportunity to search for and find birds such as: Herons, Egrets, Curassows, Hawks, Screaming Pihas, Oropendolas, Fly catchers and King Fishers, as well as different species of Monkeys. We will return to camp where lunch will be served. After lunch, there will be resting period of a couple of hours. In the afternoon we will take the canoe along the Cuyabeno River for more bird watching until night fall. Once the night settles, with the aid of our flashlights we will search for caimans and other nocturnal animals engaging in their night time activities. Return to campsite for dinner, overnight at campsite.

DAY 5: After an early breakfast, while enjoying the mood of the rainforest, we will begin disassembling the camp site. Heading upstream, we will once again navigate following the Cuyabeno River. During our return we will stop at a small settlement. Here we will have the opportunity to visit and meet Alberto the local Shaman, as well as his family. These natives belong to the Cofan ethnic group. Presently Alberto spends part of his time curing and treating the local inhabitants with his vast knowledge of medicinal plants. This humble man carries with in him more than 50 years of wisdom and knowledge regarding the rainforest and the use of medicinal plants. He will share with us some of the many experiences he has had with the rainforest, other shamans and process of healing people. For our interested guests, you can participate in a “healing” ceremony which should last about 40 minutes. There will be some free time to ask Alberto questions or simply take pictures of and with him. Handcrafts are available for purchase, all of them crafted out of materials provided and obtained in the rainforest. We say goodbye to Alberto and his family (about 03:00 PM) and navigate to Puerto Bolivar. There we will be greeted by a local Siona family, where we will take part in the preparation of Cassava Bread. The Yuca (Cassava) Root (Manihot Esculenta) has always been an essential food supply and perhaps the main source of carbohydrates for the indigenous communities of the rainforest. After gathering the Yuca (Cassava), it will be peeled and grinded into a paste; this “paste” is then pressed to eliminate the humidity and the starch. The remaining dried product will be fried in a pan for a few minutes; obtaining a “pancake like bread” of neutral taste which we will be able to sample. We say goodbye to the village and navigate back to Tapir arriving just before dusk. Dinner will be served at around 08:00 PM. Overnight spent at Tapir Lodge.

DAY 6: Breakfast will be served at 07:30 AM. On this day, guests will have the option to choose their activities with the guide. Several options are available: bird watching, canoeing in the lake, fishing, or trekking in the rainforest. According to the type of activity you choose, the day will be scheduled to fulfill your interest. Lunch will be served at Tapir. In the afternoon our guests can enjoy some leisure time and enjoy the last Sunset over the lake. Dinner will be served at around 08:00 PM. After dinner we will serve and enjoy a farewell Passion Fruit Cocktail, as we take a little time to introduce our hard working, attentive and diligent staff members; whom without their cooperation, assistance and courteous service Tapir Lodge could not provide our guests with the first-class service we trust you will receive from your first day with us. Confident that we will meet and exceed your expectations we hope that your stay with us is a pleasant and comfortable one, making your experience at Tapir memorable and one of a kind. Overnight spent at Tapir.

DAY 7: Breakfast will be served at 08:00 AM. After breakfast we will coordinate and schedule your departure from Tapir. Departure time is generally between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM depending on flight times, river and road conditions as well as the guide’s decision. Our staff will attend to the luggage as they make sure it is all loaded onto the canoe. We will depart Tapir and make our way back to the bridge. Our private transportation will be waiting for us. Drive back to Lago Agrio. Arrive to airport.