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5 Days from$489 p/p in USD -
DeparturesYear Round
Destinations
Ecuador,
Tour Type
Guided, Small Group
Safari Standard
Mid Range
Tour Overview
General Information
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Safari types:Birding Safari, Cultural Safari, Family Safari, Jungle Safari, Wildlife Safari
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You will visit:Amazon Basin, Cajas National Park, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
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Wildlife:Birds, Macaws, Toucans, Parrots, Howler Monkey, Giant Otter, Sloth, Pink River Dolphin, Caiman, Snakes, Frogs, Butterflies, Tapir, Anaconda, Turtle, Jaguar, Capybara
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Activities:Walking Safari, Canoe, Nature Walk, Village Visit, Birding, Cultural Experience, Swimming, Culinary Experience
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Getting around:Transfer Vehicle, Bus, Canoe
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Start/end:Start in Quito, end in Quito
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Minimum age:5
The Lodge
Our lodge was built in the traditional Indian style of the jungle. We offer big huts with thatched roofs, 15 spacious rooms that can be used for double, triple, quadruple, quintuple, or familiar accommodation with single and matrimonial beds all with mosquito nets to keep you safe from biting insects during your rest. All rooms have private bathrooms with showers hot water and flushing toilets. The huts have balcony areas to relax and observe nature; in the early morning we wake up with the singing of the birds and we go to bed with the nocturnal sounds of the rain-forest.
The water treatment, the environmental solid and liquid waste disposal, and the biodegradable treatment such as the approved fire safety devices and procedures are very important for this eco-lodge. Electricity is provided for lighting and to recharge batteries 110.
Tranportation
Embark on a thrilling journey as your adventure begins at our convenient pick-up points. Settle into our comfortable overnight shuttle bus for a 12-hour scenic drive to the Cuyabeno Bridge. Upon arrival, our dedicated lodge staff awaits, ready to kickstart your Amazonian adventure. Experience the magic of the rainforest, encounter diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in indigenous culture. For a seamless return, we’ll pick you up from the Cuyabeno Bridge, ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey back to your starting point in Quito by around 9 PM. Let the allure of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve captivate you from the moment you step on board.
Note:
DEPARTURES: Monday, Thursday and Friday OR daily for groups of 6 or more participants
Rates – Per Person USD
USD 550 per person
NB All services not listed in the private excursions can be arranged upon request and at extra cost according to your interests, such as jungle walks, and canoe tours with your naturalist bilingual guide or a local guide from the Siona community.
What's Included
- Overnight Shuttle bus from Quito to el Puente de Cuyabeno and back
- Private transportation from Lago Agrio – El Puente de Cuyabeno – Lago Agrio
- Transport by motor canoe from El Puente de Cuyabeno to the lodge, during the excursions and from the lodge to El Puente de Cuyabeno
- Naturalist bilingual guide (English and Spanish) during all excursions
- 4 nights of accommodation in a comfortable lodge of tourist class with mosquito nets and a private bathroom
- All mentioned meals, purified drinking water, coffee and tea, vegetarian food if you require
- Life jackets and rubber boots (up to size 45 – from size 45 on request without additional costs)
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Visit to the Siona family in Cuyabeno ( $ 5 per person; to be paid locally)
- Rain poncho
- Additional drinks and meals
- Single supplement
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- All short-term price increases regarding fees and taxes
Disclaimer
- This itinerary is owned and delivered by ‘Responsible Travel‘
- All prices are ‘From’ and may vary at the time of booking
- Display price is usually based on two people sharing
- ‘Responsible Travel‘ reserves the right to change the content and price of the itinerary
- All itineraries and services are subject to availability
Day by Day Overview
After your overnight shuttle bus to the Puente de Cuyabeno In the morning, ‘El Puente’, the main access to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and the last place in civilization. Here you will have lunch (box lunch).
Afterward, drive in a motorized canoe on the Cuyabeno River for about 2 hours until you reach the lodge. With a little luck, you can already observe the first monkeys and bird species on the way. The river is extremely narrow in this region and allows you to experience the wildlife up close. After you arrive at the lodge, you will have time to recover and go on your first exploratory tour in the lodge’s surroundings. After dinner, your bilingual guide will inform you about the activities for the following days.
Early in the morning you will explore and observe some species of monkeys and birds, activities of the awakening tropical forest. Breakfast then after a relaxing time you will hike through the rain forest with your guide as he shares his knowledge and experiences with you. You will learn how the most diverse life forms can coexist in the jungle and survive side by side within a delicate balance. Watch out for colorful butterflies, frogs and birds as you learn more about the great variety of flora. Later you will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon you will take a trip on the Cuyabeno River, which will lead you through the dense forest landscape. You will be able to observe the wildlife found on the river banks, especially monkeys, macaws, toucans and sloths. Here you also have good chances to see pink river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis) in the impressive river landscape. Before dinner, after dusk, you will explore the lodge’s surroundings to look for nocturnal animals which become active when the sun sets, such as insects, spiders, snakes and frogs.
Early morning excursion, you will have a canoe ride to enjoy the awake of the nature. After having your breakfast, you will take a motorized canoe to visit the Seoqueya community, home to some Siona indigenous families. The family members will show you how to make ‘Cassave’ (typical Yuca bread for the region). Your guide will explain the local customs and traditions of their past and present culture while we have lunch. Later return to the lodge.
In the afternoon you will travel by motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River to the Laguna Grande. As you explore the lagoon, you will get to know ‘Igapó’, the flooded rainforest. This is a very special rainforest ecosystem dominated by giant macrolobium trees which, provide habitat for epiphytes and specialized bird species. After exploring the lagoon, you can refresh yourself off with a swim in the calm waters while watching the spectacular sunset of the Amazon. Later you will continue your adventure and observe the nocturnal fauna of the river landscape. In particular, watch out for caimans, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
This morning you have the opportunity to make an additional excursion, either by canoe or hiking. The choice depends on the weather conditions and the interests of the group. After breakfast, explore a pristine stretch of the jungle with your guide. He will tell you more about the medicinal use of the flora as it has been used by native cultures for generations. At lunchtime, return to the lodge for a rest. In the afternoon, you will be able to explore the Cuyabeno River by paddle canoe and enjoy the views of the exceptional scenery and listen to the sounds of the jungle as you watch out for the exotic local exotic species.
Today’s morning excursion includes a short trip by canoe. Take advantage of the early morning hours to observe the animals during their morning activities and to say goodbye to the jungle. After breakfast at the lodge, you will have sufficient time to pack up your luggage for the return journey. The ride takes us upstream back to the civilization, ‘El Puente de Cuyabeno’. After lunch (box lunch), your shuttle bus will be waiting for you to head back to Quito.
B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / BL: Box Lunch / D: Dinner
NB: Please read all routes only as a guideline. All routes and programs are subject to change without notice due to national park regulations, weather conditions, natural events, seasonal changes, or security reasons. Flexibility is the key to the success of every tour. The safety of our passengers is our top priority.
Customer Reviews (1)
Amazing experience in the Amazon region
A lifetime experience. The Nicky Lodge was amazing. The accomodation was great, cozy and we felt at home there. All the staff were very welcoming and the food was great. The daily tours were adventurous and exciting. We saw so many different animals, tried various medicinal plants and learned a lot about the culture and the spirit of the jungle.
The organisation of the tour was done via Whats App and everything went so well. Jacky was a great help. She answered all our questions immediately and even helped us with general traveling questions around Ecuador. =)
