6 Day Lagartococha Adventure Wildlife Tour in Cuyabeno Reserve in Ecuador
Lagartococha Adventure Wildlife Tour in Cuyabeno Reserve in Ecuador
Discover the breathtaking Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, a hidden gem in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Immerse yourself in its lush rainforest, winding rivers, and diverse wildlife, from pink dolphins to colorful macaws. Navigate its mysterious lagoons, guided by expert locals who unveil the secrets of this untouched paradise. Every step brings an encounter with nature’s raw beauty, offering a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you seek thrilling canoe rides or peaceful nights under a starlit sky, Cuyabeno promises an unforgettable journey. Are you ready to answer the call of the wild?
Key information
- Group safari
- Minimum of 2 and maximum of 12 persons
- Children from the age of 12 years old are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian
- Starting point and ending point: Quito
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the Kichwa community
- See pink river dolphins, monkeys, caimans, nocturnal animals
- Navigate the Aguarico River, go on a night adventure walk
- River transportation by canoe
- Enjoy the landscapes of Cuyabeno Reserve, listen to the noises of the jungle
- Take a breath while enjoying the Lagartocha Lagoon
- 5 nights accommodation with camping equipment
- All meals and purified water
Skill level
- Intermediate
Styles
Accommodation
You will be staying in various accommodations. They work with hotels that have excellent service, they offer from budget to first class. This type of adventure trip implies that showers will be shared.
- Day 1 - 4: Campsites
- Day 5: El Coca
Program
Day 1: Transfer from your hotel In Quito-to-Quito Airport - Flight to Coca - Aguarico River navigation - Kiwcha Campsite
After breakfast, you will have your transfer to the airport. The experience starts with a 30-minute flight (on average) from Quito to the Coca airport. Upon arrival, the guide takes you all on a short bus ride to the Napo River pier.
Start of the tour – Navigation along the Aguarico river
At 12:15 pm, you set off from Tierras Orientales, taking an alternate route into the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Enjoy a delicious box lunch as you navigate the Aguarico River, characterized by its white waters and surrounded by local communities including the Secoya and the Shuar Indigenous nationalities.
After about 3 hours of navigation, you enter the Cuyabeno River, a black water river teeming with biodiversity, a good chance to observe the pink river dolphins as you glide through the stunning scenery.
Upon reaching your first campsite, they’ll set up the camping equipment, immerse yourselves in the jungle atmosphere. Later, explore the tropical rainforest and ascend the Kichwa Tower for breathtaking views of the forest canopy. Here, you can spot various bird species while enjoying the beautiful sunset.
As night falls, embark on a guided walk to discover the nocturnal life of the rainforest. Listen to the sounds of insects, frogs, and snakes, gaining insight into the vibrant ecosystem around you. After a hearty dinner, gather for a briefing with your guide, who will outline the exciting activities planned for the next day.
- Meals: Lunch / dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
Day 2: Kichwa Territory – Downstream the Aguarico - Lagartococha
Awake to the sounds of the rainforest and join them for an early morning activity to search for monkeys and various bird species. This is the perfect time to appreciate the vibrant wildlife that thrives in the Amazon Basin.
After a delicious and healthy breakfast, you'll enjoy a walk through the rainforest exploring this incredible ecosystem. You'll learn how the myriad life forms coexist and thrive in a delicate balance. You'll also learn about the use of medicinal plants.
Return to the campsite. After, you’ll continue your journey downstream to the confluence of the Cuyabeno and Aguarico rivers stop to observe the stunning union of the black water and white-water rivers.
Journey to Lagartococha River
You’ll navigate for approximately 3 and a half hours towards the Peruvian border, making your way to the Lagartococha River. Enjoy a box lunch along the way, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Following the Lagartococha River upstream, you will reach your second campsite, nestled deep within the remote jungle. Here, you’ll access flooded areas formed by a network of lagoons and small rivers.
Take the opportunity to explore the interconnected lagoons and black water rivers, experiencing the diverse ecosystems of the flooded and Varzea areas of the tropical rainforest. This is a chance to witness the unique flora and fauna that thrive in these environments. Later, you'll swim close to the pink dolphins.
After dinner, feedback with more information about the experiences of this days.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
Day 3: Remote community visit - Night excursion
Start your day with an early morning canoe ride, immersing yourself in the sounds and sights of nature awakening around you. This peaceful experience is a perfect way to appreciate the beauty of the Amazon. There's also a good chance to observe some species of monkeys such as red howler monkey, saki monkey and others.
Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, then you’ll navigate upstream along the Lagartococha River towards the Secoya community in Puerto Estrella, located on the border of Peru and Ecuador.
Upon arrival, the Secoya people will warmly welcome you, sharing their rich customs and traditions passed down through generations. Engage with community members and learn about their way of life, including a fascinating demonstration by Secoya women on how to prepare traditional cassabe bread.
After your cultural exchange, you’ll return to campsite. As evening falls, prepare for an exciting canoe excursion in search of caimans. Glide silently through the waters, keeping your eyes peeled for these fascinating reptiles and other nocturnal wildlife.
Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at the camp, sharing stories and experiences with fellow travelers under the stars. Get ready for another unforgettable day in the heart of the Amazon!
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
Day 4: Zancudococha Lake Exploration
After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to the Aguarico River. Enjoy a scenic almost 2 hours canoe ride as you navigate through the lush rainforest.
Next, you’ll visit Zancudococha Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Here, you can explore the lake's surroundings, spotting various bird species and fish that inhabit these waters. Box lunch enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the lake, taking a moment to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue your journey upstream along the Aguarico River, navigating for approximately 3 hours until you reach your final campsite on the Cuyabeno River. Upon arrival, you’ll have some free time to relax and unwind in this serene setting. Enjoy the sounds of the rainforest as you reflect on your incredible journey.
After a delicious dinner, you have the option to join a night walk, where you can explore the jungle under the stars and encounter the fascinating nocturnal life of the Amazon. Prepare for a day filled with exploration and relaxation as you soak in the beauty of the rainforest!
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
Day 5: Return to Tierras Orientales / El Coca
After an early breakfast, you’ll begin your final navigation upstream along the Aguarico River, enjoying the last breathtaking views of the Amazon Basin.
They expect to arrive at Tierras Orientales around 11:30 am. This is your last chance to appreciate the stunning landscape before transitioning back to civilization.
They’ll drop you off in Coca, where you’ll spend the night before catching your flight the next day at 10:00 am.
- Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
- Accommodation: El Coca
Day 6: Return to Quito
You will be transferred to the airport to take your flight. Once in Quito, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast
Important Info: Itineraries are subject to change due to many different elements such as weather, park authorities, and regulations, airline operations out of control, guide experience, and safety concerns.
Location
The wildlife tour will take place in the Amazon Rainforest, with stops to the Aguarico river, Lagartococha River, Zancudococha Lake, and Tierras Orientales.
Food
The package includes daily breakfast, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. Please let them know if you have any other dietary requirements.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Pescatarian
- Seafood
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
- You can extend the itinerary and visit the Amazon Rainforest for 4 days more
- You can extend the itinerary and visit the Enchanted Galapagos Islands for 4 days more
What's included
- River transportation by canoe
- Bilingual naturalist guide (legally authorized by the Ministry of Tourism) trained in Eco-tourism
- Camping equipment, plus all bedding for long expeditions (mats, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels)
- Personal equipment: life jackets and rubber boots (up to size 45 - from size 45 and up, on request before the excursion at no extra cost)
- 5 nights accommodation
- All meals from lunch on the first day to box lunch on the last day (can cater for vegetarians)
- Purified water
- Tea and coffee available at the campsites
- Flight to and from Quito - El Coca - Quito
- Transportation from Coca Airport - Tierras Orientales - El Coca
- Airport transfers
What's not included
- Airfare to Quito
- 7 USD for the visit to the Kichwa tower (to be paid on site)
- 10 USD for the visit to the Secoya Community
- Additional drinks and meals
- Individual supplement
- Tips and gratuities
- Insurance and personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Mariscal Sucre International Airport
348 km
Transfer included
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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