The area takes its name from the Cuyabeno River, which overflows, giving rise to a complex of 14 lagoons and forming the largest wetland in the Ecuadorian Amazon. These flooded forests are home to dolphins, manatees, caimans, anacondas and otters, and the water guarango, the most unique tree in the reserve. Here there are communities of Siona, Secoya, Cofán, Kichwa and Shuar indigenous people, it is one of the protected areas with the greatest cultural diversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon.