The Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve is located in Sucumbíos Province, in the northeastern part of Ecuador’s Amazon region. Covering an area of 590,112 hectares, it is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and is home to endangered species such as the iconic pink river dolphin, the unique hoatzin bird, and the regional eagle, with an impressive wingspan of up to two and a half meters.

After traveling by bus directly to the Cuyabeno Bridge, we will transfer by motorized canoe to our lodge for breakfast and some rest. After lunch, we will take a short acclimatization walk along the Ceibos Trail. Upon returning, we will prepare our tents and other logistics for the following day’s journey. Dinner and overnight stay at Cuyabeno River Lodge.

After an amazing breakfast, we will prepare to depart for the stunning Laguna Grande, where we will enjoy lunch and take a walk around its surroundings. At the end of the day, we will arrive at the community school around 7:00–8:00 pm, where we will stay overnight and learn more about the local culture. Puerto Bolívar

We will start with a delicious traditional native-style breakfast, and then visit three nearby communities to immerse ourselves in their rich culture and traditions. At the end of the day, we will return to the community where we are staying to rest and prepare for what comes next.

After breakfast, we will continue to the Quichua community of Playas de Cuyabeno, where we will enjoy a visit and explore its surroundings. Later, we will return to the community to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit a traditional house, where we will witness authentic traditional dances and cultural performances. We will spend the night in this emblematic place, surrounded by vibrant local culture. Dinner and accommodation included.

After a delicious breakfast, we will continue our journey, passing several military checkpoints along the Aguarico River. Upon arriving at Zancudococha, we will navigate the Zancudo River in search of pink river dolphins and some of the largest and most delicate mammals of the Amazon. With a bit of luck, we may even spot manatees and caimans. We will then set up camp to spend the night in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, followed by a hearty dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast at 8:00 am, we will continue our journey until we reach our destination, Lagartococha. Here, we will have the opportunity to observe pink river dolphins in their natural habitat. We may also spot monkeys, parrots, and macaws, and with careful attention, we could find tracks of mammals such as tapirs, pacas, and jaguars along the way. After lunch, you can enjoy the refreshing waters of Dolphin Cocha, “the Lagoon of the Dolphins,” and find a spot to try piranha fishing. You will also have the chance to swim with the pink river dolphins in the warm waters of the lake. After dinner, depending on weather conditions, river levels, and other factors as determined by the guide, we may go out by canoe to search for caimans. Dinner and overnight camping.

For bird lovers, there will be an opportunity for an early morning walk to experience the majestic sounds of the rainforest at dawn. After this walk, we will return to our camp to enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing along the Aguarico River to reach our camp in Sábalo, home to the Cofan Community. Dinner and overnight camping.

Before breakfast, we will have another opportunity for an early morning walk to observe the differences between the wetland jungle terrain and the dry land terrain. After breakfast, we will visit a lookout tower where you can observe the Amazon rainforest canopy. We will return to the camp for lunch before continuing our journey to visit a traditional Cofan shaman, where we will witness a ceremony and set up camp to spend the night there. Dinner and overnight camping.

After breakfast, we will continue navigating along the Cuyabeno River toward the Aguas Negras region, stopping along the way for a snack. In the Aguas Negras area, we will have the opportunity to search for anacondas. Dinner and overnight camping.

After breakfast, we will continue our return journey and arrive at Laguna Grande, where we will enjoy a refreshing swim and have time to take photographs. After lunch, we will continue to Cuyabeno River Lodge to fully rest after the journey. Rest and accommodation included.

Very early in the morning, we will go birdwatching (optional activity). Please remember to inform the guide the night before so you can be woken up in time for this activity. During this excursion, you may see toucans, macaws, and parrots. Breakfast included. Check-out will be at 11:40 a.m. Afterward, we will head to the Cuyabeno Bridge, where you will board the direct bus or continue by private vehicle.