ACTIVE CANOEING CUYABENO RIVER
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
ITINERARY
Engage in an invigorating 6-day odyssey through the Amazon Rainforest, immersing yourself in nature’s wonders. Traverse picturesque rivers, visit indigenous communities, and camp amidst pristine wilderness for an unparalleled active canoeing adventure!
DAY 1 – Lago Agrio to Cocha Grande Lagoon
- Morning: Depart from Lago Agrio for a 2-hour drive to the Cuyabeno River shore (El Puente). Board a motorized canoe to navigate downstream to “Paso del Tigre” for lunch.
- Afternoon: Receive a briefing and safety procedures for paddling canoes. Begin paddling downstream along the scenic Blackwater River, offering excellent wildlife observation opportunities, including Monkeys, Parrots, and Macaws. After approximately 4 hours of canoeing, arrive at the first Lodge near Cocha Grande Lagoon. Unload boats, settle into cabins with private bathrooms, and enjoy a welcome drink.
- Evening: Navigate to spot wildlife, including Caymans (alligators).
- Measl included: Lunch and dinner
- Paddling Distance: 15 Km (9 miles)
DAY 2 - Cocha Grande Lagoon to Lodge 2
- Morning: Wake up to the sounds of diverse bird species in the pristine Rain Forest. After breakfast, paddle among the stunning Macrolobium trees in Cocha Grande Lagoon, the largest among the 14 lakes in the flooded forest system. Enjoy a refreshing swim and, with luck, spot the legendary freshwater Pink Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis). Take a walk in the primary forest.
- Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch. Load the boats and begin paddling downstream along the Cuyabeno River for about 4 hours to reach the second Lodge. Accommodation will be in cabins with private bathrooms.
- Evening: Relax upon arrival at Lodge 2. Take a short hike to observe giant insects, spiders, snakes, and experience the vibrant night sounds of the Amazon.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Paddling Distance: 15 Km (9 miles)
DAY 3 - Siona Indigenous Community Exploration and Campsite Arrival
- Morning: Following breakfast, paddle a short distance then embark on a 2 km hike to reach the Siona Indigenous Community. Participate in the making of Casabe bread, a significant part of their traditional diet. Lunch will include Casabe bread. Engage with a medicine man or “Shaman” to learn about their native traditions and culture.
- Afternoon: Return to the Lodge for lunch and prepare for departure. Load the boats and paddle approximately 3.5 hours to reach the campsite at the river’s shore. Accommodation will be in single or double tents.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Paddling Distance: 14 Km (8.8 miles)
DAY 4 – Rainforest Hike, Cacao Plantation Visit, and River Journey
- Morning: Begin the day with an early breakfast followed by a wildlife-focused hike near the camp. Explore the Amazon Rainforest ecosystem and visit a small cacao plantation for insight into cocoa cultivation.
- Midday: After returning, dismantle the camp, load the boats, and commence paddling toward Puerto Montufar campsite. This approximately 5-hour journey heads east into the untouched Rainforest. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.
- Afternoon: Arriving late afternoon, take advantage of the pristine setting with a refreshing swim in the river.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Paddling Distance: 22 Km (13.6 miles)
DAY 5 – River Navigation, Fishing, and Night Hike
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Morning: After breakfast, disassemble the camp, load the motorized canoe, and embark on a leisurely downstream journey along the Cuyabeno River towards the comfortable Aguas Negras River Lodge. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
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Midday: Lunch at the Lodge, followed by relaxation time.
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Afternoon: Try your hand at fishing Piranhas in the serene surroundings. Later in the evening, embark on a second hike to witness the captivating Amazonian night life with opportunities to spot giant insects, spiders, snakes, and more. Return to the Lodge.
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Evening: Enjoy a farewell drink and dinner.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Navigation Distance: 28 Km (17.5 miles)
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Optional: Paddle from Puerto Montufar Campsite to Aguas Negras River Lodge (6 hours)
DAY 6 – Birdwatching, Sightseeing, and Return Journey
- Morning: Early exploration via motorized canoe to “Saladero” or Salt Licks, a natural site where various Parrot species gather in large numbers. If conditions are favorable, witness this captivating natural spectacle. After breakfast, prepare for departure.
- Midday: Travel downstream along the Cuyabeno River to its convergence with the Aguarico River, offering ample opportunities to spot wildlife, including freshwater dolphins. En route, make a stop to visit an impressive observation tower built around a giant Seibo Tree. Continue upstream along the white waters of the Aguarico River.
- Afternoon: Arrive at the Secoya Native territory for a picnic lunch. Then, a short canoe trip leads to Tierras Orientales village. From there, your car will drive back to the City of Lago Agrio (expected arrival around 3-4 pm) for your onward transportation to Quito.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
- Daily Navigation Time & Distance: 3.5 hours on 94 Km (59 miles) by motorized canoe.
GEAR UP FOR YOUR ACTIVE CANOEING EXPEDITION!
Prepare for an exhilarating and active canoeing experience within the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve! Vital information to ensure a comfortable and thrilling adventure:
- How to Get There
- During Your Stay
- What to Bring
- What Is Included
- What Is Not Included
Equip yourself for an adrenaline-fueled canoeing escapade! Discover these essential details to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Active Canoeing Expedition.
PRICES & DEPARTURES
Full Adventure Programs
(prices 2024 per person in USD)
- Active Canoeing (Paddling) Cuyabeno - 6 days
- Pink Dolphin Trail - 6 days ( Special offer)
- The Best of Ecuadorian Amazon - 8 days
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Info: 5 days canoeing downstream Cuyabeno river
Accomodation:
- first 2 nights stay in a lodge with private bathroom
- 2 nights comfortable camping
- 1 night at at Aguas Negras Lodge
Min. no of Participants: 2 people
Price per Person:
- 1290 USD (up to 2 people)
- 990 USD (from 3 people)
- 960 USD (from 4 people or more)
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Info: Aguarico river, Zancudo lagoon, Lagarto cocha river
Accomodation:
- incl. 4 nights comfortable camping
- 1 last night stay in a Lodge with private bathroom
Min. no of Participants: 2 people
Price per Person:
- 1100 USD (up to 2 people)
- 820 USD (from 3 people)
- 740 USD (from 4 people or more)
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Itinerary: Lago Agrio, Aguarico river, Zancudo Lagoon, Lagarto cocha river, Cocaya river, Napo River, Nueva Rocafuerte Village, Coca City.
Accomodation:
- 1 night in a lodge
- 5 nights comfortable camping
- 1 last night in a Hostal in Nuewva Rocafuerte
Min. no of Participants: 2 people
Price per Person:
- 1990 USD (up to 2 people)
- 1590USD (from 3 people)
- 1290USD (from 4 people or more)
* Full Adventure programs guaranteed departures with a minimum of 2 people
Departure / Arrival informations:
- Departure date: any day of the week subject to availability
- Arrival / Departure Airport:
(If you travel by plane to coca, you must take the morning flight and you can start your jungle trip the same day.)- Coca city airport: flights available, we will pick you up from the airport in Coca.
- Pick-up/Drop-off in Coca city incurs an additional charge of $60 for your group. No extra fees apply for Lago Agrio city.
- No flights available to Lago Agrio.
- Coca city airport: flights available, we will pick you up from the airport in Coca.
- If you travel by car, you must be in the cities of coca or lago agrio on the departure date at 9am
Please contact us:
- in case of any special arrival or departure time.
- regular programs private groups (for a quotation)