BEST OF THE ECUADORIAN RAINFOREST
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
ITINERARY
Embark on an epic journey through the Ecuadorian Amazon, spanning 600 km across Aguarico, Lagarto Cocha, and Napo rivers, offering prime wildlife sightings. Explore the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, discover Iripari Lake, and witness the pink freshwater Dolphin on this unforgettable expedition, culminating at the majestic Napo River in Coca city.
DAY 1 – Journey to Zancudo Kichwa Native Community
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Morning Drive: Depart from Lago Agrio for a 2-hour drive to “Tierras Orientales” Village along the Aguarico River shore.
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River Navigation: Embark on a scenic motorized canoe journey downstream to the mouth of the Cuyabeno River, a captivating blackwater tributary of the Aguarico, offering chances to spot the elusive pink Freshwater Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis).
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Picnic Lunch & Exploration: Pause for a delightful picnic lunch and perhaps a refreshing swim before continuing downstream along the Aguarico River to the Zancudo Kichwa Native Community territory.
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Accommodation: Stay in a rustic yet comfortable lodge by the river, offering a warm welcome cocktail and dinner.
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Daily Navigation Time: Approximately 5 hours.
DAY 2 - Explore Zancudo Cocha Lake
- Morning Journey: Depart camp and navigate by motorized canoe to a narrow creek, continuing until reaching the expansive Zancudo Cocha Lake, the largest black water lake in the Ecuadorian Amazon, spanning 2.7 km across.
- Camp Setup & Lunch: Upon arrival, set up camp and enjoy a satisfying lunch followed by leisure time to relax and appreciate the surroundings.
- Afternoon Exploration: Navigate the area, exploring the lake’s expanse and enjoying a refreshing swim. Witness a stunning sunset before returning to camp.
- Night Wildlife Search: By motorized canoe, explore slowly to observe nocturnal wildlife like night birds, snakes, bats, caimans, and frogs.
- Return & Dinner: Return to the campsite for dinner. Overnight stay in tents.
- Daily Navigation Time: Approximately 3 hours.
DAY 3 - Rainforest Hike and Lake Exploration
- Morning Rainforest Hike: Begin the day with a guided hike through the biodiverse primary Amazon rainforest. Learn about crucial plants for indigenous survival and spot diverse wildlife along the trek.
- Lunch & Relaxation: Enjoy lunch and leisure time for relaxation after the hike.
- Zancudo Lake Exploration: Navigate the captivating Zancudo (Iripari) lake. Engage in Piranha fishing and explore the scenic beauty of the lake.
- Return & Dinner: Head back to the campsite for dinner and spend the night in tents.
DAY 4 – Exploring Lagarto Cocha River and Delfin Cocha Lake
- Morning River Navigation: Depart after breakfast by motorized canoe downstream along the Aguarico river towards Lagarto Cocha river, a picturesque border between Peru and Ecuador.
- Exploring Lagarto River: Navigate upstream along the Lagarto River to explore the scenic system of rivers and lakes. Arrive at Delfin Cocha Lake, known for sightings of Pink and Grey River Dolphins.
- Picnic Lunch & Camp Setup: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lake. Afternoon activities include setting up camp by the Lagarto Cocha River.
- Wildlife Search: Late afternoon exploration on the Lagarto River, seeking new wildlife species. Evening navigation back to camp for dinner, searching for night wildlife en route.
- Return to Camp: Return to the campsite for dinner and spend the night in tents by the Lagarto Cocha River.
- Daily Navigation Time: Approximately 4 hours.
DAY 5 – Exploring Remote Rainforest and Secoya Indigenous Community
- Morning Exploration: Early morning bird watching and immersion in the Rainforest soundscape.
- Upstream River Navigation: After breakfast, continue navigating up the river, delving deeper into the pristine rainforest, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities such as various bird species, monkeys, and other wildlife inhabiting the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.
- Visit to Secoya Indigenous Community: Reach a remote Secoya Indigenous Community known for their ancestral knowledge about the environment, flora, and fauna.
- Casabe Bread Making Experience: Participate in the traditional preparation of Casabe bread from extracting roots to the final bread product. Enjoy a picnic lunch featuring Casabe bread, a significant part of the Indigenous people’s diet.
- Return to Camp: Journey back to the campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 6 – Exploring the Rivers and Nuevo Rocafuerte
- Morning River Navigation: After breakfast, break camp and slowly navigate downstream along Lagarto River towards the Aguarico River, providing further wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Napo River Exploration: Continue by motorized canoe downstream along the Aguarico River, reaching the significant Napo River, a major tributary of the Amazon River. Navigate upstream on Napo River to Nuevo Rocafuerte, the last Ecuadorian village before the Peru border.
- Picnic Lunch and Village Exploration: Enjoy a picnic lunch during the navigation. Upon arrival at Nuevo Rocafuerte, take the time to relax and explore this tranquil village with stunning views of the Napo River.
- Accommodation: Spend the night in a hostel in Nuevo Rocafuerte and enjoy dinner.
- Daily Navigation Time: Approximately 4 hours.
DAY 7 – Yasuni River Exploration and Lodge Transfer
- Morning River Exploration: Begin with an early breakfast and a short but engaging motorized canoe trip along the nearby Yasuni River within the Yasuni National Park. This offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Return to the Village and Departure: Return to Nuevo Rocafuerte Village to prepare for departure.
- Napo River Speed Boat Journey: Board a speed boat and navigate upstream on the Napo River to reach the next lodge located at the shore of the Napo River.
- Farewell Dinner and Lodge Stay: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the lodge and spend the night there.
- Daily Navigation Time: Approximately 5 hours.
DAY 8 – Departure from Napo River to Coca City
- Morning Departure: Commence the day with an early breakfast and then board a motorized canoe on the Napo River.
- Transfer to Coca City: Journey along the Napo River to reach Coca City.
- Departure from Coca: Upon arrival at Coca City, transfer to the airport or bus station for your onward travel arrangements.
- Daily Navigation Time:Approximately 1 hour on the Napo River.
GET READY FOR THE BEST OF ECUADORIAN RAINFOREST!
Prepare for an extraordinary adventure exploring the best of the Ecuadorian Rainforest within Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve! Vital information to ensure a comprehensive and captivating experience:
- How to Get There
- During Your Stay
- What to Bring
- What Is Included
- What Is Not Included
Equip yourself for an immersive rainforest experience! Discover these essential details to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Best of Ecuadorian Rainforest Adventure.
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)