Amazon
Amazon
OUTSTANDING
JUNGLE EXPERIENCE
IN THE CUYABENO WILD LIFE RESERVE
The Amazon, measuring 6.5 million square kilometers (approximately 2.5 million square miles) is the largest tropical ecosystem and contains the biggest network of rivers and lakes, which constitute 20% of the earth’s freshwater.
The highest levels of bio diversity in the whole of the Amazon Basin and the world have been recorded in the Ecuadorian Jungle. Approximately a third of the 1800 species of birds that exist in the tropical Amazon Jungle can be found here in this rainforest. It is a bird paradise.
Lush, green jungle lies below, in this area of pristine beauty. It is a heaven to be explored with its impressive vegetation and humid, earthy odor, along with the song of hidden frogs, darting birds, the wind-like cries of howler monkeys and the constant buzzing and chirping of fascinating variety of insects. Just as a sample, more than 250 species of mammals inhabit the rainforest. In addition, the abundant rivers and lakes are home to 2 species of freshwater dolphins, as well as 4 species of piranhas, and the gigantic paiche (Arapaima), measuring up to 3 meters in length.
With the aim of preserving the rainforest, a national park, Parque Nacional Yasuní, as well as the two reserves of Cuyabeno and Limoncocha protect approximately 1 million hectares of rich Ecuadorian Amazon. The Amazon region is also home to eight indigenous communities: The Cofanes, the Shuaras, the Huaoranis, the Secoyas, the Sionas, the Achuar, the Quichuas and the Zaparos. Visitors to the Amazon have the opportunity to discover some of the ancient traditions of these native people, as well as receiving the benefit from their vast knowledge and understanding of their environment. In our guide’s strive to establish eco tourism, they, as well as we believe that the participation of the indigenous communities in their work is fundamental, in order to keep this mutual collaboration and respect between visitors to the rainforest and their native hosts.
The Cuyabeno Reserve of High Faunistic Production is located on the northwest side of Quito; it's indeed one of the richest zones of bio diversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon Jungle. Because the Cuyabeno Faunistic Reserve belongs to the National Protected Areas System, run by INEFAN (governmental office in charge of wild-life conservation), very few Tour Operators are qualified to work in this zone, reason enough not to find a lot of tourists visiting this area.
In our daily activities we can hike through the jungle accompanied by our naturalist guide, who is always ready to teach you about the secrets of this enchanted jungle. In the afternoon we combine our trips with a very pleasant bath in the lakes, and also the great experience of fishing piranhas.
January 24 – Arrive and overnight in Quito. (Lodging in Quito Jan. 24 included.)
January 25– Meet in morning for breakfast (included) and enjoy half day city tour. Remainder of day is free to rest or explore.
January 26– Meet in morning for breakfast (included) and transfer to airport for Quito – Lago Agrio flight. After arrival in Lago Agrio, we will be met and driven to "El Puente" (entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve). Box lunch on the way. Canoe ride down the Cuyabeno River admiring the wide variety of Flora and Fauna. Dinner and overnight in Tapir Lodge.
January 27 - After breakfast we will explore the primary forest, learning about the endemic flora and fauna in the area. Our first excursion will be a 3 hour walk in the primary forest and the nearby lake of "Laguna Grande" where we can admire a big variety of ancient trees, long lianas, giant palms, bromeliads, orchids, and birds like woodpeckers, tanagers, macaws, toucans and two or three species of monkeys. Back to lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, piranha fishing and refreshing dip into the Cuyabeno lagoon. Dinner and overnight in Tapir Lodge.
January 28 - Breakfast, then we will hike through the jungle with a naturalist guide, who will give us lessons about the use of medicinal plants. We will have the great chance to see diurnal mammals, reptiles and birds. Lunch at lodge, where passengers will taste the best typical and international cuisine in the middle of the jungle. In the afternoon, canoe ride to the Canangueno lake. Good chances to admire fresh water dolphins, arapaimas, prehistoric hoatizins, and a fantastic sunset. Dinner and overnight in Tapir Lodge.
January 29 - Canoeing activities visiting the upper lakes of the Cuyabeno. Dinner and overnight in Tapir Lodge.
January 30 - Early breakfast, birdwatching. Visit to the small settlement of Puerto Bolívar (Siona Indians). We will share with the Indians the way they live. Lunch. In the afternoon, we will also have some bird and butterfly watching, and will take our canoes to go to the Grande Lake, where we will also have an extraordinary sunset view. At night, we shall look for caimans and be part of the nocturnal wildlife along the Cuyabeno river.
January 31 - Early breakfast. Birdwatching, enjoying the surrounding nature, we make our way to "El Puente", and from there to Lago Agrio by bus, on time to take the flight back to Quito. Overnight in Quito.
February 1 - Transfer to airport.
Included: 3 nights lodging and breakfast in Quito (double occupancy). Domestic airfare: Quito-Lago Agrio-Quito, transportation by private bus, room, board, and excursions, at Tapir Lodge; private English-speaking Ecuadorian guide knowledgeable in natural history, botany, and ornithology. All rooms are double occupancy.
Not Included: tips, laundry, things of a personal nature, bottled drinks, int'l air fare, and expenses associated with traveling to and from Quito, including airport taxes.
Notice: Ecuador is experiencing a remarkable inflationary period. While the country is safe, prices are fluctuating as everyone tries to determine their cost. It is possible, but not expected, that the price of this trip could increase by a maximum of ten percent.
About medical needs: It is suggested that you get the Yellow fever vaccination, and for Malaria the usual prophylaxis, like paludrine, resorgine. Using enough mosquito repellant is good enough to keep them off your body.
About food: No problems because we are provided everywhere the best available, and there is always special care about safety and cleanliness. Drinks you can buy at any place in Ecuador, bottled water, and beer, cokes are available in all the hotels, and villages. Tapir Lodge is providing all the filtered water for coffee and tea, etc.
See Travelers' Resources for contact information and packing list suggestions.