4 Days / 3 Nights The Essentials

After a scenic 30-minute flight over the Eastern Andean Cordillera to Puerto Francisco de Orellana (El Coca), our expedition continues with a private overland transfer of approximately 3.5 hours.

Our adventure begins upon arrival at El Puente del Cuyabeno at around 2:00 pm, where there is a brief stop for a box lunch and final logistical preparations before entering the reserve by motorized canoe. Equipped with rain ponchos, life vests, and protected luggage, the expedition continues downstream along the narrow Cuyabeno River, a blackwater system rich in biodiversity.

During the 2–3 hour navigation, guests have the opportunity to observe riparian forests, aquatic ecosystems, and a wide variety of flora and fauna, including birds, primates, reptiles, and aquatic species.

Upon arrival at the lodge, guests settle into their accommodations before dinner. In the evening, a comprehensive orientation is provided by the naturalist guide, introducing the ecological significance of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, the lodge’s conservation approach, and the scientific and interpretive activities planned for the following days.

Begin the day with a nutritious breakfast around 7:30 a.m., followed by preparations at the pier, where guests are equipped with rubber boots and briefed for the day’s exploration. At approximately 9:30 a.m., the expedition travels upstream by motorized or paddle canoe to Laguna Grande, one of the most ecologically important zones of the reserve. Here, we explore the flooded igapó forest, home to ancient macrolobium trees that rise directly from the water and support diverse epiphytic life such as orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and cacti.
The calm navigation allows for close observation of flora and fauna, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings and photography. We then continue to terra firme for a guided walk along the historic Palma Roja trail, where our naturalist guide explains fundamental rainforest ecology while we search for bird species such as macaws, toucans, tanagers, and woodpeckers, and possibly encounter monkeys moving through the canopy.

After returning to Tapir Lodge for a late lunch around 2:30 p.m., guests enjoy time to rest before resuming activities in the late afternoon. Around 5:00 p.m., we return to Laguna Grande for an evening canoe excursion, a prime time to observe wildlife as the forest transitions into dusk. Guests may also enjoy a safe swim in the lake while taking in the peaceful surroundings, and weather permitting, witness a spectacular Amazon sunset. Back at the lodge, the evening concludes with dinner and, depending on conditions, an optional short night walk around the lodge to discover nocturnal species such as frogs and other nighttime rainforest inhabitants.

Enjoy breakfast at 7:30 a.m. before preparing for your departure from Tapir Lodge, typically around 9:30 a.m.

On this final day, we will board a motorized canoe and navigate upriver, enjoying one last view of the landscapes and biodiversity of the Reserva de Producción Faunística Cuyabeno, until reaching the Cuyabeno Bridge.

Arrival at the bridge is scheduled for approximately 10:30 – 11:00 am, where you will connect with your transportation to Quito.