Discover the Real Cuyabeno

5 Days / 4 Nights

Primary Rainforest Sanctuary

Discover the Real Cuyabeno

Over five days and four nights at Tapir Lodge, immerse yourself in the wonders of Cuyabeno: explore Laguna Grande, walk the ancient Palma Roja trail, and connect with indigenous traditions alongside a Siona family and a Cofán shaman.

Enjoy tailored explorations, vibrant sunsets on the lake, and comfortable transfers from Quito or Coca directly to El Puente.

✓ Certified Naturalist Guides·✓ Low-impact Ecotourism
Tapir Lodge Cuyabeno Experience

Travel Itinerary

Day: 1: FRI

Journey to the Heart of the Rainforest

Stay: CuyabenoMeals: Box Lunch, Dinner

Arrive at Cuyabeno Bridge via flight to Coca (plus transfer) or overland bus/private transfer from Quito. After a box lunch, embark on a 2 to 3-hour motorized canoe ride down the Cuyabeno River spotting wildlife along the shores to Tapir Lodge.

Check in to your room and enjoy dinner at 7:30 p.m., followed by an introductory briefing by your naturalist guide about the reserve and upcoming adventures.

Journey to the Heart of the Rainforest primary
Journey to the Heart of the Rainforest secondary 1
Journey to the Heart of the Rainforest secondary 2
VIEW ITINERARY (PDF)📄
What's covered

Included and not included

Included

10 services
  • Motorized canoe transportation IN/OUT from El Puente de Cuyabeno to the Lodge and from the Lodge to El Puente de Cuyabeno.
  • Guided tours with bilingual (English and Spanish) certified naturalist guides during all excursions.
  • Accommodation in double room with private bathroom and hot water shower.
  • Canoe rides (motorized or paddle, depending on group size).
  • 3 meals a day (on arrival and departure days, only box lunch).
  • Purified water, coffee, tea.
  • Daily excursion program.
  • Naturalist multilingual speaking guides (English, Spanish, German).
  • Rubber boots (up to EU size 45), raincoats, life vest.
  • WIFI in social areas.

Not included

11 items
  • International flights.
  • Flight Quito – Coca – Quito.
  • Transfer from Coca to Cuyabeno Bridge (please inquire).
  • Tourist bus or private transfer Quito – Cuyabeno.
  • Extra meals and extra drinks before and after the trip.
  • Excursions and activities not specified in the program.
  • Soft and alcoholic drinks.
  • Travel and health insurance. Tips. Extras.
  • Visit to the community & shaman (contribution; please inquire).
  • Binoculars.
  • Tips and personal expenses.
Before you travel

Frequently asked questions

Practical answers for reaching Cuyabeno Bridge — by bus, by air, or by private transfer.

A comfortable, approximately 9-hour ride from Quito directly to Cuyabeno.

This transport operates on the direct Quito–Cuyabeno–Quito route. Advance reservation is required.

Pick-up in Quito is at the following time and meeting point:

  • Blue House La Floresta Hostel / La Mariscal Neighbourhood – 22:30
  • The Secret Garden / San Blas Neighbourhood – 23:00.
  • Drop-off is at Cuyabeno Bridge (meeting point).

Enjoy a quicker, more direct 8-hour journey from Quito to El Puente.

Please inquire about availability and rates.

Take a swift 35-minute flight from Quito to Coca with Aero Regional or LATAM.

From Coca, we’ll pick you up and drive about 2 to 2.5 hours through rainforests, rivers, and small towns to the Cuyabeno Bridge. Please inquire about transfer costs.

For guests flying to and from Coca, the departure schedule on the last day is different to ensure you arrive at the airport on time.