The Essentials of Cuyabeno

4 Days +1

Primary Rainforest Sanctuary

The Essentials of Cuyabeno

Nestled deep in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Tapir Lodge provides an immersive gateway to one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse primary rainforests. Surrounded by blackwater rivers and untouched canopy, we operate in close harmony with nature, prioritizing low-impact ecotourism and conservation.

Led by certified naturalist guides, daily explorations include canoe navigation, forest trail treks, birdwatching, and night safaris. Guests encounter vibrant wildlife while engaging directly with local indigenous communities, creating an authentic and educational Amazonian experience.

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

Travel Itinerary

Day: 1: FRI

First Encounter with the Amazon Rainforest

Stay: CuyabenoMeals: Box Lunch, Dinner

Your journey begins with a scenic flight from Quito over the eastern Andes to El Coca, followed by an overland transfer to El Puente del Cuyabeno. We embark on motorized canoes along winding blackwater rivers deep into the primary reserve, spotting river birds and primates along the lush banks.

Arriving at Tapir Lodge in the late afternoon, settle into your private room amidst the sounds of the canopy. After a freshly prepared dinner, your naturalist guide shares an introductory briefing on Cuyabeno’s rich ecosystems and the adventures ahead.

First Encounter with the Amazon Rainforest primary
First Encounter with the Amazon Rainforest secondary 1
First Encounter with the Amazon Rainforest secondary 2
VIEW ITINERARY (PDF)📄
What's covered

Included and not included

Included

13 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.
  • 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, raincoats, life vest.
  • WIFI.
  • Transfer from Coca to Cuyabeno.
  • 1 night in Coca at Gran Hotel del Lago or similar, with breakfast included.
  • Transfer to Coca Airport.

Not included

13 items
  • International flights.
  • Transfer to the meeting point in Quito.
  • 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.
  • Additional alcoholic beverages.
  • Visit to the community & shaman USD 20 per person.
  • Binoculars.
  • Transfer from Quito / to Quito tourist bus.
  • Flight Quito – Coca – Quito.
  • Alcoholic and bottled beverages.
  • Tips and personal expenses.
Before you travel

Frequently asked questions

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

Travel by tourist bus the night before the tour (approx. 10–11 hours).

To reach the meeting point directly, you can take a tourist bus to Cuyabeno Bridge. This transport operates on the direct Quito–Cuyabeno–Quito route and costs $40 per person per way or $80 per person round trip.

Advance reservation is required, as availability must be checked and confirmed beforehand.

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).

The Lago Agrio airport is currently closed.

As an alternative, you can take a flight from Quito to Coca, arriving at approximately 11:00 am. From Coca, you will then travel by road for at least 3.5 hours to reach Cuyabeno Bridge.

Ask us about our tours that include flights and transfers from Coca airport.

Note: Due to flight schedules, the return flight from Coca to Quito requires an overnight stay in Coca town. If you need to return to Quito on the same day, an additional cost will apply.