Canangueno Lodge – 4 days

This reserve extends over approximately 600,000 hectares in northeastern Ecuador and is home to five indigenous communities: Cofán, Secoya, Siona, Kichwa, and Shuar.

It hosts one of the richest biodiversities on the planet, with an estimated 12,000 species of plants and trees, including 60 species of orchids; 1,320 animal species, including more than 550 bird species, over 350 fish species, 10 species of monkeys, 3 species of caimans, around 100 species of snakes such as the anaconda and emerald boa, about 100 amphibian species, and 165 mammal species such as sloths, anteaters, giant otters, manatees, tapirs, ocelots, jaguars, and pumas. The reserve is also home to hundreds of insects, tarantulas, giant bats, and many other species, including the most admired and unfortunately endangered: the pink river dolphin and the gray river dolphin.

Itinerary :

The meeting point is the Cuyabeno Bridge at the entrance of the reserve.

Day 1: Cuyabeno Bridge – Canangueno

Bus journey (the day before, approximately eight hours from Quito to Cuyabeno Bridge). Then transfer by canoe along the Cuyabeno River (approximately three hours). During the journey, with a bit of luck, we may observe parrots, toucans, kingfishers, etc.

Arrival at Canangueno Lodge for lunch, followed by some rest time. Later, we head to the lagoon to enjoy a beautiful sunset. On the way back, caiman observation.

Overnight in cabin. L – D

Day 2: Visit to the native community

After breakfast, we will visit the Siona Seoqueya community of Tarapuy, on the banks of the Cuyabeno River, accompanied by our guides who will explain the culture and traditions of this community.

We will participate in various activities such as making earrings, necklaces, and shigras (traditional bags), as well as preparing casabe, a traditional cassava flatbread.

In the afternoon, we will navigate the Cuyabeno River to discover the magic of nature, its landscapes, sounds, and wildlife: birds, monkeys, dolphins, sloths, caimans, and more.

Overnight in cabin. B – L (picnic) – D

Day 3: Direct contact with nature

After breakfast, we will explore by paddled canoe, enjoying the beauty of nature accompanied by our guide, who will explain the diversity of flora and fauna: butterflies, parrots, monkeys, and more, in a fully relaxing atmosphere.

Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we will take a two-hour walk through the primary forest, where we will have direct contact with a wide variety of species such as frogs, toads, ants, spiders, insects, etc.

We will also discover a great variety of plants, including orchids, heliconias, ceibo trees (one of the largest trees in the Amazon), fungi, morete, and more.

Return to the lodge for a swim in the river and, after dinner, a night walk. The guide will give a brief recap of everything observed during the day.

Overnight in cabin. B – L – D

Day 4: Return to Cuyabeno Bridge

Early morning excursion to observe birds and wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast.

Departure from the lodge at 09:30 to head back to Cuyabeno Bridge.

End of the program. B