CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is located on the north-east side of Quito. Because of its geographic location and alluvial formations we can find on it, 14 lakes, which gives you the unique opportunity of admiring the beauty of the flora and fauna in this flooded rain-forest, technically called Igapó.

Many indigenous communities live in the boundaries of two important rivers known as Aguarico and Cuyabeno, in particular the Cofanes and Secoyas, both legendary in this area. The Siona community inhabits the upper part of the Cuyabeno Reserve, at Puerto Bolívar and the river Tarapuy.

Tapir Lodge is based in the northeastern Province of Sucumbíos, in the upper Ecuadorian Amazon region, within the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, and was built in partnership with some family members of the Siona Community and private sponsors. In order to meet appropriate ecological standards, Tapir Lodge shares with them the Eco-tourism activities and profits. Tapir Lodge offers all the facilities possible in the heart of the jungle, but in order to avoid unnecessary disturbances to the environment, we employ alternative means of illumination, like solar panels to produce 110 volts electricity.

The activities are designed by our multilingual naturalist guides, which have knowledge and experience in handling guests in this outstanding environment.

Accommodations are in double or triple rooms with private bathrooms with hot/cold water, hammock and balcony.

Trip Arrangements
Napo Wildlife Center, will operate with fixed departures every Monday and Friday, thus making itineraries Mon-Fri 5day / 4night trips and Fri-Mon 4 days / 3 nights trips.

TAPIR LODGE ITINERARY 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

DAY 1.- Lago Agrio, 3 hours drive 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 our Tapir Lodge.

DAY 2.- After breakfast we will explore the primary forest, learning about the 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 also with some luck we can find two or three species of monkeys. Back to lunch at the Lodge. In the afternoon, Piranha fishing and a refreshing dip into the Cuyabeno lagoon. Dinner and overnight in our Tapir Lodge.

DAY 3.- After breakfast, 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 in our Lodge, where our passengers will taste the best typical and international cuisine in the middle of the jungle. In the afternoon, canoe ride to the Canangüeno Lake. Good chances to admire fresh water dolphins, Arapaimas, Hoatzins, and a fantastic sunset. Dinner and overnight in our Tapir Lodge.

DAY 4.- Early breakfast, bird watching. Then, we will enjoy 2 hour-navigation in the Cuyabeno River, looking at Morphos (giant blue Butterfly), Toucans, Macaws. Visit to a Cofan Shaman and his Family, where we will be able to hear lessons about rituals and natural medicines. Continue upstream to the small settlement of Puerto Bolívar (Siona Indians). We will share with them 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 Main 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.

DAY 5.- Early breakfast. Bird watching, enjoying the surrounding nature, we make our way to "El Puente", from there drive to Lago Agrio in our private transportation on time to take the flight back to Quito.