Eloy Alfaro 3715, Ed. Stanza, Ofi 51
Quito - Ecuador
Email Us info@waitalodge.com
Welcome to Cuyabeno Waita Lodge
ECUADOR AMAZON TOURS
Nestled within the expansive beauty of Ecuador’s Amazon Region, Cuyabeno Lodge offers unparalleled access to the mesmerizing Cuyabeno Reserve, the second largest in Ecuador. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Amazon, where the intertwining Cuyabeno, Aguarico, and San Miguel rivers create a tapestry of life, complemented by a network of enchanting lagoons.
Discover the astonishing biodiversity of Cuyabeno, home to over 500 bird species, 350 fish species, 100 mammals, and a staggering 400,000 plant species. As you traverse this natural wonderland, encounter the vibrant cultures of the five indigenous ethnic groups — the Siona, Secoya, Cofan, Quichua, and Shuar — each with their own ancestral territories, traditions, and profound reverence for the environment.
Yet, amid this paradise lies a pressing challenge: the looming threats of the oil industry and deforestation. Now, more than ever, the preservation of Cuyabeno Reserve is paramount. Join us in safeguarding this invaluable ecosystem for future generations, while embarking on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Welcome to Cuyabeno
ECUADOR AMAZON TOURS
Cuyabeno Reserve, the second largest in all of Ecuador, is located in the Amazon Region, in the northeastern part of Ecuador. It is traversed by the Cuyabeno, Aguarico and San Miguel rivers, with a complex system of lagoons to complement the main water sources. Cuyabeno is one of the most biodiverse nature reserves on Earth, with over 500 bird species, 350 fish species, 100 mammals and over 400,000 plant species.
There are 5 different indigenous ethnic groups living along its banks, the Siona, Secoya, Cofan, Quichua and Shuar. Each community has its own territory, beliefs and practices, but they all share a deep respect for nature and a simple way of life based largely on hunting and gathering.
Waita Lodge Programs
Cuyabeno Tour 4 Days itinerary
Enjoy the best of the Amazon with an incredible nature tour of 4 days! Our guide will take you on amazing canoe rides, deep jungle walks, and night walks. Don’t forget to bring your camera, because you will have the chance to spot pink dolphins, anacondas, monkeys, and many other animals.
From: 370USD
Cuyabeno Tour 5 Days itinerary
Want to enjoy the Amazon to the fullest? Then we advise to take the 5-day tour! Enjoy rainforest walks, rare wildlife, canoe rides, and night walks. During this tour you will enjoy a special extra day filled with adventure. You will spot more animals during canoe rides and jungle walks.
From: 410USD
Zancudocha 6 Days itinerary
Emerge yourself into the jungle with this amazing 6-day itinerary! You will spend 6 days searching for the rarest species of the Cuyabeno, enjoying deep jungle walks, relaxing canoe rides, and exciting night walks. Also, by visiting communities, you will know what it’s like to live in the jungle!
From: 1300USD
Cuyabeno SUP 4 Days itinerary
Discover the Amazon of Ecuador on a paddle board! This active program will allow you to spot the most unique animals of the jungle in only a few days. Besides paddle boarding, you will enjoy scenic canoe rides, informative walks, and exciting night walks.
From: 620USD
Cuyabeno SUP 5 Days itinerary
Make your trip to the Amazon adventurous with paddle boarding! This 5-day active program takes you further into the jungle. Enjoy an unforgettable trip with paddle boards, canoe rides, rainforest walks, and night walks. With this 5-day program you can do it all!
From: 720USD
Lagartococha 7 Days itinerary
You will never get enough of the Amazon jungle. That’s why this 7-day program is perfect for those who want the full Amazon experience! This extra long program will take you to the most beautiful places in the Cuyabeno reserve. You will spot more animals and do more amazing activities: night walks, canoe rides, community visits, go further into the jungle!
From: 1400USD
Explorations
Daytime Navigation (3 hours)
Enjoy the wide array of wildlife and ask to go to La Bocana to see the dolphins.
Dress Code: Comfortable sandals or shoes, pants, long sleeved shirt, hat, sunglasses, binoculars
Day Hike (3 hours)
This hike will take our visitors through a trail carved out by the local community, which purposely winds along the myriad medicinal trees and plants of Cuyabeno, with the aid of a local guide. The terrain is fairly flat, and difficulty is a 2 out of 5.
Dress Code: Rubber boots, pants, long sleeved shirt
Bird Watching (3 hours)
Head out on the river in the motor canoe to see the varied and enchanting birds of Cuyabeno, including toucans, golden orioles, greater Annie birds, fly catchers, parrots, king fishers, cardinals, osprey and so much more.
Dress Code: Sandals, pants, long sleeved shirt, hat, sunglasses, binoculars
Canoe Rowing (length depends on group)
Observe the wildlife all round you while exercising and without the sound of a motor in the background.
Bird Observation Tower (2 hours)
This tower was built and is maintained by the local community. It is a wonderful vantage point to fully appreciate the sunset, the view, the intense green of the canopy, and of course, the birds (you will probably see 12 or more species). Up to 10 guests may mount at the same time.
Dress Code: Comfortable sandals or shoes, pants, long sleeved shirt, hat, sunglasses, binoculars
Cost per person: USD 6
Caiman Watching (1 hour)
Hop on the motor canoe and see if you can spot the caimans from the safety of your boat. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for other twilight creatures, like snakes, nocturnal birds, the guanta, etc.
Dress Code: Comfortable sandals or shoes, pants, long sleeved shirt
Night Walk (1 hour)
We offer a night walk activity in order to see nocturnal reptiles, amphibians, mammals and insects.
Dress Code: Rubber boots, pants, longs sleeved shirt, flashlight
*Activities can be tailored to the needs and preferences of our visitors. Specific tours can be arranged, such as expert bird watching, insect and culture tours.
**Visitors are treated to a complimentary glass of natural fruit juice and snacks when returning from explorations.
Always carry water, sunscreen and insect repellent on explorations.
Explorations
Besides the explosion of color and natural wildlife, our guide will invite you to enjoy many other experiences and activities during your visit. Canoeing, night walks, swimming, gastronomy… A true pleasure for the senses.
- Photography
- Nature Walk
- River Swimming
- Night walks
- bird watching
- paddle board
What to know!
Amazon
The area we visit has a minimum percentage to be affected by malaria, yellow fever or other tropical diseases. However before organizing your trip we recommend visiting your doctor to obtain the most appropriate information about tropical diseases and whether or not you should take medication to prevent them.
It is recommended that you use the mosquito net at night to prevent mosquito bites and other insects from disturbing you while you rest.
Weather
Our Amazon has a marked dry season from December to March and the rainiest season runs from May to July. For the majority of the year, the daytime temperatures in the Amazon rainforest range from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius; however, at night, temperatures can go as high as 15 degrees.
Size of Groups
To ensure a unique jungle experience and minimize our impact on the ecosystems we visit, it’s crucial to operate in small groups. We limit each expedition to a maximum of around 10 passengers, allowing our visitors to fully immerse themselves in the splendor of the jungle while promoting environmental sustainability.
Waita Lodge: Deep Within the Jungle
Programs & Extensions
This 4-Day Cuyabeno jungle tour takes you deep into the Amazon jungle in Cuyabeno Wildlife.
The 4-Day program combine our traditional tour with an exciting and unique experience on the Paddleboard (SUP)
Imagine yourself traveling through two of the most exotic and distinctive destinations in Ecuador during our 10-Day program.
Galapagos is part of this amazing land, where Ecuatraveling offers a fantastic 7-day program of Hiking & Diving.