The Tapir Jungle Lodge is located in the Cuyabeno National Park and Wildlife Reserve, an elaborate system of remote lagoons, rivers and flooded forest found in north-eastern Ecuador. The reserve encompasses over 655,000 hectares of primary rainforest and boasts an incredible variety of neotropical wildlife including river dolphins, tapirs, capybaras, caimans, anacondas, ocelots, monkeys and the famous piranha. The bird life is particularly spectacular: over 580 species have been recorded such as the prehistoric-looking hoatzin, umbrella bird, blue-headed parrot, white-eared jacamar, scarlet macaw and the awesome harpy-eagle with its eight-foot wingspan. Additionally, over 12,000 species of plants have been identified.
The Siona, Siecoya, Cofan and Quichuas indigenous inhabitants of the Amazon basin for thousands of years, also call Cuyabeno their ancestral homeland. Unfortunately, the relatively recent world-wide demand for oil and uncolonized land has placed unprecedented pressure on the inhabitants and ecosystems of Cuyabeno. As a result the Siona, Siecoya and Cofan are looking more towards tourism as a sustainable alternative to the use of their lands. One of the best ways to explore the rainforest is by canoe, and Cuyabeno with its maze of waterways provides you with ample opportunities to experience this deliciously wet and wild green world in a way that is intimate and personal. Additionally, you are guided through the forest by an
indigenous guide from the Siona Indian community, as well as a english speaking bilingual naturalist. Itineraries and activities can be custom-tailored to meet your interests, but usually include canoeing (in motorised and dugout crafts), hiking, freshwater dolphin watching, birdwatching, piranha fishing, swimming, night walks and just swinging in your hammock.
Our camps provide you with the most comfortable cabañas in Cuyabeno. Although not a five-star hotel it does provide you with the basic amenities necessary for rustic comfort: enclosed cabañas clean, bathrooms and even hot water showers. Adjoining the cabañas is a dining area which serves up Ecuadorian, Siona and international cuisine.
Itinerary:
Day 01.- Quito - Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno
Flight from Quito to Lago Agrio, and drive 3 hours to "El Puente" (entrance of the Cuyabeno National Park). Box lunch on the way. followed by a 3 hours Canoe ride down the Cuyabeno River admiring the wide variety of Flora and Fauna. Dinner and overnight in our Tapir Lodge.
Day 02.- Amazon Jungle Exploration
After breakfast we will explore the primary forest of Cuyabeno, learning about the endemic 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 two or three species of monkeys. Back to lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, piranha fishing and refreshing dip into the Cuyabeno lagoon. Dinner and overnight in our Tapir Lodge.
Day 03.- Amazon Jungle Expedition
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 Canangueno Lake. Good chances to admire fresh water dolphins, arapaimas, prehistoric hoatizins, and a fantastic sunset. Dinner and overnight in our Tapir Lodge.
Day 04.- Amazon Jungle Expedition
Early breakfast, bird watching tour. Visit to the small settlement of Puerto Bolívar (Siona Indians). We will share with the Indians 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 Grande 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 05.- Cuyabeno - Lago Agrio - Quito
Early breakfast. Bird watching tour, enjoying the surrounding nature, we make our way to "El Puente", and from there to Lago Agrio by bus, on time to take the flight back to Quito. End of our services.
Price 2008:
7 Days USD 875.- per Person
5 Days USD 625.- per Person
7 Days USD 500.- per Person
Flight Quito-Lago Agrio-Quito USD 110.-
Cuyabeno national park entrance fee USD 20.-
In the price included:
- Private transportation Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno - Lago Agrio. Canoe rides.
- FAP (3 meals a day).
- Soft drinks (water, coffee, tea).
- Daily excursion program.
- Naturalist bilinguals guide (English or German).
- Rubber boots and raincoats for the tour.
Not included in the price:
- Entrance fee Cuyabeno Faunistic Reserve USD 20.-
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Everything that has not been included in the program.
- International flight airport tax (USD 41.- per person)
If you need any additional information please write us:
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South America 
