6-day Amazon tour from Quito: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Blackwater rivers and flooded forests where macaws, monkeys and pink river dolphins share the canopy.

A 6-day guided tour from Quito to Ecuador's Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, traveling by motorized canoe along blackwater rivers and hiking rainforest trails to spot wildlife and visit Indigenous communities. The tour includes round-trip bus transport from Quito, five nights at Amazonas Lodge with meals, rubber boots and rain gear, and bilingual naturalist guides who adapt each day's activities to weather and wildlife sightings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: From Quito to the Amazon: Your Journey Begins

• Overnight bus from Quito to Cuyabeno Bridge

Day 2: Entering Cuyabeno: Your First Rainforest Encounter

• Arrive at Cuyabeno Bridge
• Enjoy box lunch and prepare
• Travel by motorized canoe on Cuyabeno River
• Arrive at Amazonas Lodge and settle in
• Dinner at lodge
• Evening introduction by naturalist guide

Day 3: Laguna Grande: Wildlife, Rainforest & Amazon Sunset

• Breakfast at lodge
• Receive rubber boots and guide briefing
• Travel by canoe to Laguna Grande
• Explore flooded igapó forest
• Guided walk on Palma Roja Trail
• Return to lodge for lunch and rest
• Evening canoe excursion at Laguna Grande
• Dinner at lodge
• Optional night walk for nocturnal wildlife

Day 4: Amazon Traditions & Indigenous Knowledge

• Optional early birdwatching canoe trip
• Breakfast at lodge
• Travel downstream to Puerto Bolívar
• Visit Siona community
• Visit Cofán community and meet shaman
• Learn about medicinal plants and cassava bread
• Return to lodge for dinner
• Optional night walk for nocturnal species

Day 5: Your Amazon, Your Adventure

• Breakfast at lodge
• Flexible exploration with naturalist guide
• Lunch at lodge
• Relax and observe final Amazon sunset
• Dinner at lodge
• Farewell cocktail and meet lodge team

Day 6: Farewell to Cuyabeno & Return to Quito

• Breakfast at lodge
• Prepare for departure
• Travel by motorized canoe to Cuyabeno Bridge
• Board tourist bus to Quito

The experience

The journey starts with an overnight tourist bus from Quito to Cuyabeno Bridge, taking approximately 10–11 hours. After a box lunch and final preparations, you board a motorized canoe for a 2–3-hour ride along the Cuyabeno River through blackwater ecosystems, watching for birds, monkeys and reptiles as the forest closes in around you. Amazonas Lodge sits deep in the reserve, and your certified naturalist guide introduces the ecosystems and the week ahead over dinner.

Days three through five follow a flexible rhythm built around what the guide spots and the weather allows. You might paddle through the flooded igapó forest where ancient trees rise from the water, then hike the Palma Roja Trail on terra firme looking for macaws, toucans and tanagers. A canoe excursion to Laguna Grande at sunset ends with a safe swim if conditions permit. One day takes you downstream to Puerto Bolívar to meet the Siona people and visit a Cofán community, where a local shaman teaches you about medicinal plants and you help harvest and prepare cassava bread. Early risers can join optional birdwatching at dawn. Evening walks hunt for frogs and nocturnal insects. The fifth day is yours to design with the guide: deeper wildlife observation, another rainforest walk, or quiet time at the lodge before your final Amazon sunset and a farewell passion fruit cocktail with the lodge team.

The return journey mirrors the arrival: motorized canoe back to Cuyabeno Bridge, then the overnight tourist bus to Quito, approximately 10–11 hours. Rubber boots, rain ponchos and life vests are provided. Meals follow vegan, vegetarian and meat options throughout. The lodge has Wi-Fi, hot-water showers and purified drinking water.

What’s included

• Round-trip motorized canoe transport between Cuyabeno Bridge and Amazonas Lodge.
• round-trip tourist bus from Quito to Cuyabeno.
• five nights in a double room with private bathroom and hot-water shower.
• all meals with vegan, vegetarian and meat options.
• guided rainforest walks and wildlife observation with bilingual naturalist guides.
• rubber boots, rain ponchos and life vests.
• purified drinking water, coffee, tea and a farewell passion fruit cocktail.
• luggage assistance during transfers.
• Wi-Fi at the lodge.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 23:00

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 87 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 44 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ecuador Galapagos Travels

Is this one for you?The guides speak English and Spanish, so you can follow the commentary and ask questions in either language. This suits travelers who want expert naturalist interpretation without a language barrier, and families with children from age 8 who benefit from clear instruction during canoe rides and forest walks.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see on the canoe rides and rainforest walks?

Macaws, toucans, tanagers, woodpeckers, monkeys, pink river dolphins, reptiles, frogs and insects are common along the Cuyabeno River and in the flooded igapó and terra firme forests. Sightings depend on the season, time of day and weather, and your guide will explain the behavior and habitat of species you encounter.

How much time do I spend traveling versus exploring once I arrive at the lodge?

The motorized canoe journey from Cuyabeno Bridge to Amazonas Lodge takes 2–3 hours. Once at the lodge, you spend five full days on guided excursions, rainforest walks and canoe-based wildlife observation, with mornings, afternoons and optional evening activities. Days are flexible and designed with your guide based on wildlife activity and group interests.

What is the Cuyabeno River like, and what does a typical canoe ride involve?

The Cuyabeno is a blackwater river flowing through pristine rainforest, lined with flooded forests and terra firme jungle. Canoe rides use motorized boats for longer distances and paddle canoes for quieter wildlife observation. You'll travel through unique ecosystems where trees rise from the water and wildlife is active along the banks and in the canopy.

What is included in the tour price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes round-trip bus transport from Quito, five nights at Amazonas Lodge, all meals, motorized canoe rides, guided rainforest walks, rubber boots, rain gear, life vests, purified water, coffee, tea and Wi-Fi. The optional visit to a Cofán community and shaman experience is payable on site. Personal expenses, binoculars, travel insurance and gratuities are not included.