Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve: A Journey to Ecuador’s Best-Kept Secret

How Do I Get From Quito To Cuyabeno?

From Quito you can take a night bus that typically departs at 11 pm and takes roughly 10 to 11 hours, including a stop in Lago Agrio. Alternatively, fly to Lago Agrio airport. From there, the final stretch into the Cuyabeno Reserve is by canoe, a scenic introduction to the region.

The Cuyabeno Reserve is located near Yasuní National Park in northeastern Ecuador.

To get to the reserve from Quito, you can take a night bus, which typically departs at 11 pm and takes roughly 10 to 11 hours to reach the reserve, including a stop in Lago Agrio.

Alternatively, you can fly to Lago Agrio airport, with most flights leaving around 9 am. From there, you’ll need to take a canoe ride to reach your final destination within the Cuyabeno Reserve, offering a scenic introduction to this amazing region.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Cuyabeno Reserve?

You can visit the Cuyabeno Reserve at any time of year, but planning a trip between April and November gives the best experience. During these months the waterways are full, with deeper canoe access into the flooded forest, and you have the best opportunities to view the abundant wildlife in the reserve.

You can visit the Cuyabeno Reserve any time of the year, but for the best experience, plan your trip between April and November. During these months, you’ll enjoy the full waterways and have the best opportunities to view the abundant wildlife that makes this reserve so special.

What Can You Do In The Cuyabeno Reserve?

Activities include paddle boarding, boat rides or kayaking on Laguna Grande, and bird spotting, since the marshy surroundings attract a wide variety of tropical bird species. Tourists can do catch-and-release fishing, and pink dolphins can be spotted in Laguna Delfincocho. Visitors can also meet the Siona people through ceremonies involving medicinal plants and cooking lessons.

Paddle Boarding in Laguna Grande

Laguna Grande is one of the 14 lagoons in Cuyabeno Reserve and is famous for its serene waters and breathtaking sunsets. We had a wonderful time paddling and swimming in the lake while watching the sunset over the still water. If you’re in a group, you can also choose to ride a boat or kayak for a relaxing time on the water.

Bird Spotting

Bird watchers will absolutely love Cuyabeno Reserve. Its marshy surroundings, rich with fish, crustaceans, and insects, attract a wide variety of birds, with over 500 tropical bird species calling the reserve home.

During our exploration, we spotted so many unique and beautiful bird species. We highly recommend bringing binoculars to fully appreciate the enchanting birds in the forest—you won’t want to miss any details!

Catch And Release Fishing

In Cuyabeno Reserve, tourists are only permitted to engage in catch-and-release fishing to protect the environment. Only the locals are allowed to fish for and eat the more than 400 distinct types of fish that inhabit these waters.

Although we couldn’t consume our catch, we still enjoyed a fantastic local catch during our trip, which gave us a true taste of the region’s rich natural offerings.

Swim With Pink Dolphins

Pink dolphins, one of the rarest species on Earth, can be spotted in Laguna Delfincocho, where you may even have the opportunity to swim with them. Watching these dolphins freely swim in their natural habitat was a truly memorable experience, offering us a new perspective on both dolphins and wildlife in general.

Visiting the Siona Community

While the wildlife in Cuyabeno Reserve is abundant, the area is also home to the Siona people. During our trip, we had the privilege of participating in ceremonies involving medicinal plants and even took part in local cooking lessons. It was incredible to see how the Siona people have preserved their culture over the years. Being welcomed into their community was a humbling experience, and we feel grateful for the opportunity to meet and learn from them.

Is There A Hotel In The Amazon Rainforest?

Yes, there are various eco-lodges in Cuyabeno. Tapir Lodge, in the upper part of the reserve, was built by family members of the Siona community and runs on solar panels. Cuyabeño Lodge, built with ecological materials sourced from the jungle, sits in Laguna Grande and offers a peaceful retreat in the rainforest.

There are various eco-lodges in Cuyabeno where you can stay during your trip. Some of the well-known accommodation options among tourists are the following: 

Tapir Lodge

Tapir Lodge, located in the upper part of Cuyabeno Reserve, was built through a collaborative effort by family members of the Siona community. The lodge offers travelers an authentic tropical rainforest experience while being strategically positioned for a serene and isolated environment perfect for wildlife spotting.

Powered by solar panels, the lodge was thoughtfully constructed with the environment in mind. Beyond accommodation, Tapir Lodge provides a unique opportunity to learn about the indigenous communities in Cuyabeno and their way of life, making it an unforgettable cultural experience as well as a place to stay.

Check the current price here.

Cuyabeño Lodge

Cuyabeño Lodge is regarded as the pioneer of ecotourism in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Built over 20 years ago, it is the original eco-friendly lodge in the reserve, constructed using ecological materials sourced directly from the jungle.

Nestled in Laguna Grande, the lodge offers a peaceful retreat where guests can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the rainforest. It also provides an opportunity to witness the sustainable development of the native communities, making it a standout option for those seeking both comfort and authenticity in the heart of nature.

Check the current price here.

What Should You Pack For A Trip To The Cuyabeno Reserve?

Pack minimally, with lightweight and breathable clothing because the weather can be hot and humid. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat for sun protection, plus a camera. Since some areas have limited access to electricity, extra batteries or a portable charger are useful. Follow your tour operator's instructions and respect the ecosystem.

• Pack minimally and bring only what you need. We suggest lightweight and breathable clothing because the weather can be hot and humid. Remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat for sun protection.
• When visiting the Cuyabeno Reserve, be mindful of the surroundings and the local culture. Be sure to adhere to your tour operator’s instructions and consider how your actions will affect the reserve’s ecosystem.
• Remember to bring your camera to capture amazing moments during your tour at the reserve. As some areas may have limited access to electricity, remember to pack extra batteries or a portable charger.

Is The Cuyabeno Reserve Worth Visiting In Ecuador?

Including the Cuyabeno Reserve in an Ecuador itinerary is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visitors can learn a lot about the importance of sustainable tourism. It is essential to respect local communities and the natural environment, follow all rules and regulations, and avoid activities that could harm people or wildlife in the reserve.

Including a tour of the Cuyabeno Reserve in your Ecuador itinerary is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. We had an amazing time in the reserve and also learned a lot about the importance of sustainable tourism.

It’s essential to respect the local communities and the natural environment during your visit. Make sure to follow all rules and regulations, and avoid activities that could harm the people or wildlife in the reserve. This helps preserve the beauty and biodiversity of Cuyabeno for future generations to enjoy.