Extended itinerary of Cuyabeno Amazon Tour with Nicky Lodge!

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Day 1: Departure from the Cuyabeno Bridge and Laguna Grande sunset tour

Like most tours into the Cuyabeno Amazon Reserve, this tour also starts at the Cuyabeno Bridge, the main entrance to the Cuyabeno Reserve. From here we continue by motorized canoe downstream the Cuyabeno River to the Nicky lodge.
Note: You will navigate in narrow motorized canoes without a roof (because of low hanging vegetation). The luggage you don’t need will be stored in the front of the canoe, covered with plastic sheets, so you can’t reach this while travelling. If you travel back to Quito after the Amazon Tour, we recommend that you only bring what you need in the Amazon, because even if it’s not raining, the air is very humid.
On the way to the Nicky Amazon Lodge we have chance to observe several species of monkeys and birds. After about 2 hours/ 2h30 min, you arrive at Nicky Amazon Lodge, right on time for a late lunch. Then there is time to relax, before you start your afternoon/ evening tour (16:00h), which will either be a sunset canoe tour, or jungle hike.
After dinner our bilingual naturalist guide will tell you about the program for the next days.

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Day 2: Canoe and nocturnal escursions in Cuyabeno

Early morning we leave for a canoe excursion, because the brisk morning hours are the best time to see the rainforest’s activity. After breakfast we will make a hike in primary rainforest with our naturalist guide and native guide They show us the practical and medicinal uses of several plants, and we learn how all creatures in the tropical rainforest co-exist in a fragile balance. We may spot amphibians, butterflies, centipedes and millipedes, snakes, birds, monkeys, and the footprints of mammals. After lunch at the lodge, navigation along the Cuyabeno River and around the Kapok Island in search of different species of monkeys. We also have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis). Before dinner we venture into the forest to find insects, spiders, tarantulas, snakes or colorful frogs. The night world of the Amazon is perfect for viewing small mamal species, tree frogs and to enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the jungle.

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Day 3: Bird watching and community

Early morning we go bird-watching. We have the opportunity to observe macaws, toucans, parrots, caciques, hoatzins and other tropical bird species.

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Day 4: Cuyabeno River, Primary Rainforest tourand nocturnal tour

Starting early in the morning we spend the whole day exploring. After breakfast, we trek into primary rainforest and the guide will explains us again about the practical and medicinal uses of several plants. He will also share with us his ancient knowledge learnt from his ancestors. After lunch we navigate along the Cuyabeno river to enjoy the beautiful nature. We also have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink and grey river dolphins again. Optional night walk.

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Day 5: Birdwatching - Cuyabeno River - Cuyabeno Bridge

Around 6:00 am we will make a last early birdwatching tour, either from one of the canoes, or from a trail through the rainforest. Breakfast will be around 7:30 am, after which you will depart from a last scenic tour along the Cuyabeno River towards the Cuyabeno Bridge. Keep your eyes and ears open to spot your last monkey’s, slots, anaconda and/ or exotic bird! Arrival at the Cuyabeno Bridge around 10:30 am.

Note 1: The itinerary may be subject to changes due to weather conditions and the water level in the reserve.

Note 2: It is also possible to do this tour in 4 days, but we recommend this 5 days tour in terms of price, distance to travel and quality time in the jungle.

Departure: every Monday (ask for other dates available), group sizes 4 – 10 persons.

Included in this Cuyabeno Amazon tour:

• • Motorized canoe transportation IN/OUT from El Puente de Cuyabeno to the Lodge and from the Lodge to El Puente de Cuyabeno
  • Welcome and goodbye drink
  • Lodging in comfortable rooms with private bathroom and hot water shower.
  • Complete meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner); vegetarian or vegan menus available. Snacks before afternoon activities.
  • Coffee station, purified water, coffee and tea are always available.
  • Guided excursions as written above with bilingual (English and Spanish) certified naturalist guides during all excursions.
  • Use of life jackets and rubber boots (up to size 48).

Exclusive:

• •  International flights
  • International banking fees
  • Personal rain poncho.
  • Additional (alcoholic) beverages.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Tips and personal expenses.
  • Visit to the community USD 10 per person.
  • Transfers from Quito to the Cuyabeno Bridge and back to Quito: (Tourist bus 30 US$ per person per way).
  • WiFi service USD 15 per person / per day of stay.
  • Note: Binoculars are available for $25 at the lodge for the entire tour.
  • Everything that is not mentioned in the itinerary above

Recommended to bring during this tour

• Valid identification and travel documents and when needed a valid visa
• The contact and contract information of your travel insurance
• Valid vaccinations, ask you countries health center for more information
• Comfortable loose Clothing, shorts and T-shirts
• A good rain poncho (you can buy at the lodge vor 6 US$)
• Long-Sleeve shirt and light long pants for the evenings (insects)
• Warm jacket for at night
• Long socks for in the rubber boots
• Bathing Suit and towel
• Protection against the sun (Sun Block, Sun Glasses, hat)
• Sandals/ flip flops
• Personal hygiene items
• Insect Repellent
• Head light/ flashlight with extra batteries
• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards (+ protection against humidity)
• Pocket money in small bills of 1, 5 and 10 US$ (take at least 60 US$ p.p. with you for tips, drinks and/ or souvenirs. Better a little too much, then not enough, because there ate no ATM’s in the rainforest…)

Be aware that Ecuador is not a Third World Country anymore, so most things are available. If you do have any doubts about what to bring, please feel free to ask us.