6 BEST AMAZON RAINFOREST VACATION PACKAGES ECUADOR

Ecuador's Amazon Rainforest region allows travelers to experience a completely unique tropical adventure. From discovering Indian tribes and looking out for monkeys, sloths, and dolphins to travelling through the hidden creeks and lakes that make up much of the area, these vacation packages are designed to allow tourists to truly immerse themselves in the rainforest. Of all the Amazon-Andean countries, Ecuador offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities and Cuyabeno is especially renowned for its abundance of flora and fauna. These pre-designed jungle tours have been put together by experienced travel guides and ecotourism experts from both within Ecuador as well as the Cofan Tribe who manage large parts of Cuyabeno.

7 DAYS' LAGARTOCOCHE EXPEDITION

The 7 day's Lagartocoche Expedition is an epic journey deep into the wildest part of the Amazon, exploring creeks and lakes that hardly any tourist ever gets to see.

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 1

Our transport meets you in Lagoagrio to take you in about 2 hours to the the canoe landing location Nuevo Unión, on the Aguarico River.

The Lagartocoche Vacation takes you on a 200 - 300km odyssey through the Eastern Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, starting at the River Aguarico.

The tourist canoe of the Cofan Lodge.

Upon arrival in Zábalo, you will be shown around in the village and taken to your cabins to freshen up and rest, as it has been a long day since your departure from Quito.

The restaurant of our Cofan Lodge.

One of the cabins of the Cofan Lodge.

Resting in a hammocks in our restaurant.

A walk in Zábalo village.

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 2

You will be taken on one of the few Ecuadorian black water rivers, where the clear dark water provides ideal conditions for Giant Otters. There is also a vivid population of Scarlet Macaws as well as a great variety of tropical birds and monkeys.

In the evening, you return to Zábalo to spend the night in the Cofan Lodge.

After dark, we make a short excursion to look at nocturnal animals.

Tree frogs are very common, but it is somewhat hard to spot them. The minute you think you at last have one in your camera, they jump away to never be seen again. With lots of luck, you may see the reflecting eyes of an Ocelot Cat in the beam of your flash light.

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 3

The day begins with learning about of the Cofan ways. You will be instructed how to shoot with a blowgun, and get the opportunity to see the traditional Cofan dresses.

Learning how to shoot with a blowgun.

The shaman with some of the Cofan children and of tourists.

The traditional vegetable garden produces typical food of the Amazon region.

The Cofan turtle breeding project helped restore the turtle numbers in Cuyabeno.

In the morning we take off to the largest lake of the Ecuatorian Amazon, Zancudo Coche, located in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. After a well-deserved night's rest, you will explore Lake Zancudo Cocha and its surrounding.

Sometimes, you will see trees flowering, but always as part of a very varied jungle, where no tree species will ever dominate the landscape.

During the dry season - which is never truly dry, just dryer - some trees will shed their leaves.

Usually there will be a few Amazon Dolphins (no guarantee of course) or, if you are really lucky, a Manatee.

Skim past the shores with beautiful jungle trees and spot sloths and monkeys, like the Black-mantled Tamarins, noisy Howlers and Wooley Monkeys. Watch for the more than 540 species of birds known for the area, varying from hummingbirds to Harpy eagles, King Vultures to endangered – yet common in Cuyabeno - Blue and Yellow macaws.

Cuyabeno's rainforest has the greatest recorded number of species per hectare anywhere in the world.

The Candle Bush grows along river courses.

The reserve has become a favorite place for birdwatchers.

Tourists "hunt" wild animals with their binoculars and cameras.

The borders of the lake are often inundated.

Along the way we picnic on a "blanket" of palm leaves.

We spend the entire day exploring the lake, after which we make camp and sleep in tents along the lake side.

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 4

After breakfast, we enter a branch of the Aguarico River, the Imuya River, which forms the Lagartocoche watershed. We send the entire day exploring this beautiful black water river, looking out for wildlife and birds.

With its entire watershed protected in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, the Imuyo River is the clearest black water river in the Amazon of Ecuador.

The clear black - sediment poor - water of the Imuyo River mixes with the sediment loaded water of the Aguarico River. The color comes from the soil particles dispersed in the water.

Continuing the journey upstream the Imuyo River until we reach the Lagartocoche lakes.

Extended swamps characterize the forest.

Some of the jungle flowers you may find along the way, depending on the season.

In the evening we make camp (in tents) along the river.

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Days 5 and 6

After breakfast, we enter the Lagarto Coche Lakes, a dense network of lakes and creeks at the border with Peru. We spend 2 days exploring the lakes and Macrolobium swamps.

Lagarto Coche is a dense network of creeks and lakes.

The Macrolobium trees form mystic swamps with their bonsai shaped truncs.

After a days' excursion it is very refreshing to take a plunge into one of the lakes.

On excursion in one of the Lagartocoche Lakes.

In the evening, we make camp along one of the creeks or lakes.

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 6

In the morning, we continue exploring the Lagartocoche Lakes swamps.

The swamps form dense networks of flooded forest and seasonal floating meadows loved by Manati.

At other locations the swamps are formed by Macrolobium trees.

In the afternoon, we have to head back to Zábalo, where you spend the night in the Cofan Lodge.

Day 7

On day 7, you will experience the feel of so many of our visitors: "It all went by too quickly".

From Zábalo, we take you upstream Aguarico River to the road at El Unión, where your transport is waiting for you to take you to the airport or the bus-terminal in Lagoagrio, where your journey ends. Check our Cofan Lodge rates.

CUYABENO LAKE EXTENSION

For those who would like to explore the entire Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, we have the Cuyabeno Lake Extension. Your Vacation would last two more days, the last of which, you would spend around the famous Cuyabeno Lake while being lodged in the comfortable famous Cuyabeno Lodge. This would be a fantastic conclusion of your Amazon Rainforest Vacation. For details about the program, take a look at Cuyabeno Tour, but in stead of staying 3 nights, you would be staying 2 nights.

For this extension, your extended itinerary would continue after the previous day 6:

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 7

After breakfast, we take you to the mouth of the Cuyabeno River, where usually some river dolphins hang out. From there you will be taken to the Canopy tower, to have an impression of the natural canopy.

The Cuyabeno River Mouth is frequented by Amazon Dolphins

The highest canopy tower in Cuyabeno takes you all the way into the crown of a gigantic tree.

Admiring the view from the canopy tower platform.

The tree canopies are where the Amazon jungle has most of its species.

After climbing the tower, the expedition goes further along the winding Cuyabeno River until reaching the Cuyabeno Lagoon. At that point you will be hosted by one of the lodges of that part of the reserve, most likely our partner, the Cuyabeno Lodge.

The expedition continues until reaching the Cuyabeno River.

Epiphytes clad Macrolobium trees look like giant Bonsai trees that surround the Cuyabeno Lagoon .

It will be late when you reach the Cuyabeno Lodge. Upon arrival you can take a hot shower and relax a while until dinner, or if you are up to it go swimming in the lagoon and enjoy the sunset.

Diving into the lagoon is always great as the water temperature is wonderful.

Dining is a social even where you can talk about your experiences of the day.

After dinner there will be a night excursion on the higher grounds of the better drained hilly jungle and discover the wonders of plants and nocturnal animals in the dark.

Animals of the dark

During those excursions, you will discover mystic animals like nocturnal crickets, night lizards, giant spiders, and lots of frogs and toads.

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 8

After spending the night in one of the comfortable cabins, your guide takes you on Lake and its surrounding Macrolobium swamps, which are more developed than in Lagartocoche. The forest in this part of the reserve is better developed and you are likely to see different species of wildlife.

Blue and yellow Macaws are common around the Cuyabeno Lake.

Black-Mantled Tamarins live in good-sized groups.

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 9

On this final day, you will have to leave early in the morning to get back on time to catch the plane or bus to Quito in Lagoagrio. You will ride the canoe up the Upper Cuyabeno River to the main entrance of the park, the "Cuyabeno Bridge", where your transport will be waiting for you to bring you to the airport or to the bus station to take you on your trip back to Quito.

2023 COFAN LODGE / CUYABENO LODGE / PARKS AND TRIBES PRICES

PARKS AND TRIBES AMAZON PROGRAMS

WHAT's INCLUDED? HOW TO GET TO THE AMAZON?

COFAN LODGE PROGRAMS
COFAN LODGE STANDARD PROGRAM
DURATION STAY	Prices per person in US$
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS	$ 499

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

CUYABENO DAY TRIP NEW!

DURATION STAY

Prices in US$

1 DAY

$ 99

Discounts for families with children

NAPO RIVER CRUISE NEW!

DURATION STAY

Prices per person in US$

3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

$ 450

LAGARTOCOCHE EXPEDITION NEW!

DURATION STAY

Prices per person in US$

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

$ 450

Departure from Nuevo Rocafuerte at the border with Peru. There is a daily rapid public boat services between Coca and Nuevo Rocafuerte for about $50 (not included).

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

CUYABENO LOOP
DURATION STAY	Prices per person in US$
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Standard room at the Cuyabeno Lodge part (nights 3 &4)	$ 799
Standard room in the Cofan Lodge (nights 1 & 2) and Deluxe room at the Cuyabeno Lodge (nights 3 & 4)	$ 899

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

CUYABENO LODGE PROGRAMS
CUYABENO LODGE STANDARD PROGRAM
DURATION	Prices per person in US$
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Standard room (17 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 280
Standard room Plus (±20 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 350
Deluxe room (25m², private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)	$ 370
Suite (36m², private bathroom, private balcony)	$ 390

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Shared budget room (Dormitory shared among 4 people, shared bathrooms)	$ 280
Standard room (17 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 390
Standard room Plus (±20 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 430
Deluxe room (25m², private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)	$ 480
Suite (36m², private bathroom, private balcony)	$ 510

CUYABENO ADVENTURE
DURATION	Prices per person in US$
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Shared budget room (Dormitory shared among 4 people, shared bathrooms)	$ 340
Standard room (17 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 420
Standard room Plus (±20 m², private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 535
Deluxe room (25m², private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)	$ 595
Suite (36m², private bathroom, private balcony)	$ 635
Single occupancy surcharge (for the entire trip)	$ 100

Individual bookings are WELCOME

QUITO - LAGOAGRIO (or visa versa) PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
	Prices in US$
One way per party price from or to Quito. Group Price for parties of 2 - 7 to the park entrance (minivan) who share the costs.	$ 300
One way Coca to Park entrance per taxi (Japanes size). Minimum 2 maximum 4 A 6 persons minivan is also available.Luggage capacity for carry-ons only.	$ 120 / $150

NATIONAL PARKS TOUR PROGRAM
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
OPTION A: Complete national Parks Tour (10 days). From	$ 1399
OPTION B: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days). From	$ 999
OPTION C: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days) via Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve (7 days). From	$ 1099
OPTION D: Start and finish in Guayaquil (5 days). From	$999
OPTION E: Start in Cuenca and Finish in Guayaquil (5 days). From	$ 999

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

LIMA CUSCO MACHU PICCHU
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
6 or 7 days (subject to flight itineraries). From	$ 1199

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

What is essential to bring our best Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacations?

Please check our vacation packing packing list for the tropics.

AMAZON RAINFOREST VACATION PACKAGES ECUADOR

COFAN LODGE AND PARKS & TRIBES Joined office:

Street: Calle Las Casas, Side street: Jose Coudrin, 2 blocks above the Occidental Highway

Cantón Quito, Prov. Pichincha, Parroquia Belisario Quevedo

Tel: (++593)(02) 2 2324 4086, Cell phone: (++593) (0) 99 283 2187 Whatsapp: (++)1 304 901 0718

Download:

Email: info@cofanlodge.com

Skype: ecotravelworldwide

6 BEST AMAZON RAINFOREST VACATION PACKAGES ECUADOR

7 DAYS' LAGARTOCOCHE EXPEDITION

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 1

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 2

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 3

Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacation, Day 4

CUYABENO LAKE EXTENSION

COFAN LODGE PROGRAMS

QUITO - LAGOAGRIO

(or visa versa)

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

What is essential to bring our best Amazon Rainforest Ecuador Vacations?