One of the most beautiful places for nature lovers is the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, a hidden treasure in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It has more than 600,000 hectares of rainforest, large rivers and a biodiversity of flowers and wildlife. Cuyabeno provides a great experience for those who love travel, nature and ecology.
Why visit the Cuyabeno Reserve?
This natural paradise is located in the provinces of Sucumbíos and Orellana in the northeastern Amazon region of Ecuador, near the border with Colombia and Peru, Cuyabeno is the best place for those who want to know one of the most diverse regions of the world. Established on July 26, 1979, the reserve is known for its extensive network of 14 wetlands, rivers and tropical forests that provide the perfect environment to observe a wide variety of wildlife up close.
Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions for tourists is the incredible biodiversity found there. During your visit to the reserve you can stay in lodges scattered throughout the area, which offer excursions where you can see animals such as anacondas, caimans, jaguars, monkeys (howler, squirrel and capuchin), hundreds of species of birds and the most exotic, the pink river dolphins. The flora is equally fascinating, with giant trees, orchids, heliconias and medicinal plants that play a fundamental role in the lives of the indigenous communities living near the reserve.
Culture and communities
Cuyabeno is not only home to an impressive variety of fauna and flora, but also to some indigenous communities such as Secoya, Siona, Cofán, Shuar and Kichwa. These communities have lived in harmony with the Amazon for many years, which has allowed them to develop a deep knowledge of its resources. The lodges located in the Cuyabeno Reserve (Nicky Lodge, Siona Lodge) offer tours that include visits to these communities, where you will have the opportunity to learn about their lives, participate in ancestral rituals and taste typical food.
What you need to know to travel to Cuyabeno
- Access and transportation: The most popular option is to take a plane from Quito to Lago Agrio. From there, you can take a bus to the entrance of the reserve. It is a tour that combines land and water adventure, ideal to get a first glimpse of what awaits you in the jungle; from there, you will go in canoes that will take you into the river to any of the lodges you have booked to stay.
- Climate and best time to visit: Cuyabeno’s climate is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 23 to 30 degrees Celsius, due to its tropical rainforest condition. Considering that there are two different climatic seasons in this area, both are ideal for visiting the Cuyabeno Reserve. The rainy season facilitates navigation because rivers and lagoons grow, while the dry season is ideal for exploring trails and observing wildlife.
- Necessary luggage: To enjoy your stay and all the outdoor activities, it is ideal to bring light clothing with long sleeves to protect yourself from insects. Items to enjoy outdoor activities such as rubber boots and waterproof vests are provided by lodges such as Tapir Lodge, you just enjoy the trip and do not forget your sense of adventure.
- Sustainable tourism: Ecotourism in Cuyabeno is based on sustainability. Several of the local guides, who are sometimes members of the indigenous communities, are committed to the conservation of the reserve and teach travelers how to keep the area preserved without affecting the ecosystem.
Experience the Cuyabeno Reserve
If you want a complete experience in the Cuyabeno Reserve, you should stay in a lodge that offers comfort without compromising the integrity of nature with its operation. Our lodges in the area not only guarantee your comfort and safety, but are also part of the movement of responsible conservation and support of local communities.
