PIRAÑA TOUR
ITINERARY
DAY 1 Launches with a burst of adventure as we gather at Lago Agrio between 8:40 am and 9:00 am. The meeting point is in the enchanting Farm Hotel Magic Paradise. From there, we embark on a two-hour journey aboard our private transport to the gateway of the Cuyabeno Reserve. Upon arrival, our guide will welcome us with a fascinating briefing at the environmental ministry’s interpretation center, followed by a swift check-in at their offices. Then, the real adventure begins as we hop into canoes and set off down the Cuyabeno River. As we navigate these waters, keep your eyes peeled for the lush flora and fauna, agile monkeys, exotic birds, and even anacondas, the second-largest snakes on the planet. Our success in spotting these wonders will hinge on the whims of weather and fortune.
From 1:30 to 2:00 pm, we’ll refuel with lunch at Piranha Ecolodge. Post-meal, our guide will share insights about our accommodations and the surrounding area. Then, you’ll be shown to your rooms for a brief relaxation.
At 4:45 pm, we’re off to our second expedition of the day, journeying upstream to where the Cuyabeno River meets La Hormiga River. Here, we might catch a glimpse of the magnificent pink dolphins, Cuyabeno’s iconic and protected species. Our exploration continues to Laguna Grande, famed for one of the country’s most breathtaking sunsets, paired with a refreshing swim.
By 6:30 pm, we gear up for a nocturnal trek to witness a plethora of insects and amphibians. Treading carefully, we may also encounter serpentine reptiles and nocturnal mammals like armadillos during this 45-minute foray. Afterward, as we return to our canoe, we’ll embark on one of the night’s most thrilling pursuits: the search for the elusive black caimans and tree boas along the Cuyabeno River, guiding us back to our ecolodge.
At 8:00 pm, a sumptuous dinner and welcome cocktail await, prepared by our chef. The evening winds down with the option to relax in a hammock or enjoy a beer at the bar, reflecting on the day’s adventures and the wonders that lie ahead.
DIA 2
At the crack of dawn, 6:00 am, we’ll embark on a thrilling expedition to the observation tower in search of the Amazon’s aerial performers: birds, and with a stroke of luck, tree-dwelling mammals such as monkeys and sloths. Not far from our ecolodge, the raucous and vibrant macaws, our colorful feathered friends, make their presence known. Following our early bird adventure, we’ll gather for breakfast at 7:30 am, fueling up for the day’s escapades.
At 8:30 am, we dive into a dynamic mix of paddling and trekking. For 45 serene minutes, we’ll paddle through the waters, enveloped by the tranquil sounds of the rainforest. If fortune smiles upon us, we might witness the sleek otters in their element, hunting in the river. Once on terra firma, our guide will delve into the heart of the Amazon, unveiling the secrets of its ecology, flora, fauna, and the intricate web of ecosystem interactions. Lunch awaits from 12:30 to 1:00 pm, followed by a well-deserved break lounging in hammocks or retreating to our rooms for a midday rest.
At 3:30 pm, we’ll reconvene at our interpretation center to reflect on the morning’s discoveries. Here, our guide will enrich our understanding of the indigenous communities of Cuyabeno, offering insights into their lives and connections with the natural world. The day’s adventure continues at 5:00 pm aboard a motorboat to explore Caiman Cocha Lagoon, one of the 14 mystical lagoons within the reserve. As we journey to this destination, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for more wildlife. At Caiman Cocha, we’ll be greeted by the lagoon’s stunning beauty, set against the backdrop of a mesmerizing sunset.
The day concludes with dinner at 8:00 pm, followed by a restful evening, reflecting on the day’s wonders and the magic that the Amazon continues to unveil.
DIA 3
At 8:00 am, we kick off with a hearty breakfast, fueling up for the day’s adventures. By 9:00 am, we’ll set off downstream to the Siona Community of Puerto Bolívar. Here, we’ll be warmly welcomed by a woman of the Siona people, who will guide us through a yucca plantation. She’ll share with us the art of preparing casabe, a traditional flatbread made from yucca, allowing us to dive hands-on into their culinary heritage. Lunch at noon will be a communal affair in the village, offering us a taste of local life and the flavors that define it.
At 1:00 pm, the journey deepens as our guide introduces us to one of the last four Siona tribe shamans in Ecuador. In an intimate encounter, the shaman will share his worldview, closely tied to the sacred Ayahuasca brew. We’ll partake in an energy cleansing ritual, enriched by songs passed down through millennia from shaman to apprentice. Our exploration continues as we venture in search of snakes and other wildlife, culminating in a visit to one of Ecuador’s largest trees, El Ceibo. Here, we’ll have the chance to snap photos and embrace this mighty tree, absorbing its good energies.
As the day wanes at 5:30 pm, we’ll embark on an upstream journey, paddling in search of birds, monkeys, and sloths. The tranquility of the river and the dense canopy above create the perfect setting for spotting these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
The day concludes at 8:00 pm with a farewell dinner and cocktail, a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences shared and the bonds formed with the natural and human communities of the Amazon.
DIA 4
At the crack of dawn, 5:30 am, we embark on an enchanting voyage upstream to the majestic Laguna Grande, where we’ll witness a sunrise that paints the sky with strokes of vibrant colors. As the new day awakens, we’ll seek out dolphins and other wildlife, active in their morning routines and on the hunt for breakfast.
By 8:00 am, we’ll gather for a delicious breakfast at the hotel, savoring the flavors and moments of tranquility before we prepare for our journey back to Lago Agrio.
At 9:30 am, we board our motorboat, setting off toward the Cuyabeno Bridge. Along the way, the riverbanks come alive, offering one last spectacular showcase of the Amazon’s abundant fauna.
Upon reaching the Cuyabeno Bridge, a private bus awaits to whisk us back to Magic Paradise, where a sumptuous lunch will mark the perfect conclusion to our adventure. This final day encapsulates the essence of our journey – a blend of serene beauty, thrilling wildlife encounters, and the gentle tug of returning to civilization, carrying with us the memories of the Amazon that will linger in our hearts forever.
tour includes
tour does not include
• Transport Lago Agrio – Cuyabeno
• Transportation Cuyabeno – Lago Agrio
• River transport
• Cuyabeno Professional Guides
• Tour / Activities
• Boots, water ponchos, hammocks.
• Food from lunch on the first day
• Accommodation
• Transportation Quito – Lago Agrio ($20)
• Transportation Lago Agrio – Quito ($20) lunch on the first day