Amazon Cuyabeno & Papallacta
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Begin in Quito and wrap up back in Quito on this five day journey blending the Amazon with the Andes. Travel overland then by canoe deep into the Cuyabeno Reserve, where you’ll explore primary rainforest with a naturalist guide, spot birdlife and – with luck – pink dolphins, and head out after dark in search of caimans and nocturnal creatures. You’ll visit a Tarapuy family to make traditional yuca bread, swim in Laguna Grande at sunset and enjoy unhurried lodge time. Round things off in Papallacta’s thermal pools – a soothing finale after the jungle. Expect wildlife, culture and laid back adventure.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysHotel Rating
star hotelsStarts
QuitoEnds
QuitoMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Ecuador that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
From Hotel OnlyDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
EcuadorMeals Included
Breakfast: 4, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3Passengers
$3,430.00
$1,029.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Journey into the Amazon
Very early this morning – around midnight – we collect you from your hotel in Quito and set off by road to the Cuyabeno Reserve, a journey of around 10 hours. On arrival at the Cuyabeno Bridge, our naturalist guide gives an introduction to the reserve and key recommendations, then we continue by canoe for about two hours along the Cuyabeno River to the lodge.
On this first stretch we watch for birdlife and, with favourable weather, possible sightings of monkeys and other wildlife. On reaching the lodge, you have time to unwind. Later, we head to Laguna Grande for a swim and to watch the sunset, before returning to the lodge for dinner. A boxed lunch is provided today and dinner is included.
Please Note: Please plan to arrive a day earlier for earlky departure from Quito around midnight on day 1.
Day 2 - Exploring the Primary Forest
After breakfast, we venture into primary rainforest on a guided 3–4 hour walk as our naturalist explains the ecosystem and the use of medicinal plants. We return to the lodge for lunch, then head out in the afternoon to observe butterflies and enjoy a swim in the lagoon, rounding off the day with sunset over the water – and, with luck, a sighting of pink dolphins.
After dinner at the lodge, we join a night excursion to search for caimans along the riverbanks. Meals included – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation – Jamu Lodge or similar.
Day 3 - Tarapuy Community Experience
After breakfast, we set off by canoe for about an hour downriver to visit a family from the Tarapuy community. We learn how to prepare casabe – a traditional yuca bread – using materials from the forest, then return to the lodge for lunch.
The afternoon is free – you can relax at the lodge at your own pace. As evening approaches, we take a short walk in the primary forest to search for nocturnal wildlife – spiders, geckos and scorpions – and listen to the sounds of the night.
Meals included – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Transport – canoe. Overnight – Jamu Lodge or similar.
Day 4 - From Cuyabeno to Papallacta
Before breakfast, you can join an optional, weather‑permitting birdwatching walk to catch early‑morning activity in the canopy. After breakfast, we transfer back to the Cuyabeno Bridge and continue by road to Papallacta, where we relax in the open‑air thermal pools.
The mineral‑rich waters have a gentle exfoliating effect and a soothing warmth – an ideal way to unwind after time in the rainforest. Breakfast included – overnight at Papallacta Spa Hotel or similar.
Day 5 - Return to Quito
After breakfast at your hotel in Papallacta, we arrange a private car transfer to Quito – either to the airport for your onward flight or to your hotel in the city. This marks the end of your Cuyabeno and Papallacta adventure.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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