TAPIR LODGE
Itinerary 5D/4N 

DAY 1 .
Meeting point is Mariscal Sucre International Airport , at 08:00 AM in the national departure information booth. An assistant will help you checking in and giving you box lunches. The flight takes about 30 min to Lago Agrio city. The airport is located outside the city; therefore you are not spending any time in Lago Agrio itself. Our private transportation will drive (2 ½ - 3 hours) us to the bridge( “El Puente”), which is the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve. On this way you will have the chance to see a colorful landscape combining rainforest, rivers and small towns; a 40% of this road is paved and the other 60% is an open road, this means that depending on the weather conditions, we could expect a dusty or muddy road.

On “El Puente” we'll enjoy our box lunches and continue our trip on canoe. We provide rain Ponchos and life vests as well. This narrow river allows us to admire the wide variety of flora and fauna. After close to 2 ½ hours driving, we arrive at the lodge around dusk (06:00 PM). Dinner will be served around 19:30. After dinner the guide will give a short explanation of the next day activities, and the needed gear. Overnight in our cozy Tapir Lodge.

DAY 2.
Depending on the weather conditions, we can wake up early at 06:00 AM and drive with our canoe, looking for birds and other animals. We would return to the lodge around 8:00 AM. Breakfast (this consisting of eggs, bread, coffee / tea, fresh fruits and Juice) will be served around 08:30 AM. We´ll leave the lodge at 9:30 AM. We´ll provide our passengers with rubber boots. For bigger numbers than 45 EU shoe size, please bring your own boots.

We will take our canoe (the passengers should carry life vests and rain ponchos all the time we are leaving the Lodge, this will be the only responsibility they get during the tour) and depending on the size of the group (at least in the morning) we´ll take the motor canoe or take the paddle boat (small wood canoe of 5mts or 15ft. long which the indigenous people call Quillas. These small vessels can accommodate up to 4 people + guide. They are very stable). We´ll drive upstream to the “Laguna Grande” (Main lake) enjoying a slow drive in order to catch sight of animals and plants. Usually to get to the lake takes close to 30 minutes (paddle boat 1 hour). Once we get there, we will appreciate this flooded forest also known as Igapo. The trees are growing straight in the water, and many of them, real ancient; offer a perfect habitat for other plants, like Bromeliads, Orquids, Ferns and Cactuses.

We will leave the lake in order to reach solid ground. The path where we will walk today is called Palma Roja “Red Palm”, and used to be part of the scientific Station of the Catholic University . These will be our first encounter with primary forest. This type of forest is the habitat of many terrestrial mammals; these are usually shy or active during the night.

Before we begin walking, there is going to be a speech regarding basic ecology of the rainforest.

This walk shall take close to 3 ½ hours of hiking. On the way you will find a swampy area. Do not worry, the guide will lead you trough the right way. There is an opportunity to admire a big variety of ancient trees, long lianas, giant palms. We'll also hope to catch sight and hear lots of birds such as woodpeckers, tanagers, macaws, and toucans; and with luck we'll come across two or three species of monkeys. This hike makes a loop in the forest; we´ll return to the same place the canoe left us. We´ll arrive there at around 01:30 PM. We get in the canoe or boat and drive back to the Lodge. Lunch will be served at the lodge around 2:20 PM, and it'll be followed by a short resting period of approximately. 2 hours. During this time the guest will have the chance to relax in the hammocks, read, to sleep or try some Piranha fishing. We´ll meet again at 17:00 hours at the dock, to take the canoe and drive to “Laguna Grande” again. Once we get to the lake we will make a small drive in the surrounding area to look for birds and other animals. There is the chance as well for swimming. Swimming is perfectly save and relaxing. During all this years we have not heard of anyone (passenger or native) that got attacked by an animal while swimming. Depending on the weather, we can admire a wonderful sunset. We´ll wait in the lake until it gets dark enjoying the voices of the forest. Then with the aid of our flashlights we will look for animals on the shores of the river. Usually in very bright nights (full moon) the chance of finding caimans is very low, but there are other animals that can be found such as birds and snakes. Once more this drive shall take close to 30 minutes. We will get to the Lodge around 07:00 PM. This free period before dinner can be used to take a shower, to have refreshing drink or to talk with the guide about the animals found during the day. Dinner will be served at 07:45 PM. After dinner depending on weather conditions we can take a small night walk around the lodge looking for frogs and other night wanderers.

DAY 03
Early breakfast at 07:30. After this, we´ll meet in the dock again, once more carrying all the gear ( LV , RB, RP). Today we will drive downstream. We will enjoy a 2 hour-navigation looking at Morphos (giant blue Butterfly), Toucans, Macaws and with some luck monkeys. We will get good glimpses of the surrounding forest. On the way we shall pass the village of Puerto Bolivar where the inhabitants of the area the Siona have chosen to live. After 20 minutes we´ll arrive to a small settlement. There we will get to know the Shaman, Alberto and his family. This people belong to the Cofan ethnic group. Nowadays Alberto conceals his time to cure and treat people with his vast knowledge of the medicinal plants. The visit to this place will be used also to walk inside the forest. This forest is the habitat of the tiny Ecuador poison Frog ( Ameerega bilinguis ). We´ll begin our Trekking on the river bank. There, a marvelous ancient Kapok tree will meet us. This magnificent specimen is at least 800 years old, and the roots of it are as big as a small room. The path in the forest leads us trough small creeks. In the end (after close to 2 hours) we´ll arrive to the backyard of Alberto's house. A superb box lunch will be served.

After lunch, Alberto will share some of his time with us. This man carries upon his shoulders more than 50 years of knowledge of the rainforest and the use of medicinal plants. He will explain us his experiences with the forest, other shamans and process of healing people. This short “healing” ceremony should last 40 min approximately. There will be some free time for asking questions to Alberto or simply take some pictures of him. Some handicrafts are available, all of them done by hand and materials of the rain forest.

After all these, we´ll say goodbye to the family (close to 3:00 PM) and drive back to Puerto Bolivar. There awaits a Siona family for us. We will take part in the preparation of the cassava bread ( Manihot esculenta ).This root has always been an essential food supply, and perhaps the main supply of carbohydrates, for the indigenous communities of the rainforest. After gathering the Yuca (cassava), it will be peeled off, and grinded. This “paste” is pressed to eliminate the humidity and the starch.

The remaining dried product will be cooked in a pan. After some minutes, we obtain a “pancake” of neutral taste.

We´ll say goodbye to the village and drive back to the lodge arriving there usually before dusk. Dinner will be served at around 20:00. After dinner the passengers will be introduced to the crew members who did work during those days. We will be joined by a Goodbye - Passion fruit cocktail.

The following day begins really early (around 04:00 in the morning), therefore it is recommend to pack all your stuff the same night, in order to get some extra minutes of resting before waking up

DAY 04.
Breakfast will be served around 08:00. This day the passengers will have the chance to choose their activities with the guide. There are several options: birdwatching, rowing in the Lake, fishing, or walking in the Forest . According to what you choose, the day will be scheduled to fulfill your interests. Lunch will be served in the Lodge. In the afternoon our passengers will take part in a briefing. Dinner will be served at around 20:00. After dinner the passengers will be introduced to the crew members who did work during those days. We will be joined by a Goodbye - Passion fruit cocktail. Last Overnight at the Tapir Lodge.

DAY 05.
The passengers will be waked up by somebody of our Staff. Waking up and departure time of the Lodge, will be scheduled according to the river, road conditions, the decision of the guide and of course the fight. This information shall be given to the passengers the day before.

Breakfast will be served while our staff takes care that the luggage is carried to the canoe.

We will leave the Lodge and head our way back to the bridge. Our private transportation is waiting for us. This time, the drive to Lago Agrio should take less. Arrival at the airport.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

- Box lunch.
- Private transportation Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno - Lago Agrio.
- Accommodation in double room with private bathroom and hot water shower
- Canoe rides
- 3 meals a day
- Soft drinks (water, coffee, tea)
- Daily excursion program
- Naturalist multilingual speaking guides (English, German)
- Rubber boots, raincoats, life saver.

PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE:

- Entrance fee Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve (20.00 Usd.) *
- Flight Quito - Lago Agrio - Quito (123 Usd.) *
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages.
- Tips and personal expenses

Ask for our programs of eight days.

CUYABENO LODGE.

DAY 01 Quito – Lago Agrio – Rio Cuyabeno – Laguna Grande

Fly or drive over the Andes to the oil frontier town of Lago Agrio . Continue by private transportation to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve, El Puente ( 2 ½ Hrs aprox.) Load your luggage onto a dug-out motorized canoe and follow the winding Cuyabeno River to Laguna Grande, the largest lagoon in the Cuyabeno Reserve and also the site of the Cuyabeno Lodge During this journey you will be able to appreciate the richness of the wildlife in Cuyabeno. You will arrive aprox. at 13OO hrs (Saturday 16.00 hrs). After lunch and a short siesta you are going to explore the lagoon and observe animals.

DAY 02
Rise at dawn to watch birds before breakfast and spot river dolphins. After breakfast have a walk through the “terra firma forest” with your naturalist guide to explore plants and wildlife. Your guide will teach you about the forest's medicinal plants and how the forest works. After lunch and a siesta you will take a trip by dug-out canoe to the flooded igapo with macrolobium trees covered with abundant epiphytes to spot the active monkeys and birds in the afternoon. Furthermore you have the possibility of swimming and seeing the sunset. After dinner there will be a nocturnal excursion to spot caimans and nocturnal birds.

DAY 03
Optional early bird watching. After breakfast you will enjoy a rainforest walk to explore plant and wildlife, medicinal plants, and track animals. Furthermore we 3

will go Piranha–fishing, where you will have the chance to catch your own Piranha. After dinner, you have the possibility of doing a nocturnal jungle walk with your flashlight to spot insects.

DAY 04
*After breakfast you will follow the Cuyabeno River downstream to reach the Siona Village with a picnic lunch served by our cook. You will learn something about the traditions and living habits of the indigenous community and will return to the lodge late afternoon for a siesta or a refreshing swim in the Laguna Grande.

DAY 05 Cuyabeno – Lago Agrio – Quito

Following an early breakfast journey upstream to El Puente where our vehicle will take you back to Lago Agrio. You will return to Quito either by bus or by flight.

*If you prefer a 4 days/ 3 nights tour, the tour will end on day 4 (program 4 th

day, see day 5)

Our rates include:

- Return transportation Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno Lodge
- Accommodation and 3 meals per day ( including vegetarian food) at the lodge
- Coffee, tea and purified water available at all time
- Use of rain ponchos and rubber boots (up to size 44)
- Tours with bilingual-naturalist guide; accompanied in the canoe by nativeguides

Our rates DON'T include:

- Cuyabeno Park entrance fee (20,-- USD per person)
- Tips
- Additional beverages
- Transportation Quito - Lago Agrio - Quito

Ask for our programs of eight days.

NICKY AMAZON LODGE.

DAY 1.-
There are two direct ways of travelling from Quito to Lago Agrio â € “ by plane or bus: If you travel by plane, you will arrive in Lago Agrio at 09:30h00 am. If you travel by bus , you must leave Quito a day in advance in order to reach Lago Agrio in time for the tour. Travelling by bus is 8 hours. Our adventure begins at 10h00am. We travel by bus/truck to Puerto Gregorio(2½ hour), where we start our canoe journey down the Aguarico and continue along the Cuyabeno black water river, to our Lodge. ( 2 ½  hours aprox. ) After dinner our naturalist bilingual guide give us a captivating lecture.

DAY 2. -
After breakfast, we trek in primary Rainforest accompanied by our native and >Naturalist guides. After lunch, Later we paddle by traditional dug-out canoe, enabling us to enjoy the sounds of the jungle….from the smallest insect to the fierce sounding Howler monkeys. We paddle back to our campsite, bird watching, observing wildlife and being overwhelmed by breathtaking scenery on the way back to our camp we stop to catch a piranha. After Dinner we go out on a venturous night walk to observe the different species of insects and frogs or even snakes.

DAY 3.-
After breakfast, we trek in primary rainforest with our Naturalist and native guides who will explain us about the practical and medicinal uses of the plants. After Lunch we go out with either paddleing or motorized canoes to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and to try to find species of monkeys or dolphins.After dinner we venture in the forest to find species of insects and with a bit of luck species of snakes or frogs.

DAY 4.-
Starting early in the morning we spend the whole day exploring. Observing the enchanting salt lick (exposed clay bank) where colourful Parrots and Parakeets feed on the clay to draw the toxins from their bodies. After breakfast we trek into pristine primary rainforest. Our native guide shares his wealth of knowledge, showing us the medicinal and practical uses of the rainforests flora and fauna that their ancestors have taught throughout generations and we learn how all life in the tropical rainforest co-exists in a fragile balance. Lunch. In the afternoon, we travel to visit the

Quichua Birdwatching Tower . Here above the canopy we see a breathtaking view of the surrounding rainforest. From the tower we can observe a variety of species; including Toucans, Parrots, Monkeys, and many more. We have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink and grey river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) in the spectacular scenery. After dinner, we venture out on a night excursion to search for Caimans (alligator family) and nocturnal birds.

DAY 5.-
Early morning a canoe excursion, the brisk morning hours are the best time  to see the rainforest thriving activity. After breakfast, we visit to the Quechua Indian Community where our naturalist guide explains the culture and traditions of the native people from the past to the present and then we travel by canoe down the Cuyabeno River and back along the Aguarico river to Pto Gregorio where our bus/truck will take us to Lago Agrio 16h30 aprox. Departure fight/bus to Quito .    

Our rates include:

- Return transportation Lago Agrio – Lodge – Lago Agrio.
- Accommodation and 3 meals per day ( including vegetarian food) at the lodge
- Coffee, tea and purified water available at all time
- Tours with bilingual-naturalist guide; accompanied in the canoe by nativeguides

Our rates DON'T include:

- Cuyabeno Park entrance fee (20,-- USD per person)
- Tips
- Additional beverages
- Transportation Quito - Lago Agrio – Quito

Ask for our programs of eight days.