Cuyabeno & Limoncocha Experience

This 4-day expedition begins at Hotel Campestre Magic Paradise in Lago Agrio and leads through the Limoncocha and Cuyabeno Reserves. Experience the Amazon’s rich biodiversity with guided hikes, canoe rides, and wildlife observation. From stunning sunsets and pink dolphins to traditional fishing and cultural encounters, this journey offers an authentic connection with Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest.

Day 1

From 08:00 to 09:00 we meet at the dining hall of Hotel Campestre Magic Paradise (Lago Agrio).
Welcome with the assigned guide, who will give a general introduction to the day's itinerary.

At 10:00 starts the tour of the Magic Paradise farm and ecological trails.Observation of local wildlife, crops, and rural activities.

At 11:30 starts a traditional sport fishing in the Magic Paradise ponds. A recreational and cultural activity that connects with Amazonian life.

At 13:00 we have a traditional lunch at Magic Paradise.

At 14:00 we meet at the hotel for private tourist transport to Limoncocha Biological Reserve.

At 15:30 We visit Yanmanuka Waterfall. Short hike through the forest to the waterfall. Time for photos, enjoying the fresh water, and connecting with nature. Guide's explanation about the cultural and natural importance of this site.

At 17:00 we will be arriving to Limoncocha Biological Reserve. Introduction to the history and biodiversity of the reserve. Presentation of the ecosystem: lagoon, primary forest, endemic birds, and endangered species.

At 17:15 starts the Lagoon Tour (daytime). Motor canoe ride across the lagoon.Birdwatching: herons, hoatzins (prehistoric birds), kingfishers, and toucans. Search for howler monkeys, capuchins, and sloths in the riverside trees. Possible sightings of turtles and reptiles sunbathing on logs.

At 18:30 we will enjoy the amazonian Sunset with an spectacular view of the sun setting over the lagoon. Perfect moment for photos and videos. Silence and connection with the jungle sounds at dusk.

At 19:00 Starts the night adventure. Black caiman spotting: searching with flashlights to see their glowing eyes in the water. Firefly show: thousands of natural lights illuminating the floating leaves.

Jumping sardinitas: small fish leaping across the water, creating a unique natural show.

At 19:30 we return to Lago Agrio. Back to Hotel Campestre Magic Paradise where the experience ends.

Day 2

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.

Day 3

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.

Day 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.