CAIMAN ECOLODGE
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Caiman Eco-Lodge is at one of the best spots in the Cuyabeno Reserve, really close to the Laguna Grande and reachable by canoe all year long, not depending on the season. The Lodge accommodates up to 40 people in three individual guest huts; each hut has 2 – 4 double or triple bedrooms (as required) each with its own private bathroom and shower. There is also a relaxing area, hammocks and an amazing tower (3 floors are fit with triple rooms as those mentioned above) with a great view over the lagoon and the jungle from the 7th top floor. All our guests are assisted by an accredited naturalist guide and licensed canoe driver.
FOREST BATHING AT ITS FINEST:
Engineered for Self-Transformation
Beautifully nestled in the deep Amazon rainforest of the Cuyabeno Reserve. Caiman Eco-lodge viewing tower shows a wonderful view of the canopy of the rainforest on one side and the Cuyabeno river on the other. Connect with nature in a way that allows you to understand the wonderful harmony that exists between sun, air and earth. Exploring it’s diverse dimensions that unravels it’s mystery to those who are looking for something out of the ordinary.
COZY AND COMFORTABLE:
Simple yet functional. All rooms have beds, mosquito nets, private bathroom and warm shower on the main level. Rooms in the tower only have cold showers which although for some can feel uncomfortable are actually one way to support a purely eco-friendly way of blending in with the environment & providing some increased benefits. Cold showers can make your manly mane look shinier and your skin look healthier by closing up your cuticles and pores.
ACTIVITIES:
Lots of Variety
Forest bathing at it’s finest, a way to connect with the pacha mama like no other. To enter the deep forest requires 3 hours of navigation around the bends in motorized canoe. Surrounded by green and orchestra of sights and sounds that will bring your senses to life. Explore the Amazon during the evening and a whole other world comes to life. During the day explore the forest in motorized canoe and trek through dense forest to learn about the flora and fauna. Support local initiatives by spending some time with an indigenous community to understanding process of agriculture and shamanic traditions. After a long day of trekking & exploring the forest head to the Laguna Grande to witness a beautiful expression of colour & light emerging as we take in the sunset along the Cuyabeno River.
ITINERARIES:
3, 4 or 5 day Programs
Keep in mind that 1st and last day are short activities and travel time into and out of the rainforest. However, if you still like to experience primary rainforest inside a protected reserve than consider the following options below.
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS TOUR
Day 1: We will meet in Lago Agrio at 9:00 am, where we will take private transportation to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve where we will have a lunch box. At this point the visitors will register at the Reserve’s office and then board the canoe. Here our Naturalist Guide will provide information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the two hour canoe ride down the Cuyabeno River to Caiman Lodge. During the canoe ride you will get a first glimpse of the amazing flora and wildlife found in the jungle. You may also be able to see a variety of monkeys and other jungle animals, depending on the time and weather conditions. We will arrive at Caiman Lodge at around 3:30 pm. At that time you will be shown to your rooms and you will be able to relax. After a siesta we will leave the camp for a swim in the lagoon and to watch a beautiful sunset while also having the possibility to spot freshwater dolphins. You will then return to the camp for dinner and then we will head out for a night walk and once back at the lodge you can finish your first day in the jungle relaxing in a hammock or having a drink at the bar.
Day 2: Day Jungle Hike in the Primary Forest where the guide will explain the ecology of the rainforest, medicinal plants and flora and fauna interactions of the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth. In the afternoon we will go paddling around the flooded Igapo inundated forest around the Laguna Grande (where if the water level is high enough and if you are up to it we can swim while watching the sunset also ) and in the evening we will head out by motor canoe to look for caimans.
Day 3: We will head out downstream to the Puerto Bolivar Siona Community and there we will be welcomed by one of the indigenous women and she will take us to the yuca plantation to harvest some yucas and with our help she will show us the preparation of one of their traditions foods, Casave (Yuca flat bread). Immediately after this the guide will introduce you to one of the last 4 Shamans of the Siona tribe in Ecuador and there one of them will explain their cosmovision directly related to the Ayahuasca brew, he will perform an energy cleansing part of the ritual singing their chants which come from a millenary Shaman-apprentice oral tradition
Day 4: Early morning birdwatching (5:30) and sunrise, breakfast at the lodge and at 9:30 return to the Cuyabeno bridge where we will have a box lunch and then you will be picked up by a shuttle bus which will take you to Lago Agrio so you can get back to Quito either by bus or airplane also.
Important: If you buy the 5 days 4 nights tour this day you can paddle half day looking for animals around the lagoons and along the Cuyabeno and La Hormiga rivers or also go for new walks on different paths with your naturalist guide.
Day 5: Early morning birdwatching (5:30) and sunrise, breakfast at the lodge and at 9:30 return to the Cuyabeno bridge where we will have a box lunch and then you will be picked up by a shuttle bus which will take you to Lago Agrio so you can get back to Quito either by bus or airplane also.
RATES:
2022 CAIMAN ECO-LODGE - PRICES PER PERSON | |
PROGRAM | DOUBLE |
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS | $240 USD |
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS | $320 USD |
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS | $380 USD |
INCLUDED:
- Tea / Coffee and Filtered Water
-
All meals
Accommodation Double/Triple or Matrimonial cabin
Transportation from Lago Agrio to the Caiman Lodge and back to Lago Agrio
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
Rain Poncho and Rubber boots
DOES NOT INCLUDED:
-
Transport from Quito to Lago Agrio and back
$3 US Contribution to Siona Community Visit
$3 US Contribution to Shaman Visit
Alcoholic / Soft drinks
TIPS