PIRANHA LODGE
PIRANHA LODGE
At Piranha Ecolodge we take care of all the logistics of your trip, from the moment you arrive in Cuyabeno until you leave. We manage your itinerary step by step so that you can enjoy all the natural environment that Cuyabeno has through the company of our expert bilingual guides, as well as your breakfast, lunch and dinner.
THE LODGE
We have built it with nature in mind. Our cabins use ecological materials, all endemic to the area. Eco sustainability, ecological awareness and durability have been our premises when building every little space in our hostel.
We want to bring you closer to the typical indigenous constructions of the area and at the same time provide you with the necessary comfort to make your stay an unforgettable experience. No frills, pure fun.
ACCOMMODATION
It consists of 14 standard rooms located in the traditional cabins; four superior rooms in the tower, used as doubles or triples and a superior room located in a traditional cabin. The capacity of the Lodge is 20 people. All rooms have private bathroom, hot and cold water and mosquito net. Superior tower rooms have large windows and a balcony.
The Lodge also has a bar, rest area with hammocks and a small bookstore.
From the Tower, it allows you the best views of the rainforest, the Cuyabeno River, the sunrise, the sunset, the moon and the stars, wow.
Also, if you are an enthusiastic person for bird watching, this is the ideal place for you.
PROGRAMS
Our most popular tour offers the perfect way to explore the Amazon region. Traveling to our lodge is already an adventure, as you leave the summits of the Andes behind and enter the Amazon basin. During the last part of the trip, a motorized canoe takes you along the Cuyabeno River through the rainforest. Be sure to have your camera ready, chances are you will already see some animals like monkeys, sloths, caimans, and of course different birds. Spend two entire days exploring the Cuyabeno Reserve with its unique ecosystem of the flooded forest, look for wildlife, and visit an indigenous community. On the last day you leave the lodge early, so that you can travel back to Quito on the same day. If you have some more time, be sure to also check out our 5-day tour.
DOLPHIN PROGRAM
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
DEPARTURES: Every day.
Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything, enjoy direct contact with all the fauna offered by our Dolphin tour of 3 days and 2 nights in the middle of the Amazon jungle of Cuyabeno.
DAY 1:
Night bus from Quito, Baños or other destinations in Ecuador to reach Lago Agrio. We can organize the shared bus from Quito to Lago Agrio, the bus trip will take approximately 7 to 8 hours. The other alternative is the plane. You can also buy plane tickets with us to fly from Quito to Lago Agrio.
For people traveling by bus, the meeting point is “La Casa de Mi Abuelo” around 9:30 am, with a representative from the Piranha Lodge. After picking up the people who will arrive by plane, you will travel by private transport until you enter the Cuyabeno Reserve, for 2 hours.
From the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve you will take the canoe ride on the Cuyabeno River to reach the lodge, approximately 2 hours, if the river has a considerable water level, when it is shallow in the dry season it will take longer. Lunch is served at the Lodge around 2:00 PM. In the afternoon the activity will begin around 4:00 p.m., to visit the Laguna Grande and other nearby attractions. Around 17:30 you will arrive at the Lagoon to swim and watch the sunset, which is one of the most amazing parts of the tour. At 18:00 an exciting night walk awaits you, during the walk you can expect to see lots of insects, spiders, tarantulas; also, listen to the jungle at night which is so amazing. Dinner is served at 20:00. After dinner, the guide will give a brief briefing about the Lodge and the Cuyabeno reserve, as well as the itinerary for the following day. Rest.
DAY 2:
Breakfast is served at 8:00 am, however, you can get up early in the morning; if you like birds you can always be at the top of the canopy tower watching birds, also the sunrise.
After breakfast, you will take a short canoe ride to Laguna Grande. Here around the lagoon there are a couple of trails where you will take a walk in the tropical jungle for approximately 3 hours, to learn about the medicinal plants and the biological flora and fauna. Once the walk is finished, you will return to the lodge with the motorized canoe or by paddling.
Lunch is around 1 pm, after lunch you will have time to relax by the river or enjoy a siesta in one of our hammocks. The afternoon activity starts around 4:00 p.m. M., which includes taking a canoe ride to other nearby lagoons and the Cuyabeno River to search for wildlife. Around 17:30, it's time to swim and watch the sunset. Around 18:00 you will start the alligator search activity, maybe if you are lucky you will probably see the Amazon Tree Boa which is common to see at night.
Dinner at 20:00, rest.
DAY 3:
You will wake up early in the morning, the activity starts at 06:00 am to 08:00 am
The activity contrasts the observation of birds or the search for any species of animal in the tranquility of the early morning. Breakfast is at 08:00 am After breakfast it is time to pack, to start the journey up the Cuyabeno River around 09:00 am from the Lodge, to return to the Reserve Entrance. Along the river you will have time to take a last look at the animals, flora and fauna of the jungle. The tour ends in Lago Agrio around 14:00 pm.
From Lago Agrio you can travel to any destination in Ecuador. We also organize the shared bus to Quito, with prior reservation.
PIRANHA PROGRAM
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
DEPARTURES: Every day
Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything, enjoy direct contact with all the fauna offered by our Piranha tour of 4 days and 3 nights in the middle of the Cuyabeno Amazon jungle.
DAY 1:
Night bus from Quito, Baños or other destinations in Ecuador to reach Lago Agrio. We can organize the shared bus from Quito to Lago Agrio, the bus trip will take approximately 7 to 8 hours. The other alternative is the plane. You can also buy plane tickets with us to fly from Quito to Lago Agrio.
For people traveling by bus, the meeting point is “La Casa de Mi Abuelo” around 9:30 am, with a representative from the Piranha Lodge. After picking up the people who will arrive by plane, you will travel by private transport until you enter the Cuyabeno Reserve, for 2 hours.
From the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve you will take the canoe ride on the Cuyabeno River to reach the lodge, approximately 2 hours, if the river has a considerable water level, when it is shallow in the dry season it will take longer. Lunch is served at the Lodge around 2:00 PM. In the afternoon the activity will begin around 4:00 p.m., to visit the Laguna Grande and other nearby attractions. Around 17:30, you will arrive at the lagoon to swim and watch the sunset, which is one of the most amazing parts of the tour. At 18:00 an exciting night walk awaits you, during the walk you can expect to see lots of insects, spiders, tarantulas; also, listen to the jungle at night which is so amazing. Dinner is served at 20:00. After dinner, the guide will give a brief briefing about the Lodge and the Cuyabeno reserve, as well as the itinerary for the following day. Rest.
DAY 2:
Breakfast is served at 08:00 am, however, you can get up early in the morning; if you like birds you can always be at the top of the canopy tower watching birds, also the sunrise.
After breakfast, you will take a short canoe ride to Laguna Grande. Here around the lagoon there are a couple of trails where you will take a walk in the tropical jungle for approximately 3 hours, to learn about the medicinal plants and the biological flora and fauna. Once the walk is finished, you will return to the lodge with the motorized canoe or by paddling.
Lunch is around 13:00, after lunch you will have time to relax by the river or enjoy a siesta in one of our hammocks. Afternoon activity begins around 4:00 PM, including taking a short canoe ride to other nearby lagoons and the Cuyabeno River to look for wildlife. Around 17:30, it's time to swim and watch the sunset. Around 18:00 you will start the alligator search activity, maybe if you are lucky you will probably see the Amazon Tree Boa which is common to see at night.
Dinner at 20:00, rest.
DAY 3:
Breakfast at 08:00 am It is time to prepare for the full day adventure. The canoe ride starts around 09:00 am down the Cuyabeno River, slowly looking for some wildlife. In about an hour you will arrive at the indigenous community; where you will visit an indigenous family. Here the guide will take you around, to explain about their culture and traditions.; continuing with the emblematic activity of the elaboration of the traditional food called “Casabe”. The preparation includes demonstration and tasting of traditional food.
Further down, on the Cuyabeno River is the Shaman, the program consists of visiting the shaman and learning about his culture and tradition. In addition, receiving treatment with a medicinal plant called "red nettle"
After visiting the Shaman, you will stop at the Cuyabeno River to see the largest tree in the rain forest called “Ceiba”, then you will return to the lodge, where you will arrive at 16:00 or so. Now you can take a short break for tea or coffee.
If you don't feel tired you can go to the Lagoon to see the last sunset and look for animals that you haven't seen yet. Dinner at 8:00 p.m.
DAY 4:
You will wake up early in the morning, the activity starts at 06:00 am to 08:00 am
The activity contrasts the observation of birds or the search for any species of animal in the tranquility of the early morning. Breakfast is at 08:00 am After breakfast it is time to pack, to start the journey up the Cuyabeno River around 09:00 am from the Lodge, to return to the Reserve Entrance. Along the river you will have time to take a last look at the animals, flora and fauna of the jungle. The tour ends in Lago Agrio around 2:00 PM.
From Lago Agrio you can travel to any destination in Ecuador. We also organize the shared bus to Quito, with prior reservation.
ECOLOGICAL PROGRAM
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
DEPARTURES: Every day
Look deeply into nature and then you will understand everything, enjoy direct contact with all the fauna offered by our Full Ecological tour of 5 days and 4 nights in the middle of the Amazon jungle of Cuyabeno.
DAY 1:
Night bus from Quito, Baños or other destinations in Ecuador to reach Lago Agrio. We can organize the shared bus from Quito to Lago Agrio, the bus trip will take approximately 7 to 8 hours. The other alternative is the plane. You can also buy plane tickets with us to fly from Quito to Lago Agrio.
For people traveling by bus, the meeting point is “La Casa de Mi Abuelo” around 09:30 am, with a representative from the Piranha Lodge. After picking up the people who will arrive by plane, you will travel by private transport until you enter the Cuyabeno Reserve, for 2 hours.
From the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve you will take the canoe ride on the Cuyabeno River to reach the lodge, approximately 2 hours, if the river has a considerable water level, when it is shallow in the dry season it will take longer. Lunch is served at the Lodge around 2:00 PM. In the afternoon the activity will begin around 4:00 p.m., to visit the Laguna Grande and other nearby attractions. Around 17:30 you will arrive at the Lagoon to swim and watch the sunset, which is one of the most amazing parts of the tour. At 18:00 an exciting night walk awaits you, during the walk you can expect to see lots of insects, spiders, tarantulas; also, listen to the jungle at night which is so amazing. Dinner is served at 20:00. After dinner, the guide will give a brief briefing about the Lodge and the Cuyabeno reserve, as well as the itinerary for the following day. Rest.
DAY 2:
Breakfast is served at 08:00 am, however, you can get up early in the morning; if you like birds you can always be at the top of the canopy tower watching birds, also the sunrise.
After breakfast, you will take a short canoe ride to Laguna Grande. Here around the lagoon there are a couple of trails where you will take a walk in the tropical jungle for approximately 3 hours, to learn about the medicinal plants and the biological flora and fauna. Once the walk is finished, you will return to the lodge with the motorized canoe or by paddling.
Lunch is around 13:00, after lunch you will have time to relax by the river or enjoy a siesta in one of our hammocks. Afternoon activity begins around 4:00 PM, including taking a short canoe ride to other nearby lagoons and the Cuyabeno River to look for wildlife. Around 17:30, it's time to swim and watch the sunset. Around 18:00 you will start the alligator search activity, maybe if you are lucky you will probably see the Amazon Tree Boa which is common to see at night.
Dinner at 20:00, rest.
DAY 3:
Breakfast at 08:00 am It is time to prepare for the full day adventure. The canoe ride starts around 09:00 am down the Cuyabeno River, slowly looking for some wildlife. In about an hour you will arrive at the indigenous community; where you will visit an indigenous family. Here the guide will take you around, to explain about their culture and traditions.; continuing with the emblematic activity of the elaboration of the traditional food called “Casabe”. The preparation includes demonstration and tasting of traditional food.
Further down, on the Cuyabeno River is the Shaman, the program consists of visiting the shaman and learning about his culture and tradition. In addition, receiving treatment with a medicinal plant called "red nettle"
After visiting the Shaman, you will stop at the Cuyabeno River to see the largest tree in the rain forest called “Ceiba”, then you will return to the lodge, where you will arrive at 16:00 or so. Now you can take a short break for tea or coffee.
If you don't feel tired you can go to the Lagoon to see the last sunset and look for animals that you haven't seen yet. Dinner at 8:00 p.m.
DAY 4:
The four-day program takes the opportunity to paddle an eco-friendly canoe to experience jungle life at a slower pace. The itinerary gives you increased opportunities to enjoy the magic of the jungle and offers the opportunity to see elusive wildlife that has yet to be seen.
Excellent alternative for couples or people who do not expect to be in large groups all the time.
You will wake up early in the morning, the activity starts at 06:00 am to 08:00 am
DAY 5:
The activity contrasts the observation of birds or the search for any species of animal in the tranquility of the early morning. Breakfast is at 08:00 am After breakfast it is time to pack, to start the journey up the Cuyabeno River around 09:00 am from the Lodge, to return to the Reserve Entrance. Along the river you will have time to take a last look at the animals, flora and fauna of the jungle. The tour ends in Lago Agrio around 2:00 PM.
From Lago Agrio you can travel to any destination in Ecuador. We also organize the shared bus to Quito, with prior reservation.
RATES 2023
All rates are per person.
| ACCOMMODATION | DOUBLE SUPERIOR | DOUBLE StandarD |
|---|---|---|
| 3 DAYS - 2 NIGHTS | $240 | $230 |
| 4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS | $290 | $280 |
| 5 DAYS - 4 NIGHTS | $350 | $340 |
INCLUDED
- Canoe transportation from Cuyabeno to the Lodge.
- Accommodation
- All meals according to program
- Bilingual English/Spanish speaking Naturalist Guide.
- Rubber boots (only up to # 43)
NOT INCLUDED
-
Tips and bar expenses.
-
Extra meals and drinks.
-
Transportation Quito - Cuyabeno - Quito.
-
Rubber boots (size larger than #43).
-
Personal equipment: flashlight, water poncho.
