SIONA LODGE
SIONA LODGE
The Siona Lodge is idyllically situated in one of the last unspoiled native jungles in the Amazon, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Ecuador designated the 603.380 square kilometres (2,329.7 sq mi) a protected wildlife zone since July 26th, 1979. This positive step forward towards the preservation of part of the Amazon River Basin has allowed us to develop our lodge around the idea of low impact eco-tourism. Our hope is that, by exposing you to the untouched natural beauty surrounding the lodge, you will understand and share that these resources should be enjoyed and preserved for future generations to come.
The Siona Lodge has the best and one of the single most distinctive locations in the reserve, allowing for picturesque sunsets viewed across the large freshwater lake. Much of the wildlife you will see is dependent on the unique ecosystem the lake supports allowing for some rare viewing opportunities.
ACCOMMODATION
The Siona Lodge accommodates up to 20 people in four individual guest huts; each hut has 2 double bedrooms each with its own private bathroom and shower. Our spacious balconies, complete with a hammock and lounge chairs, invite you to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
The heart of our Main Lodge is a spacious dining area. We take pride in our ability to prepare and serve gourmet cuisine in such an isolated location. We take great care to ensure fresh, local ingredients are the basis for our recipes so you will enjoy your dining experience as much as you do the unspoiled ambiance of the surrounding jungle. The dining area lounge is equipped with a fully stocked bar so you can enjoy any of your favourite after-dinner cocktails.
PROGRAMS
This reserve is a complex of rivers, lagoons, and floating forest. This protected area is characterized by its high biodiversity and interrelationships between the species inhabiting the area. The Reserve’s geomorphology is a consequence of the rivers carrying sediment and materials from the Andes, principally by the Aguarico River. The huge volume of water cascading down from the mountains maintains the naturally high water levels ensuring that the river is navigable all year round. In the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve there are more than 10 monkey species, 500 bird spices, and an incredible record of 307 species of tree per hectare. There are two seasons, dry and rainy. The entrance is by fluvial (river) transport and is offered by the local communities with the coordination of the lodge and a highly trained, accredited guide.
PROGRAM
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
With no Make Up, Our Culture experience is amazing and real, we are glad to receive you in our homes, to introduce you to our families, to see our traditions and enjoy a really nice time.
DAY 1:
Reception in Lago Agrio at 09h50, and transfer to CuyabenoRiver.Box lunch in the route .. Here our Naturalist Guide will give information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the two hours navigation through Cuyabeno River to the Big Lagoon, where the Lodge is located. Along the river you will find several species in its natural habitat as monkeys, toucans, parrots, insect and the exuberant Amazonian vegetation. Arrival and check in.
Night walk in the primary forest to observe amphibians and reptiles for about one hour. Return to the lodge for a welcome cocktail and dinner. Accommodation in double rooms
DAY 2:
After breakfast, departure to the Siona Indian Community of Puerto Bolivar, the largest ethnic group in the Reserve.
During this tour you will learn their customs , traditions and way of life. You will be part of the elaboration of the Casabe; local dish made of yucca (carbohydrates principal feed of the community). The trip takes 2 hours navigation downstream to get there, in the route will be possible to admire the existing fauna along the Rio Cuyabeno such as: birds, monkeys, snakes, pink dolphins, tortoises and many others. A visit to the Shaman, is also included. This is a full day excursion with Lunch in the Community . Return to the lodge. Night navigation for watching Caymans. Dinner. Accommodation in double rooms
DAY 3:
Breakfast. Trek in the primary rain forest for approximately 3-5 hours in the distance you will be able to explore the beautiful and complex tropical ecosystem. You will find the great variety of species of plants, trees and animal life. Lunch back at the lodge. In the afternoon navigation in the big lagoon, to enjoy the surrounding of the lake, and wait for a very special sunset. Dinner.
DAY 4:
Early in the morning before breakfast a bird watching excursion is optional. Breakfast and by 09h30 departure tour back to Lago Agrio to take your Bus or flight back.
NOTE: ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR WEATHER CONDITIONS
PROGRAM
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
With no Make Up, Our Culture experience is amazing and real, we are glad to receive you in our homes, to introduce you to our families, to see our traditions and enjoy a really nice time.
DAY 1:
Reception in Lago Agrio at 09h50, and transfer to Cuyabeno River.
Box lunch in the route .. Here our Naturalist Guide will give information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the two hours navigation through Cuyabeno River to the Big Lagoon, where the Lodge is located. Along the river you will find several species in its natural habitat as monkeys, toucans, parrots, insect and the exuberant Amazonian vegetation. Arrival and check in. Night walk in the primary forest to observe amphibians and reptiles for about one hour. Return to the lodge for a welcome cocktail and dinner. Accommodation in double rooms.
DAY 2:
After breakfast, departure to the Siona Indian Community of Puerto Bolivar, the largest ethnic group in the Reserve. During this tour you will learn their customs , traditions and way of life. You will be part of the elaboration of the Casabe; local dish made of yucca (carbohydrates principal feed of the community). The trip takes 2 hours navigation downstream to get there, in the route will be possible to admire the existing fauna along the Rio Cuyabeno such as: birds, monkeys, snakes, pink dolphins, tortoises and many others. A visit to the Shaman, is also included. This is a full day excursion with Lunch in the Community . Return to the lodge. Night navigation for watching Caymans. Dinner. Accommodation in double rooms.
DAY 3:
Breakfast. Trek in the primary rain forest for approximately 3-5 hours in the distance you will be able to explore the beautiful and complex tropical ecosystem. You will find the great variety of species of plants, trees and animal life. Lunch back at the lodge. In the afternoon navigation in the big lagoon, to enjoy the surrounding of the lake, and wait for a very special sunset. Optional Swim in the alke. Dinner.
DAY 4:
Breakfast. A Visit to Canangueno Lagoon for bird watching by Indian paddle canoe and another hike in the forest are the activities for this day.
DAY 5:
RETURN
Early in the morning before breakfast a bird watching excursion is optional. Breakfast and transfer to Lago Agrio to take your Bus or flight back.
RATES 2023
All rates are per person.
| ACCOMMODATION | DOUBLE StandarD |
|---|---|
| 4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS | $360 |
| 5 DAYS - 4 NIGHTS | $450 |
INCLUDED
- Cuyabeno reception and canoe transfer down the Cuyabeno river to the lodge.
- Accommodation
- All meals according to program
- Bilingual English/Spanish speaking Naturalist Guide.
NOT INCLUDED
-
Transfer from/to Quito
-
Tips and bar expenses.
-
Extra meals and drinks.
-
- Rubber boots (size larger than #43).
-
Personal equipment: flashlight, water poncho.
