TAPIR LODGE
TAPIR LODGE
Your adventure in the Amazon rainforest starts right now! Authentic Personalized Tours to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve operated and organized by Tapir Lodge, if you are looking for an all-inclusive trip with a lot of ecological variety and you came to the right place. We are located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Jungle and we work hand in hand with the local community to carry out all the activities and services that we include in our packages. We have designed unique programs of 4, 5 and 7 days in the Amazon jungle, flexible enough to plan them on site together with our highly qualified guides and in harmony with the jungle environment.
Tapir Lodge is a pioneer in Ecuador, built under the premise of respecting the precious ecosystem of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve. We are passionate about the environment therefore we work to cause minimal disturbance to wildlife. Our Lodge was created specifically to generate the least impact on the environment. It consists of two towers which use half the space that would use any other lodge in the Amazon jungle with a capacity for 26 travelers. With principles of sustainable and responsible tourism, Tapir Lodge is a pioneer in the area of alternative energy, implementing alternative energy sources for 24 hours. Our own solar panels provide enough energy to light the hostel all day, recharge all electronic devices and even use electronic equipment during your stay. However, most visitors find the hostel the perfect place to disconnect from technology and tune in to nature. We also use river water and we have a biodigester system for wastewater.
Tapir Lodge in the Cuyabeno Production Wildlife Reserve
Tapir Lodge has a friendly infrastructure with the environment with rooms built in two towers of 15 meters high each. The lodge is located in the center of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. It was built in collaboration with the members and family of the Siona community in 1999.
ACCOMMODATION
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Tours in the Ecuadorian Amazon will take you to one of the richest areas of the Amazon jungle. Our packages are designed to adapt to the natural conditions of the Amazon rainforest. The tours can last 4, 5, 7 days and provide you with an authentic Amazonian adventure.
Our tours were designed in collaboration with the local community and most activities are planned on site to ensure a better experience.
We focus on knowing and exploring in depth the rich biodiversity of the Cuyabeno Fauna Production Reserve. Activities include bird and alligator watching, night walks, canoe rides, and shamanism.
Look at these examples of itineraries of our Classic Tour to Cuyabeno. It can be personalized with camping or photography activities.
TAPIR PROGRAM
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Our 4-day tour to Cuyabeno is part of the Classic Tours to the Amazon. It is adaptable and flexible enough for travelers to enjoy an authentic experience in the Ecuadorian East. Although this tour follows an itinerary, this does not mean that we have to follow it strictly. The activities in this itinerary are designed to be rescheduled from one day to the next according to weather conditions, guide criteria and traveler interests. Having a flexible itinerary is the best guarantee to make an unforgettable trip to the jungle!
DAY 1:
Our services start at Lago Agrio´s Airport. This point can be reached either by bus or by plane from Quito. The approximate time by bus is 8 hours while the flight will take approximately 40 minutes on board.
From Lago Agrio we will drive to the Northeast side of the Sucumbíos province to where “El Puente del Cuyabeno” (The Bridge) is located. It will take us between 2 or 2 ½ hours to reach there depending on weather and traffic conditions. Throughout this drive you will have the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes created by the combination of rainforest, rivers, agricultural fields and small towns. We will take a break on the road to enjoy our lunch and then we will get ready for our next journey on board of a motorized canoe. We will provide you with rain coats
and life vest; your luggage will be covered with plastic for protection and to prevent it from getting wet in the event of rain. Throughout the trip in this narrow river you will be able to admire some of the wide variety of flora and fauna that the Cuyabeno Reserve has to offer. We will navigate for approximately 2 hours until we arrive to our destination: the Tapir Lodge. Once in the lodge, guests will be indicated to their
rooms to make themselves comfortable. After dinner (served at 19:30) the guide will provide general explanations about the Tapir Lodge as well as about the Cuyabeno Reserve and the activities that will take place during the following days. Services al available only until 22h00.
DAY 2:
Our day will begin with a healthy and delicious breakfast that will be served at around 08:00 am. After that, we will meet our guests at our pier where we will make sure that everyone has got a pair of rubber boots for the excursion (available
until size 45 EU). Our tour will start at o9:30, we´ll be driving with a motorized canoe upstream to the “Laguna Grande” (Big Lake), it will take around 30 minutes to get there. In the Laguna Grande we will have the opportunity to observe that surroundings Flora and Fauna. The Flora funded in the lake is quite unique, we will find Ígapo or inundated forest as well as the Macrolobium; ancient trees that have adapted themselves to the surrounding, environment thus growing straight out of
the water. These majestic and antique trees create the perfect habitat for other plants, such as Bromelias, Orchids, Ferms and Cacti.
Once the Igapo excursion has been completed, we will travel to “Terra Firme” and begin a trek on one of the official paths; all these paths are part of a bio friendly system of roads throughout the reserve. Before starting our trek the guide will
provide a brief explanation regarding basic ecology of the rainforest. We hope to have the opportunity to see and hear many species of birds such as Woodpeckers, Tanagers, Macaws, and Toucans; and if we are lucky, enough we will come across two of three species of Monkeys. We will return to the lodge for lunch, it will be served at 14:30 and after that our guests will have a 2 hours brake approximately.
At around 17:00 hours we will meet at our pier and drive with the canoe to a different area of the “Laguna Grande”. Once we get to the lake we will navigate thought the surrounding area searching for birds and other animals. If so desired our guests
could go for a swim, which is a perfectly safe, and a very relaxing activity. Depending on the weather, we may be able to admire a breathtaking sunset.
Once the evening activities are closed, we will return to the lodge and have a refreshing drink at our bar or chat with the guide about the day´s events. After dinner, (served at 20:00), and depending on the weather conditions, we can take a
quick night trek around the lodge looking for frogs and other night wanders. Services al available only until 22h00.
DAY 3:
Depending on the weather conditions, we could have an early start and head out on a bird watching “arising excursion”. (This is an optional activity). We will leave the lodge at around 06:00 navigating downstream without engine and admiring the flora and fauna found along the river while searching for exotic birds, native to the region. We should be returning at around 07:00 to enjoy our delicious breakfast at 08:00. Our excursion will start at 09:00 with a 2 hours canoe drive downstream
in direction to the native community. Throughout our journey we will search for Morphs (giant Blue Butterfly), monkeys and more. On our way we will pass the village of Puerto Bolívar, who´s solely inhabitants are the Sionas. Following Puerto Bolívar, we will continue downstream so we will have
the opportunity to visit and meet Thomas the local Shaman, who belongs to the Cofan ethnic group. (The Shaman may change if Tomas is not available). Thomas spends most of this time curing and treating the local inhabitants with his vast knowledge of medicinal plants.
On our arrival at Thomas’s backyard, we will take a break to enjoy a tasty box lunch. After lunch, Thomas will share with us his experience in the rainforest as well as the processes for healing people. For those interested in taking part of a healing
ceremony the option is at hand and it should last about 40 minutes. Handicrafts are available for purchase, all of them crafted with materials provided by and obtained in the rainforest.
At around 15h00 we will start to navigate back to Puerto Bolívar where we will be greeted by a local Siona family. We will observe how the Cassava Bread is prepared.
The Yuca (Cassava) Root (Manihot Esculenta) has always been an essential food supply and perhaps the main source of carbohydrates for the indigenous communities of the rainforest.
Once the Yuca (Cassava) has been collected, it will be peeled and grinded into a paste. This “pasta” is then pressed to eliminate the water and the starch. The remaining dried product will be toasted in a pan for few minutes and the
result will be a “pancake” like bread of neutral taste which we will be able for us to eat. We will then head back to the Tapir Lodge, where we will take dinner around 20h00 and have a refreshing drink at our bar and chat with the guide about the day´s events. After dinner, the staff that worked in those days
will be introduced to the guests while we share with them a typical cocktail that has been just prepared.
Services al available only until 22h00.
DAY 4:
Breakfast will be served at 08:00. After breakfast, we will receive your rooms and equipment and coordinate your departure from the lodge. Departure is generally between 10:00 and 11:00 depending on the level of water in the river and the weather conditions. Our staff will attend your luggage as they make sure it is all loaded onto the canoe. We will depart and make a relaxed 2 hours navigation back to the bridge looking forward to see the last species of our visit. Our private transportation will be waiting for us and will drive us back to Lago Agrio on time to arrive to the airport.
TAPIR PROGRAM
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Our 5-day Tour to Cuyabeno is part of the Classic Tours to the Amazon. It is adaptable and flexible enough for travelers to enjoy an authentic experience in the Ecuadorian East. Although this tour follows an itinerary, this does not mean that we have to follow it strictly. The activities in this itinerary are designed to be rescheduled from one day to the next according to weather conditions, guide criteria and traveler interests. Having a flexible itinerary is the best guarantee to make an unforgettable trip to the jungle!
DAY 1:
Our services start at the Cuyabeno Bridge. You can fly
to Coca´s Airport. Flight time about 35 minutes. From
Coca we will drive to Lago Agrio, to continue to the Northeast side of the Sucumbíos province
where “El Puente del Cuyabeno” (The Cuyabeno Bridge) is located. It will take us between 2 to 2 ½ hours to
reach el Puente depending on weather and traffic conditions. Throughout this drive, you will have the
opportunity to see beautiful landscapes created by the combination of
rainforest, rivers, and small towns.
After our arrival to “EL Puente”, we
will take a break to enjoy our box lunch and then we will proceed to get ready
for our journey on board of a motorized canoe.
We will provide you with rain ponchos and life vest; your luggage be
covered with plastic for protection to prevent it from getting wet in the event
of rain. Throughout the trip down this
narrow river called Cuyabeno, you will be able to admire some of the wide
variety of flora and fauna that the Reserve has to offer. We will navigate for 2 to 3 hours until we
arrive to the Tapir Lodge. Once in the
Tapir Lodge, indicate guests to their rooms to make themselves
comfortable. After dinner (19:30), the
guide will provide general explanations about the Tapir Lodge as well as about
the Cuyabeno Reserve and the activities that will take place the following
days.
DAY 2:
Our
day will begin with a healthy and delicious breakfast that will be served at around 07:30 am, after that we will meet
our guests at our pier where we
will make sure that everyone has got a
pair of rubber boots for the excursion (available until size 45 EU). Depending on the size of the group, we will
be driving with a motorized canoe or with a paddle canoe. Our tour this day will start
at 09:30, this day consist of an upstream drive to the “Laguna Grande”
(Big Lake). In the Laguna Grande, we
will have the opportunity to observe that surroundings Flora and Fauna. The Flora find in the lake is quite unique,
we will find Igapos or inundated forest
as well as the macrolobium; ancient trees that have adapted themselves to the
surrounding, enviroment thus growing straight out of the water. These majestic
and antique trees create the perfect habitat for other plants, such as
Bromelias, Orchids, Ferms and Cacti Once the Igapo excursion been completed, we will travel to “Terra
Firme” and begin a trek on a path called “Palma Roja” (Red palm); this path was
once part of a scientific research station belonging to the Catholic University. Before starting our trek our guide will
provide a brief explanation regarding basic ecology of the rainforest.
We hope to have the opportunity to
see and hear many species of birds such as Woodpeckers, Tanagers, Macaws, and
Toucans; and if we are lucky, enough we will come across two of three species
of Monkeys. We will return to Tapir for
lunch, it be served at 14:30, after that our guests will have a 2 hours brake
approximately.
At around 17:00, we will meet at our
pier and drive with the canoe to a different area of the “Laguna Grande”. Once we get to the lake, we will navigate thought
the surrounding area searching for birds and other animals. If so desired our guests could go for a swim,
which is a perfectly safe, and a very relaxing activity. Depending on the weather, we may be able to
admire a breathtaking sunset.
Once the evening activities are closed,
we will return to Tapir and have a refreshing drinks at our bar or chat with
the guide about the day´s events. After
dinner depending on the weather conditions, we can take a quick night trek
around the Lodge looking for frogs and other night wanders.
DAY 3:
Depending on the weather conditions, we could
have an early start and head out on a bird watching excursion. We will leave Tapir at around 06:00am
navigating downstream admiring the flora and fauna found along the river while
searching for exotic birds, native to the region we should be returning at
around 07:00 am to enjoy a delicious breakfast.
After this, we will meet at the pier.
This day our excursion will consist of a 2 hours canoe drive
downstream. Throughout our journeys we
will search Morphos (giant Blue Butterfly), Monkeys and more.
On Our way we will pass the village
of Puerto Bolívar who´s, solely inhabitants are the Sionas. Following Puerto Bolívar, we will continue to
a small community where we will have the opportunity to visit and meet Thomas
the local Shaman who belongs to the Cofan ethnic group. Thomas spends most of this time curing and
treating the local inhabitants with his vast knowledge of medicinal plants.
At Thomas´ backyard, we will take a
break to enjoy a tasty box lunch. After lunch,
Thomas will share with us his experience in the rainforest as well as the
processes for healing people. For those
interested in taking part of a healing ceremony the option is there and it
should last about 40 minutes.
Handicrafts are available for purchase, all of them crafted out of
materials provided by and obtained in the rainforest.
At around 15 hours, we will navigate
back to Puerto Bolívar where the local Siona family will greet us. There we will observe how the Cassava Bread is prepared. The Yuca (Cassava) Root (Manihot Esculenta)
has always been an essential food supply and perhaps the main source of
carbohydrates for the indigenous communities of the rainforest
Once the Yuca (Cassava) has been collected,
it will be peeled and grinded into a paste; this “paste “It is pressed to
eliminate the water and the starch. Toast
the remaining dried product in a pan for few minutes and the result will be a
“pancake” like bread of neutral taste, which we will be able to taste. We will then head back to the Tapir, there we
will take a dinner.
After dinner we will have a short hike of about 30 minutes to our camping
place , where after a little night excursion searching for tree frogs, spiders, night monkeys, among others
, we will make a nice fire place to enjoy the flames of the fire and the lovely
surrounding sounds. Spend the night in our tents and or hammogs in the pristine rain Forest. Next morning we
return to Tapir Lodge to have a nice warm shower and a delicious breakfast.
DAY 04:
After breakfastThe day will be scheduled according
to your interests guests will have the option to choose their activities with
the guide. Several options are available, ranging from bird watching, canoeing,
or walking in the rainforest. Lunch be
served at the Tapir Lodge and in the afternoon, our guests can enjoy some leisure
time and enjoy the last sunset over the lake.
After dinner we will serve and enjoy a farewell Passion fruit Cocktail, as we take a little time to
introduce our hard working, attentive and diligent staff members; whom without
their cooperation, assistance and courteous service Tapir Lodge could not
provide our guests with the first – class service you will receive you’re your first
day with us
DAY 05:
Serve Breakfast
at 08:00 AM. After breakfast, we will coordinate and schedule your departure
from Tapir. Departure time is generally 8:00 AM and 18:30 AM depending, on
weather conditions. Our staff will attend to the luggage, as they make sure it
is all loaded onto the canoe. We will depart Tapir and make our way back to the
bridge, where our private transportation will be waiting for us to take us back
to Lago Agrio.
After Lunch we continue our drive back to Quito on a
fantastic journey , that will give us the opportunity to enjoy looking for big
waterfalls and a fantastic landscapes from the Andes, crossing the Eastern
Andean chain at about 4.000 meters or
12.000 feet of elevation . Arrival in Quito or the airport at 17 hrs.,
depending on the flight !!! and air Company.
TAPIR PROGRAM
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
Visit the Ecuadorian East with our 7-day Tour. This incredible trip is part of the Classic Tours to the Amazon. It is adaptable and flexible enough for travelers to enjoy an authentic experience in the Ecuadorian East. Although this tour follows an itinerary, this does not mean that we have to follow it strictly. The activities in this itinerary are designed to be rescheduled from one day to the next according to weather conditions, guide criteria and traveler interests. Having a flexible itinerary is the best guarantee to make an unforgettable trip to the jungle!
DAY 1:
Our services start at Lago Agrio´s Airport. This point can be reached either by bus or by plane from Quito. The approximate time by bus is 8 hours while the flight will take approximately 40 minutes on board.
Arriving at “El Puente”, we will have lunch before continuing our way to Tapir Lodge crossing the river by canoe. This part of the trip will give you an insight into the flora and fauna that Cuyabeno has to offer. We will make sure that you and your luggage have stayed dry during the ride on the river.
After being welcomed to Tapir Lodge, you will have time to settle into your room. Then join us for a wonderful dinner, a chance to get to know your fellow travelers.
After dinner, your guide will give you an introduction to the Tapir Lodge, the Cuyabeno Reserve, and the fascinating experiences planned for your rainforest adventure.
DAY 2:
After a hearty and rich breakfast at the Tapir Lodge, you will board the canoes upriver to explore the unique ecosystem of the “Laguna Grande”. While navigating through the “Igapo” (tropical flooded forest) you will observe the majestic and centennial Mimosa (Macrolobium) trees, which are the ideal habitat for Bromeliads, orchids, lichens, ferns and Ephiphilum cacti.
You will continue your trip to “Terra Firme”, from there to make a long walk that will take all morning. The guide will explain about the Tropical Humid Forest, a place where a great variety of birds such as Woodpeckers, Tanagers and Toucans will be observed. You can also observe some species of monkeys such as (capuchins, barizos, sakis) After a copious lunch and a well-deserved rest at Tapir Lodge, in the afternoon you will navigate again to the "Laguna Grande" to enjoy a wonderful sunset, as well as swim in the Lagoon observe the fruit-eating Muciélagos fishermen, as well as the Herons Pico de canoa.
Back at Tapir Lodge, you will enjoy dinner in the company of the other guests. After the same you can order the Cocktail of your choice and / or you can join a short walk around the Lodge, to explore the nocturnal wonders of the Tropical Humid Forest, seeing tree frogs, insects and Aotus monkeys. Overnight at Tapir Lodge.
DAY 3:
Today we are going to venture out on a camping expedition. As we sail downstream throughout the morning, we can enjoy searching for the spectacular beauties of the tropical forest (monkeys, birds, butterflies, sloth…).
After lunch we will look for the perfect place to camp. When they are established we will hike in the forest for the rest of the afternoon, looking for diurnal mammals. We return to the camp for dinner and spend the night in our tents, under the roof of the jungle.
DAY 4:
Today we will leave early to slide down the river while enjoying the soundtrack of the rain forest morning. After we return for breakfast, we continue the rest of the morning hiking in the forest. This part of the forest is home to herons, egrets, guans, hawks, screaming pihas, orioles, catchers and kingfishers, as well as several species of flying monkeys!
Lunch can be enjoyed at camp, after which we will spend the afternoon aboard our boat silently gliding along the Cuyabeno River, in search of other birds such as toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, breast, macaws. Once night falls, we will go into the forest in search of alligators and other nocturnal animals. Our day will end at the camp.
DAY 5:
After breakfast we will navigate by canoe down the Cuyabeno River until we reach the local community where we will experience the daily life of the community and activities such as harvesting and cooking.
You will have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts, which are carefully produced by the locals. We end our meeting of the shaman's visit at his house where he will share his knowledge of the jungle and the processes he uses to heal his people. Here he will get to experience an ancient healing ceremony that has been passed down from generation to generation.
In the afternoon we will meet the local Siona family. They will show us and invite us to participate in the preparation of the casabe. This local dish, which is prepared with the root of yucca (cassava), represents an important part of the local diet and the main source of carbohydrates for the indigenous communities of the jungle.
Once you have tried casabe we will return to Tapir Lodge to spend another night in the middle of the jungle.
DAY 6:
Tapir Lodge, now it's your turn. Plan your itinerary today! The Lodge offers a wide variety of activities such as canoeing, hiking and swimming! The guide will help you tailor your day.
DAY 7:
Bird watching early in the morning. Breakfast. Navigation on the Cuyabeno River to El Puente. the lunch box Transfer to Lago Agrio. Return to Quito (not included) by bus or plane (4:00 p.m.).
RATES 2023
All rates are per person.
| ACCOMMODATION | DOUBLE StandarD |
|---|---|
| 4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS | $720 |
| 5 DAYS - 4 NIGHTS | $880 |
| 7 DAYS - 6 NIGHTS | $1200 |
INCLUDED
- Transport Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno - Lago Agrio.
- Accommodation with private bathroom with hot water shower.
- All meals according to program
- Bilingual English/Spanish speaking Naturalist Guide.
- Rubber boots, ponchos and life jackets.
NOT INCLUDED
-
Transport Quito - Lago Agrio - Quito.
-
Alcoholic and bottled beverages.
-
Extra meals and drinks.
-
tips and personal expenses
-
Contribution to community and Shaman. ($10)
