The spectacular Reserva Produccion Faunistica Cuyabeno is comprised of over 6000 protected square kilometers surrounding the Rio Cuyabeno in Ecuador’s northeastern corner. The flooded forest, which receives up to 4000 mm of rain per year, is home to a vast array of aquatic and bird life, along with an incredible array of plant species – for example the huge ceiba trees which poke up from their underwater bases, making the reserve’s blackwater lagoons, rivers, and tributaries a truly unique sight to behold. Anacondas, boas, pink river dolphins, caimans, piranhas, macaws, toucans, and seven species of monkey are among the multitude of animals spotted with regularity, while manatees and pumas also inhabit the area. Indigenous Siona and Secoya communities call the reserve home as well.

Given the Cuyabeno Reserve’s remoteness and inaccessibility, the only real way to visit is through a guided tour, whether or not such a method sounds appealing. Tours are best booked in Quito, particularly around La Mariscal where numerous reputable agencies broker tours that are actually run by only a small number of direct operators on location. Tours typically range from four to eight days and run from around $45-200 (plus the $20 park entrance fee) per night, depending on lodging options, facilities on location, and what else is included in the package. When booking a tour, it is important to check whether prices include drinking water, naturalist or native guides, transportation to and from Lago Agrio, and transportation to and from the entrance to the reserve.

Where to Sleep:  Lodging included in tours.

Where to Eat:  Food included in tours.

How To Get There:  The chief access point to Cuyabeno Reserve is Lago Agrio (half hour by plane or eight hours by bus from Quito), an oil town located in the Northern Oriente.  From there, a three hour ride down a half-paved half-gravel road leads to Punto Cuyabeno, from which a two to six hour canoe trip takes passengers to their various lodges or campsites.  All tours include transportation from Punto Cuyabeno to their site.  Most, but not all, tours include transportation to and from Lago Agrio to Punto Cuyabeno, while few include transportation to and from Lago Agrio.  Given this variation, it is important to clarify when booking.

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