Cuyabeno Lodge

Overview

Description

We are located at Laguna Grande in the Cuyabeno Reserve, a system of lakes, rivers, and flooded forest in northeastern Ecuador. The reserve has around 2,324 square miles (6,019 square kilometers) of primary forest and houses an incredible variety of Neotropical wildlife: river dolphins, tapirs, caimans, anacondas, jaguars, monkeys, piranhas, and more. The bird fauna is particularly spectacular - more than 515 species have been identified, including the prehistoric-looking hoatzins, blue-headed and scarlet macaws, and the impressive harpy eagle. Additionally, more than 12,000 species of plants have been recorded. There are also the Siona, Cofan, and Secoya indigenous communities, which have lived in the area for thousands of years.

Rooms

Total capacity 30 beds:

• 12 standard rooms in wooden cabins with private baths
• 8 spaces in a dormitory with shared bath
• 3 superior rooms in the observation tower, with a view of the reserve from the balcony and private bath.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 4

Percentage of local employees: 100%

• The wood used to build the hotel was acquired from legal sources.
• Lighting is provided by our solar panels; we also use energy-saving bulbs.
• We sort the trash and take it to processing sites outside the reserve.
• All of our cleaning products are biodegradable.
• We do not feed wildlife to avoid harming or habituating them to humans.
• Our guides cause the least impact possible during forest hikes. The canoe and the piranha fishing tours are also carried out carefully.
• The lodge generates a minimum of noise pollution so that animals are not frightened away.
• The trails we use are authorized by the environmental authority.
• We hire water transport services from the Siona community and we also have several local providers, in order to distribute the revenues from tourism.
• Employees are hired in accord with the law, they are in the social security system, and they participate in a training program.
• We promote Ecuadoran culture through visits to the community, contact with our Ecuadoran employees and guides, and by offering typical cuisine.

Rates

$150 and up

Our average rates are around $350, and include 4 or 5 day packages. This price includes accommodations; tours; bilingual, local nature guides; meals; and transportation.

For more information about rates and reservations, click on the orange “Contact” button above.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Quito (UIO)

Nearest local/national airport: Lago Agrio (LGQ)

Travel time to nearest airport: Four hours: two hours by car and two hours by canoe

We offer transport via bus (with our own driver) for the ride from the Lago Agrio airport to the bridge and then we take you by canoe (with boatmen from the Siona community) from the bridge to the lodge.

Cuyabeno Lodge is accessible year-round for children and adults, senior citizens, groups, and national and international tourists.

Additional Information

We are recommended by the following travel guides: Lonely Planet, Le guide du Routard, Reise How Know y Rough Guides.

Date This Information Was Provided

December 2011.

Photos courtesy of Cuyabeno Lodge, Ecuador, for SustainableTrip.org.