Best of Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Deep in the Amazon rainforest, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve harbors an astonishing array of plant and animal life. The reserve encompasses over 2200 square miles (5700 sq km) and is home to over 500 species of bird, 10 species of monkey as well as jaguars, capybaras, pink dolphins and many other creatures. Plan to stay awhile to make the most of your trip. Most travelers spend three or more nights, based in a jungle lodge, taking day trips to experience the Amazon’s biodiversity.

Naturalist guides lead excursions into primary and secondary rainforest for wildlife watching and insight into unique Amazonian ecosystems. By night, you can head out to see caiman, frogs, snakes, spiders and other nocturnal animals. Visits to indigenous communities allow you to learn about traditional customs and beliefs; you can also get a hands-on tutorial on making bread from yucca.

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Your trip to the Galápagos includes plenty of beach time

Ecuador Adventure in the Amazon Rainforest & Galápagos Islands - 13 Days

This exciting tour combines two of Ecuador's most exotic landscapes: the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Start the trip in Quito, the country's capital, and take a self-guided tour before transferring east to the edge of civilization. Here you'll canoe to your lodge in the Amazon to partake in several days of excursions into the remote jungle. Then catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands to observe its extraordinary inhabitants and local culture, with plenty of time to relax at the tropical beaches.

Cotopaxi, an active volcano in the Andes Mountains, Ecuador

Highlights of Ecuador: Quito, Galapagos Islands & More - 10 Days

The incredible diversity of Ecuador is highlighted on this 10-day trip around the country. Tour the colonial center of Quito and hike to Cotopaxi Volcano in the Andes before venturing into the Amazon to explore the rainforest's wildlife and indigenous culture. Then it's off to the Galapagos for a few days of island exploration, including snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Spotting penguins and giant tortoises in their natural habitats is an unforgettable way to finish this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Spot colorful toucans on a wildlife hike

Diverse Ecuador: Andes, Amazon & Galápagos - 11 Days

Experience unique wildlife and cultural heritage on this 11-day tour of Ecuador's natural wonders. After touching down in its charming, vibrant capital of Quito, you'll head out on an expedition to see the birds in the Mindo Cloud Forest. Then it's on to the picturesque crater lake of Quilotoa. The Amazon rainforest is next to spot monkeys, toucans, and sloths; then, you'll fly to San Cristóbal Island in the beautiful Galápagos Islands for snorkeling and bird-watching.

Mountains & Rainforest in Ecuador: Quito, Andes, & Amazon - 10 Days

See rare wildlife, climb into the clouds, traverse volcanoes, and more on this 10-day Ecuador itinerary. You'll get to experience cultural highlights, like Quito's UNESCO-designated city center and the Otavalo market, but the true gem of this trip is nature. From the lush cloud forests of Mindo to the ecologically diverse Amazon, there's no shortage of wildlife sightings: howler monkeys, pink river dolphins, and iridescent blue butterflies all call this region home.

Wildlife & Nature in Ecuador - Quito, Amazon, & Galapagos - 10 Days

Ecuador is one of the world's hotspots for ecological diversity, so it makes sense to spend this 10-day trip exploring nature as much as possible. Start in Quito to see the UNESCO heritage city center, then head to the rainforest for three days at an ecolodge where you'll spot macaws, pink river dolphins, and howler monkeys. Round out your trip with a flight to the Galapagos, where giant tortoises, white-sand beaches, and uninhabited islands await.

Boating in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Outdoor Adventures in Ecuador: Quito, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve & the Galápagos - 12 Days

Featuring activities from cycling to hiking to snorkeling, this exciting 12-day itinerary is perfect for outdoor adventurers. Discover Quito on a bike tour, then soak in the hot springs of Papallacta. Hike and canoe in the rainforest in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve before catching a flight to the Galápagos Islands. Spot giant tortoises in the wild, snorkel with sea lions, and explore an uninhabited island to end the trip.

Best of Ecuador: Quito, Amazon, Cotopaxi, & Galapagos - 14 Days

Experience the best of Ecuador while getting to know its three main ecological regions: the Amazon rainforest, volcano highlands, and Galapagos Islands on this 14-day itinerary. Start the trip in Quito to see the UNESCO designated colonial city center, then head to the rainforest for three days at an ecolodge. Hike near volcanic lagoons and browse mountain markets, then catch a flight to Santa Cruz for three days of exploring uninhabited islands and spotting endemic wildlife.

Culture, Nature & Wildlife in Ecuador: From the Pacific to the Highlands & Into the Amazon - 16 Days

Ecuador delivers massive doses of natural beauty and rich culture. Dive deep into both on this 16-day journey, starting on the coast, from the tree-lined waterfront in Guayaquil to the mangroves of ecological reserves. After exploring the coast, travel inland to see ruins, colonial landmarks, and national parks around Cuenca, then venture into the Amazon to visit native villages and enjoy rainforest adventures before winding up in Quito to browse the historic Otavalo Market.

Ecuador's Pacific Coast to the Andes & Amazon - 15 Days

Ecuador boasts a wide variety of geographical regions, each with its own distinct landscapes and ecosystems. Spend 15 days exploring the country from the shores of the Isla de la Plata to the verdant rainforests of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Along the way, you'll hike past volcanoes, crater lakes, and Inca ruins in the highlands and visit some of Ecuador's largest cities, like Guayaquil and Quito.

Other popular travel destinations in Ecuador
Quito · Baños · Cotopaxi · Otavalo · Guayaquil · Cuenca · The Amazon · Riobamba · Yasuni National Park · Papallacta · Archidona · Tena · Mindo · Quilotoa · Isinliví · Cacha · Lago Agrio

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