CUYABENO ECO-LODGE TOUR [2023]

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve in the Amazon rainforest is known for its rich wildlife, but viewing these animals can be a challenge. Poor visibility due to the contrast between light from the sky and leaves blocking the view makes it difficult to observe animals from the ground. This makes exploring the Amazon from the ground much more difficult and challenging.

Watching wildlife up close is easier from the tranquil rivers of Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. With the sunlight illuminating the river banks, you'll be able to observe birds, mammals and flowers in their natural habitats from the comfort of your boat. Plus, having access to your binoculars, camera and bird book at arm's length makes wildlife observation and photography that much simpler!

Located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot featuring a wealth of wildlife. Boasting up to 580 species of birds, including colorful parrots and majestic eagles, as well as an abundance of orchids and bromeliads, this stunning reserve allows you to discover the beauty and diversity of the Amazon jungle up close.

Climate and Weather of Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve located in Ecuador is known for its generous amounts of rainfall, estimated to be around 3000mm each year. However, the region experiences a drier season from mid-December to the first few weeks of March; during this time some lakes and narrow rivers may become dry and much of the wildlife congregates round the remaining pools. In addition, this period corresponds with Northern winter during which many Northern migrants come to enjoy the Reserve.

Ecology and Species of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve comprises the following 9 macro-ecosystems:

1. frequently flooded forests or swamps, traversed by sediment-poor dark rivers with a vegetation dominated by Mauritia flexuosa palms;

2. occasionally flooded forests fed by sediment-rich rivers, or varzea;

3. dwarf forests semi-permanently flooded by black-water rivers, or igapo are formed by "bonsai shaped" Macrolobium trees covered with thick layers of epiphytes, like ferns, bromeliads, orchids and mosses;

4. poorly drained rarely flooded forests on plains, particularly along the Aguarico;

5. well-drained forest, located on undulating terrain that is found throughout the reserve beyond the inundated plains where the lakes occur. The hilliest and best-drained forest is found in the upper watershed, in the area surrounding the main entrance of the reserve;

6. dark  or black-water sediment-poor rivers, particularly the narrow head-waters and the Zabalo River;

7. "coffee-with_milk" coloured sediment-rich rivers, particularly the main river Aguarico;

8. semi-permanent lakes, with the largest being the Cuyabeno Lake, that at least in part fall dry in most of the years;

9. permanent lakes that almost always keep a permanent water body: Zancudo Coche along the Rio Aguarico.

The lakes are semi black-water ecosystems; however, when the black-water rivers are laden with sediments during high rainfall, the lakes too may become sediment laden and may become lighter with a "coffee with milk" color.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve offers its visitors a wide variety of fauna and flora to explore. Over 580 species of birds can be spotted in the area, making it one of the world's most sought-after destinations for birdwatching. The mammal population includes dolphins, manatee, various species of monkey including the night monkey, several types of bat, rodents ranging from capybaras to smaller animals, tapirs, two types of peccary, several species of deer, sloths and ant eaters, as well as cats like jaguars and pumas. While visiting this reserve, keep an eye out for all sorts of animals! Our staff have even recorded a rare night monkey for the reserve! It’s not just birds that visitors can enjoy when birdwatching; our expert guides will help you spot a diverse range of jungle animals, including reptiles and amphibians.

When the FAO national parks team selected the Amazonian protected areas of Ecuador in 1975, Cuyabeno was known for its enormous Boa Constrictors (terrestrial, usually up to 3 m, but occasionally reaching 4 m), Anacondas (water-loving, up to 6 m Anacondas are frequently seen, occasionally reaching 9 m). Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is home to many threatened species including giant anacondas, boa constrictors and numerous reptile, amphibian and fish species. Reptiles such as iguanas, lizards and land tortoises can be seen during the day while geckos hunt insects around night lodges and amphibian's orchestras last throughout the night. The reserve is well known for its diverse range of fish that includes piranhas, giant catfish, the Amazon's greatest predater fish, the "Paiche" and electric eels among many other tropical species. Amphibians are also found in great numbers here with their noises often heard through the night.