slider 1

Our wildlife package for you


This is a 7 day trip covering the lower part of Ecuador’s Amazon basin. You will enjoy the full kaleidoscope of the rainforest and its people. A combination of pristine nature and rustic comfort. You will stay at superb jungle lodges, raft on rivers that are surrounded by lush green jungle, navigate Amazon tributaries by canoe, walk in the pureist rainforest environs with the possibility of observing the worlds largest variety of exotic plants, animals and birds. Learn about tribal life from the local indigenous cultures as you meet the secluded Siona community.

You will return with a suitcases packed with experiences como intense and authentic as the colors of the rainforest.

 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Free time or optional activities (D)

It all depends on your arrival time, but we suggest you take advantage of one of our optional activities at the lodge (not included), some possibilities include: a walk into our 120 hectare private reserve, swimming in our spectacular springwater pool or dipping into the crystal clear Inchillaqui river. Guided activity options: Explore our reserve with a native guide who will point out the main medicinal plants of the Amazon, a horseback ride to explore the amazing tropical scenery or an artisan chocolate workshop (from the bean to the bar). Please let us know your preferences in advance so we can book your prefered additional activities.

In the evening you will be able to enjoy a 3 course gourmet dinner.

 

 

 

 

Day 2: Jungle Rafting trip (B/L/D)

We start the day with a delicious breakfast. We will then head to the put out spot at the Jacunyacu river, for a day full of fun and waves. This section of the Jatunyacu is a class 3/3+ and is considered easy to moderate, a perfect mix of adventure and fun. Our river journey will be made up of 25 km (aprox. 15,5 miles) of rapids, natural pools and the amazing Amazonia scenery. No experience is required and the activities are suited for all ages, if you have not practiced white water sports before this is the perfect opportunity to get started. Throughout our journey we will find a peaceful spot to relax on the river banks and enjoy a picnic lunch. If you are traveling with smaller children or seniors, we can accommodate for their skills, we will choose a different river that is level 2 / 3 for a full day of family fun and safe for everyone.


In the afternoon we return to our lodge where you can enjoy all the facilities. In the evening, we will be treated to a delicious three course dinner at our restaurant.

 

 

 

 

Día 3: Free time and optional activities - Transfer to Lago Agrio (B/L)

After a hearty breakfast you can still take another dip in the pool or take part in an optional activity (chocolate making workshop or horseback riding).

At midday, after a healthy lunch, we will depart Hakuna Matata Amazon lodge and we will travel to Lago Agrio. The city is the capital of the Sucumbíos province and the gateway to the Cuyabeno wildlife and fauna reserve. You will spend the night at a small hotel in the heart of this oil boom town, you can explore the local culinary scene at one of the cities small restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4: Cuyabeno Nature Reserve - Canoe ride to lodge - Night hike (B/L/D)

After breakfast we will take a 2 hour transfer to the entrance of the Cuyabeno reserve where we will board a dugout canoe.

We will enjoy navigating on the river, enroute to the lodge, our guide will brief us on the activities we will take part in the next few days. As we immerse ourselves into the jungle and leave civilization behind, we will start enjoying wildlife sightings of tucans, monkeys, exotic insects and other beautiful creatures, our guide will help us identify the most important species.

We will stop for a picnic lunch on the river bank.

After 2 hours on the river we will arrive at our eco-lodge in the heart of the Cuyabeno lake system. Once we unpack and wash up we will discover a different phase of the rainforest on a night walk.
We will celebrate an amazing day of exploration with a welcome cocktail and a delicious dinner.

 

 

 

 

Day 5: Siona Community - Cayman spotting (B/L/D)

After breakfast we will visit the Siona community at the Bolivar river port. This is the most important ethnic group living within the reserve. We will be navigating for 2 hours down the river, our guide will be on the lookout to help spot wildlife on the river banks, common sightings may include exotic birds, monkeys, boas, pink dolphins, turtles and much more. This is a full day excursion, we will share lunch with the community and will learn about their traditions, customs and life in the rainforest. We will be invited to participate in the making of Casabe, a local dish made with yucca - mandioc root - and the main source of carbohydrates in the community. We will also meet the local Shaman and have a light briefing on the spirit world and tribal cosmovision. Upon return to the lodge we will take part in a nocturnal navigation in search of caimans. We will finally enjoy a dinner and retire for the evening.

 

 

 

 

Day 6: Jungle walk - Wildlife observation - Big Lake (B/L/D) 

After breakfast, we will go on a 4 hour guided walk into the primary rainforest. We will explore the a beauty and complexity of this marvelous ecosystem, immerse ourselves in it’s biodiversity and learn about the immense variety of trees, medicinal plants and animal life.

We will return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon we will board a canoe and we will navigate the big Cuyabeno lagoon, our guide explain the intricacies of this diverse biome and we will end the day with breathtaking sunset. Some activities we can take part in are swimming, spotting dolphins and birdwatching.

Dinner is served at the lodge.
enjoying the the amazing flooded rainforest scenery and an unforgettable sunset. You will also have great birding watching opportunities and the possibility to swim with the river dolphins. Dinner is served at the lodge.. It is common to spot quetzals.

 

 

 

 

 

Día 7: Birdwatching – Lago Agrio – Departure (D/A)

If you are willing to enjoy an early morning walk, we are can take part in a birding excursion. It is often that you will spot the blue and gold quetzal, harpy eagles and specially kingfishers (we recommend bringing binoculars). We will return to the lodge for a well deserved breafast and some time to reflect on this amazing adventure before we depart the forest on our way back to civilization. A motor canoe will take us back to the entrance of the reserve where a car is waiting to transfer us to Lago Agrio. Here you have the option of returning to Quito by flight (28 minutes) or continue by to Baños in a private vehicle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS (PRICE PER PERSON, TAX INCLUDED)

Guest Cabin Twin Occupancy Cabin Single Occupancy Lodge Twin Occupancy Lodge Single Occupancy Supreme Room Twin Occupancy Supreme Room Single Occupancy
4 or more 735 USD 788 USD 748 USD 809 USD 770 USD 844 USD
2-3 792 USD 845 USD 805 USD 866 USD 827 USD 901 USD
1 906 USD 919 USD 941 USD

 

 

The price includes
  • Accommodations as listed:
  • - 2 nights at Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge in selected category room (Cabin, Lodge or Supreme)
    - 1 hotel night in Lago Agrio
    - 3 nights at an Eco - Lodge within the Cuyabeno wildlife reserve
  • Local naturalist guide English/Spanish for tours within the Cuyabeno reserve
  • All activities described in the program
  • Einheimischer, spanischsprachiger Naturführer während der Kanu-Tour in Cuyabeno
  • All entrance fees for the activities offered
  • All meals (from the arrival day until the departure day breakfast, except for 1 dinner in Lago Agrio on day 3)
  • Use of all facilities at Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge including the spring water pool, river beach and nature trails
  • Rubber Boots (available up to size 47 European, 13 USA, 31 Asia)
  • Taxes
(*) When booking please specify the desired size of the rubber boots!

Rafting-Tour
  • White Water Rafting trip
  • Internationally certified white water guide (English/Spanish)
  • First class rafting equipment (oar, helmet, lifejacket, rubber raft)
  • Emergency communications equipment
  • Safety kayak
  • First aid kit

 

Package price does not include
  • Roundtrip transportation to the lodge from Quito or Baños
  • - Private transportation, includes 2 hour stop at Papallacta
    --> 1-3 guests: 120 USD per vehicle
    --> 4-6 Personen: 150 US$ pro Fahrzeug
    - Private transportation, without stop at Papallacta
    --> 1-3 guests: 90 USD per vehicle
    --> 4-6 guests: 120 USD per vehicle
    - Public Bus. Aprox. 6 - 8 USD per person, you need to add the taxi transfer from Archidona to the lodge which is aprox. $5 USD per taxi or from Tena to the lodge which is aprox. $8 USD per taxi
  • Lunch at the lodge on arrival and departure days (15 USD per person, advance reservation is necessary)
  • Dinner at Lago Agrio hotel ($10 USD aproximate cost per person)
  • Other expenses not mentioned and optional activities like
  • - Entrance to Papallacta hot springs ($8 USD per person)
    - Guided walk through our private reserve with a Spanish speaking native guide ($20 USD per group)
    - Guided horseback riding excursion through the jungle ($27 USD per person)
    - Artisan chocolate workshop ($20 USD per group)
  • Transport from Lago Agrio to Quito/Baños (air or bus ticket) - check pricing at time of booking
  • Contribution for the Siona Community (7 USD per person)
  • Drinks and meals not mentioned
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Deposit for water proof bag cover for luggage ($20 USD per bag)

 

What to Bring
  • Passport and copies
  • Personal medicine and copy of prescription
  • Sun block
  • Wide brim hat
  • Sun glasses
  • Camera and photographic equipment (memory card, cables, batteries, etc.)
  • Plastic bag to protect electronics
  • Light clothing, preferably easy drying and light colors (t-shirt, shorts for the lodge and mornings, long sleeve shirt and trousers for excursions and afternoon)
  • Bathing suite
  • Rain poncho
  • Rubber boots (available without cost at the lodge up to size 47/13/31)
  • High cotton socks for use with rubber boots
  • Closed shoes
  • Sandals
Extra equipment for rafting trip
  • Small backpack 20 ltrs
  • Change of dry clothes
  • Plastic bag for laundry and wet clothes
  • Waterproof camera
  • Binoculars
  • Headlamp and extra batteries
  • Water bottle
  • Insect repellent for excursions
  • Small cash / change (Souvenir shops and small stores do no accept bills larger than $5 USD
  • Bathing suite and towel
  • Soap and Shampoo (biodegradable)
Recommended vaccines
  • Tetanus
  • Hepatitis A
  • Yellow fever
  • Malaria pills (*)
(*) risk of Malaria in this area is extremely low, but take in mind, there has been some cases of infection, mainly Malaria Vivax, no resistance to Cloroquine.

 

TripAdvisor reviews

CONTACT US

Chaupi Shungo/Nueva Libertad Community
Vía Chaupi Shungo km 3,9
Archidona - Napo - Ecuador

Reservations

Lodge Office (Quito)
Calling from outside Ecuador: (+593-2)25 62 823
Calling from within Ecuador: 02 25 62 823

Lodge Mobile
Calling from outside Ecuador: (+593-99) 0 665 116
Calling from within Ecuador: 099 06 65 116
WhatsApp: (+593-99) 0 665 116

Lodge Phone
Calling from outside Ecuador: (+593-6)28 89 617 | 793
Calling from within Ecuador: 06 28 89 617 | 793

E-MAIL

info@hakunamatata-ecuador.com

Postal Address (Lodge)
Empresa de Turismo Turisakuna Cia. Ltda.
Apartado de Correos 15-02-285
Tena - Ecuador

Postal Address (Accounting)
Empresa de Turismo Turisakuna Cia. Ltda.
Av. Colón E8-57 y General José María Urbina
Edificio El Cisne, 8vo Piso, Oficina 8 A-B
Quito - Ecuador

GUIDEBOOKS