DAY ONE

To arrive in Lago Agrio by bus (7 to 8 hours), depart the night before; if traveling by flight you will leave Quito the morning of your tour. Our adventure begins at 10h00am from Lago Agrio. We travel by bus/truck to Tierras Orientales (2 hours), where we start our canoe journey down the Aguarico and continue along the Cuyabeno black water river to our lodge. (approx. 2 1/2 hours) After dinner our naturalist bilingual guide gives us a captivating presentation.

DAY TWO

Early morning canoe excursion; the brisk morning hours are the best time to observe the activity in the rainforest. After breakfast, we trek through primary rainforest with our Naturalist and native guides who will explain the practical and medicinal uses of the rainforest plants. After lunch we travel by either paddle or motorized canoes to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and to try to find species of monkeys or dolphins. After dinner we venture into the forest to find species of insects and with a bit of luck species of snakes or frogs.

DAY THREE

Early in the morning, we navigate downstream to observe the enchanting salt lick (exposed clay bank) where colorful Parrots and Parakeets feed on the clay to draw the toxins from their bodies. Return to the Lodge. After breakfast we trek into primary rainforest. Our native guide shares his wealth of knowledge, showing us the medicinal and practical uses of the rainforest flora and fauna that their ancestors have passed down through generations, and how all life in the tropical rainforest co-exists in a fragile balance. Lunch. In the afternoon, we navigate along the Cuyabeno River where we have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink and grey river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) in the spectacular scenery. We also try our luck at Piranha fishing. We visit to the Kichwa Birdwatching Tower; here above the canopy we see a breathtaking view of the surrounding rainforest and observing a variety of species; including Toucans, Parrots, Monkeys, and many more. After dinner, we venture out on a night excursion to search for Caimans (alligator family) and nocturnal birds.

DAY FOUR

After breakfast, we navigate along Cuyabeno rivers towards the Kichwa Indian Community where our naturalist guide explains the culture and traditions of the native people from the past to the present and then we travel by canoe down the Cuyabeno River and back along the Aguarico River to Pto. Gregorio, from where our bus/truck will take us to Lago Agrio. Arrival to Lago Agrio at about 16h00; departure flight/bus to Quito.

DAY ONE

To arrive in Lago Agrio by bus (7 to 8 hours), depart the night before; if traveling by flight you will leave Quito the morning of your tour. Our adventure begins at 10h00am from Lago Agrio. We travel by bus/truck to Tierras Orientales (2 hours), where we start our canoe journey down the Aguarico and continue along the Cuyabeno black water river to our lodge. (approx. 2 1/2 hours) After dinner our naturalist bilingual guide gives us a captivating presentation.

DAY TWO

Early morning canoe excursion; the brisk morning hours are the best time to observe the activity in the rainforest. Breakfast, then we trek into the rainforest accompanied by our native and Naturalist guides. After lunch, we paddle by traditional dug-out canoe, enabling us to enjoy the sounds of the jungle...from the smallest insect to the fierce sounding Howler monkeys...and to observe birds and wildlife in the breathtaking scenery of the area. On the way back to our lodge we stop to try our luck fishing for piranha. After dinner we go out for a night walk to observe the different species of insects, frogs, and possibly snakes that come out at night.

DAY THREE

Early in the morning we wake to enjoy the sounds of the jungle and spend some time birdwatching, looking for species such as macaws, toucans, parrots, caciques, hoatzins and more. After breakfast, we trek into the rainforest with our Naturalist and native guides who will explain the practical and medicinal uses of some of the plants in the forest. After lunch, we navigate along the Cuyabeno River to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to look for wildlife, and we can have another chance to try Piranha fishing. Optional night walk.

DAY FOUR

Starting early in the morning, we spend the whole day exploring. Before breakfast, we navigate downstream to observe the enchanting salt lick (exposed clay bank) where colorful Parrots and Parakeets feed on the clay to draw the toxins from their bodies. Return to the Lodge. After breakfast we trek into pristine primary rainforest. Our native guide shares his wealth of knowledge, explaining the medicinal and practical uses of the rainforests flora and fauna that have been passed down through generations and how all life in the tropical rainforest co-exists in a fragile balance. Lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Kichwa Birdwatching Tower. Here above the canopy we see a breathtaking view of the surrounding rainforest. From the tower we can observe a variety of species; including Toucans, Parrots, Monkeys, and many more. After the observation tower, we navigate along the Cuyabeno River for a good chance to see the freshwater pink and grey river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis). After dinner, we venture out on a night excursion to search for Caimans (alligator family) and nocturnal birds.

DAY FIVE

After breakfast, we visit to the Kichwa Indian Community where our naturalist guide explains the culture and traditions of the native people from the past to the present and then we travel by canoe down the Cuyabeno River and back along the Aguarico river to Tierras Orientales, where our bus/truck will take us to Lago Agrio, arriving at about 16h00. Return to Quito by bus or plane.