Getting there
By flight to Lago Agrio, then road and canoe into the reserve
Best for
Flooded-forest wildlife, pink river dolphins, monkeys, anacondas, birds, canoe safaris
The land
Blackwater lagoons and flooded Amazon forest in the north-east
Good to know
Cuyabeno's lagoon system makes it superb for canoe-based wildlife viewing
What it is
Cuyabeno is a flooded Amazon reserve of blackwater lagoons — pink river dolphins, monkeys, anacondas and superb birdlife, explored by canoe.
In Ecuador's north-east, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is a maze of blackwater lagoons and flooded forest, ideal for canoe-based wildlife. Paddling the still waters you meet pink river dolphins, troops of monkeys, anacondas, caiman and a wealth of birds, with classic Amazon ecolodges set among the lagoons.
The reason to come
The flooded forest
Cuyabeno's lagoons make for some of the Amazon's best canoe wildlife.
Blackwater lagoons
Canoe safaris through flooded forest and still lakes.
River dolphins
Pink river dolphins in the lagoons.
Monkeys & anacondas
Troops of monkeys and basking anacondas.
Worth knowing
An Amazon of lagoons
Cuyabeno's blackwater lagoons make for some of the most serene and rewarding canoe wildlife in the Amazon.
When to come — honestly
A year-round flooded forest.
Year-round
Best
A year-round reserve; high water opens more of the flooded forest.
April – September
Good
Often higher water, superb for canoeing.
Year-round
Good
Wildlife-rich all year; water levels shape the experience.
Water levels vary; canoe access is best with higher water.
Context
The lagoon reserve
Cuyabeno adds a flooded-forest, canoe-based Amazon to the Ecuador circuit.
It contrasts with Yasuni's river forest.
We base Cuyabeno at lagoon ecolodges, for canoe safaris through the flooded Amazon.
Beyond the obvious
More to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.
Lagoon canoeing
Through flooded forest.
River dolphins
In the lagoons.
Monkeys & caiman
Along the channels.
Why Wild Voyager
We string together cloud forest, Amazon and islands.
Ecuador packs cloud forest, Amazon and the Galápagos into a small country, but the logistics are fiddly. We handle the lodges, river canoes, flights and cruises so the pieces connect smoothly.
Handpicked stays
We choose the lodge and guides that fit your goals, not whatever is left.
We time it right
We build your visit around the season and the wildlife that delivers.
Journeys
Trips through Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Where to stay
Where you’ll stay in Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Luxury Collection
Classic Collection
Wildlife you may see
Plan your Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve trip.
Canoe the flooded Amazon of Cuyabeno. Tell us your dates and we will build the route around it.
Plan a trip