THE ORIGINAL CUYABENO ECO-LODGE: YOUR FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THE AMAZON OF ECUADOR

As the first-ever eco-lodge built in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and in fact the entire Amazon of Ecuador, we chose the best location on Laguna Grande, Lake Cuyabeno.

Why Travelers Choose our Cuyabeno Lodge

Best Cuyabeno Lodge (No Commute)

We sit on a pristine island along the shore of Lake Cuyabeno. You can swim in the Laguna Grande Cuyabeno, watch pink river dolphins, giant otters and a mother black caiman right from our deck. You can watch the world famous golden Laguna Grande Cuyabeno sunsets while sitting on one of our paddle-boards.

Cuyabeno Flooded Rainforest in Black Water

Our lakefront location is surrounded by the Cuyabeno Flooded Rainforest in Black Water, which is unsuitable for mosquito larvae. Moreover, it enjoys a constant, refreshing breeze from the lake that keeps the air surprisingly cool at night and significantly reduces bugs. River lodges along the downstream Cuyabeno River lack the breeze from the lake while not surrounded by flooded rainforest. As a result they have a much more significant mosquito presence.

Best Amazon Tour Ecuador

Unwind after a day of exploring the jungle during one of the Best Amazon Tours in Ecuador. Enjoy the hot showers of our Cuyabeno Lodge, comfortable beds, and freshly prepared “home cooked” local and international cuisine. We offer a range of options from spacious superior suites to classic standard rooms.

The Siona Indian Community

The Cuyabeno Lodge is the only lodge that works directly with the Siona Indian Community, providing them employment by hiring their canoe transportation services, visiting the women’s programs, helping the school, helping with their sports events, etc.

Conservation history

Conservation ecologist Dr. Daan Vreugdenhil, a member of the United Nations team that selected Ecuador’s first 40+ protected areas, was the visionary who proposed the creation of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and the Yasuni National Park. Later, he pioneered ecotourism in Cuyabeno by building the very first lodge. Of course, he chose the best spot, a small island near the shore of the Laguna Grande of Cuyabeno itself.

Cuyabeno Wildlife at Your Doorstep

Because our lodge is deeply integrated into the lake’s unique black water ecosystem, Cuyabeno Wildlife comes to you. It is highly common to see monkeys gathering on our viewing deck and exotic birds, like oropendulas with their typical woven nests hanging from our tree canopy.

Cuyabeno Wildlife at Your Doorstep

The legendary pink river dolphins
The endangered (but recovering) Giant otters;
3 species of caimans” Black, Spectacled, and Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman;
Amazon Manatees, mostly in the lakes of Lagartococha;
Capibaras are uncommon in the upper watershed – but gradually expanding, they are more common at the border lakes of Lagarto Cocha.

The most iconic land mammals:

Jaguars, Mountain Lions and Ocelots, though all present, rarely seen;
The largest herbivore, the Lowland Tapirs are also rarely seen;
Of the 10 species of monkeys known for Cuyabeno, it is common to see anywhere from 5 – 8 species;
Collared and White-lip peccaries that roam around in large herds;
White-tailed and Red Brocket deer.