FAQ - Frecuently asked questions

Essential items:

• Long sleeved pants (not jeans) and long shirts for hiking in the rainforest
• Light jacket (it can be a bit cold at night and during the journeys by canoe)
• Shorts, T-Shirts and sun hat for journeys by canoe and stay in the Lodge
• Sneakers and sandals. We provide you with rubber boots and rain ponchos
• Insect repellent (not in spray if it is possible in order to avoid environmental contamination)
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and swimming suit
• Your own medicine, personal toiletries (we provide you with biodegradable shampoo and soap)
• Flash light
• Your personal documents and money in small denominations for the visit to the Siona Community (USD 5) and / or for the potential additional beverages in the bar
• If possible a medium backpack (the space in the canoe is limited) and a little backpack for walks (you can leave your large suitcase with our driver in Lago Agrio)

Optional items:

• Plastic bags to put your clothes in. In the canoe your luggage is protected against the rain, but however it is better to prevent
• Camera and binoculars. We provide you a rental service of binoculars in the Lodge (USD 15 per person for the whole tour)

There are different options:

1. By Air: LATAM and AEROREGIONAL flight to COCA from QUITO everyday in the morning. We will pick you up at the airport in COCA and take you to EL PUENTE at the Cuyabeno River. This transfer costs $35 per person each way. To take the plane back to Quito from COCA you will need to leave the lodge at 0400 hrs
   1.  
2. By Public Bus:  6-7 hours. Cost: bus US$32 (round-trip) per person. Usually you travel the night before your tour. The best option is to take the 11 pm Transportes Esmeraldas bus from the Carcelen bus terminal in the north of Quito. You can buy the ticket in advance at their office in the Mariscal area, Calle 9 de Octubre and Santa Maria. 
3. Private Bus: There is a private bus that transport just tourists direct to the Cuyabeno River. This bus has the following operating schedule:

   Quito to Cuyabeno Bridge

   • Monday
   • Wednesday
   • Thursday
   • Saturdaz
   • Sunday

   Cuyabeno Bridge back to Quito

   • Monday
   • Tuesday
   • Thursday
   • Friday
   • Sunday

   It leaves the following two pick up locations at these times: Blue House. La Floresta. Fosh and 6 de Diciembre at 23:00 hrs San Blas Place Secret Garden Hostel al 23:30 hrs. Cost $ 30 each way. We can help you with the reservation and you pay directly to the driver.

4. Private transportation: US$180 (1-3 persons), US$ 230  (4-6 persons), each way

All bedrooms are equipped with mosquito nets, but we recommend you bring an effective insect repellent with DEET (if possible not as spray, in order to avoid environmental contamination).

No Malaria has been reported in the area. If you should decide to take Malaria pills, this is a personal choice. Also no yellow fever has been reported, getting the vaccination is also a personal choice.

Important notes:

If you have any doubts about these medical issues please consult with a doctor.

Payments can be made in USD within 4 weeks form getting the booking confirmation. Payment options are through bank transfer or by credit card.

We use the platfom wetravel, which there is a 2.9% fee.

A down payment of 30% is required in order to secure the booking

Our tours can start any day of the week, depending on our availability. It depends on the number of tourists.

We can offer you vegetarian and gluten-free food without any problem. For all other food restrictions we try our best to accommodate you. If you have a special requirement, please let us know, ideally before you travel. Also inform your guide once you’re in the lodge. Please explain your food restriction as detailed as possible.

Cuyabeno is a year-round destination. In recent years, the rainy season and the dry season have been less predictable. Generally speaking, September, October, January and February tend to be the drier months.

Upon request, we can offer triple accommodation, with one bunk bed and one regular bed. Our standard cabins have two independent rooms each, we accommodate larger families in double/triple rooms in the same cabin (separate entrances, the rooms do not connect).

Our electric energy is solar-powered. Each room has electric light, but no power outlets. In the common areas you can charge your small appliances. Please don’t charge your computers and other high-power equipment, as it would overload our system.Our electric energy is solar-powered. 

If for some reason you cannot travel, including due to COVID-19, you may transfer your program to another person. You may also postpone your program at no additional cost.

Regarding cancellations the following policies apply:

• 30 Days Notice: 100% Refund
• 29 to 15  Days Notice: 50% Refund
• Less Than 15 Days Notice: 0% Refund