MY FIRST ADVENTURE AT CUYABENO LODGE - SIMPLY BREATHTAKING!
Our intern Fanny tells us about her four unforgettable days at Cuyabeno Lodge and her fascinating experiences in the heart of the Amazon:
“You can’t imagine it unless you’ve been there yourself!” – These words were ringing in my ears as I made my way to the spectacular Cuyabeno Reserve and the charming Cuyabeno Lodge.
My journey began late at night in Quito at 11pm. I took the night bus to Lago Agrio, the last town before the jungle. The six-hour journey was the cheapest option, although you could fly in just 30 minutes.
At Lago Agrio we were met by our three guides. Next to me were 18 other adventurers who had also come to visit the lodge. Together we boarded the next stage of our journey: a private bus that took us to the entrance of the jungle in about 1.5 hours, where the majestic Cuyabeno River awaited us. Here we boarded the canoes and my exciting journey began!
The Cuyabeno Lodge is tucked away in the rainforest, right next to the Laguna Grande. From this idyllic spot you can see the amazing wildlife up close and enjoy the romantic sunsets every evening.
The two-hour canoe trip was a real adventure! During the trip we spotted a variety of animals including two anacondas and the liveliest squirrel monkeys. Accompanied by the dazzling Morpho butterflies, which I consider to be the most fascinating of their kind, I felt like I was in a living nature documentary.
When we arrived at Cuyabeno Lodge, we were greeted with refreshing lemonade – just what we needed after such a long journey! The lodge, which blends harmoniously into the natural surroundings, is surrounded by bushes and trees and offers an authentic contact with the environment. At night I was lulled to sleep by the sounds of the jungle – birds, insects, monkeys… you just have to experience it!
The days were full of exciting activities. Whether day or night, on foot or in a canoe, it was always exciting and I got to see many wild animals that I had only seen in the zoo before: Toucans, squirrel monkeys, anacondas, tarantulas, parrots and even alligators.
A particularly amusing experience was meeting a sloth. During a canoe trip, our guide suddenly shouted: “Stop! I’ve seen a sloth!” We turned around and looked straight at the animal, hanging leisurely from a tree. It was a challenge to spot it through the foliage, but our guide’s keen eyes made it possible. Using binoculars, I finally spotted the cute animal!
Another highlight was a refreshing dip in the Laguna Grande. You might be thinking: “What, in the same water as alligators and piranhas?” But don’t worry! We swam in the middle of the lagoon, where these animals are not normally found. Their habitat is closer to the shore, where the bushes and trees grow.
I had a fantastic time at Cuyabeno Lodge. It wasn’t just the stunning nature, but the whole experience that made me feel happy and relaxed. The guides were great and explained everything in such detail that I learnt a lot about the environment.
The time with the group was also a highlight. Although we didn’t know each other beforehand, the shared experiences brought us closer together and I’m still in touch with some of them.
Returning to the lodge after a strenuous jungle trek always gave me a sense of relief. The staff made us feel at home, whether it was with a cool welcome drink, delicious food, a hot shower or relaxing moments in the observation tower.
In summary, my stay at Cuyabeno Lodge was simply wonderful and unforgettable – so many incredible experiences! In the words of the Ecuadorians: ¡Qué chévere!