The Alya Luxury Cruise will...
Expedition Overview
This Amazon Cuyabeno adventure program is designed for adventurous travelers. For those who love nature without being disturbed by technology such as mobiles or internet. You will stay at a simple eco-lodge with freshwater, normal toilets, comfortable beds, and a common chill-out place. You will have three meals a day on long tables together with the other guests. Discover the Siona- Secoya Community and learn about this ancient tribe. Activities during these days vary between wildlife spotting by canoe, hiking, and swimming. Discover the exuberant nature of the Amazon region while staying on an Eco-lodge with our 4 Day Amazon Cuyabeno Adventure tour.
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at El Coca airport in El Coca city. On the final day your trip will end at El Coca airport. Quito city is around 7 hours from El Coca city (Amazon) and 45 minutes by flight.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn’t overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an ‘Aeroservicio’ – a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVING CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE
ARRIVING CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE
Your adventure in the Amazon begins today! The starting point will be “El Puente” the main entrance to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. From here you will take a motorized canoe down the Cuyabeno River for a 2 hour trip to Nicky Amazon Lodge. On your journey through the Cuyabeno River, you will see the wild and natural life of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Once you arrive at the lodge, you will enjoy a welcome cocktail. After settling in, you will go on a night walk to observe animal lives such as insects, spiders, frogs, and more.
To end the day, you will enjoy a delicious dinner.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner.
Accomodations: Nicky Lodge.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or Double
Lunch. Dinner
DAY 2: RAINFOREST - CUYABENO RIVER - KAPOK ISLAND
RAINFOREST – CUYABENO RIVER – KAPOK ISLAND
Your day will start early in the morning so you don’t miss the sunrise of the rainforest. After breakfast, you will go on an excursion to the jungle, a guide will be in charge of taking you and give you all the information about the flora and fauna of the place. After this adventure, you will enjoy a delicious local lunch to recover your energy, and then go down the Cuyabeno River to Kapok Island, where it is very likely to see species of monkeys. You will also see the amazing pink freshwater dolphins in the Amazon River. You will also go on a jungle excursion to find insect species, spiders such as tarantulas, snakes and colorful frogs. And finally you will taste delicious local food.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accomodations: Nicky Lodge.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 3: SIONA SECOYA COMMUNITY LAGUNA GRANDE
SIONA SECOYA COMMUNITY LAGUNA GRANDE
On your third day of expedition through jungle lands, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast to go to your first day for the Siona Secoya Community, to get there you will follow a path called “taricaya”, which means the path of the turtles. Once you arrive in the community you will have the opportunity to meet the people of the indigenous Siona people. Then you will go to the shaman’s house (subject to availability) for a cultural meeting. After this great experience, he will return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon he will visit the Laguna Grande, where he will witness the beauty of the lake and admire the flooded forest, before returning to the lodge he will go on a walk to observe fishing bats.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accomodations: Nicky Lodge.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 4: CANOE EXCURSION - DEPARTURE
CANOE EXCURSION – DEPARTURE
It is time to say goodbye to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Before leaving, you will go on a canoe excursion to enjoy the tropical jungle, you will be able to observe the birds that flutter at dawn. Then you will return to the lodge to taste your farewell breakfast, then you will go upstream to reach the Cuyabeno Bridge, which is where the tour will end. From here, you can take a bus back to Quito on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast. Lunch.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Amazon Ecolodge
Location: ecuador - lower Amazon
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: El Coca Airport
Activity: Hiking, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Cuyabeno River
2
.- Laguna Grande
3
.- Amazon Rainforest
4
.- Siona Secoya Community
Additional options
What is the food like?
The rustic, airy restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere for dinner with its windows open, allowing the cicadas evening song to circle. An a la carte dinner is served in the restaurant, bringing fine dining to the jungle. Using fresh and sustainable products, our chef prepares meals to delight the tastes of a world traveler while satisfying the appetite of an adventurer!.
What is the accommodation like?
Amazon Ecolodge
Lodging at Sacha combines the highest comfort to the traveller with the preservation of the environment and rainforest ambience. All of our cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces with hammocks, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle subtly into the lush surroundings.
Each of the 26 the rooms, which include single, double and (upon request) triple accommodations and three family cabins, provides a spacious private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower – some even feature floor-to-ceiling windows for an immersive jungle shower experience! All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Transfers
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
General Specifications
STARTS
El Coca airport
10:00 midday on day 1
ENDS
El Coca airport
12:00 noon on day 4
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at El Coca airport in El Coca city. On the final day your trip will end at El Coca airport. Quito city is around 7 hours from El Coca city (Amazon) and 45 minutes by flight.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn't overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an 'Aeroservicio' - a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation & motorized canoe
Accommodations
Based on double occupancy
Activities
Bird watching and hiking exploration in the jungle, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, night walks to see wildlife.
Meals
3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner.
Gear
Life jackets and rubber boots
Guides
English speaking naturalist guide
Equipment
Rubber boots, rain ponchos, life jackets.
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement
Flights
International & National flights
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Transportation
Transportation from/to the Cuyabeno Bridge.
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Tips
For guides and drivers Visit to the Shaman
What to bring?
What do I need to bring
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Fleece top
Shirts/t-shirts
Pair of short
Pairs of long trousers
Pair hiking pants/track pants
Sport sandals
Watch or alarm clock
Quick dry clothing
Rain coat
Waterproof binoculars
Bug spray
Sun cream
Flashlight
Sun Hat
Waterproof camera if possible
Swimming suit
Waterproof backpack
Water bottle
Tennis shoes
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service
Expedition Overview
This Amazon Cuyabeno adventure program is designed for adventurous travelers. For those who love nature without being disturbed by technology such as mobiles or internet. You will stay at a simple eco-lodge with freshwater, normal toilets, comfortable beds, and a common chill-out place. You will have three meals a day on long tables together with the other guests. Discover the Siona- Secoya Community and learn about this ancient tribe. Activities during these days vary between wildlife spotting by canoe, hiking, and swimming. Discover the exuberant nature of the Amazon region while staying on an Eco-lodge with our 4 Day Amazon Cuyabeno Adventure tour.
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at El Coca airport in El Coca city. On the final day your trip will end at El Coca airport. Quito city is around 7 hours from El Coca city (Amazon) and 45 minutes by flight.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn’t overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an ‘Aeroservicio’ – a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVING CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE
ARRIVING CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE
Your adventure in the Amazon begins today! The starting point will be “El Puente” the main entrance to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. From here you will take a motorized canoe down the Cuyabeno River for a 2 hour trip to Nicky Amazon Lodge. On your journey through the Cuyabeno River, you will see the wild and natural life of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Once you arrive at the lodge, you will enjoy a welcome cocktail. After settling in, you will go on a night walk to observe animal lives such as insects, spiders, frogs, and more.
To end the day, you will enjoy a delicious dinner.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner.
Accomodations: Nicky Lodge.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleLunch. Dinner
DAY 2: RAINFOREST - CUYABENO RIVER - KAPOK ISLAND
RAINFOREST – CUYABENO RIVER – KAPOK ISLAND
Your day will start early in the morning so you don’t miss the sunrise of the rainforest. After breakfast, you will go on an excursion to the jungle, a guide will be in charge of taking you and give you all the information about the flora and fauna of the place. After this adventure, you will enjoy a delicious local lunch to recover your energy, and then go down the Cuyabeno River to Kapok Island, where it is very likely to see species of monkeys. You will also see the amazing pink freshwater dolphins in the Amazon River. You will also go on a jungle excursion to find insect species, spiders such as tarantulas, snakes and colorful frogs. And finally you will taste delicious local food.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accomodations: Nicky Lodge.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 3: SIONA SECOYA COMMUNITY LAGUNA GRANDE
SIONA SECOYA COMMUNITY LAGUNA GRANDE
On your third day of expedition through jungle lands, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast to go to your first day for the Siona Secoya Community, to get there you will follow a path called “taricaya”, which means the path of the turtles. Once you arrive in the community you will have the opportunity to meet the people of the indigenous Siona people. Then you will go to the shaman’s house (subject to availability) for a cultural meeting. After this great experience, he will return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon he will visit the Laguna Grande, where he will witness the beauty of the lake and admire the flooded forest, before returning to the lodge he will go on a walk to observe fishing bats.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accomodations: Nicky Lodge.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon Ecolodge – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 4: CANOE EXCURSION - DEPARTURE
CANOE EXCURSION – DEPARTURE
It is time to say goodbye to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Before leaving, you will go on a canoe excursion to enjoy the tropical jungle, you will be able to observe the birds that flutter at dawn. Then you will return to the lodge to taste your farewell breakfast, then you will go upstream to reach the Cuyabeno Bridge, which is where the tour will end. From here, you can take a bus back to Quito on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast. Lunch.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Amazon Ecolodge
Location: ecuador - lower Amazon
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: El Coca Airport
Activity: Hiking, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Cuyabeno River
2
.- Laguna Grande
3
.- Amazon Rainforest
4
.- Siona Secoya Community
Additional options
What is the food like?
The rustic, airy restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere for dinner with its windows open, allowing the cicadas evening song to circle. An a la carte dinner is served in the restaurant, bringing fine dining to the jungle. Using fresh and sustainable products, our chef prepares meals to delight the tastes of a world traveler while satisfying the appetite of an adventurer!.
What is the accommodation like?
Amazon Ecolodge
Lodging at Sacha combines the highest comfort to the traveller with the preservation of the environment and rainforest ambience. All of our cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces with hammocks, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle subtly into the lush surroundings.
Each of the 26 the rooms, which include single, double and (upon request) triple accommodations and three family cabins, provides a spacious private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower – some even feature floor-to-ceiling windows for an immersive jungle shower experience! All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Transfers
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
Ships & Deck Plans
Specifications
General Specifications
STARTS
El Coca airport
10:00 midday on day 1
ENDS
El Coca airport
12:00 noon on day 4
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at El Coca airport in El Coca city. On the final day your trip will end at El Coca airport. Quito city is around 7 hours from El Coca city (Amazon) and 45 minutes by flight.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn't overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an 'Aeroservicio' - a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
4
days
FROM $372
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation & motorized canoe
Accommodations
Based on double occupancy
Activities
Bird watching and hiking exploration in the jungle, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, night walks to see wildlife.
Meals
3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner.
Gear
Life jackets and rubber boots
Guides
English speaking naturalist guide
Equipment
Rubber boots, rain ponchos, life jackets.
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement
Flights
International & National flights
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Transportation
Transportation from/to the Cuyabeno Bridge.
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Tips
For guides and drivers Visit to the Shaman
What to bring?
What do I need to bring
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Fleece top
Shirts/t-shirts
Pair of short
Pairs of long trousers
Pair hiking pants/track pants
Sport sandals
Watch or alarm clock
Quick dry clothing
Rain coat
Waterproof binoculars
Bug spray
Sun cream
Flashlight
Sun Hat
Waterproof camera if possible
Swimming suit
Waterproof backpack
Water bottle
Tennis shoes
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
FAQS
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What vaccinations do I need?
For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.
What’s the weather like?
Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.
Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service