Average rating Canoe the Amazon: the Aguas Negras River

Accompanied by a local guide, explore the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador by canoe, paddling deep into the heart of the Cuyabeno reserve on the Aguas Negras river. Spend 8 days exploring these remote waterways, spotting wildlife and visiting a local indigenous community on this unforgettable adventure!

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve in Ecuador is a protected area of Amazonian tropical rainforest. The reserve is a complex of rivers, lagoons and floated forest characterised by intense biodiversity and navigable waterways. The area encompasses 604,000 hectares of primary rainforest and boasts river dolphin, tapirs, caimans, anacondas, ocelot and piranha as well as 515 species of bird. Indigenous tribes of the Amazon calling Cuyabeno their ancestral homeland are the Sionas, the Cofanes and Secoyas, who still live according to traditional ways in small homesteads in close symbiosis with the forest.

Starting your 8 day trip up on the remote Aguas Negras River, You will alternate between exploring the water by canoe and entering the forest on foot along hidden pathways. Night time hikes looking for the jungle’s nocturnal residents and a climb up an observation tower also lend themselves to the experience. You then swap your paddles for a motorized canoe as you visit an indigenous village of the Cofán tribe and travel upriver to the Cuyabeno lake system to visit a shaman.

Guides are on hand to spot and explain the incredible flora and fauna of the rainforest. They are experienced local tribesmen, certified by the Ministry of Tourism, who will explain the uses and applications of traditional plants as well as give insider knowledge on medicinal plants, how best to catch a piranha when you go fishing or where to tread during a night walk in search of caiman.

This is truly an expedition in the best sense of the word. For the first four days you will be sat in the canoe paddling or drifting for up to eight hours a day. The camping is rough (mud, spines and insects abound) and there is very little comfort to be found in the first four days. However, if you are willing to put up with this, then you are in for a treat and an experience you will never forget. Nature lovers –especially birdwatchers- will simply be overwhelmed by the flora and fauna on show. It goes without saying that guests should have an adventurous spirit with some outdoors & camping experience. Within reason children can join, but they should have some prior experience, please ask if in doubt. Those looking for something gentler should opt for the five-day trip on the Cuyabeno River.

Getting there

You will need to fly to Quito. The operator can then arrange bus/plane transfers onwards to Lago Agrio, 274km to the east. There are two airlines flying from Quito to Lago Agria, Tame and VIP and the 30 minute flight costs around $120 return. There are flights which meet the tour, so accommodation in Lago Agria is not necessary.

Price includes

Transport Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno or Aguas Negras - Lago Agrio, full catering, English speaking & naturalist guide, and indigenous guide on 8 day tour, full camping and canoeing equipment, accommodation in tents and rustic camps, entrance fees to communities, hotel reservations and airport transfers in Lago Agrio.

Not included
Your transport Quito - Lago Agrio - Quito, accommodation in Lago Lago Agrio and the park entrance fee of US$ 20 (foreigners) or US$ 5 (residents).

Price details

Price is per person and is based on a minimum of 4 travellers.

When is best

This tour departs from March to the end of July and mid September to the end of November. August is not possible because of the dry season. It is run on request to groups of 4 people or more.

Comfort level

Down to earth (hostels, camping, huts)

Experience required

A reasonable interest is all that is needed