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Napo WIldlife Centre

TAPIR LODGE

Location:
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve lies in the northeastern corner of Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest. It is a biodiversity hotspot, home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of distinct animal and plant species.  A complex system of alluvial formations, 13 lagoons, rivers and flooded forest make up the 603,000 ha site, recording some of the highest levels of Biodiversity in the World.

One highlight of any once-in-a-lifetime visit to Ecuador's stunning rainforest region are the flooded forests of Igapo at the heart of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.  The Cuyabeno Reserve has more than 520 different species of birds; 60 species of orchids; over 350 species of fish; a big variety of reptiles such as anacondas, caimans and river turtles. As well as the 12,000 estimated species of plant found within the reserve, many species of mammals including the incredible tapir (Tapirus terrestris), which lends its name to our exclusive Lodge.

The Reserve is also home to a number of rare species including the mythical pink river dolphin, the Hoatzin or the harpy-eagle with its eight-foot wing-span.  Because the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve belongs to the National Protected Areas System, only very few Tour Operators are qualified to work in this zone. This is reason enough not to find a lot of tourists visiting this area, so we are able to enjoy nature and its great sounds.

Description:
Tapir Lodge is a complex of a bungalow, built following the Quichua construction guidelines, a marvelous 15 m tower and a social area including a restaurant serving delicious food, and a bar. All this was constructed next to the Cuyabeno River.

The first tower has four double rooms and the second 8 double rooms. Each room is comfortable equipped, with private bathroom, hot water, each with its own balcony and hammocks. The bungalow with 4 double rooms and 2 quadruple rooms is comfortable and spacious.
 
All rooms have private bathrooms, hot water and a mosquito net over every bed.
Experience the jungle from our 15 m towers and enjoy the rainforest directly from your own room. Wake up in the morning with a monkey troop crossing the nearby Kapok Trees or relax in your hammock while having great views of the beautiful Cuyabeno River.

Activities:
  • Birdwatching - Cuyabeno is a privileged place for birding. Boasting a birdlist of more than 520 species of birds, Cuyabeno is a delight for seasoned as well as beginner birdwatchers.
  • Canoeing - Located in the heart of a lagoon complex and flooded forest, Tapir Lodge employs local dugout canoes as the only transportation around the area.
  • Caiman watching - When the night comes, we will jump in our canoes and with our flashlights we will search for Caimans.  Four species of caimans inhabit the reserve, the biggest being the black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) measuring up to 5 meters long, but this type of caiman is a rather shy and rarely seen. The most common is the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) measuring up to 3 meters.
  • Piranha fishing (catch and release) - Fishing has become one of the favorite activities among our guests. Even if you can't catch anything, fishing in the afternoon is a great time to relax while looking at the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see and listening to the exotic sounds of the rainforest.
  • Jungle treks - In our jungle hikes we walk under the canopy and experience the primary forest from within.  Our excursions will take you through pristine Terra Firme and "cananguchal" (temporarily flooded forest) ecosystems. Our guides will help you to understand the complexity of the forest and its relations. Walking through very dense vegetation, we will listen to the wonderful voices of the rainforest, we might even bump into the shy Tapir ( Tapirus terrestris ).
  • Indian communities - Tapir Lodge works together with the Siona community of Puerto Bolivar. The Siona have lived in harmony with the jungle for centuries and nowadays they have chosen the eco-tourism activities in order to improve their live standards and protect the environment.
  • Shamanism - Learn more about these millenary communities with their Shamans. Walk through the forest in company of a Shaman apprentice and learn the medicinal uses of plants. Be part of a traditional healing ceremony or simply talk with these knowledgeable and friendly men.

Tours:
4-days / 3-nights
[Friday to Monday]
5-days / 4-nights
[Monday to Friday]
US $405.00 per person
US $120.00 (Quito-Lago Agrio-Quito airline tkt)

Includes
Fluvial transportation; Accommodation; Full meals; Guided excursions; Local bilingual guide; Life vests; rubber boots and rain coats; taxes

Does not include
Meals and services not specified drinks and personal expenses.
US $540.00 per person
US $120.00 (Quito-Lago Agrio-Quito airline tkt)

Includes
Fluvial transportation; Accommodation; Full meals; Guided excursions; Local bilingual guide; Life vests; rubber boots and rain coats; taxes


Does not include
Meals and services not specified drinks and personal expenses


The leading source on the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest

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