Tapir Lodge

….on the Cuyabeno River

from/to Lago Agrio

	5 days/4 nights
	4 days/3 nights
	7 days/6 nights (4 nights at the lodge, 2 nights of camping)
	Tapir Lodge is situated right on the banks of the Cuyabeno River. In the morning, you may be awoken by a noisy band of monkeys swinging from the nearby kapok trees. This area along the Cuyabeno is almost devoid of mosquitoes since it is a blackwater river. Constant changes in the water level make it nearly impossible for mosquitoes to reproduce. Since the opening of Tapir Lodge, there has not been a single case of malaria here, neither among the guests nor among the staff, so the danger of contracting malaria is very small.
	Every room is comfortably furnished and has its own balcony and hammock. The spacious bungalow features four double rooms and two rooms with four beds. All of the rooms have their own private bath with warm water.

Itinerary for 4 days/3 nights

Day 1:

You will be picked up in Lago Agrio and transported to “El Puente,” the entrance to the Cuyabeno Reserve. A delicious meal will be served on the way. A two-hour canoe ride takes you to the lodge and introduces you to the area’s ecosystem. You arrive at the lodge in the evening.

Day 2:

A three-hour excursion after breakfast takes you to the nearby “Laguna Grande,” where you can admire different species of trees, long lianas, gigantic palm trees, bromelias, and orchids. Bird lovers will enjoy watching and listening to woodpeckers, tanagers, macaws, and toucans. With a little bit of luck, you may spot some monkeys as well. After lunch and a short siesta, you can fish for piranhas and/or go for a refreshing swim in the Cuyabeno Lagoon.

Day 3:

Today, you visit Alberto, a shaman of the indigenous Cofan nation, and his family in their small settlement. He will teach you about the medicinal uses of certain plants and a shaman’s healing rituals. A hike through the jungle gets you to “Terrafirme,” where you have the opportunity to see ruby-red poison dart frogs, as well as macaws and toucans. On your way back, you visit a small indigenous Siona Secoya community and its school. After dark, you can search for caimans.

Day 4:

After breakfast, a birdwatching expedition gives you one last opportunity to take in the magnificent sights and sounds of the jungle before you start on your way back to Lago Agrio and your return trip to Quito.

Prices

Tapir Lodge	Price per person in USD(double occupancy)	Price per person in USD(single occupancy)
4 days/3 nights(2 – 4 participants)	550	720
4 days/3 nights (5+ participants)	505	655
5 days/4 nights (2 – 4 participants)	690	895
5 days/ 4 nights (5+ participants)	630	820
For Nature Lovers:7 days/6 nights(4 nights at the Lodge, 2 nights of camping)	965	1255
Prices good through October 31, 2011

Children under 12 years of age receive a discount
There are no flights on Sundays from/to Lago Agrio
Minimum number of participants: 2

Services:

- Accommodations in double rooms with private bath (toilet/shower)

- Private transportation from Lago Agrio to Cuyabeno and back

- Canoe rides within the Cuyabeno Reserve

- Full-meal plan (incl. box lunch; vegetarian meals available by request)

- Filtered water, tea, and coffee

- Daily excursions

- German or English-speaking guides

- Rubber boots*, rain ponchos, life vests (* Women’s size 4 to men’s size 11 ½ ; guests with smaller or larger sizes must bring their own boots.)

Non-included Services:

- Roundtrip flight from Quito to Lago Agrio (currently USD 141) or bus ride from Quito to Lago Agrio (approximately 10 hours one way)

- Admission fee for Cuyabeno Reserve (currently USD 20)

- Any meals not specifically listed and alcoholic beverages

- Tips and personal expenses

Additional programs at Tapir Lodge available upon request.

Program may be subject to change. Services listed in the itinerary may be subject to change due to organizational or climate factors.

For more information please write us: