SIONA LODGE

The Siona Lodge is idyllically situated in one of the last unspoiled native jungles in the Amazon, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Ecuador designated the 603.380 square kilometres (2,329.7 sq mi) a protected wildlife zone since July 26th, 1979. This positive step forward towards the preservation of part of the Amazon River Basin has allowed us to develop our lodge around the idea of low impact eco-tourism. Our hope is that, by exposing you to the untouched natural beauty surrounding the lodge, you will understand and share that these resources should be enjoyed and preserved for future generations to come.

The Siona Lodge has the best and one of the single most distinctive locations in the reserve, allowing for picturesque sunsets viewed across the large freshwater lake. Much of the wildlife you will see is dependent on the unique ecosystem the lake supports allowing for some rare viewing opportunities.

This reserve is a complex of rivers, lagoons, and floating forest. This protected area is characterized by its high biodiversity and interrelationships between the species inhabiting the area. The Reserve’s geomorphology is a consequence of the rivers carrying sediment and materials from the Andes, principally by the Aguarico River. The huge volume of water cascading down from the mountains maintains the naturally high water levels ensuring that the river is navigable all year round. In the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve there are more than 10 monkey species, 500 bird spices, and an incredible record of 307 species of tree per hectare. There are two seasons, dry and rainy. The entrance is by fluvial (river) transport and is offered by the local communities with the coordination of the lodge and a highly trained, accredited guide.

SERVICES

Staff

Our friendly staff form the backbone of the Siona Lodge experience, and are always available to cater to any special needs you may have.

Randonnée

With the guides you will take walks along the trails of the Amazon, seeing a great variety of flora and fauna of the Amazon.

Piragüismo

We will go canoeing, in which I will be able to observe various birds and alligators in the rivers..

Electricity

Throughout the Lodge, 24-hour electricity is provided by a distant, nearly inaudible generator.

Boots & Ponchos

Clean and disinfected bubber boots and rain ponchos are available for all of our guests at the Lodge, free of charge.

Water

Purified, safe drinking water is available at multiple points around the Lodge – there’s no need to bring your own bottled water.

Restaurant

Service times are adapted to your itineraries and food is served buffet style or restaurant style, depending on the number of visitors. Vegetables and vegans are welcome.

Mosquito net

All cabins are equipped with mosquito nets, placed over the beds to prevent mosquito bites.

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
$360 PER PERSON

BOOK NOW

DAY 1

Reception in Lago Agrio at 09h50, and transfer to CuyabenoRiver.Box lunch in the route .. Here our Naturalist Guide will give information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the two hours navigation through Cuyabeno River to the Big Lagoon, where the Lodge is located. Along the river you will find several species in its natural habitat as monkeys, toucans, parrots, insect and the exuberant Amazonian vegetation. Arrival and check in.
Night walk in the primary forest to observe amphibians and reptiles for about one hour. Return to the lodge for a welcome cocktail and dinner. Accommodation in double rooms

DAY 2

After breakfast, departure to the Siona Indian Community of Puerto Bolivar, the largest ethnic group in the Reserve.
During this tour you will learn their customs , traditions and way of life. You will be part of the elaboration of the Casabe; local dish made of yucca (carbohydrates principal feed of the community). The trip takes 2 hours navigation downstream to get there, in the route will be possible to admire the existing fauna along the Rio Cuyabeno such as: birds, monkeys, snakes, pink dolphins, tortoises and many others. A visit to the Shaman, is also included. This is a full day excursion with Lunch in the Community . Return to the lodge. Night navigation for watching Caymans. Dinner. Accommodation in double rooms

DAY 3

Breakfast. Trek in the primary rain forest for approximately 3-5 hours in the distance you will be able to explore the beautiful and complex tropical ecosystem. You will find the great variety of species of plants, trees and animal life. Lunch back at the lodge. In the afternoon navigation in the big lagoon, to enjoy the surrounding of the lake, and wait for a very special sunset. Dinner.

DAY 4

Early in the morning before breakfast a bird watching excursion is optional. Breakfast and by 09h30 departure tour back to Lago Agrio to take your Bus or flight back.

NOTE: ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR WEATHER CONDITIONS

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
$450 PER PERSON

BOOK NOW

DAY 1

Reception in Lago Agrio at 09h50, and transfer to Cuyabeno River.
Box lunch in the route .. Here our Naturalist Guide will give information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the two hours navigation through Cuyabeno River to the Big Lagoon, where the Lodge is located. Along the river you will find several species in its natural habitat as monkeys, toucans, parrots, insect and the exuberant Amazonian vegetation. Arrival and check in. Night walk in the primary forest to observe amphibians and reptiles for about one hour. Return to the lodge for a welcome cocktail and dinner. Accommodation in double rooms.

DAY 2

After breakfast, departure to the Siona Indian Community of Puerto Bolivar, the largest ethnic group in the Reserve. During this tour you will learn their customs , traditions and way of life. You will be part of the elaboration of the Casabe; local dish made of yucca (carbohydrates principal feed of the community). The trip takes 2 hours navigation downstream to get there, in the route will be possible to admire the existing fauna along the Rio Cuyabeno such as: birds, monkeys, snakes, pink dolphins, tortoises and many others. A visit to the Shaman, is also included. This is a full day excursion with Lunch in the Community . Return to the lodge. Night navigation for watching Caymans. Dinner. Accommodation in double rooms.

DAY 3

DAY 4

Breakfast. A Visit to Canangueno Lagoon for bird watching by Indian paddle canoe and another hike in the forest are the activities for this day.

DAY 5

RETURN
Early in the morning before breakfast a bird watching excursion is optional. Breakfast and transfer to Lago Agrio to take your Bus or flight back.

STANDARD CABINS

The Siona Lodge accommodates up to 20 people in four individual guest huts.

• 2 double bedrooms
• Our spacious balconies,complete with a hammock and lounge chairs
• Private bathroom and shower.
• 2 full bathrooms

ALL RATES ARE PER PERSON

PROGRAM	DOUBLE/TRIPLE	SINGLE
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS	$360	$540
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS	$450	$675

FAQ

What is included in the programs?

THE TOUR INCLUDES:

Canoe transportation from Puente de Cuyabeno - Siona Lodge - Puente de Cuyabeno
Accommodation in double room with private bathroom
All meals according to the program (The tour starts with the lunch of the first day and finish with the breakfast of the last day)
Free Water, tea & coffee
Excursions and activities according to itinerary
Bilingual English/Spanish speaking Naturalist Guide.
Rubber boots (only up to size # 43)
water poncho

What is not included in the tour?

NOT INCLUDED:

Transportation Quito - Puente de Cuyabeno - Quito
Visit to indigenous Community - entrance fee $10.00 per person
Alcoholic and no alcoholic drinks
Tips and bar expenses.

What to bring?

Lightweight pants and long sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks in the forest. However, if you are more comfortable wearing short sleeves, remember that exposed skin may need a light dousing with insect repellant.

During the rain, full waterproof clothing can be uncomfortable as it often gets you wet with sweat instead of water, but rain ponchos are recommendable for tropical cloudbursts. Plenty of ponchos are available at no charge if you do not have your own, and we also supply rubber boots up to men’s size 14 for walks in the forest interior.

Comfortable shoes (or sandals), shorts and t-shirts are fine for walking on boardwalks and around the Lodge during meals and free time. And don’t forget your bathing suit!

Passport
Binoculars
Flashlight and batteries
Camera, memory and flash
Insect repellent
Sun protection (cream / sunglasses / hat or cap)
Light long pants and long-sleeved shirts for walks
Shorts, short sleeve shirts and swimsuit for the Lodge
Comfortable shoes and extra socks
Small day backpack
Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, batteries, etc... from rain

Children policies:

Children from 6 to 12 years old: 30% discount

What facilities are there in the room?

In your shower you will find biodegradable soap and shampoo dispensers. Although all runoff into the water is treated with ozone, we recommend the use of these services as an additional measure to protect the environment. You will also be provided with fresh towels each day.

How to Reach the Cuyabeno Reserve From Quito??

Regarding transportation from Quito to Cuyabeno Reserve, the lodges offer a semi-private bus service for tourists.

The bus costs 30 USD each way, and departs from Quito at night (11:00 PM) to Cuyabeno Bridge on the following days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. all the guides arrive on Cuyabeno Bridge with their canoes to meet clients and start the trip**

The bus return departs from Cuyabeno Bridge around 11:00 a.m. after the tour. The lodge guide will leave you at this meeting on time for the trip back to Quito. The cost is USD 30 for the ride to Quito, and operates on the following days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.