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Magic River Ecolodge: 5 Days Adventure Paddling Programe / No Motor Noise

Superior Tourist -
Includes:
  • Sight Seeing
  • Food
  • Hotels

Magic River Ecolodge is set at the heart of natural attractions, just a 20 minute motor canoe ride away from the Cuyabeno lake area and right next to the banks of the Cuyabeno River. From the hammocks at our pier you may spot freshwater dolphins and enjoy the scenery of the river. Our location guarantees free navigation and access all year around, even in the drier season from December to February. We offer single, double and triple rooms with private bathrooms. Our maximum capacity is 28 guests, but we only accommodate a maximum of 10 people in a single group.

Our commitment to responsible and ecological tourism

Magic River Ecolodge follows rigorous ecological standards for protected areas. Accordingly, all sewage is carefully processed and filtered to avoid contaminating water systems and soils, and the lodge obtains its energy exclusively from clean energy through solar panels.

Each room is equipped with solar powered light and a 110V electric socket. In order to reduce the use of nonrenewable energy resources, we do not use water heating systems and provide cold water only. All of our refuse material is separated and recycled to the greatest extent possible.

We maintain a strong and friendly relationship with members of the indigenous community and support their active involvement in tourism. They receive economic income through their work as paddling aids, motor canoe drivers, kitchen helpers and camp administrators with us.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 

PADDLING FROM THE PARK ENTRANCE TO THE FIRST CAMP

Tour start is at 09:00 am in Lago Agrio. Transport from Lago Agrio to the Cuyabeno park entrance (2 hours). From here we paddle by canoe down the Cuyabeno River to the Tiger Pass campsite (3 hours). On the way, we are able to observe the wide range of flora and fauna of the primary forest. We spend the night camping out in tents. 

Day 2 

PADDLING ON THE CUYABENO RIVER AND LAGUNA GRANDE LAKE

We continue paddling downstream until we reach the entrance to the Laguna Grande Lake (3-4 hours). From here we have a short transfer in motor canoe to the Magic River Lodge. We have lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon we will explore the flooded forest (Igapó) of the Laguna Grande Lake by paddling canoe and observe Macrolobium trees and their various epiphytes and snakes. We may take a refreshing dip in the lake and enjoy the sunset over the lake. We finish the day with a night walk in search of nocturnal creatures.

Day 3 

VISIT AT THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY SIONA

Today we visit, an indigenous community of the Siona. We go downstream on the Cuyabeno River with a short motor canoe drive until we reach the community. Here we get an insight into the Siona culture and their current lifestyle. We will help to make bread from manioc root in a family home. Later we visit other community there we have the opportunity to visit the local shaman and learn about ancient healing techniques).  Later we take the motor canoe back to our lodge to have the lunch.

During the afternoon we go paddling on an excursion on the Cuyabeno River to spot wildlife, enjoy the surrounding,  we navigate along the Cuyabeno River to turn around the Kapok Island trying to find species of monkeys,  After dark we take a night excursion in search of caimans. 

Day 4 

FULL DAY IN THE LAGUNA GRANDE LAKE

In the morning we take a longer walk on a small path through primary forest in the “Laguna Grande” lake (3-4 hours). Our guide will provide information about this amazing ecosystem and explain different types of plants. Later we have the lunch into the rainforest. We will visit one more time the “Laguna Grande” Lake to make different activities like swim, paddling and watch pink dolphins. We take the motor canoe back to our lodge searching caimans or snakes.

In the lodge later of dinner we have a farewell cocktail.

Day 5 

EARLY MORNING BIRD WATCHING AND RETURN TO LAGO AGRIO

Before sunrise we head out in the canoes, paddling along the Cuyabeno River to spot birds. We return to the camp for breakfast.  During the morning we take the trip back in the motor canoe. Again there are chances of spotting wildlife on our way to the Cuyabeno River Bridge. Our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Lago Agrio, where we arrive at 3:00 pm. 

Important: It is very unlikely that the itineraries change dramatically, however, the possibility may be given. This may occur for reasons of wildlife activity, security considerations of the instructions given by the reserve.

Magic River Ecolodge offers:

  •     Single, double and triple rooms with private bathrooms, comfortable mattresses and mosquito nets
  •     Biodegradable soap and shampoo
  •     Spacious dining area
  •     Hammocks in different chill out areas
  •     Electricity from solar panels (light and battery recharging for cameras)
  •     Delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine (vegetarian food upon request)

Prepare For Your Trip to the Amazon
Climate

The climate is tropical and humid due to our location at the equator in the Amazon Lowland. The annual temperature averages 25°C (77°F) with a daily minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum temperature of 30°C (86°F). Night temperatures are pleasant and fresh at around 18°C (64.4°F). Humidity ranges from 80 to 100% with an average of 3000 mm of rainfall a year. The area experiences a drier season from December to March and a wetter season from April to July.

Health precautions

We recommend the basic vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis A. Cholera, typhoid and yellow fever are unknown in the region. Malaria prevention is a matter of choice. In this specific area, there is a moderate incidence of malaria. While the more serious form of “malaria tropicana” is very uncommon, all other strains of malaria do exist and are treatable with chloroquin or equivalents.

Clothing

We suggest that you wear light cotton, linen or silk clothes. Normally, you just need shorts and a shirt during the day and long trousers and a long sleeved shirt (which also provide very good mosquito protection) for the late evenings. Nights can be cool, especially when it rains, so you should bring a warm sweater. For sun protection, you will need a hat, sunglasses and a high protection sunscreen. Sandals for the canoe and tennis shoes are perfect for the lodge area and at night. You will not need trekking boots. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear.

What to bring

  •     Several T-shirts
  •     Long-sleeved shirts for mosquito protection
  •     Shorts and long trousers for jungle hikes
  •     1 warm sweater or jacket for colder rainy days
  •     1 pair of tennis shoes, 1 pair of sandals
  •     Swimwear
  •     Insect repellent
  •     1 flashlight per person and some spare batteries
  •     Sun protection (hat, glasses, sunscreen)
  •     1 day backpack
  •     Small amounts of money for handicraft purchases
  •     Passport
  •     Camera, binoculars

Details

Cost Includes:
  • All terrestrial and fluvial transfers from and back to Lago Agrio
  • Licensed bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
  • Full catering
  • State of the art canoeing and camping equipment (water protection bags, rubber boots, rain ponchos, life jackets, sleeping pads, tents)
  • Daily guided excursion according to tour itinerary
  • Safe bottled water for drinking and all cooking
  • Accommodation in tents
  • Rustic huts and Magic River Ecolodge according to tour
  • Airport and hotel transfers in Lago Agrio on first and last day of the tour.

*except breakfast on first day and dinner on last day

 

Cost Excludes:
  • Plane and/or bus tickets. (Transfer Quito-Lago Agrio-Quito).
  • Park entrance fee ($20 USD for foreigners, $5 USD for nationals)
  • Additional beverages
  • Fees for activities in indigenous communities