Magic River Ecolodge

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.

$380,00

5 Days

Day 1

Our excursion begins in Lago Agrio at 09h30. If you go by plane we will pick you up at the Lago Agrio airport at 09h55. We travel by bus/truck approx. 1 1⁄4 hours we arrive in the Cuyabeno Bridge to have the lunch later we journey down the river to our Lodge (approx. 2 hours). Then our excursion into the rainforest starts, and along the beginning of the river we can observe some species of monkeys and birds. Finally we arrive to the Magic River Ecolodge. Time for a short relax. After dinner our naturalist bilingual guide gives us a briefing on the upcoming activities for the next few days and about the area. and later an night walk around the Lodge.

Day 2

After an early breakfast we start our journey because the brisk morning hours are the best time to see the rainforest’s thriving activity. We trek into the rainforest with our Naturalist guide who shares their wealth of knowledge. We also have the opportunity to learn about how life in the tropical rainforest co-exists in a fragile balance. Botanic information emphasizes the use of the medicinal plants, which has been taught by the local ancestors for generations. We also find some species of amphibians, butterflies, centipedes and millipedes, snakes, birds, monkeys or any footprints of mammals in the trail. Return to the lodge. Lunch. Later we navigate along the Cuyabeno River to turn around the Kapok Island trying to find species of monkeys. We also have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink dolphins (Inia geof-frensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) in the amazing river scenery. Before dinner we venture into the forest to find species of insects, spiders, tarantulas, snakes or colorful frogs. The night world of the Amazon is perfect for viewing small species and enjoying the nocturnal sounds of the jungle.

Day 3

An early activity permits us to enjoy the nature with a good chance to watch some monkeys and birds. After breakfast we follow the “taricaya” that means turtle trail to visit the Seoqueya Community, where some local families of the Sionas Indigenous group live. A member of the family shows us how they prepare the yuca bread which is called “Cassave” and our guide explains local traditions and cultures from the past to the present. Return to the lodge. After lunch, we always have time to relax and to enjoy the place. In the afternoon we go out with our motor canoe upstream to visit the Laguna Grande where we navigate in the amazing lake and admire the flooded forest by black water or Igapo, considered an ecosystem of the rainforest, dominated by the famous Macrolobium trees which are homes of Epiphytes plants and bird, there is time to swimming in the lake while we admire the spectacular sunset in the rainforest. Before we return to the lodge we venture downstream to search for Caimans (alligator family)and fishing bats.

Day 4

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 

The last early activity is a short canoe excursion to enjoy the sunrise over the jungle. This is a good opportunity for bird watching. It permits us to create the last memory of this wonderful place. After breakfast you have time to prepare your luggage for the trip back. We navigate upstream to reach the Cuyabeno Bridge. Box lunch. Our bus/pick up takes us back to Lago Agrio, arriving at approx. 14h30 either to catch the Bus or the plane back to Quito.

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.

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

Aditional information

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

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