Guacamayo Ecolodge

Guacamayo Ecolodge: A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Lodge in the Cuyabeno Reserve. Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in the Amazon rainforest? Do you want to explore one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, while staying in a comfortable and eco-friendly lodge? If so, then Guacamayo Ecolodge is the perfect choice for you! Guacamayo Ecolodge is one of the first sustainable projects in the Cuyabeno Reserve, created by professionals naturalist guides, with a wide experience in the tourism industry. The lodge offers packages for 3, 4 or 5 days, with activities such as canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, night walks, cultural visits, and more. You will have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, pink dolphins, anacondas, caimans, and hundreds of bird species.

Facilities and Services of Guacamayo Ecolodge

The lodge has 16 comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers, powered by solar energy. The rooms are spacious and cozy, with wooden furniture and colorful decorations. Each room has a balcony with a hammock, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the forest.

The lodge also has a 30-meter observation tower exclusive to Guacamayo Ecolodge, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the forest canopy. From the tower, you can observe hundreds of bird species, such as toucans, macaws, parrots, hummingbirds, and more. You can also spot monkeys, sloths, and other animals that live in the treetops.

You can also relax in the hammock area, or enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant, prepared with fresh and local ingredients. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from traditional Ecuadorian cuisine to international options. You can also try some exotic fruits and juices from the region. The restaurant has a bar where you can order drinks and snacks.

The lodge provides common areas, as well as a library with books. The lodge has a friendly and helpful staff that will make you feel at home. They will assist you with anything you need during your stay.

Activities and Tours at Guacamayo Ecolodge

Guacamayo Ecolodge offers packages for 3, 4 or 5 days, with different itineraries and activities. Some of the activities are:

• Canoeing: You can explore the Cuyabeno River and its tributaries by canoe, and enjoy the scenic views of the forest and the wildlife. You can also visit the Laguna Grande, a beautiful lagoon where you can swim and watch the sunset.
• Hiking: You can hike through the primary and secondary forest, and learn about the flora and fauna of the region. You can also visit a salt lick, where many animals come to lick minerals from the soil.
• Birdwatching: You can climb the 30-meter observation tower exclusive to Guacamayo Ecolodge, and observe hundreds of bird species from the canopy. You can also take a birdwatching tour with a professional guide, who will help you identify and spot different birds.
• Night walks: You can experience the nocturnal life of the forest, and see many insects, spiders, frogs, snakes, and other creatures that are active at night. You can also search for caimans, which are crocodile-like reptiles that live in the rivers.
• Cultural visits: You can visit the Siona community, which is an indigenous group that lives in the Cuyabeno Reserve. You can learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. You can also participate in a ritual with a shaman, who is a healer and spiritual leader of the community.

Best Time to Visit Guacamayo Ecolodge

The best time to visit Guacamayo Ecolodge is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to mid-March and from mid-June to mid-August. During this time, the water levels in the rivers are lower, making it easier to spot animals such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles. The weather is also drier, which means less rain and more comfortable conditions for hiking and other outdoor activities.

However, you can visit the Cuyabeno Reserve any time of the year, as it is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. The weather in Cuyabeno Reserve is tropical and humid, as it is located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The average annual temperature is 24.7 °C | 76.4 °F, and the temperature ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F) throughout the year. The weather is influenced by the equator, which means there is no distinct dry or wet season. However, there are some variations in the rainfall and water levels in the rivers, depending on the month. The driest months are from mid-December to mid-March and from mid-June to mid-August, while the wettest months are from April to May and from September to November. During the dry months, the water levels are lower, making it easier to spot animals such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles. During the wet months, the water levels are higher, creating more flooded areas and allowing access to deeper parts of the forest. The weather in Cuyabeno Reserve is unpredictable and can change quickly, so it is advisable to be prepared for rain and sun at any time.

How to Get to Guacamayo Ecolodge

To get to Guacamayo Ecolodge, you need to take a bus from Quito or Guayaquil to Lago Agrio, which takes about 8 hours. From Lago Agrio, you need to take a private or public transportation to El Puente, which is the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve. The ride takes about 2 hours. From El Puente, you need to take a motorized canoe to Guacamayo Ecolodge, which takes about 2 hours more. The canoe ride is part of the adventure, as you will see the amazing scenery and wildlife of the reserve. Guacamayo Ecolodge also offers a shared bus service from Quito, with a cost of $25 per way, booking in advance is required.

Environmental and Social Impact of Guacamayo Ecolodge

Guacamayo Ecolodge is committed to protecting the amazon rainforest and supporting the indigenous communities in the Cuyabeno Reserve. The lodge works closely with the Siona community, which is located within this protected area. By staying at Guacamayo Ecolodge, you will contribute to the economic development and cultural preservation of this community.

The lodge also follows eco-friendly practices, such as:

• Using solar energy for electricity
• Using biodegradable products for cleaning
• Recycling and composting waste
• Reducing plastic consumption
• Educating guests and staff about environmental issues
• Participating in conservation projects

Guacamayo Ecolodge is certified by Rainforest Alliance, which is an international organization that promotes sustainable tourism. The lodge also has a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, which reflects its high quality of service and customer satisfaction.

Summary of your visit to Guacamayo Ecolodge

Guacamayo Ecolodge is a sustainable and eco-friendly lodge in the Cuyabeno Reserve, where you can enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience in the Amazon rainforest. You can explore one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, while staying in a comfortable and cozy lodge. You can also participate in various activities and tours, such as canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, night walks, cultural visits, and more. You will have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, pink dolphins, anacondas, caimans, and hundreds of bird species.