Piraña Eco Lodge
Piranha Ecolodge is located within the Cuyabeno Reserve in northeastern Ecuador. It sits in an extensive network of interconnected lakes, lagoons, and rivers, covering over 6,000 square meters of virgin jungle. It is privileged by the Cuyabeno Reserve, which boasts a wealth of wildlife, including pink freshwater dolphins, anacondas, capybaras, caimans, tapirs, manatees, piranhas, ocelots, toucans, macaws, and other animals.
The lodge itself is rustic, featuring private cabins, beds with mosquito nets, and private bathrooms with hot water. It also has a tower with modern rooms that offer incredible views of the forest and river.
Ecuadorian nature meets ecological comfort.
A hidden treasure where nature thrives and sustainability reigns. Enjoy eco-friendly accommodations surrounded by incredible adventures in the rainforest.
Embark on a journey to Piranha Ecolodge in Ecuador, where the magic of nature unfolds. Immerse yourself in the charming wonders of the Amazon rainforest, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and discover a world where dreams come alive.
Itinerary
Outdoor Adventure
Day 1
The adventure begins with a bang as we meet in Lago Agrio between 8:40 am and 9:00 am. The meeting point is at the charming Farm Hotel Magic Paradise. From there, we embark on a two-hour journey aboard our private transport to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve. Upon arrival, our guide will greet us with a fascinating briefing at the Ministry of Environment's interpretation center, followed by a quick check-in at their offices. Then, the real adventure begins as we hop into canoes and head down the Cuyabeno River. As we navigate these waters, keep your eyes peeled for lush flora and fauna, agile monkeys, exotic birds, and even anacondas, the second-largest snakes on the planet. Our success in spotting these wonders will depend on the whims of the weather and luck.
From 1:30 to 2:00 pm, we'll recharge with lunch at Piranha Ecolodge. After the meal, our guide will share information about our accommodations and surroundings. Then, you'll be taken to your rooms for a brief relaxation.
At 4:45 pm, we'll set off for our second expedition of the day, traveling upstream to where the Cuyabeno River meets the La Hormiga River. Here, we may catch glimpses of the magnificent pink dolphins, an iconic and protected species of Cuyabeno. Our exploration continues to Laguna Grande, famous for one of the country's most stunning sunsets, accompanied by a refreshing swim.
At 6:30 pm, we prepare for a night walk to witness a multitude of insects and amphibians. If we tread carefully, we might also encounter slithering reptiles and nocturnal mammals like armadillos during this 45-minute trek. Then, as we return to our canoe, we’ll embark on one of the most exciting activities of the night: searching for elusive black caimans and tree boas along the Cuyabeno River, guiding us back to our eco-lodge.
At 8:00 pm, a sumptuous dinner and a welcome cocktail await, prepared by our chef. The night ends with the option to relax in a hammock or enjoy a beer at the bar, reflecting on the day's adventures and the wonders that lie ahead.
Outdoor Adventure
Day 2
At dawn, at 6:00 am, we'll embark on an exciting expedition to the observation tower in search of the aerial artists of the Amazon: birds, and with a stroke of luck, tree mammals like monkeys and sloths. Not far from our eco-lodge, the loud and vibrant macaws, our colorful feathered friends, announce their presence.
After our early adventure, we'll gather for breakfast at 7:30 am to recharge for the day’s escapades.
At 8:30 am, we'll dive into a dynamic combination of paddling and trekking. For 45 serene minutes, we’ll paddle through the waters, enveloped by the tranquil sounds of the rainforest. If luck is on our side, we may witness the elegant otters in their element, hunting in the river. Once on solid ground, our guide will delve into the heart of the Amazon, revealing the secrets of its ecology, flora, fauna, and the intricate web of ecosystem interactions.
Lunch awaits from 12:30 to 1:00 pm, followed by a well-deserved rest in hammocks or retreating to our rooms for a midday break.
At 3:30 pm, we will gather again at our interpretation center to reflect on the morning’s discoveries. Here, our guide will enrich our understanding of the indigenous communities of Cuyabeno, providing insights into their lives and connections with the natural world.
The day’s adventure continues at 5:00 pm aboard a boat to explore Laguna Caimán Cocha, one of the 14 mystical lagoons within the reserve. As we travel to this destination, we will keep our eyes peeled for more wildlife. At Caiman Cocha, we will be greeted by the stunning beauty of the lagoon, with the backdrop of a captivating sunset.
The day concludes with dinner at 8:00 pm, followed by an evening of relaxation, reflecting on the day’s wonders and the magic that the Amazon continues to unveil.
Outdoor Adventure
Day 3
At 8:00 am, we start with a hearty breakfast, allowing us to recharge for the day's adventures. At 9:00 am, we will head downstream to the Siona Community of Puerto Bolívar. Here, we will be warmly welcomed by a woman from the Siona community, who will guide us through a yucca plantation. She will share with us the art of preparing casabe, a traditional flatbread made from yucca, allowing us to immerse ourselves in her culinary heritage.
Lunch at noon will be a community affair in the village, offering us a taste of local life and the flavors that define it.
At 1:00 pm, the journey deepens as our guide introduces us to one of the last four shamans of the Siona tribe in Ecuador. In an intimate encounter, the shaman will share his worldview, closely linked to the sacred brew Ayahuasca. We will participate in an energy cleansing ritual, enriched with songs passed down through millennia from shaman to apprentice. Our exploration continues as we venture in search of snakes and other wildlife, culminating in a visit to one of the largest trees in Ecuador, El Ceibo. Here we will have the opportunity to take photographs and embrace this powerful tree, absorbing its good energies.
As night falls, at 5:30 pm, we will embark on an upstream journey, paddling in search of birds, monkeys, and sloths. The tranquility of the river and the dense canopy create the perfect setting to observe these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
The day concludes at 8:00 pm with a farewell dinner and cocktail, a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences shared and the bonds formed with the natural and human communities of the Amazon.
Day 4
At dawn, 5:30 am, we embark on a charming upstream journey to the majestic Laguna Grande, where we will witness a sunrise painting the sky with strokes of vibrant colors. As the new day dawns, we will search for dolphins and other wildlife, active in their morning routines and in search of breakfast.
At 8:00 am, we will gather for a delicious breakfast at the hotel, savoring the flavors and moments of tranquility before preparing for our journey back to Lago Agrio.
At 9:30 am, we board our motorboat, departing for the Cuyabeno Bridge. Along the way, the riverbanks come to life, offering a final spectacular display of the abundant wildlife of the Amazon.
Upon arriving at the Cuyabeno Bridge, a private bus awaits to take us back to Magic Paradise, where a sumptuous lunch will mark the perfect end to our adventure.
This last day encapsulates the essence of our journey: a blend of serene beauty, thrilling encounters with wildlife, and the gentle pull of returning to civilization, carrying with us the memories of the Amazon that will remain in our hearts forever.
