LAGARTOCOCHA
6 Days & 5 Nights - DEEP IN THE JUNGLE
This is the most adventurous tour into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest in our program and includes camps in different places deep in the Cuyabeno Reserve. The tour explores the upper and lower parts of the reserve, with canoe rides along the Cuyabeno & Aguarico Rivers until the border with Peru and exploring the Lagartococha area.
Lagartococha forms part of the flooded areas has been included in the list of Wetlands of Importance on the planet by the RAMSAR Convention since 2017.
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day by day - Lagartococha - 6 days / 5 nights
DEPARTURES ANY DAY WITH A MINIMUM OF 4 PASSENGERS
Day 1 - Aguarico River Navigation - Kiwcha Campsite
Your Amazon adventure begins with two travel options from Quito: fly to Coca for a two-hour drive to the Aguarico River, or take an overnight bus to Tarapoa for a private transfer.
At 12:15 PM, we depart from Tierras Orientales, navigating the Aguarico River with a box lunch on board. As we pass through indigenous communities, the scenery shifts, and after 3 hours, we enter the biodiverse Cuyabeno River, home to pink river dolphins.
Arriving at the campsite, we set up camp and explore the rainforest, climbing the Kichwa tower for sunset views. After dark, join a guided walk to discover the jungle’s nocturnal life. Following a hearty dinner, enjoy a briefing on the next day’s activities.
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Day 2 - Kichwa Territory - Lagartococha
Awake to the sounds of the rainforest and join an early morning search for monkeys and birds, a perfect moment to experience Amazon wildlife. After a healthy breakfast, we’ll explore the rainforest, learning about the ecosystem’s balance and the medicinal plants it offers.
Return to camp before heading downstream to the confluence of the Cuyabeno and Aguarico rivers, where black and white waters meet.
We’ll navigate for 3 ½ hours towards the Peruvian border, enjoying a box lunch along the way. Arriving at our second campsite, nestled deep in the jungle, you’ll explore interconnected lagoons and blackwater rivers, witnessing diverse flora and fauna. Later, swim near pink dolphins and, after dinner, enjoy a feedback session to reflect on the day’s experiences.
![](https://nickyamazonlodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_4672-1024x576.jpg)
Day 3 - Remote Community visit - Night Excursion
Start your day with a peaceful early morning canoe ride, immersing yourself in the awakening Amazon and spotting monkeys like red howlers and saki monkeys. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll navigate upstream along the Lagartococha River to visit the Secoya community in Puerto Estrella, on the Ecuador-Peru border. The Secoya people will warmly welcome us, sharing their customs and traditions, including a demonstration on making traditional cassava bread.
After this cultural exchange, we’ll return to camp. As evening falls, enjoy an exciting canoe excursion in search of caimans and other nocturnal wildlife. End the day with a delicious dinner under the stars, sharing stories with fellow travelers.
![](https://nickyamazonlodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DSC02001-1024x683.jpg)
Day 4 - Pink River Dolphins - Zancudococha Lake
After breakfast, we will navigate downstream on the Aguarico River for about three hours, reaching the dark waters of the Cocaya River. Our journey takes us to the Martinica, where you’ll discover a project dedicated to the conservation of the pink dolphin. This unique lake has become a haven for these fascinating creatures, as the community members have built a relationship with them. This initiative has turned into a significant attraction for both visitors and locals. Box lunch.
Later we navigate upstream through the lush rainforest reaching the Zancudococha lake where we have the third campsite. Night walk around observing the nocturnal life. Dinner
![](https://nickyamazonlodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/sunset-Grande-1024x682.jpg)
Day 5 - Zancudococha Lake Exploration
After breakfast, we’ll visit Zancudococha Lake, one of the largest in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Explore its surroundings, spotting bird species and fish that thrive in these waters. Enjoy a box lunch while taking in the lake’s serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we’ll journey upstream along the Aguarico River for about 3 hours, arriving at our final campsite on the Cuyabeno River. You’ll have free time to relax and unwind, listening to the soothing sounds of the rainforest.
After dinner, join an optional night walk to explore the jungle under the stars, discovering the fascinating nocturnal life of the Amazon.
![](https://nickyamazonlodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/zancudococha-lake-1024x768.jpg)
Day 6 - Return to Tierras Orientales
After an early breakfast, we’ll embark on our final navigation upstream along the Aguarico River, soaking in the last breathtaking views of the Amazon Basin. We aim to arrive at Tierras Orientales by 11:30 AM, offering a final chance to appreciate the stunning landscape before returning to civilization.
Return to Quito
For those traveling by bus, we’ll connect you to the tourist bus for your journey back. If flying, you’ll be dropped off in Coca, where you’ll spend the night before your 10:00 AM flight the next day.
![](https://nickyamazonlodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/zancudo2.jpg)
IMPORTANT
- All routes and programs are subject to change without prior notice due to reserve regulations, weather conditions, natural events, seasonal changes or security reasons. Flexibility is the key to the success of every tour. The safety of our passengers is our top priority.
INCLUDES
- Transportation from Coca Airport – Tierras Orientales – El Coca (if you fly) or transfer from Tarapoa – Tierras Orientales – Tarapoa (if you take the tourist bus).
- River transportation by canoe
- Bilingual naturalist guide (legally authorized by the Ministry of Tourism) trained in Eco-tourism.
- All meals from lunch on the first day to box lunch on the last day (includes purified water). Catering for vegetarians.
- Camping equipment, plus all bedding for long expeditions (mats, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels). This type of adventure trip implies that showers will be shared.
- Personal equipment: life jackets and rubber boots (up to size 45 – from size 45 and up on request before the excursion at no extra cost).
- Tea & coffee available at the campsites.
NOT INCLUDED
- Travel from Quito: ( by plane USD 120 one way / by tourist bus USD 30 one way)
- US $ 7 Dollars for the visit to the Kichwa tower (to be paid on site)
- US $ 10 visit the Secoya Community
- Additional drinks and meals
- Individual supplement
- Tips and gratuities
- Insurance and personal expenses