Amazon Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Expedition

Stand up paddle board (SUP) in the heart of the Amazon, the most biodiverse place in the world. You paddle through river lakes and waterways, to see hundred of species of tropical birds, monkeys, reptiles, pink river dolphins, and possibly the Amazonian manatee. You are guests of the Siona indigenous community and get to learn about their way of life.

Trip Length: 4 Days
Destination: Cuyabeno Reserve, Amazon Basin, Ecuador
Lodging: Indigenous community-owned tourist superior jungle lodge
Activities: Stand up paddle boarding (SUP), hiking, swimming, cultural experiences, wildlife viewing

WHY THIS TRIP

Stand up paddle board (SUP) in the heart of the Amazon, the most biodiverse place in the world. You paddle through river lakes and waterways, to see hundred of species of tropical birds, monkeys, reptiles, pink river dolphins, and possibly the Amazonian manatee. You are guests of the Siona indigenous community and get to learn about their way of life.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • SUP in the heart of the Amazon Jungle, the highest biodiverse zone on earth.
  • See 10 different kind of monkeys and search for hundreds of birds, amphibians and reptiles.
  • Swim and play on quality SOL Boards and equipment.
  • Walk in giant tree forests, with over 60 types of orchids, and thousands of species of plants.
  • Discover nocturnal wildlife during evening walks.
  • Enjoy the service, comfort, and cuisine of the top eco-lodge in the area.
  • Naturalist guides are your liaison to wildlife and local culture.
  • Visit a Siona indigenous community to learn about their millenary culture and ways of life.
  • Your SUP tour supports the local economy and helps prevent deforestation.
  • Travel safely under (ACA) American Canoe Association SUP Standards.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The Cuyabeno Reserve is the largest river lake system in the Ecuadorian Amazon. As you paddle along its waterways, you ́ll encounter its amazing display of beauty, wildlife and astounding biodiversity. This region is home to the greatest concentration of life per square mile in the world.

The Cuyabeno is a complex system of lagoons, channels and rivers in the flooded tropical rain forest, making this 1,500,000 acres of protected forest a Stand Up Paddling paradise. Paddle the river lakes and waterways and marvel at hundreds of species of tropical birds, monkeys, reptiles, pink river dolphins, and possibly the Amazonian manatee.

LOCAL OPERATOR: NeoTropic Expeditions

A pioneer of the multisport experience in the Galapagos, Quito-based NeoTropic Expeditions (formerly Ecuador Adventure) provides meaningful, fun and safe eco-adventure experiences reflecting the company’s strong commitment to sustainable eco-tourism in Ecuador.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary


DAY 1: Travel to the Amazon, Paddle Inland to Cuyabeno Reserve, & Watch the Sunset at the Big Lagoon

Welcome to the Amazon Rainforest. These are the lungs of the earth and home to hundreds of thousands of plant and animal life. After a short morning flight to the town of Lago Agrio (flight not included), we take a shuttle ride and cross through the jungle towards our destination.

Prepare to experience some of the most luscious green colors imaginable, and rivers and waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. We paddle to the lake system by waterways meandering on the Cuyabeno River. Make sure to keep your cameras handy, for we will encounter various species of monkeys and birds along the way.

We arrive to our exclusive waterfront eco-lodge on the lake system. This unique set of bungalows, blending into the Amazon Rainforest, will be our home for the next few days and is the perfect setting for your adventure.

We head out to the water for an easy stand-up paddling afternoon. Get comfortable on your boards while witnessing the most magical sunset (upon weather conditions) and expect the first views of fresh pink water dolphins, permanent residents of the lagoon.

After a delicious local meal, we relax at the lodge in one of the hammocks, enjoy the magical nocturnal sounds while sipping on a cocktail, read a book or learn some Spanish from your guide.

Overnight: Tapir Lodge
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Explore the Flooded Forest by Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP)

Wake up to the sounds of the howler monkeys and other wildlife close to the lodge. You ́ll feel the fresh air all around, as we paddle into an epic sunrise across the sleepy lagoon. At this time of day, the water is so still you can see the perfect reflection of the sky on it.

Because of the stillness, birds freely fly above and pink water dolphins can be spotted. Watch as they sky changes colors from reds to oranges to yellows in a show that will make your early wakeup worthwhile. A splendid breakfast waits for us upon our return.

Next stop on the itinerary is a jungle hike. Put on rubber boots and encounter some of the most incredible flora and fauna in the world. Traverse the jungle with your guide, learn about the sacredness of the Amazon and build up an appetite for the lunch that awaits us back at the lodge.

Take some time to relax before we head out to the lagoons on our paddleboards. This time we go into areas of the forest only accessible by boards.

This is a good opportunity to bring your cameras, as you never know what you may see along the way. We make our way back to the main lagoon for a second epic swim at sunset before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Overnight: Tapir Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Visit the Siona Community

We head out to visit the traditional indigenous Siona community. They are one of the hundreds of indigenous tribes local to the region who have opened their doors to visitors. In order to reach the community we paddle for 5 of the most amazing hours on our trip.

We go across untouched and pristine areas that will take your breath away. We paddle by massive 200 year old trees filled with wisdom and wildlife. Keep your cameras handy as we enjoy the adventurous yet comfortable paddle journey.

Once in the community, a local family will share a bit about their life in their native dialect. Our guides will translate and together we learn about how to prepare cassava, a traditional Amazon bread.

Before the sun goes down, a motorized canoe will pick us up and take us back to the lagoon for the third and final sunset of this adventure. After dinner we go out on a short night walk. Grab your headlamps, camera and rubber boots to see the wildest array of colored reptiles ever.

Overnight: Tapir Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Sunrise on the Water, and Return to Quito

Rise and shine to the vibrancy of the jungle once again, and watch it wake up as the sun illuminates the sky. We go for an optional morning paddle, and later meet back again at the lodge for breakfast. We pack our bags and say goodbye to the Amazon Rainforest as we navigate back to Lago Agrio and fly back to Quito (flight not included).

Meals Included: Breakfast

OPTIONAL: A Yoga instructor can accompany us on our SUP Expedition, please inquire.


travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip: 

Trip Start: This trip starts with a flight from Quito to Lago Agrio in the Amazon (flight is not included, but can be added to your trip or booked on your own). You will be met at the Lago Agrio Airport when you arrive on Day 1 of your trip.

Trip End: This trip ends with a flight from Lago Agrio to Quito (flight is not included, but can be added to your trip or booked on your own). You will be dropped off at Lago Agrio Airport on Day 4 of your trip, in time for your departing flight.

Complete Your Trip

 

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

Prices are per person, and based on double occupancy. 

2 Travelers – Please enquire
3 Travelers – Please enquire
4 Travelers – Please enquire
5 – 9 Travelers – Please enquire
10+ Travelers – Please enquire
Single Supplement – Please enquire

 

2024 PRICES:

 

 

 

 

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED: 
  • Professional safety-certified guides
  • Filtered water
  • Stand up paddle boards & paddles
  • Life jackets and dry bags
  • All land and river transportation in the Amazon
  • Boat support while paddling
  • Reserve entrance fees
  • Rubber boots for jungle walks
  • Accommodations at Tapir Lodge
  • All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day
NOT INCLUDED: 
  • Roundtrip flights between Quito and Lago Agrio (approximately $255 per person, subject to change)
  • Optional yoga instructor
  • Alcoholic beverages (you can bring your own or buy them at the lodge)
  • Tips to your guide and lodge staff
  • Accommodations and services in Quito (can be quoted for and added upon request)
  • International flights
  • Travel & health insurance (highly recommended)
  • Water shoes, sandals, or old sneakers: These must stay on your feet at all times while stand up paddle boarding. Sport sandals only please, flip flops are not recommended.

Accommodations

You stay at Tapir Lodge in the Cuyabeno Reserve for 3 nights. All of the rooms have private bathrooms.

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: 

 

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