Affordable Amazon Lodge in Ecuador
The Dolphin Lodge is the most affordable Amazon lodge in Ecuador. Its a great option for adventure seekers who dont want to break the bank. The lodge is budget-friendly but the activities and experience is top-notch.
Its a great choice for venturing into the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest and is located in one of the best areas in the rainforest for wildlife spotting and activities.
Lodge location
The Cuyabeno Dolphin Lodge is located in the heart of the Cuyabeno National Park. 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 the lodge’s pier, you may spot freshwater dolphins and enjoy the scenery of the river. The location guarantees free navigation and access all year round, even in the drier season from December to February.
Not to be confused with the Amazon Dolphin Lodge located in Pañacocha reserve.
Dolphin Lodge activities
Although the lodge is an affordable Amazon Lodge in Ecuador, there are tons of great activities you can take part in when you visit the Cuyabeno Dolphin Lodge:
- Walk in the jungle
- Birdwatching
- Paddling kayak/native canoes
- Visit the Siona community and Shaman
- Night canoeing in search of caimans
- Swimming at the Laguna Grande (Big Lagoon)
Dolphin Lodge Accommodation
The Dolphin Lodge offers
- 4 matrimonial rooms
- 1 quadruple room
- 3 triple rooms
- 4 double rooms with private bathrooms
- All rooms with lower beds.
- Maximum capacity is 40 guests.
Amenities
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
Social Areas at the Dolphin Lodge
Hammock lounge and bar
You can take a load off and relax with the beautiful surroundings at the well-equipped bar and hammock lounge. Nothing beats a cold beer or tasty cocktail in the jungle.
Dining room
Dolphin lodge prides itself on its ability to prepare and serve fresh tasty food to its guests in such an isolated place. Fresh ingredients such as bananas and yucca are used as a basis for their recipes. Meals at the Dolphin lodge blend local and international cuisine.
Dining room 
Hammock Lounge
Cuyabeno Dolphin Lodge Information
Lodge Activities:
Forest Trails
There are big chances for you to see a great variety of wildlife such as insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Some typical animals you may spot are; anacondas, spiders, giant armadillos, birds such as hoatzins, macaws, toucans, parakeets, parrots as well as monkeys, tapirs, ocelots, etc.
Canoe Riding
Explore the rivers and lakes on board a motorized or paddle-canoe! In the river, creeks, and lakes of the Amazon Rainforest, you will find hundreds of different aquatic animals such as fish, caimans, turtles, piranhas, and Amazon dolphins.
Birding
A plethora of bird species can be found in the Cuyabeno National Park, giving you the best bird watching experience, and an unforgettable adventure.
Siona community
Visits to the Siona Community include a cooking class where you will learn to make Casave a local dish made from yucca. Visit to the Shaman is also included.
Hikes
Our programs include easy and medium intensity walks and hikes in order to observe the wildlife and nature of the area; more difficult hikes and longer programs can be arranged.
Swimming
Swimming can take place in the Laguna Grande (Big Lake) close to the lodge.
Dolphin Lodge – 5 days/4 nights
You can choose between 4 and 5-day itineraries at the Dolphin Lodge. Below you will find the full 5-day program which you can shorten to 4 days.
Day 1: Quito – Lago Agrio – Cuyabeno
Flight (9:15 am) or bus (trip the night before the tour – 8 hours) to Lago Agrio. Private land transportation from Lago Agrio to El Puente. Canoe trip down the Cuyabeno River to our lodge. Lunch. Visit the Laguna Grande to swim and enjoy the sunset. Dinner. Exciting night walk.
Day 2: Trek in the primary rainforest / Lagoon swim
Breakfast. Morning: three-hour hike in the primary forest to learn about flora and fauna, especially to know about medicinal plants, frogs, insects, birds, etc. Lunch at the camp. Relax, in the afternoon paddle in a traditional canoe on the Lagoons or rivers to explore and enjoy the uniqueness of nature. Where you can swim and enjoy the sunset. If conditions permit, you may be able to spot pink dolphins. Return to the lodge. Dinner.
Day 3: Community visit / Cooking class / Shaman Experience / Night search for Caimans
Breakfast. Visit the Community Siona Tarabeaya where you can see the preparation of the traditional bread Casabe and the naturalist guide will explain about the culture and traditions of native people. Lunch. Visit the Shaman, who will explain about the ceremonies in the jungle. Return to camp. Dinner.
Day 4: Early morning Birdwatching / Departure from the Lodge
Breakfast. Relaxing morning paddle in a traditional canoe on the rivers to explore and enjoy the uniqueness of nature. Searching for monkeys and birds. Lunch at the camp. Relax, Visit the Laguna Grande to swim and enjoy the sunset. Dinner. Night canoe expedition in search of caimans.
Day 5: Early morning Birdwatching / Departure from the Lodge
Early morning bird watching. Breakfast. Navigating the Cuyabeno River back to El Puente. Box Lunch. Transfer to Lago Agrio. Return to Quito by bus or plane (17:00 pm).
Dolphin Lodge 2020 Rates
Included
- Private transportation Lago Agrio - Dolphin Lodge - Lago Agrio (bus and canoe).
- Bilingual naturalist guide.
- Accommodation in double and/or triple room with mosquito nets and a private bathroom.
- All meals (breakfast-lunch-dinner); pure water, coffee, tea.
- Excursion gear (raincoat, rubber boots, camping tents, life jackets).
- Excursions.
Not included
- Transportation Quito - Lago Agrio - Quito (bus or plane)
- $ 4. community / $4 Shaman
- Meals before and after the tour
- Tips
- All other expenses not specified in the tour.
Access to Lodge:
Recommendations for your trip from the city of Quito to Lago Agrio and return:
Option 1:
Travel by public bus: (the night before the tour) Departure: 23:30 pm from Terminal Quitumbe (Quito) The Transport Co. Name: TransEsmeraldas or Transportes Baños Arrival: 7:00 am Bus Terminal Lago Agrio Price: $ 13 USD per person (subject to changes)
Option 2:
Travel by public bus (the previous morning of the tour) You may leave Quito in the morning to get to Lago Agrio in the afternoon/evening, there you should overnight. Estimated journey time: 7 hours approximately For the return from Lago Agrio to Quito, there are buses that leave every hour, all day.
Option 3:
Travel by airplane: Airline: Tame Quito – Lago Agrio / Flight 201 / 10:00 am – 10:50 am Lago Agrio – Quito /Flight 201 / 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm The lodge recommends these flights since they are in line with their logistics and operation.
Dolphin Lodge Packing List
- Long sleeves, 2 or more
- Comfortable pants, 2 or more (no jeans)
- Shorts, 2 or more
- T-shirts, 2 or more
- Socks, one pair per day
- Tennis shoes and / or sandals
- Thick jacket and sweater
- Biodegradable or natural Soap and shampoo
- Swimsuit
- Cotton Underwear (optional)
- Glasses
- Camera
- Small backpack (waterproof)
- Bags for equipment, clothes, papers, etc.
- Binoculars (optional)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Sunscreen and Mosquito repellent
- First Aid Box
- Hat or cap
- Plastic bottle
- Notebook and/or book
- Towel
- Original Passport and/or identity card
