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. A 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.
Caiman Spotting
You will go on night canoe excursions, where you will be able to spot caimans in the water.
Piranha Lodge – 4 days/3 nights itinerary
*You can add more days to your Amazon stay. A minimum of 4 days is recommended.
Day 1: Arrival to Lodge / Getting Settled in / Night trek
Take an early morning Flight (9:15 am) or bus (previous night departure – 8 hours) to Lago Agrio. If you arrive by bus you will meet at the designated meeting point in Lago Agrio, if you arrive on a flight you will be picked up upon arrival to the airport and then transferred by Private land transportation from Lago Agrio to El Puente. Here you will take a Canoe trip down the Cuyabeno river to our lodge. Lunch upon arrival to the lodge. After lunch, you will have some time to settle in and then go on your first activity. A visit to the Laguna Grande where you will be able to swim and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets on Earth. Return to the lodge for Dinner. After dinner and some rest, you will enjoy an exciting night trek where you will spot tons of night creatures and be able to listen to the sounds of the rainforest at night.
Day 2: Paddle in Lagoon / Trek / Sunset at Laguna Grande
First thing in the morning you will have a tasty breakfast. After this, you will paddle in a traditional canoe on Laguna Caimancocha to enjoy the uniqueness of nature and this truly pristine and impressive surrounding. Lunch will be served at the lodge. After lunch and some rest, you will hike in the primary rainforest, this trek includes lessons on the use of medicinal plants for survival. Before returning to the lodge, you will have some relaxing time in the Laguna Grande, where you can swim and enjoy the sunset. If conditions permit, you may be able to see pink dolphins. Return to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner.
Day 3: Siona Community Visit / Trek / Search for the Caiman at night
First thing’s first- breakfast. After breakfast, you will visit the Siona Tarapuy Community where the naturalist guide will explain a bit about the indigenous culture and traditions. Lunch follows this activity and then a walk. After this, return to the lodge for dinner. After dinner, you will take a night canoe expedition in search for caimans.
Day 4: Early Morning Bird-watching / Farewell to Samona Lodge
Early morning bird watching then you will have breakfast. Farewell to the Samona lodge, navigation on the Cuyabeno river back to El Puente. Box Lunch en route. Transfer to Lago Agrio. Return to Quito by bus or plane (16h00).
Piranha Lodge 2020 Rates
To visit and enjoy the Piranha Lodge located in the Cuyabeno National Park, you must first get to Lago Agrio.
Below you can find several ways to do this:
If you come from Quito to Samona Lodge reserve our private bus, which will be available all throughout the week except Tuesdays and Saturdays. (Unless there is a minimum group of 5 people)
The trip by private bus from Quito takes 6 to 7 hours and takes you to our meeting point in Lago Agrio, where you will have time for breakfast. At 9:30 am we will leave Lago Agrio to the Cuyabeno bridge.
QUITO – Lago Agrio
Meeting point: Secret Garden (José de Antepara and Los Rios, Quito 170136).
Departure Time: 22h45 pm.
Operating days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
One way price: $20 USD per person
Lago Agrio to QUITO
Meeting Point: Airport Lago Agrio.
Departure time: 3:00 pm
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
One way price: $20 USD per person
What To Bring to the Piranha Lodge
- 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)
- Mosquito repellent
- Bags for equipment, clothes, papers, etc.
- Binoculars (optional)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Sunscreen
- First Aid Box
- Hat or cap
- Plastic bottle
- Notebook and/or book
- Towel
- Original Passport and/or identity card
