Amazonian Adventure: Exploring Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

A Fond Farewell to the Amazon

As our final day in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve drew to a close, Liam and I found ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we'd undertaken. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in a world teeming with life, vibrant colors, and the soothing sounds of the rainforest. It's hard to believe our Amazonian adventure is already coming to an end.

Our last day began as all the others had, with the symphony of the rainforest serenading us awake. After a hearty breakfast at Jamu Lodge, we savored the last moments of tranquility before the day’s gentle activities. The weather in December in Cuyabeno is hot with an average temperature of 30°C. During the month temperatures range from a low of 29°C to a high of 31°C.

We enjoyed one last leisurely breakfast at Jamu Lodge, reminiscing about all the incredible wildlife sightings we'd had. It felt surreal that just days ago, we were complete novices to this ecosystem, and now we could identify various monkey species and knew the telltale signs of caiman lurking in the water. I was glad that I had packed light breathable clothing for this trip, it really made a difference with the humidity in the air. Liam was happy he brought his binoculars, as he was able to spot even more wildlife.

The end of a journey is just the beginning of a memory.

After breakfast, we took one last canoe ride, soaking in the serene beauty of the Cuyabeno River. We meandered along the waterways, spotting various birds and enjoying the peacefulness of the early morning. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the earthy scent of the rainforest. The sun was just beginning to peek through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the water's surface. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to this magical place. I made sure to take pictures of the beautiful scenery, hoping to capture the essence of the Amazon to share back home.

Back at Cuyabeno Lodge for lunch, we shared stories with our fellow travelers. It was fascinating to hear about their experiences and what they had seen during their time in the reserve. We all agreed that Cuyabeno was a truly special place that had left an indelible mark on our hearts. The Cuyabeno Reserve has a diverse array of plants and animals. There are over 570 species of birds, more than 100 species of fish, and more than 200 species of amphibians and reptiles. There are also large numbers of primates, such as howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys, as well as a wide variety of other mammals such as jaguars, tapirs, and giant otters.

As the afternoon approached, we decided to visit the Green Forest Ecolodge Cuyabeno for a drink at their bar. Sipping on a refreshing beverage, we watched the sun slowly descend, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a breathtaking sight and a perfect way to end our day. We reminisced about our favorite moments: spotting the playful pink river dolphins, marveling at the majestic ceibo trees, and learning about the indigenous communities that call this place home.

Dinner at Jamu Lodge was a bittersweet affair. While we savored the delicious flavors of the local cuisine, we couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness that our adventure was coming to an end. We shared our gratitude with the staff, who had been so warm and welcoming throughout our stay. We also discussed the importance of sustainable tourism and how we could all do our part to protect this precious ecosystem.

Before heading to bed, we took one last stroll along the riverbank. The rainforest was alive with nocturnal sounds: the chirping of crickets, the croaking of frogs, and the rustling of leaves. We felt a deep connection to nature and a sense of peace that we hadn't experienced in a long time. I felt grateful for this opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the natural world, a reminder of what truly matters.

Tomorrow, we begin our journey back to Kelowna, filled with memories and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of our planet. While we are sad to leave, we know that the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve will forever hold a special place in our hearts. As we prepare to leave, we are already planning our next adventure, eager to explore more of this beautiful world and continue learning about its diverse ecosystems. We will definitely need to get a portable solar charger and extra memory cards for the camera before our next trip.

Our trip to Cuyabeno has reinforced our commitment to sustainable travel. We will continue to seek out eco-lodges and support local communities in our future adventures. We believe that tourism can be a force for good, and we are committed to making a positive impact wherever we go. The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve has shown us the importance of preserving our planet's natural treasures, and we hope to inspire others to do the same. It's been an incredible journey, and we can't wait to see what adventures await us next.


Explore the Amazon's breathtaking biodiversity at Cuyabeno Lodge, your eco-friendly refuge in Ecuador's stunning Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.


Experience tranquility at Jamu Lodge – your gateway to Ecuador's stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture.


Experience the Amazon rainforest like never before at Green Forest Ecolodge, a sustainable haven for nature lovers in Cuyabeno.