Amazonian Adventure: Exploring Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Ecuadorian Echoes: A Day of Contrasts

Today was a day of incredible contrasts, a true testament to Ecuador's stunning biodiversity. We journeyed from the misty heights of a cloud forest to the steamy depths of the Amazon, experiencing a range of landscapes and ecosystems that left Liam and me breathless. It's days like these that remind me why we started this travel blog – to share the magic of our planet with all of you.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Cuyabeno Lodge. Fuelled up, we prepared to leave the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve temporarily, ready for a change of scenery. We were heading to the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation, a place I had read about extensively and was eager to explore. The journey itself was an adventure, a winding route that slowly took us away from the flatlands of the Amazon and towards the Andes. I must admit, the thought of leaving the Amazon, even for a day, was a little sad, but the promise of a cloud forest was too enticing to resist.


Explore the vibrant ecosystems of Mindo Cloudforest Foundation, a sanctuary for birdwatchers and nature lovers in Ecuador's breathtaking cloud forest.

The change in climate was immediately noticeable as we approached Mindo. The air grew cooler, and a fine mist hung in the air, giving everything a mystical quality. The Mindo Cloudforest Foundation is dedicated to preserving this unique ecosystem, and their work is truly inspiring. We spent the morning hiking through the forest, surrounded by lush greenery and the constant sound of birdsong. It was a symphony of nature, a world away from the sounds of Kelowna. Liam, ever the photographer, was in his element, snapping photos of hummingbirds and exotic plants. I tried my best to capture the beauty in my travel journal, sketching the intricate patterns of the leaves and the vibrant colours of the flowers.

The earth has music for those who listen.

One of the highlights was visiting a hummingbird garden within the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation. These tiny creatures are like living jewels, flitting from flower to flower with incredible speed and grace. I've always been fascinated by hummingbirds. I remember as a child growing up in Cambridge, New Zealand, my grandmother had a garden full of fuchsias, which always attracted these little birds. Watching them now, so far from home, brought back a wave of nostalgia.

After a delicious lunch in Mindo, where we sampled some local trout, we began our journey back to the Amazon. The contrast between the cloud forest and the rainforest became even more stark as we descended. It was like travelling between two different worlds in a single day. As much as I enjoyed Mindo, I was also looking forward to returning to the warmth and humidity of the Cuyabeno. I was also looking forward to seeing the wildlife again.

Back in the Cuyabeno, we checked in to the Suchipakari Amazon Eco Lodge & Jungle Spa. After a day of hiking and travelling, the promise of a spa treatment was too good to pass up. This eco-lodge is amazing, as it is nestled deep within the rainforest, and the sounds of the jungle are all around. Our room was comfortable and well-appointed, with a balcony overlooking the forest canopy. I took a moment to appreciate the view, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such incredible places.


Immerse yourself in the Amazon's magic at Suchipakari Eco Lodge, where adventure meets luxury in a pristine natural setting.

The afternoon was spent indulging in some much-needed relaxation. Liam opted for a massage, while I decided to try a traditional Amazonian mud wrap. The spa uses natural ingredients sourced from the rainforest, and the treatments are designed to rejuvenate and revitalise. It was an unusual experience, but it left my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth. We spent some time at the pool, reflecting on the day's adventures. I enjoyed a cocktail, while Liam read a book about the Amazon rainforest. It was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.

For dinner, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the lodge's restaurant, Jamu Lodge. The menu featured a variety of local and international dishes, and the food was fresh and flavourful. We chatted with some of the other guests, swapping stories about our travels. It's always interesting to meet people from different backgrounds and learn about their experiences. During dinner we met a lovely couple from Germany, who were on a birdwatching tour. They were amazed by the variety of birdlife in the Cuyabeno, and they shared some tips on spotting rare species.


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

After dinner, we decided to take a walk around the lodge grounds. The jungle comes alive at night, with the sounds of insects and animals filling the air. We saw fireflies dancing in the darkness, and we heard the calls of nocturnal birds. It was a magical experience, a reminder of the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon. Unfortunately we didn't spot any nocturnal monkeys, owls, snakes, amphibians or alligators.

Before heading to bed, I spent some time browsing the Cuyabeno River Lodge shop. I was looking for a souvenir to take home, something to remind me of our time in the Amazon. I found a beautiful piece of handcrafted jewellery made from seeds and nuts, which seemed like the perfect choice. I also picked up a small book about the local flora and fauna, eager to learn more about the ecosystem we were exploring.


Explore the lush Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and experience the beauty of the Amazon at Cuyabeno River Lodge, your eco-friendly retreat in Ecuador.

As I lay in bed, listening to the sounds of the jungle, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. From the misty heights of the cloud forest to the steamy depths of the Amazon, it had been a day of incredible contrasts. It's days like these that make travelling so rewarding, reminding us of the beauty and diversity of our planet. I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of hummingbirds and mud wraps, eager to see what tomorrow would bring. Tomorrow, we are scheduled to visit Cuyabeno Adventures and Tucan Lodge Cuyabeno. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of exploring more of the Cuyabeno by canoe and learning about the local culture. I'm also hoping to spot some pink river dolphins, which have so far eluded us on this trip.

As I reflect on today, I'm reminded of how important it is to support sustainable tourism. The Suchipakari Amazon Eco Lodge is a great example of a business that is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the local community. By choosing to stay in eco-lodges and participate in responsible tourism activities, we can all help to preserve these incredible places for future generations.

And on a lighter note, I must remember to buy a portable solar charger and extra memory cards for the camera. These are proving to be essential items on this trip!

Good night from the Amazon!