Planning a trip to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and staying at Caiman Eco-Lodge? This guide will help you navigate the best transportation options from Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey to the Amazon.
Getting to Cuyabeno from Quito
By Private Shuttle – The Easiest Option
For a hassle-free experience, Caiman Eco-Lodge offers a private shuttle from Quito to Lago Agrio, making your journey comfortable and direct.
- Cost: $20 USD one way, $40 USD round trip
- Departure: The shuttle leaves Quito at 23:00 (11 PM) the night before your tour starts.
- Arrival: You’ll reach Lago Agrio around 09:00 AM, where you’ll meet your guide for the final leg of the journey.
- Return Journey: The shuttle departs from Lago Agrio after lunch on the last day and arrives back in Quito at around 22:00 (10 PM).
By Public Bus – A Budget-Friendly Alternative
If you prefer to travel independently, public buses from Quito to Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja) run daily.
- Bus Companies: Transportes Baños, Putumayo, Esmeraldas
- Departure: Buses leave from Terminal Quitumbe between 21:00 – 23:00.
- Duration: 8-9 hours overnight
- Cost: $15 USD one way
- Arrival: Upon arriving in Lago Agrio, take a shared van or taxi ($3-5 USD) to the Cuyabeno Bridge, which takes 2 hours.
Getting to Cuyabeno from Guayaquil
By Flight (Fastest Option)
Currently, there are no direct flights to Lago Agrio, but you can fly from Guayaquil to Quito and then take the shuttle or public bus.
- Airlines: Avianca, LATAM
- Flight Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: $50-$150 USD depending on booking time
By Bus (Cheapest Option)
- Take a bus from Guayaquil to Quito (8-10 hours, $15-20 USD).
- Then, take a shuttle or public bus to Cuyabeno as described above.
Getting to Cuyabeno from Cuenca
By Bus
- Travel from Cuenca to Quito (10-12 hours, $18-25 USD).
- Then take a shuttle or public bus from Quito to Cuyabeno.
By Flight
- Fly from Cuenca to Quito (1 hour).
- Take the shuttle or public bus from Quito to Cuyabeno.
Final Canoe Ride to Caiman Eco-Lodge
Once you arrive at the Cuyabeno Bridge, your adventure truly begins! A motorized canoe will take you through the winding waterways of the Cuyabeno Reserve, surrounded by untouched jungle and exotic wildlife.
- Canoe Ride Duration: 2 hours
- Scenic Highlights: Spot pink river dolphins, caimans, monkeys, and vibrant bird species along the way.
Book Your Amazon Adventure Today!
Reaching Caiman Eco-Lodge is easier than you think! Whether you take the private shuttle, public bus, or a combination of flights and land transport, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible Amazon experience in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Ready to Explore the Amazon?
👉 Book your stay at Caiman Eco-Lodge today! [Caiman Eco-Lodge Home]
