Along with its competitor, Yasuni, Cuyabeno is the best place in Ecuador to see animals in their natural environment rather than in a zoo. However, the tropical rainforest comes at a price. First you have to get to the reserve, in the east of the country, find somewhere to stay and employ a guide. You also need to hire a boat to go on trips on the river.
I had the opportunity to go on a similar trip to the Amazon in Bolivia for next to nothing, where in three days I saw as many animals as at Cuyabeno: monkeys, crocodiles, caimans, birds of all sorts and even pink river dolphins. If you have the money, Cuyabeno is a fabulous experience, especially for families.
Even though Yasuni is bigger, many tourists just as impressed by Cuyabeno, which is said to be more authentic.
Along with its competitor, Yasuni, Cuyabeno is the best place in Ecuador to see animals in their natural environment rather than in a zoo. However, the tropical rainforest comes at a price. First you have to get to the reserve, in the east of the country, find somewhere to stay and employ a guide. You also need to hire a boat to go on trips on the river.
I had the opportunity to go on a similar trip to the Amazon in Bolivia for next to nothing, where in three days I saw as many animals as at Cuyabeno: monkeys, crocodiles, caimans, birds of all sorts and even pink river dolphins. If you have the money, Cuyabeno is a fabulous experience, especially for families.
Even though Yasuni is bigger, many tourists just as impressed by Cuyabeno, which is said to be more authentic.