Piranha Ecolodge

Embark on a small-group Amazon expedition in Ecuador’s Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Piranha Eco-Lodge sits beside black-water lagoons on the Cuyabeno River, with unrivalled access to pink river dolphins, monkeys, caimans, and exotic birds. Over three, four, or five days, you’ll canoe along winding waterways, hike lush rainforest trails with expert naturalist guides, climb our four-storey observation tower for a panoramic view of the canopy at sunset, and visit Siona communities to learn about their culture and the medicinal plants of the rainforest.

Back at the lodge, recover in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms, savor locally-sourced meals, and fall asleep to the rhythm of the jungle. We provide all the gear you need; rubber boots, rain ponchos, and life vests; so you can travel light and stay focused on the adventure.

Three programs to choose from: Whispers of the Rainforest (3 days, our gateway tour), Pink Dolphin Quest (4 days, our top-shelf choice for travelers who want the iconic Amazon experience), or Secrets of the Cuyabeno (5 days, our deepest immersion).

Getting here from Quito. The easiest way to reach the lodge is the VIP overnight bus operated by TuVIPBus, which departs Quito’s Old Town at 10:00 PM and arrives in Lago Agrio in time for a hot breakfast at 8:00 AM. From there, your transport to the Cuyabeno Bridge is included in your package — our guides meet you at the river. Seats are $37 one-way; reserve ahead through TuVIPBus before your dates fill.

Before or after your jungle stay. Quito’s Old Town deserves a day of exploring in its own right; colonial architecture, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, and the warmth of the Ecuadorian highlands. Our friends at CarpeDM Adventures run highly-rated walking tours and multi-day adventures from Quito, and their international arm at CarpeDM.ca handles trips further afield in South America.

Want a different jungle vibe? Our sister lodge, Caiman Eco-Lodge, sits on the banks of the Laguna Grande with larger group capacity and the same standard of care. Many of our guests combine both lodges for a fuller experience of the reserve.

At Piranha Ecolodge, we pride ourselves on providing the best accommodations in the Cuyabeno Reserve. We offer a variety of rooms to suit your needs, whether you're traveling solo or with a group of up to five people.