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Piranha Ecolodge

Piranha Ecolodge

Flow Style

Slow - Active

Flow Rating

Overview

Cuyabeno Piranha Ecolodge offers one of the most authentic and well balanced Amazon experiences in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, designed for travelers who want to connect deeply with nature without overpaying for unnecessary luxury.

Set along the river and surrounded by primary rainforest, the lodge blends comfort with a true jungle atmosphere. Rooms are simple, clean, and thoughtfully designed, with private and shared options available, ideal for both independent travelers and small groups looking for a more immersive experience.

What truly defines Piranha is the experience itself.

Our programs are built around the natural rhythm of the Amazon, combining canoe explorations, wildlife encounters, night walks, and cultural visits with local communities. From spotting pink river dolphins at sunset to listening to the jungle come alive after dark, every moment is designed to feel real, not staged.

One of the unique advantages of Piranha Ecolodge is its on site observation tower, offering a rare perspective above the canopy, perfect for birdwatching, photography, or simply taking in the vastness of the rainforest.

Between excursions, guests can unwind in hammock areas overlooking the river, recharge in peaceful surroundings, and fully disconnect from the outside world.

The result is a genuine Amazon journey, raw, enriching, and unforgettable.

🌿 Estimated CO₂ Emissions for this tour: 151.8 kg CO₂ per vehicle (includes road, canoe & activities)
🌳 Per Person Emissions: Varies by group size (e.g., 37.95 kg CO₂ each for 4 people)
🌱 Offset Suggestion: Planting approximately 7 trees to offset this trip's emissions
💵 Estimated Offset Cost: $3.80 USD per person (for a group of 4)
Offset your footprint →

Amazon Itineraries

3 Days & 2 nights
  • Day 1 Night bus from Quito, Baños or other destinations in Ecuador to reach Lago Agrio. We can organize the shared bus from Quito to Lago Agrio, the bus trip will take approximately 7 to 8 hours.For people traveling by bus, the meeting point is “Magic Paradise” around 9:30 am, with a representative of the Piranha Lodge. After picking up the people who will arrive by plane, you will travel by private transportation to the entrance to the Cuyabeno Reserve, for 2 hours.From the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve you will take the canoe ride along the Cuyabeno River to reach the lodge, approximately 2 hours, if the river has a considerable water level, when it is shallow in the dry season it will take longer. Lunch is served at the Lodge around 2:00 p.m. In the afternoon the activity will begin around 4:00 p.m., to visit the Laguna Grande and other nearby attractions. Around 5:30 PM you will arrive at the Lagoon to swim and watch the sunset, which is one of the most amazing parts of the tour. At 18:00 an exciting night walk awaits you, during the walk you can expect to see a large number of insects, spiders, tarantulas; also, listening to the jungle at night which is so incredible. Dinner is served at 8:00 p.m. After dinner the guide will give a brief briefing of the Lodge and the Cuyabeno reserve, as well as the itinerary for the next day. Rest.
    Day 2:
    Breakfast is served at 8:00 am, however, you can get up early in the morning; If you like birds, you can always be at the top of the canopy tower watching birds, also the sunrise. After breakfast, you will take a short canoe ride to Laguna Grande. Here around the lagoon there are a couple of trails where you will take a walk in the rainforest for approximately 3 hours, to learn about medicinal plants and biological flora and fauna. Once the hike is over, you will return to the lodge by motorized or paddling canoe. Lunch is around 1 pm, after lunch you will have time to relax by the river or enjoy a nap in one of our hammocks. The afternoon activity begins around 4:00 p.m. M., which includes taking a canoe ride to other nearby lagoons and the Cuyabeno River to look for wildlife. Around 5:30 p.m., it’s time to swim and watch the sunset. Around 18:00, the alligator searching activity will start, maybe if you are lucky, you will probably see the Amazon Tree Boa, which is common to see at night. Dinner at 8:00 p.m., rest.
    Day 3:
    You will wake up early in the morning, the activity starts at 06:00 am to 08:00 am The activity contrasts bird watching or the search for any species of animal in the tranquility of the early morning. Breakfast is at 08:00 am After breakfast it is time to pack up, to begin the trip up the Cuyabeno River around 09:00 am from the Lodge, to return to the Reserve Entrance. Along the river you will have time to take a last look at the animals, flora and fauna of the jungle. The tour ends in Lago Agrio around 2:00 pm. From Lago Agrio you can travel to any destination in Ecuador. We also organize the shared bus to Quito, with prior reservation.
4 Days & 3 Nights
  • Day 1 Night bus from Quito, Baños or other destinations in Ecuador to reach Lago Agrio. We can organize the shared bus from Quito to Lago Agrio, the bus trip will take approximately 7 to 8 hours.For people traveling by bus, the meeting point is “Magic Paradise” around 9:30 am, with a representative of the Piranha Lodge. After picking up the people who will arrive by plane, you will travel by private transportation to the entrance to the Cuyabeno Reserve, for 2 hours.From the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve you will take the canoe ride along the Cuyabeno River to reach the lodge, approximately 2 hours, if the river has a considerable water level, when it is shallow in the dry season it will take longer. Lunch is served at the Lodge around 2:00 p.m. In the afternoon the activity will begin around 4:00 p.m., to visit the Laguna Grande and other nearby attractions. Around 5:30 PM, you will arrive at the lagoon to swim and watch the sunset, which is one of the most incredible parts of the tour. At 18:00 an exciting night walk awaits you, during the walk you can expect to see a large number of insects, spiders, tarantulas; also, listening to the jungle at night which is so incredible. Dinner is served at 8:00 p.m. After dinner the guide will give a brief briefing of the Lodge and the Cuyabeno reserve, as well as the itinerary for the next day. Rest.Meals included: lunch box and dinner.
    Day 2:
    Breakfast is served at 08:00 am, however, you can get up early in the morning; If you like birds, you can always be at the top of the canopy tower watching birds, also the sunrise. After breakfast, you will take a short canoe ride to Laguna Grande. Here around the lagoon there are a couple of trails where you will take a walk in the rainforest for approximately 3 hours, to learn about medicinal plants and biological flora and fauna. Once the hike is over, you will return to the lodge by motorized or paddling canoe. Lunch is around 1:00 PM, after lunch you will have time to relax by the river or enjoy a nap in one of our hammocks. The afternoon activity begins around 4:00 p.m., which includes taking a short canoe ride to other nearby lagoons and the Cuyabeno River to look for wildlife. Around 5:30 p.m., it’s time to swim and watch the sunset. Around 18:00, the alligator searching activity will start, maybe if you are lucky, you will probably see the Amazon Tree Boa, which is common to see at night. Dinner at 8:00 p.m., rest. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
    Day 3:
    Breakfast at 08:00 am It’s time to prepare for the full day adventure. The canoe ride begins around 09:00 am down the Cuyabeno River, slowly searching for some wildlife. In about an hour you will arrive at the indigenous community; where you will visit an indigenous family. Here, the guide will take you around, to explain to you about their culture and traditions.; continuing with the emblematic activity of preparing traditional food called “Casabe”. Preparation includes demonstration and tasting of traditional food. Further down, on the Cuyabeno River is the Shaman, the program consists of visiting the shaman and learning about his culture and tradition. In addition, receiving treatment with a medicinal plant called “red nettle” After visiting the Shaman, you will stop at the Cuyabeno River to see the largest tree in the rainforest called “Ceiba”, then return to the lodge, where you will arrive at 16:00 or so. Now you can take a short break to have a tea or coffee. If you don’t feel tired you can go to the Lagoon to see the last sunset and look for animals that you haven’t seen yet. Dinner at 8:00 p.m.
    Day 4:
    You will wake up early in the morning, the activity starts at 06:00 am to 08:00 am The activity contrasts bird watching or the search for any species of animal in the tranquility of the early morning. Breakfast is at 08:00 am After breakfast it is time to pack up, to begin the trip up the Cuyabeno River around 09:00 am from the Lodge, to return to the Reserve Entrance. Along the river you will have time to take a last look at the animals, flora and fauna of the jungle. The tour ends in Lago Agrio around 2:00 p.m. From Lago Agrio you can travel to any destination in Ecuador. We also organize the shared bus to Quito, with prior reservation.
5 Days / 4 Nights
    • Day 1 Night bus from Quito, Baños or other destinations in Ecuador to reach Lago Agrio. We can organize the shared bus from Quito to Lago Agrio, the bus trip will take approximately 7 to 8 hours.
For people traveling by bus, the meeting point is “Magic Paradise” around 09:30 am, with a representative of the Piranha Lodge. After picking up the people who will arrive by plane, you will travel by private transportation to the entrance to the Cuyabeno Reserve, for 2 hours. From the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve you will take the canoe ride along the Cuyabeno River to reach the lodge, approximately 2 hours, if the river has a considerable water level, when it is shallow in the dry season it will take longer. Lunch is served at the Lodge around 2:00 p.m. In the afternoon the activity will begin around 4:00 p.m., to visit the Laguna Grande and other nearby attractions. Around 5:30 PM you will arrive at the Lagoon to swim and watch the sunset, which is one of the most amazing parts of the tour. At 18:00 an exciting night walk awaits you, during the walk you can expect to see a large number of insects, spiders, tarantulas; also, listening to the jungle at night which is so incredible. Dinner is served at 8:00 p.m. After dinner the guide will give a brief briefing of the Lodge and the Cuyabeno reserve, as well as the itinerary for the next day. Rest. Meals included: lunch box and dinner.
Day 2:
Breakfast is served at 08:00 am, however, you can get up early in the morning; If you like birds, you can always be at the top of the canopy tower watching birds, also the sunrise. After breakfast, you will take a short canoe ride to Laguna Grande. Here around the lagoon there are a couple of trails where you will take a walk in the rainforest for approximately 3 hours, to learn about medicinal plants and biological flora and fauna. Once the hike is over, you will return to the lodge by motorized or paddling canoe. Lunch is around 1:00 PM, after lunch you will have time to relax by the river or enjoy a nap in one of our hammocks. The afternoon activity begins around 4:00 p.m., which includes taking a short canoe ride to other nearby lagoons and the Cuyabeno River to look for wildlife. Around 5:30 p.m., it’s time to swim and watch the sunset. Around 18:00, the alligator searching activity will start, maybe if you are lucky, you will probably see the Amazon Tree Boa, which is common to see at night. Dinner at 8:00 p.m., rest. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3:
Breakfast at 08:00 am It’s time to prepare for the full day adventure. The canoe ride begins around 09:00 am down the Cuyabeno River, slowly searching for some wildlife. In about an hour you will arrive at the indigenous community; where you will visit an indigenous family. Here, the guide will take you around, to explain to you about their culture and traditions.; continuing with the emblematic activity of preparing traditional food called “Casabe”. Preparation includes demonstration and tasting of traditional food. Further down, on the Cuyabeno River is the Shaman, the program consists of visiting the shaman and learning about his culture and tradition. In addition, receiving treatment with a medicinal plant called “red nettle” After visiting the Shaman, you will stop at the Cuyabeno River to see the largest tree in the rainforest called “Ceiba”, then return to the lodge, where you will arrive at 16:00 or so. Now you can take a short break to have a tea or coffee. If you don’t feel tired you can go to the Lagoon to see the last sunset and look for animals that you haven’t seen yet. Dinner at 8:00 p.m. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4:
The four-day program takes the opportunity to paddle an eco-friendly canoe to experience jungle life at a slower pace. The itinerary gives you greater opportunities to enjoy the magic of the jungle and offers the chance to see the elusive wildlife that has not yet been seen. Excellent alternative for couples or people who do not expect to be in large groups all the time.
Day 5:
You will wake up early in the morning, the activity starts at 06:00 am to 08:00 am The activity contrasts bird watching or the search for any species of animal in the tranquility of the early morning. Breakfast is at 08:00 am After breakfast it is time to pack up, to begin the trip up the Cuyabeno River around 09:00 am from the Lodge, to return to the Reserve Entrance. Along the river you will have time to take a last look at the animals, flora and fauna of the jungle. The tour ends in Lago Agrio around 2:00 p.m. From Lago Agrio you can travel to any destination in Ecuador. We also organize the shared bus to Quito, with prior reservation.

Prices

Trip Outline

The Piranha Ecolodge is one of the newer lodges in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, yet its roots trace back to one of the original pioneers of the region. Formerly known as the Samona Lodge, the property has been thoughtfully rebuilt from the ground up, preserving elements of its legacy while elevating the overall experience for today’s traveler.

This balance between history and renewal gives Piranha a unique character. It carries the spirit of early exploration in Cuyabeno while offering a fresh, well organized, and comfortable base for discovering the Amazon.

Located directly on the Cuyabeno River, the lodge sits approximately 20 kilometers downstream from the park entrance, placing it deep within the heart of the reserve. This strategic location allows for quicker access to prime wildlife areas and a more immersive experience, far from the busier entry zones.

Being positioned in the center of the reserve means that every excursion begins surrounded by untouched rainforest, with less transit time and more time spent exploring, observing, and connecting with the environment.

It is not just where the lodge is located, but what that location allows, a deeper, quieter, and more authentic Amazon experience.

  • $290 per person in a private/twin room (3 day 2 night program)
  • $350 per person in a private/twin room (4 day 3 night program)
  • $420 per person in a twin or private room based on double occupancy (5 day 4 night program)
  • Single Supplement 30%
  • Canoe transportation from Cuyabeno Bridge to the lodge and return
  • All activities with a bilingual naturalist guide
  • Accommodation in double or triple rooms with mosquito nets and private bathrooms
  • All meals from lunch on day 1 to box lunch on the final day including breakfast lunch and dinner plus purified water coffee and tea
  • Excursion gear including rain ponchos rubber boots and life jackets
  • Transportation Quito - Cuyabeno - Quito (bus - we can help with reservation $37 each way)
  • Meeting point is Bridge of Cuyabeno 11am
  • $20 Contribution to the Community Visit
  •  Meals before and after the tour
  • Tips
  •  All other expenses not specified in the tour.
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