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CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE
There are many protected parks in the Ecuadorian Amazon, but none like the Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve.
Located in Ecuador, the Cuyabeno Reserve is just north of the beautiful and diverse Yasuní National Park.
Unlike all other parks, Cuyabeno is the only Amazonian park located in the foothills of the Andes. The wildlife-rich reserve contains lakes as well as an intricate network of streams and rivers.
The reserve covers an area of approximately 603,380 hectares (more than 6,000 square kilometers) extending into both Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces.
The reserve's elevation ranges from 200 m to 300 m above sea level. The location of the Cuyabeno watershed in the foothills of the Andes makes the climate in the area somewhat milder. This is especially true in comparison to other eastern areas of the Amazon.
The history of Cuyabeno
Since July 1979, the Cuyabeno watershed has belonged to the National System of Protected Areas by legal decree. The decision had both good and bad consequences.
After roads were built, some natural resources began to be exploited and settlers invaded the reserve.
Subsequently, more land was protected to compensate the locals, which ended up helping many indigenous communities protect their traditional territories.
In an effort to help build community-based tourism, the Ecuadorian National Park Service granted a license to build the Cuyabeno Lodge in 1989.
To further capitalize on the opportunity, conservation biologists began organizing and training locals to run and operate eco-tours.
Although it was a slow process of tourism growth, it began to gain momentum during the 1990s. It attracted visitors due to the enormous biodiversity of the area.
What to expect in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve?
To get to Cuyabeno you can either fly from the capital city of Quito on a 30 minute flight or take a 7-8 hour bus ride. Although the bus is cheaper, booking a flight generally costs around $180.
The scenery you will see when you visit Cuyabeno is among the best of any park in the Amazon.
While most parks in the Amazon, the rivers often have wide channels or bifurcations. In the Cuyabeno Reserve you can admire narrower river channels.
Being on a wide river is amazing, however, you don't feel as immersed in the jungle as when you are on a river with closer banks.
When traveling along the narrow rivers of Cuyabeno, because the coasts are so close, you can really feel like you are in the forest. Although the river narrows, you can still see the sky through the lush canopy of trees.
This reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, with several hundred species of flora and fauna. There are over 60 species of orchids, multiple species of monkeys, Amazonian cats, birds, snakes, fish and frogs. It is also home to the pink river dolphin.
With too many plants and various native creatures to list, Cuyabeno is a natural "wonderland" and well worth the trip to experience it in person.
If you plan to travel to South America, especially Ecuador, you must go to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Production Reserve. Visiting Cuyabeno gives you the opportunity to experience the Latin American rainforest like never before.