If you’re planning a trip to the Amazon and want to explore the vibrant wildlife and lush forests of Cuyabeno, you’ll need to know how to get there from Quito or other major cities in Ecuador. The Cuyabeno Reserve, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, is best reached through a few straightforward transport options. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get to the Cuyabeno Reserve, specifically to the Tucan 2 Lodge, from Quito and other major cities in Ecuador.
Getting to Cuyabeno from Quito
1. By Shuttle Service (Best Option for Comfort and Convenience)
The most convenient way to get to Cuyabeno from Quito is by taking a shuttle service. Tucan 2 Lodge offers a private shuttle service that picks up passengers in Quito and takes them directly to the starting point of the Cuyabeno Reserve. This shuttle leaves at 11:00 PM from Quito and arrives at the Cuyabeno Bridge by mid-morning, where you’ll begin your journey to the lodge. The shuttle costs around $30 USD per person one way and is an ideal choice for those looking for comfort and ease.
2. By Public Bus (More Affordable Option)
For budget-conscious travelers, public buses are an option. You can take a bus from the Terminal de Transporte Quitumbe in Quito to the town of Lago Agrio (also known as Nueva Loja). This bus ride typically takes around 6-8 hours. Once in Lago Agrio, you can then take a taxi or a shared van to the Cuyabeno Bridge, where you’ll begin the final leg of your journey to the lodge. While buses are an affordable option, they can be less comfortable than shuttle services.
3. By Air (Longer and More Expensive)
Since the Pandemic there have been no flights to Lago Agrio so people must fly to Coca and then take a 3 hour pickup truck ride to the cuyabeno bridge, however this would not get you to the bridge in time to start the tour, so a night in Lago Agrio or Coca would be required
Getting to Cuyabeno from Other Major Cities
From Guayaquil
Traveling from Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, requires a combination of bus or flight. The most efficient way is to fly to Quito, then take a shuttle or bus to Cuyabeno. Alternatively, you can take a bus directly from Guayaquil to Lago Agrio, which takes about 10-12 hours. From there, follow the same steps as outlined for Quito to reach Tucan 2 Lodge.
From Cuenca
If you’re coming from Cuenca, a bus to Quito is your most direct option. The bus ride takes approximately 8 hours. Once in Quito, you can take the shuttle or public bus to Cuyabeno as described above.
From Loja
For travelers coming from Loja, the quickest way to get to Cuyabeno is by taking a bus to Quito, then following the shuttle or public bus options from Quito to Cuyabeno.
Conclusion
Whether you’re coming from Quito or another major city in Ecuador, getting to the Cuyabeno Reserve is relatively straightforward. By choosing the right transportation option for your budget and time frame, you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible biodiversity of the Cuyabeno Reserve and a comfortable stay at Tucan 2 Lodge. Plan your trip ahead of time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.