Jamu Lodge

Jamu Lodge is a private owned lodge in the Cuyabeno Reserve where guests can enjoy a variety of activities. It’s located along the Cuyabeno River, 15 minutes away from the spectacular Laguna Grande.

The lodge practices a policy of minimum environmental impact. All cabins are lit naturally with candles to preserve the feeling of being in a remote jungle. Solar panels provide the property with electricity and are used to operate all electronic devices. All inorganic material is removed from the reserve regularly and organic material is composted to contribute with the less impact possible. Additionally, all of the wastewater coming from the lodge is treated using natural enzymes and bacteria completing a full recycling system. The true eco-tourism policy is intended to make the visitors stay as comfortable as possible, while preserving the beauty of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve for the future.

Jamu Lodge consists of nine cabins, built in a traditional, rustic style with thatched-roofs and elevated walkways. Six of them are divided into two bedrooms each with two beds and its own private bathroom including hot and cold water service. One large cabin hosts four rooms (up to 5 people per room) with space for 20 people in total. In our two-story cabin, guests will find a spacious dining area and hammock lounge.

Facilities

Jungle trekking
Bird watching
Catch and release fishing
Caiman watching
Paddling kayak or native canoes
Visit to the Siona Community
Swimming in Laguna Grande
Guided night walks

Amazon Itineraries

Meet in Lago Agrio at 9:00 am, where we will take private transportation to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve where we will have a box lunch. At this point the visitors have to register in the Reserve’s office and pay the entrance fee. Here our Naturalist Guide will give information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the two hour canoe ride on the Cuyabeno River to Jamu Lodge. During the canoe ride you will get a first glimpse of the amazing plants and wildlife found in the jungle. You may also be able to see a variety of monkeys and other jungle animals, depending on the time and weather conditions. We will arrive at Jamu Lodge at around 4:30pm. At that time you will be shown to your rooms and can relax. After a siesta we will leave the camp for a swim in the lagoon and to watch a beautiful sunset. You will then return to the camp for dinner and can finish your first day in the jungle relaxing in a hammock or having a drink at the bar.

After breakfast we will take a trek in the primary forest for 3 to 4 hours where your guide will explain how this complex tropical ecosystem works. You will learn about medicinal plants and might be able to see some exotic birds or monkeys. We will then return to the camp for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon, we will have a swim in the lagoon and watch the sunset. With a little luck you can observe the pink river dolphins or an anaconda sunbathing in a tree. You will return to the camp for dinner, and then take a night canoe ride to look for caimans.

After breakfast, we head to the Siona Community of Puerto Bolivar, the largest ethnic group in the Reserve. During this tour you will learn their customs, traditions and way of life. You will be part of the preparation of Casabe, a local dish made of yucca (carbohydrates are the principal food of the community). During the 2 hour canoe ride to the community, you can admire the existing fauna along the Rio Cuyabeno such as: birds, monkeys, snakes, pink dolphins and tortoises. A visit to the Shaman, the healer of the community, is also included. This is a full day excursion with lunch in the Community. After returning to the lodge, we will go for a short nocturnal hike through the primary forest in search of insects, spiders, geckos or scorpions, and listen to the night sounds of the jungle. Dinner.

Early in the morning, before breakfast, a bird-watching excursion is optional. Back at the lodge we will have breakfast and then return to Lago Agrio to take the bus or flight back to Quito.