Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse and captivating destinations, and Cuyabeno Tucan Lodge provides the perfect base for exploring this pristine environment. To embark on this unforgettable adventure, you first need to reach the starting point: the Cuyabeno Bridge. Although flights to Lago Agrio are currently unavailable, there are still convenient ways to get to the bridge. Here’s everything you need to know about your travel options, including private shuttles and public buses.
Option 1: Private Shuttle Bus with Tucan Lodge
For those seeking a hassle-free way to reach the Cuyabeno Bridge, Tucan Lodge offers a private shuttle bus service directly from Quito. This option provides comfort and convenience, ensuring that you arrive at the tour’s starting point without the need to navigate public transportation. The shuttle bus leaves Quito at 23:00 the night before your tour begins, giving you time to rest during the overnight journey.
- Cost: $30 USD one way or $60 USD per person for a return trip.
- Return Schedule: The shuttle will depart from Cuyabeno after your tour and arrive back in Quito at approximately 22:00 on the final day.
This option is ideal if you’re looking for a reliable, direct, and comfortable mode of transport that is coordinated with your tour schedule. While the shuttle price is not included in your tour package, the peace of mind and ease it provides make it a popular choice among travelers.
Option 2: Public Bus from Quito
If you’re more flexible with your travel plans or prefer a more budget-friendly option, taking a public bus to the Cuyabeno Bridge is another possibility. Public buses from Quito to Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja) run regularly, offering an affordable way to reach the starting point.
- Night Bus Departure: It is recommended to catch a night bus the day before your tour starts, which typically leaves around 23:00. Or you have a direct bus with the company transportes de Putumayo which leaves at 21.30 this takes you to the cuyabeno bridgem but be aware the cuyabeno bridge is not the last stop
- Arrival in Lago Agrio: You’ll arrive early the next morning and can then continue your journey to the Cuyabeno Bridge There are buses every hour from Lago Agrio to the cuyabeno bridge with the companies transportes putumayo or Petrolera.Be aware the last stop is not the Cuyabeno bridge
Taking the public bus gives you the flexibility to plan your trip at your own pace, especially if you want to visit other destinations en route to Cuyabeno.
Alternative Option: Explore Along the Way
If you prefer a more leisurely approach to travel, you can take your time and visit some of the fascinating stops along the way to Cuyabeno. A road trip from Quito to Lago Agrio opens up opportunities to explore places like Papallacta, famous for its thermal baths, or the Sumaco Volcano region, known for its birdwatching. This option gives you the freedom to break up the long journey and enjoy Ecuador’s diverse landscapes before reaching the Amazon.
Why Take the Tucan Lodge Shuttle?
- Convenience: The shuttle bus is timed perfectly with the lodge’s tour schedule, so you won’t have to worry about missing your departure from the Cuyabeno Bridge.
- Comfort: Rest on the overnight journey and arrive ready for your Amazon adventure.
- Direct: No need to navigate public transport or multiple transfers; the shuttle takes you straight to the starting point.
Why Choose the Public Bus?
- Affordability: If you’re on a budget, the public bus offers a cost-effective way to reach Cuyabeno.
- Flexibility: The public bus gives you the option to plan your own schedule and visit other destinations on the way to Lago Agrio.
Plan Your Journey to Cuyabeno Tucan Lodge
Whether you choose the private shuttle bus or the public bus, the journey to the Cuyabeno Bridge is the first step in your Amazon adventure. Each option provides a different experience, so consider your preferences for comfort, flexibility, and budget when deciding how to travel.
No matter how you get there, the Cuyabeno Reserve awaits with its incredible wildlife, lush landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
