Ecuador: Cuyabeno
Jungle adventure in the amazon
The Amazon rainforest in the Cuayabeno reserve is a true wonder of our time – mysterious and fascinating. During my exploration trip in Ecuador, I decided to immerse myself in this green heart of the earth. A five-day jungle adventure in the Amazon was on the programme.
The journey itself was an adventure: we approached our destination by bus and later by canoe. During this journey, the incredible beauty of the Amazon revealed itself to us. Majestic landscapes passed us by as we followed the call of adventure.
This journey took me not only through the wild expanses of the rainforest, but also to unforgettable encounters. Seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat and meeting indigenous communities was a defining experience. It was a rare opportunity to experience the wonders and mysteries of nature up close.
Key Facts - Ecuador
Population: 17.5 million
Area: 283'561 km²
Highest Point: Chimborazo (6263 m)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0 m)
Capital: Quito (2.850 m)
Table of Contents
Arrival at the Nicki Lodge
A Lively Start
Our journey to the Cuyabeno Reserve began the night before the tour. A surprisingly comfortable bus picked us up in Quito at eleven o’clock at night. During the long drive to the edge of the reserve, I managed to sleep most of the time. The next morning, at nine o’clock, we arrived at our destination and were warmly greeted by our guide, Evi. We then continued our journey in a motorised canoe to Nicki Lodge.
A Challenge on the River
Navigating the river was a real challenge. The water level was unusually low – a result of the dry season. In some places we even had to get out and push the canoe through shallow water. At one point I slipped and slightly injured my toe. Fortunately, the wound did not become infected and did not prevent me from walking. Despite our late afternoon arrival, a hearty lunch awaited us at the lodge. To my delight, there were also delicious vegetarian options. After lunch we went for an exciting night walk in the jungle. We marvelled at fascinating insects and the approaching darkness made the experience even more intense.
The Group Dynamics
We were a group of seven people, including myself and three couples, who surprisingly got on well together. My initial concern that the couples would stick to themselves quickly dissipated. With the arrival of two more couples the next day, the group dynamic became even more livelyj.
Magical Moments
Our first day started at 6:30am with a canoe trip. It was an unforgettable experience to see the Amazon in all its splendour from the calm river. We listened to the birds and watched the monkeys jump from tree to tree as we glided silently down the river. It was a breathtaking sight.
My first steps in wildlife photography
Wildlife photography was a completely new area for me. It required a lot of patience and precision, especially in the dense Amazon jungle, where the light breaks moodily through the thicket and the shy animals rarely stop for a moment. The result is stunning shots of birds, monkeys skilfully jumping from branch to branch, insects whose complex structures and patterns fascinate me, and reptiles moving smoothly and almost unnoticed through the undergrowth.
New Discoveries in the Jungle
After breakfast, a walk through the jungle led us to new discoveries. We saw spiders, colourful butterflies and an impressive variety of plants. While I experimented with different camera angles to capture nature in all its splendour, the afternoon took us on a quiet canoe trip. Although the animals were less active at this time of day, the sunset in the Amazon was a magical sight.
Cultural insights
On the third day of our adventure, the morning canoe trip woke us to the breathtaking sight of majestic parrots flying elegantly across the river. The colours of their feathers were so vibrant that they stood out against the sky.
Insights into the life of the indigenous community
The highlight of the day was a visit to an indigenous community. We learnt how Juka bread is made – from harvesting the root and grinding it to the finished flatbread. This insight into their way of life was not only impressive, but also showed me how simple life can be.
The Laguna Grande
In the afternoon we walked to the Laguna Grande. The low water level forced us to walk most of the way. Although the walk was strenuous, the sight of the almost dry lagoon rewarded us with an unforgettable sunset. The last light of the day bathed the surroundings in a soft golden glow, casting long shadows across the landscape and making us forget the effort of the hike.
The end of my jungle adventure in the Amazon
On the fourth day we had to cancel our canoe trip due to bad weather. This unexpected break gave me a chance to sort and edit my photos. The afternoon jungle walk was wet but exciting. We were even lucky enough to see a lancehead snake in its natural habitat.
Return and reflection
On the fifth day, we set off early from the log to the meeting point, from where we travelled by bus. Once there, we had some time to reflect on the eventful days. This trip was a unique experience that not only showed us the beauty of the Amazon, but also the cultural diversity and impressive wildlife. I would highly recommend anyone to go on a jungle adventure in the Amazon.
Animals of the jungel
Birds
Step into a vivid mosaic of bird life as the picture gallery reveals the extraordinary bird life I’ve encountered in the Amazon. From the dazzling flutter of a hummingbird’s wings to the solemn gaze of a predatory hawk, these birds are not just residents, but the very essence of the Amazon’s wild and pristine beauty.
Icons of the Amazon: Parrots and Toucans
- Blue-and-Yellow Macaw – A symbol of the Amazon with its stunning blue and yellow feathers, known for its intelligence and social nature.
- White-throated Toucan – Recognizable by their large bills and distinct vocalizations, these birds are key players in seed dispersal and a symbol of tropical biodiversity.
- Many-banded Aracari – Smaller and more subtly colored than toucans, these birds are known for their social behavior and contribution to the rainforest’s fruiting trees’ life cycle.
Masters of the Water and Sky: Aquatic and Aerial Hunters
- Amazon Kingfisher – A skilled hunter known for its bright green plumage, the Amazon Kingfisher is often found perched over waterways, ready to dive for fish.
- Green-and-rufous Kingfisher – A small kingfisher with striking green and rufous plumage, known for its speed and agility in catching fish.
- Tiger Heron – An elegant hunter with characteristic striped plumage, the Tiger Heron stands patiently at water’s edges waiting for its prey.
- Cocoi Heron – A majestic and large bird that patrols the waterways of the Amazon, known for its graceful presence and powerful stature.
- Anhinga – Often referred to as the “snakebird” for its long neck, the Anhinga is an adept swimmer and diver, hunting fish with its sharp bill.
Vocalists and Visionaries: Songbirds and Social Birds
- Yellow-rumped Cacique – Notable for its bright yellow rump and melodious song, the Yellow-rumped Cacique adds vibrancy and music to the Amazon canopy.
- Olive Oropendola – Known for its distinctive, melodious calls and olive-colored plumage, the Olive Oropendola is a common sight in the treetops.
- Red-capped Cardinal – With its striking red head and contrasting body, the Red-capped Cardinal is a charming and conspicuous resident of the riverbanks.
- Greater Ani – A social bird with glossy black feathers and a distinctive crooked beak, often found in groups demonstrating complex social behaviors.
Unique and Enigmatic: Specialized and Ancient Avian Species
Reptiles and Insects
From the majestic black caimans that dominate the waterways, to the colourful crickets that dominate the night, to the well-camouflaged American lanceheads that slink silently through the undergrowth, these images offer a fascinating insight into the stunning and diverse wildlife of this ecosystem.
Apex Predators
- Black Caiman – The Black Caiman is a formidable predator of the Amazon, known for its dark, sleek body and powerful jaws, making it one of the most respected reptiles in the basin.
- Scorpion – Recognisable by their curved tail and sting, these ancient arachnids are remarkable predators that have adapted to different environments, including the Amazon.
- American Lanceheads – The American Lancehead is a highly venomous snake known for its powerful bite and camouflage skills, making it a respected resident of the Amazon.
Masters of Disguise and Camouflage
- Common Forest Anole – Also known as bush or bark anoles, these adaptable lizards are known for their ability to change colour and are often found basking on tree trunks.
- Leaf Insect – Masters of camouflage, leaf insects mimic the leaves around them in an incredible example of adaptation and survival.
- Caterpillar – These larvae of butterflies and moths come in many shapes and sizes, some with bright colours or poisonous spines as a defence mechanism.
Arthropod Architects: Builders and Hunters
- Rainbow Grasshopper – With their vivid colors and striking patterns, Rainbow Grasshoppers add a burst of color to the Amazon, showcasing the diversity of insect life.
- Bullet Ants – Famous for their powerful and painful sting, Bullet Ants are a respected presence in the forest, known for their large size and formidable mandibles.
- Leafcutter Ants – These industrious ants are a common sight, known for carrying cut leaves back to their colonies, a remarkable feat of strength and teamwork.
- Cricket – Known for their chirping melodies, crickets are a common yet fascinating insect that contribute to the rich soundscape of Amazon nights.
- Polydesmida – Commonly known as flat-backed centipedes, these creatures are distinguished by their flattened segments and play a role in decomposing leaf litter.
- Millipede – These slow-moving decomposers, known for their many legs, are vital to the forest ecosystem as nutrient recyclers.
Life in Water and on Land
- Dragonflies – With their delicate wings and graceful flight, dragonflies are a mesmerising sight, often seen darting over water in the jungle.
- Salamander – These mysterious amphibians are known for their moist skin and unique regenerative abilities, with some species found in the humid environments of the Amazon.
Frogs and toads
During our explorations, we’ve come across an astonishing variety of frogs and toads, each artfully blending into their lush surroundings or displaying vibrant colours that are a wonder to behold. Often elusive and always fascinating, these amphibians are defined by their distinctive characteristics and behaviours, reflecting the rich tapestry of life that thrives in their habitat.
- Leaf Frog – Known for their leaf-like camouflage, Leaf Frogs are a diverse group exhibiting a wide range of vibrant colors and patterns, often found resting on foliage.
- Sharp-nosed Toad – The Sharp-nosed Toad is distinguished by its pointed snout and typically resides in leaf litter, adept at blending into its surroundings.
- Smoky Jungle Frog – This large and robust frog is known for its deep calls that resonate through the jungle and its ability to secrete a waxy substance for protection.
- Sarayacu Treefrog – The Sarayacu Treefrog is notable for its bright colors and distinctive patterns, often found in vegetation near water bodies.
- Tree Frog – Tree Frogs are known for their climbing abilities and are found in a variety of environments, recognised by their slender bodies and adhesive toe pads.
- Rocket Frog – Rocket Frogs get their name from their long, powerful legs that enable them to make large leaps, often found in moist environments.
- Ranitomeya amazonica – A species of poison dart frog, Ranitomeya amazonica is known for its striking colors and tiny stature, often a jewel of the Amazon rainforest floor.
Spiders
Embark on a journey into the fascinating world of spiders, where each species weaves a complex and fascinating tale of survival and artistry. These eight-legged architects display an astonishing array of characteristics and behaviours, showcasing the ingenuity and diversity of nature. In the following collection, you’ll get a look at the diverse and vibrant lives of the spiders I encountered in the Amazon.
- Opilione – Also known as weaver spiders, these spiders are known for their long, thin legs. They are found in many habitats worldwide.
- Golden silk orb-weavers – These spiders are famous for their impressive webs and the golden silk they produce. Their webs are not only beautiful but also extremely strong.
- Whip spiders – These fascinating creatures, also known as flagellate spiders, have a unique appearance with long, whip-like legs. They are common in tropical regions.
- Banana spider – This name is used for several species of spiders that are often found near banana plants. Some are known for their striking colours and large webs.
- Huntsman spider – Huntsman spiders, also known as predator spiders, actively hunt their prey instead of building webs. They are known for their speed and agility.
- Bridge-spider – Often found near bodies of water, often build their webs under bridges. They have interesting behaviours and adaptations.
- Tarantula – Tarantulas are probably one of the best-known spider species. They are large, often hairy and come in many different species.
Monkeys
From the playful acrobatics of the capuchin monkey to the contemplative gaze of the howler monkey, these are the unique species I’ve been privileged to discover in the lush canopies of South America’s tropical forests:
- Squirrel monkey – Squirrel monkeys are small, agile and very social. They live in groups and are known for their lively and playful behaviour in the rainforests of South America.
- Miller’s saki – They have thick fur and a striking appearance. They live in the Amazon basin and are known for their robust nature and ability to move well in their habitat.
- Woolly monkey – They are known for their thick, woolly fur, which helps them survive in the cooler regions of the Amazon. They are skilled climbers and play an important role in the ecosystems in which they live.
Butterflies and Moths
Nature
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon in Ecuador – a kaleidoscope of nature! The following images are testimonies of my unforgettable experiences in this unique region, where untouched nature shines in all its splendour. From the lush vegetation to the mysterious waterways.
