How to Get to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve: Transportation Options

by Cuyabeno Amazon Jungle Lodge | Green Forest Ecolodge | Cuyabeno Tours 11 de Septiembre del 2025

Travel Blog Ecuador

1. Most common starting point: Quito

a) Direct night bus to Puente Cuyabeno

Departure: from Quitumbe bus terminal (Quito) around 9:00 p.m.

Company: Transportes Putumayo offers direct service to Puente Cuyabeno.

Price: approximately USD 16 per person.

Estimated arrival: around 9:30 a.m. at Puente Cuyabeno, with a ~1 hour stop in Lago Agrio.

b) Quito → Lago Agrio → Puente Cuyabeno

This option is convenient if there are no direct buses available or you prefer more flexibility.

Quito → Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja): several companies (Putumayo, Baños, etc.). Night buses take about 8–10 hours. Price: ~USD 15.

Lago Agrio → Puente Cuyabeno: buses operated by Putumayo or Petrolera run almost every hour in the morning, but it’s recommended to leave early (before 8:30 a.m.) to ensure you arrive on time for the tour meeting point. Travel time: ~2 hours.

c) Flight + ground transport (when available)

Flights from Quito to Lago Agrio are available and cut down significantly on the overland journey, though you’ll need to check availability, cost, and schedules.

From Lago Agrio, the trip usually continues by road and then boat/canoe if your lodge is inside the reserve.

2. Starting from Baños

Night buses run from Baños to Lago Agrio. Estimated duration: 8–9 hours.

Approximate price: USD 17 per person.

From Lago Agrio, continue to Puente Cuyabeno by public bus or private transport/taxi.

3. From other locations (Guayaquil, Tena, etc.)

From Guayaquil, one option is to take a bus to Quito and from there follow the Quito → Lago Agrio → Puente Cuyabeno route. In some cases, there are also direct buses from Guayaquil to Lago Agrio with Transportes Baños or others.

From Tena or other Amazonian cities, the journey usually involves combining public transport to Lago Agrio and then the final stretch to Puente Cuyabeno.

4. The essential final leg: Puente Cuyabeno (El Puente)

This is the meeting point for many lodges and tours. From here, you board canoes to enter deeper into the reserve.

If your tour begins at Puente Cuyabeno, guides typically meet travelers there around 11:00 a.m.

Summary of estimated travel times and costs

Quito → Puente Cuyabeno (direct bus)
Travel time: 12–14 hours
Cost: USD 16

Quito → Lago Agrio → Puente Cuyabeno
Travel time: 10–12 hours
Cost: USD 12–20 (depending on services)

Baños → Lago Agrio → Puente Cuyabeno
Travel time: 10–12 hours
Cost: USD 17 + final leg

* Estimated times do not include long waits, traffic delays, stops, or final canoe transfers.

Useful tips for planning

Book night buses in advance: They are popular, especially those from Quito and Baños to Lago Agrio or directly to Puente Cuyabeno.

Bring cash: Many buses, taxis, and guides don’t accept cards, especially in remote areas.

Check updated schedules: Routes may change due to weather or road conditions (e.g., landslides).

Night travel = better use of time: Leaving at night helps maximize your arrival day without losing daylight hours.

Pack waterproof gear: The final stretch often involves river or canoe travel in humid conditions.

Here are the main routes, travel times, costs, and recommendations for reaching it from different starting points such as Quito, Baños, and Lago Agrio.
Green Forest Ecolodge | Cuyabeno Ecuador