Why is it called Cuyabeno?

The Cuyabeno, a wildlife sanctuary, derives its name from one of the rivers that runs through it, the "Cuyabeno" river, which in the language of the Siona-Secoya nationalities (Pai coca) means "Benevolent River".

The Amazon region is known for its vast tropical forests, where towering trees like ceibo, sande, and mahogany can exceed 50 meters in height. However, there are areas where water replaces solid ground, turning rivers into narrow channels and forming lagoons. Navigating by canoe is the only way to move among the trees and vegetation. These are the flooded forests of the Amazon, a large part of which are protected in this reserve. The reserve takes its name from the Cuyabeno River, whose middle course overflows, creating a complex of 14 lagoons and forming the largest wetland in the Ecuadorian Amazon. These forests are home to dolphins, manatees, caimans, anacondas, and otters, as well as the water guarango, the most characteristic tree in the reserve.

Thanks to its unique adaptations, it grows on the banks of rivers and lagoons, creating a magical and mysterious environment that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The reserve is also a key point in terms of cultural diversity, home to indigenous communities of Siona, Secoya, Cofán, Kichwa, and Shuar, making it one of the most culturally diverse protected areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon.