Travel Choose

by Cuyabeno Amazon Jungle Lodge | Green Forest Ecolodge | Cuyabeno Tours

Traveling to the Cuyabeno Reserve begins at Cuyabeno Bridge, the meeting point for all tours. Although it is a remote destination, there are several transportation options: shared shuttle, public bus, private service, a combination of flight plus ground transportation, or even arriving with your own vehicle. You can choose the alternative that best suits your trip.

Option 1: Private Bus (By Reservation)

Schedules and pick-up points

From Quito to Lago Agrio and Cuyabeno Bridge:

Depart every night except Tuesdays.

Take the night bus the night before your tour to ensure timely arrival in the morning.

From Cuyabeno Bridge and Lago Agrio to Quito:

Depart every morning except Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Depart in the morning when your tour ends, traveling during the day to arrive in Quito around 21h30 (return time based on the regular Reventador – Baeza route).

Private bus pick-up and drop-off points in Quito are the following:

Blue House Youth Hostel – ask for schedules
The Secret Garden Hostel – ask for schedules
La Guayunga Hostel – ask for schedules

Choose your preferred pick-up and drop-off point and arrive 15 minutes early for a smooth departure. A transportation representative will meet the group in the lobby.

We can also arrange pick-up at the Pifo roundabout near Quito airport and in Papallacta upon request.

Schedules and route will be provided by your travel agent.

With Destination to / With Departure from – Cuyabeno Bridge

Price: $37 per person, one way. You may pay in cash directly to the driver or book online through our system. $37 per person, one way back.

Meals: Breakfast is not included on the trip to Cuyabeno Bridge, and lunch is provided at the meeting point.

Return to Quito: At the end of the tour, the bus will be ready to depart at 11h00.

Information about the Private Bus

Comfort and services: The shuttle bus is equipped with air conditioning. Although there are no toilets, the bus makes regular stops during the trip.

Luggage storage: Large luggage will be safely stored in the luggage compartment, while smaller bags can be placed in the overhead compartment above your seat.

Language assistance: Drivers speak only Spanish. If needed, we recommend using basic Spanish phrases or a translation app to communicate.

Note: The bus operator reserves the right to change or modify the vehicle according to operational needs. Subject to changes, check with your travel agent.

Option 2: Public Bus

To / From Quito – Lago Agrio

Take a bus from the Quitumbe Terminal (South, more frequent departures) or the Carcelén Terminal (North). Arrive at the terminal at least one hour early to buy a one-way ticket. Take a bus leaving just before midnight to arrive in Lago Agrio in the morning.

Transportation companies:

Transporte Baños (most frequent and recommended)
Transportes Loja
Transporte Putumayo

Check schedules and departures:

Quitumbe Bus Terminal: https://www.terminal-quitumbe.com/listado-cooperativas-al-oriente-terminal-quitumbe.php
Carcelén Bus Terminal: https://www.terminal-carcelen.com/listado-cooperativas-al-oriente-terminal-carcelen.php

Prices: $14 – $17 per person, one way. The bus trip takes about 8 hours.

Once at the Lago Agrio bus terminal, you can take a direct bus (Transportes Petrolera or Putumayo) to Cuyabeno Bridge. Cost is $5 – $6. These leave almost every hour, but make sure to take one before 08h30 to arrive on time.

Return to Quito: A public bus leaves Lago Agrio around 15h30 and arrives in Quito (Quitumbe Terminal) around 23h30 ($14 – $17 per person).

Travel Choose

Note: If you arrive in Lago Agrio before 9h00, we can help you book a seat on the private bus to Cuyabeno Bridge $12 per person. Check with the travel agent.

To / From Quito – Cuyabeno Bridge

Take a night bus from Quitumbe Terminal in Quito at 21h00 with Transportes Putumayo for a direct trip to Cuyabeno Bridge. The fare is $17 – $18 per person and the trip takes about 12 hours, including a stop in Lago Agrio. Arrive at least one hour early to buy your ticket.

Alternative option: Take a Quito–Lago Agrio bus, then connect to a Lago Agrio–Cuyabeno Bridge bus with Transportes Putumayo or Transportes Petrolera. These leave almost every hour. Be sure to take one before 08h30 to arrive on time.

Return to Quito: After the tour we arrive at Cuyabeno Bridge at 11h00. You can take a bus to Lago Agrio around 11h30 ($4 – $5 per person), then take a bus back to Quito. Recommended companies: Transportes Baños, Transportes Putumayo or Transportes Esmeraldas, with tickets available at the terminal counter.

To / From Baños de Agua Santa

From Baños to Lago Agrio and Cuyabeno Bridge

Bus company: Transportes Baños

Take the night bus Transportes Baños at 22h30. Reserve a few hours in advance or early on the day of travel. Cost: $17 per person.

Once at the Lago Agrio bus terminal, you can take a direct bus (Transportes Petrolera and Putumayo) to Cuyabeno Bridge. Cost: $5 – $6. These leave almost every hour, but make sure to take one before 08h30 to arrive on time.

Option 3: Private Transportation

Private Transfer in Ecuador

A private transfer with driver can be arranged for round-trip transport to Cuyabeno, with pick-up at your hotel at any time, day or night. Your drop-off point will be Cuyabeno Bridge or a hotel of your choice in Lago Agrio.

After your jungle tour, your private transfer will be ready for the return trip. This option is more cost-effective for groups of 3+ people, but solo travelers or smaller groups looking for a faster and more comfortable option can also request it. Contact us for a personalized quote based on group size and departure location.

Option 4: Flight to Coca + Private Transportation

Coca is about 3 hours from Cuyabeno Bridge and the group tour begins at 11h00 am.

How to get to Cuyabeno Bridge

Stay one night in Coca: You can spend the night in Coca, explore the city and rest. The next morning, we can arrange a private transfer at 07h00 or assist you with public transportation information to Cuyabeno Bridge.

Private transfer upon arrival: If you want to go directly to Cuyabeno Bridge upon arrival, we can arrange a private transfer from the airport. We will be happy to discuss details and costs with you.

Returning from the Tour

Stay one night in Coca: After the tour, you can take a private transfer or public transportation to Coca, where you can relax overnight before flying back to Quito the next morning.

Same-day flight: If you prefer to fly back to Quito the same day your tour ends, we will arrange an early departure from the lodge and a direct transfer to the airport. We will be happy to discuss details and costs with you.

Note: Flight delays or cancellations may affect the tour schedule. Any extra expenses due to changes are the traveler’s responsibility.

Green Forest EcoLodge arranges airport–lodge transfers, but flights are not included. Please provide your flight details to ensure a smooth transfer.

Option 5: Parking for Private Vehicles

Parking in Lago Agrio

For greater security, parking is available in Lago Agrio for $1 per vehicle per day at Magic Paradise Farm. This option is ideal for travelers who need exclusive parking during their stay in the reserve.

Parking at Cuyabeno Bridge

You have two safe parking options for your vehicle: