The Cofan of Zabalo in Cuyabeno

"Ecuador"

Unfortunately we are not offering Siecoya and Cofanes programs because these two places are located near of Colombia border and we have problems in that region with plan Colombia. This region is not safe at the moment, so we can’t guarantee our clients safety there.

Numbering less than a thousand, the Cofan maintain a largely traditional lifestyle, despite the pressures of mainstream society. About fifteen years ago, a group of Cofan under the leadership of Randy Borman, migrated down the Aguarico river to escape the impact of Texaco's oil exploration in their old home of Dureno. They founded Zabalo, deep in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve 603,000 hectares of primary rainforest in the north-eastern corner of Ecuador. With over 500 species of birds, 250 species of fish and 100 species of mammals, the Cuyabeno Reserve is arguably 'the jewel in the crown' of the whole Amazon and the Cofan are the perfect guides to this incredible area. To reach this beautiful and remote area of rainforest involves a full day's travel. Heading out of the oil town of Lago Agrio, we first pass forest ravaged by colonisation, cattle-farming, logging and oil exploitation. Journeying down the Aguarico river by motor canoe, we see a dramatic change as we enter the still-intact forest lands of the indigenous Siecoya and Cofan communities. Finally, we reach Zabalo, perhaps the most pristine region of rainforest in the country. Each of the available programs are a must for those looking for an in depth overview of what Amazonia is all about!

The Programs

Detailed itineraries for each of the programs is available upon request.

Ecosystems of Amazonia

6days/5nights
Our most popular Zabalo program features four full days at Zabalo. With both a Cofan and an English-speaking naturalist guide, we travel by foot or dugout canoe to explore three different rainforest ecosystems - an eye-opener for anyone who thought all rainforest was the same. The final day is flexible, but is often spend in the community itself, perhaps staying with your Cofan guide for a glimpse of everyday life in the forest.
We fish for piranha, take a night-time paddle in a canoe to look for caiman, and maybe a night time walk in the forest in search of an elusive jaguar. We certainly will see a fabulous variety of birds and some of the eight species of monkeys. Helped by the sharp eyes and local knowledge of our Cofan hosts, we will also spot some of the other creatures of the forest - tapir, sloths, peccary, anacondas, caiman, capybara, armadillos, manatees or fresh-water dolphins. Who knows, we might even sight a big cat - perhaps a jaguar or ocelot. In the forest we can never be sure what we will encounter, making any sighting all the more thrilling.

The Deep Forest

10days/9nights . Hiking in untouched wilderness!
For keen walkers, or anyone wanting a real adventure in truly wild forest, we offer an extended tour into the backcountry behind Zabalo, hiking between three remote cabañas. This section of forest has never been hunted and contains some of the best wildlife in the Amazon.

The Dark River

6days/5nights. Less demanding as mostly in canoe!
Less walking than the main tour, with more time in canoes paddling the beautiful Zabalo river, exploring this beautiful igapo (blackwater flooded forest) ecosystem. Lots of fishing and canoeing opportunities, great birdwatching, plus many monkeys and caiman.
April to December only.

The Dancing Stream

4days/3nights. For the adventure travellers!
We visit a part of Zabalo’s territory a little closer to Lago Agrio. A shorter itinerary and less travelling makes this a cheaper program, but still with superb walking and canoeing in pristine forest. Own sleeping bag necessary.

General Information

Rated: Easy to moderate

Accommodation:
The Zabalo cabañas are built in typical Cofan fashion with palm-thatched roofs but with the added luxury of polished wooden floors! Each cabin has two double rooms with bedding and mosquito nets, though biting insects (believe it or not!) are not a big problem at night. Showers and flush toilets are nearby.

Food:
Breakfasts and dinners at your camp. Lunch may be a picnic. Meals combine local produce with food brought in from Lago Agrio. We don't add to the strain on the forest's wildlife by eating hunted food however, we may cook the odd fish caught, including piranha!

Guides:
All groups are accompanied by an experienced bilingual naturalist guide, plus a Cofan guide. The Chief, Randy Borman, is available to guide trips upon request.

What is included?
Transportation Lago Agrio - Community - Lago Agrio, accommodation and meals as specified, naturalist bilingual guide and a cofan guide.

Not included:
Transportation Quito-Lago Agrio-Quito (flight approx. USD 120 - can be arranged by our local agent), Cuyabeno entrance fee, drinks, tips and extra personal expenses.

Ecuador Selections