– Available as a full day trip (9AM – 9PM) from US $95 –
General Information
Limoncocha is a beautiful natural reserve in Ecuador that protects the Limoncocha Lagoon, Yanacocha Lagoon, the surrounding swamp and wetland areas as well as an area of approximately 4613 hectares of tropical rainforest. The name Limoncocha means lemon or green lagoon, named for the microscopic algae in the water. The Lagoons are home to many unique species of fauna and flora. Recently the rare, uncommon Horned Screamer bird has been observed nesting. In general, the lagoon is a paradise for birdwatching activities and ornithologists. When the sun sets, caimans start to show off, ready to hunt their dinner. The appearance of the lagoon changes into a mystic “Lagoon City”, caused by the firefly larvae that illuminate the shoreline with their abdomen.
Location & Access
Limoncocha town is located 110km northeast of Coca and was originally founded by a big oil company. The first half of the drive from Coca you will witness the heavy, destructive influence of the oil and palm-plantation industries and gain first-hand knowledge of the large-scale impact of these industries. The second half of the drive, we take a smaller gravel road, leading through local communities and villages, which are supported by small and sustainable cacao plantations and farming. The three-hour drives goes quickly as guests observe the diverse and changing landscapes along the way.
Itinerary
09:00 Pick up at the hotel in Coca and drive to Limoncocha in private car passing
09:00 various places of palm oil plantations, oil production and cacao farms
11:00 Arriving in Limoncocha Reserve, registration, embarking a motorized canoe and
11:00 heading towards the other end of the lagoon
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Hiking through the surrounding primary and secondary forests
16:00 Exploring Limoncocha Lagoon with motorized canoe. Great for birdwatching
16:00 and spotting Primates
18:30 Cayman and “Lagoon City” (illuminated larvae) watching
19:15 Driving back to Coca
20:45 Drop off at the hotel in Coca. End of the tour
Tour includes:
- Private transport Coca – Limoncocha – Coca
- English-speaking guide
- Local guide
- Canoe rental
- Hot lunch
- Snack
Tour does not include:
- Transportation to / from Coca
- Hotel in Coca
- Private expenses
- Gratuities
- Additional services not mentioned
We recommend combining this tour with the Eco-Camping option so you can learn about different eco-systems. For this day-trip we recommend booking one or two nights (before or before and after the tour) in a hotel in Coca. We can assist with bookings in personally selected hotels.
Why this Lagoon?
This tour is a great educational combination of nature, biodiversity, sustainable farming and passing through industrial areas. Following our mission, we want to promote conservation through our tours and inspire guests to help save the rainforests and spread the word around the world. The restaurant and canoe rentals are managed by local people, and our tours provide the chance for some extra income through sustainable tourism.
– Available as a full day trip (9AM – 9PM) from US $95 –
RESPECT TRAVEL 