Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where the jungle breathes life into every river and tree, a new story of sustainability is unfolding.
Welcome to the Arapaima Project, a living example of how conservation, community, and responsible production can coexist in perfect harmony.
This initiative, developed by Cuyabeno River Lodge, is more than a farm — it’s a vision of how tourism can protect nature while empowering local people.
Protecting Endangered Amazon Fish
In our sustainable farm, we raise native fish species such as the Arapaima (Paiche) —one of the largest freshwater fish in the world and now endangered— along with Bocachico and Sábalo.
By cultivating these species responsibly, we help reduce fishing pressure on wild populations and ensure a sustainable food source for the lodge and nearby communities.
Each pond becomes a small ecosystem, carefully managed to imitate nature’s rhythm —a way to give back to the forest what it has long given us.
Organic Farming and Renewable Energy
The Arapaima Project also includes the raising of free-range pigs and chickens, fed naturally and integrated into a circular production system.
Animal waste is processed through biodigesters, producing biogas that powers the kitchen and facilities of the farm.
This closed-loop model means nothing is wasted: organic matter becomes energy and natural fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil and keeping the farm in balance with the jungle.
☕🌰 Amazon Coffee and Cacao
Among the trees, we also grow Amazonian coffee and cacao, two treasures of the rainforest.
These crops are cultivated under agroforestry systems, combining native trees and shade-grown plants that help preserve soil health, attract wildlife, and maintain the rainforest’s biodiversity.
Visitors can even enjoy a cup of our homegrown coffee or taste the chocolate made from our cacao —each flavor telling a story of life in the Cuyabeno.
🤝 Empowering Local Communities
Sustainability at Cuyabeno River Lodge goes beyond the environment.
Through the Arapaima Project, we create jobs and training opportunities for local families who live along the Cuyabeno Ecological Corridor.
By working hand in hand with the community, we strengthen the connection between people and nature —ensuring that conservation brings real, lasting benefits.
🌎 A Model of Regenerative Tourism
The Arapaima Project represents the essence of what regenerative tourism means: not only minimizing impact but actively restoring ecosystems and supporting local livelihoods.
When travelers stay at Cuyabeno River Lodge, they don’t just experience the magic of the Amazon —they become part of its preservation.
Together, we are building a model where the rainforest, its people, and its visitors grow in harmony.
