The pink river dolphin, locally known as the bufeo, is one of the most captivating creatures of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Its singular color, gentle expression, and graceful movements make it a true jewel of the rainforest. More than an iconic species, it embodies life, mystery, and nature in its purest form.
Unlike its marine relatives, the pink river dolphin lives exclusively in the waterways of the Amazon basin, including the Laguna Grande. It moves through calm rivers, hidden channels, and seasonally flooded forests, appearing at times like a pink shimmer gliding across the surface. Its distinctive coloration is influenced by blood circulation, age, and physical activity, making it one of the most striking species in the ecosystem.
Behind its friendly appearance lies remarkable intelligence. It can navigate in murky waters, communicate through complex frequency patterns akin to sonar, and locate more than fifty species of fish— even those concealed in muddy riverbeds.
In Ecuador, the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve offers the ideal setting to observe this species in the wild. During canoe excursions, the dolphins often approach out of curiosity, lifting their heads above the water or displaying the characteristic expression many describe as a smile.
Witnessing a pink river dolphin at sunset on the Laguna Grande is an experience that stays with travelers long after they leave the Amazon.
