Lago Agrio Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

The ongoing conflict in neighboring Colombia has made border towns such as Lago Agrio havens for Colombian guerrillas, antirebel paramilitaries and drug smugglers. Suffice it to say, it is not recommended to cross into Colombia here. In town, bars can be risky and side-streets unsafe, so stick to the main drag, especially at night, or take a taxi to the restaurants further out. Tourists rarely have problems.

Armed robberies have taken place near the entry to the Cuyabeno reserve. At this time, ranger presence is increasing and lodges are coordinating to keep the area safer. At the time of research many lodges were reconsidering their presence.