La Selva Lodge
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Located just outside the Yasuní National Park and within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, La Selva Lodge is perfect for travellers seeking their ideal Amazon experience — whether they are six or sixty. A luxury resort in the heart of the rainforest, everyone will find something to love.
IN THE HEART OF THE ECUADORIAN RAINFOREST:
Our lodge is located on the north bank of the Napo River, which eventually flows eastward and joins the mighty Amazon on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. It takes about five hours to travel from your hotel in Quito to your jungle suite, by plane, motorized canoe, by foot, and arriving in a silent paddle canoe.
RAINFOREST WELLNESS:
for your mind, body and soul.
La Selva Lodge invites you to experience our spa treatments in the middle of our protected rainforest reserve as well as our soulful yoga sessions: we have created a truly unique space in which to relax and connect with the natural world like few others on the planet. Inspired by the natural beauty and essence of the Amazon, our highly-qualified massage therapists provide innovative and traditionally crafted treatments sure to delight.
Please note: These services are only available upon request. Each treatment has an additional cost. Please request your treatment before arrival or with anticipation during your stay. All treatments and sessions are subject to availability.
SWEET DREAMS IN THE MIDST OF THE JUNGLE:
La Selva Amazon Ecolodge has 19 spacious suites, including three Scenic Suites with views of Lake Garzacocha and four roomy Family Suites. The Scenic and Superior Suites include exclusive rainforest showers, private balconies, and panoramic views, while the Family Suites include extra-spacious bathrooms, hammocks and a hot tub on a private porch. The design of the rooms at La Selva is inspired by the architecture of the native people’s homes. The airy, shady layout keeps things cool even in the hottest hours of the day.
At La Selva Lodge, we are deeply committed to sustainable ecotourism and keeping our impact on the environment to a minimum. Therefore, we do not have air conditioners in the rooms. There are, however, large windows and a ceiling fan which keeps the air in the suites circulating. If you need a hairdryer, ask for one in the front desk.
ACCOMMODATION:
12 SUPERIOR SUITES:
Designed for today’s adventurer-traveler, our Superior Suites bring together traditional architecture with modern conveniences. Tastefully decorated, you’ll find a large bed draped with a mosquito net, a living area for kicking back, a private balcony perfect for taking in the beauty of the rainforest, and an ample bathroom fitted with a refreshing rainforest shower.
4 FAMILY SUITES:
Our Family Suites provide the space and comfort that families traveling together will cherish. With a king bed for parents and two double beds for children, plus sofas and coffee tables, a private porch from which to admire the greens of the forest, plus a hammock for a relaxing siesta and hot tub for all to enjoy.
3 SCENIC SUITES:
Located high up on the banks of our lake, our Scenic Suites define the rainforest experience. At dawn or at dusk, you can enjoy the incredible colors of the skies and surrounding jungle world from your own private balcony, drink in hand. The suite is completed by comfortable sleeping arrangements, sofas, and a spacious bathroom fitted with a tantalizing rainforest shower.
ACTIVITIES & WILDLIFE EXPLORATION:
Our experienced guides will accompany you on the following activities, depending on the time of day, season, weather, physical abilities of the group and where they believe wildlife is more likely to be found. Each activity was designed to showcase the best of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Note: All of these activities are included in the regular program prices (apart from the Pañacocha Lake and Charapa Turtle visit).
CANOE RIDING:
Enjoy a canoe ride on our lagoon, Garzacocha, and discover a great diversity of plants and animals in two different landscapes and ecosystems.
TRAILS:
Heading out from the lodge, your guides can lead you on half-a-dozen trails that wind their way through the surrounding rainforest and connect with the lake. You never know what you might find along the way… A giant ceiba tree, strangler figs, walking palms, Azteca ants, heliconias, bromeliads, and maybe even some forest fauna — if you’re lucky.
KICHWA COMMUNITY VISIT:
Several indigenous communities live near La Selva and guests are able to visit to learn about their way of life. We like this quote that perfectly sums up why our guests enjoy the community visit so much; “People travel because it teaches them things they could learn no other way.” – Lance Morrow
OUR AMAZON OBSERVATION TOWER:
Our tower offers amazing views from its platform 35 meters (115 ft) up from the forest floor. It’s nestled into the branches of a giant kapok tree, allowing us to observe life in the surrounding forest canopy. From here, we can spot many different species of birds, insects, and monkeys, as well as different types of flowers. The tower offers great opportunities for photography, filming and bird watching. The tower is located a 15-minute walk from the lodge. Guides will accompany you to the observation tower either in the morning or the afternoon.
PARROT CLAY LICKS:
One of the most amazing sights in the Amazon that is relatively easy to enjoy is observing parrots coming to feed on clay, on the banks of rivers or streams. There are two places on the south bank of the Napo River (inside Yasuni National Park) where parrots, parakeets and even macaws gather. They come to obtain the minerals in the clay that help them to digest the fruits and seeds better.
For this excursion, we take motorized canoes along the Napo and enjoy a box lunch in the forest.
NIGHT-TIME CANOE EXCURSION:
You’ll go out with the guides in canoe with a spotlight onto Garzacocha Lagoon to spot caimans, bats, owls and more.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES:
At La Selva, we are proud to have created unforgettable moments for families to share together for more than a quarter of a century. We regard ourselves as the most child-friendly lodge (ages 5 and up) in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our youngest guests can participate in our junior naturalist program, while older children will find dozens of activities to keep them busy, from hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and exploring the tree tops from our observation tower.
KAYAKING:
This is a great way to do some exploring on your own time. The kayaks are kept by the dock. Ask reception for the paddles and life jackets to go out on your own. You’ll have the opportunity to see monkeys, Hoatzins and many other tropical rainforest birds. Swimming: Please inform reception you will be going for a swim. You can ask them for a towel instead of using one from your suite. The water is very refreshing after a jungle hike and feels silky smooth due to the blackwater.
STAR GAZING:
The night sky at La Selva is perfect for viewing constellations in the Southern Hemisphere. Ask your guide to help point them out! We are currently working on new star gazing kits for the Junior Naturlist Children’s Program.
NIGTH EXCURSIONS:
Hikes and canoe rides allow guests to enjoy the nocturnal choruses and sounds of the forest as well as trying to spot bats, nightjars, some insects and possibly to get a glimpse of the caimans that lurk at the lake’s banks. Walking excursions give us the chance to encounter nocturnal creatures such as tarantulas, whip-scorpions, toads and frogs, and possibly snakes.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM OPTIONS:
1. CHARAPA TURTLE ADOPTION PROGRAM:
“The adventure begins with an early morning departure from the lodge, followed by a 15 – 20 minute motor canoe ride on the Napo River. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the local community. They will take you to where the small Charapa Turtle pools are located. Here is where the community collects the eggs from the turtles and where they will be protected until they hatch. Once hatched, tourists have the rare opportunity to choose a turtle, give it a name, and then liberate it into the Napo River.
A conservation certificate in the name of the Charapa Program will be given to stating the name of your freed turtle and a small gift from the community. This activity has a cost of only $5 USD per turtle and this input is given directly to the community, it does not pass through any other entity so you can feel good about where you are putting your donations. The community also offers various products produced and crafted within such as coffee, chocolate, and handicrafts that visitors can purchase. Afterwards, the guide will transport you back to the lodge the same way you came. You will have time to enjoy the many free activities we offer such as kayaking, fishing, and yoga or depending on how much time you spent at the community, you will be back in time for lunch”
2. PRIVATE VISIT TO PANACOCHA:
Established in 1994, Pañacocha is located between the two largest protected areas in the Amazon, Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and consists of 56,000 hectares of pristine lagoons and rivers. The protection of Pañacocha offers rare exceptional views of 9 different species of primates, 500 species of birds, and 100 different species of fish in the protected waterways. Highlights include spotting Aracaris, a small specie of toucan, sloths, and possibly pink river dolphins. Pañacocha also boasts tropical butterflies with endless varieties of colors and patterns.
On the excursion to Pañacocha expect to leave La Selva by 7am to reach the Napo River. There, a motor canoe will be waiting, and together you and your guide will travel 2 hours down river to the mouth of the Pañacocha River. One stop will be made to pay the local community before entering the lagoon. Afterwards, we will navigate the black river of Pañacocha for approximately one hour until finally arriving to the lagoon. In the lagoon pink river dolphins may sometimes be spotted and depending on a number of factors there may also be a chance to swim.
Food will be supplied in a boxed lunch at the lagoon and afterwards we will return to the lodge somewhere around 4pm in the afternoon.
Since almost the entire trip is done on the Napo River and in the Pañacocha lagoon, it is an extraordinary chance to experience the waterways of the Amazon and see many interesting things deep in the jungle that not many people have the opportunity to encounter.
PRICE: US$170 per person (based on min 2 guests) + private guide for all your tour.
ITINERARIES:
4 DAYS AMAZON PROGRAM
Remember that all excursions and times on this sample 4-day Amazon tour itinerary are subject to change and largely depend on weather, season, group limitations, group interests, and guide decisions based on passenger safety and organized operations.
DAY 1:
Arrival at the Quito International Airport you will be met by one of our La Selva representatives in the National Departure area. Here they will assist you with the check-in process and give you a short briefing about the journey.
After a 30-minute commercial flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana “El Coca”, our representative will transfer you by private transportation to the city’s main dock at the Napo River.
The next two hours will be on a motorized canoe heading down river on what will be the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the tropical rainforest, the Amazon.
At the end of the motorized canoe ride, you will be dropped off at La Selva’s main dock and your first close encounter with the rainforest begins and the final leg of the trip to the lodge will be completed in a paddle canoe. The only thing you must take care of during this part of the trip is your carry-on and camera equipment, all other luggage will be transported by La Selva staff.
The manager will be waiting to greet you with a refreshing juice, snacks and a short briefing with general information about your stay at La Selva Lodge.
4:30 pm – Intro to The Rainforest
One of the Naturalist Guides will give you basic info about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon, and how La Selva operates. The idea is to begin your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived to.
5:00 pm – Matapalo Trail
This trail was given the Spanish name of the famous Strangler fig (Ficus sp), one of many remarkable trees that you can find on this short walk. Mahogany trees over 400 years old can be seen and your guides will share their knowledge of the flora and fauna. Due to the time of day there is great natural light and the diurnal and nocturnal animals are beginning their daily transitional activities.
7:00 pm – Snacks & Drinks
At the bar you can find snacks and order cocktails from the bartender. Or, feel free to help yourself to limitless tea and coffee.
7:30 – Dinner
Dinner will be served at this time. Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course
DAY 2:
full day of activities
6:00 am – Wake Up Call
6:30 am – Breakfast
7:00 am – Observation Tower & Tucaneta Trail
After a 20 minute walk the observation tower comes into sight. This amazing construction will allow you to climb 120 ft above the forest. Your Naturalist and Native guides will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, maybe even certain primates.
On the way back from the tower there is the option of taking the Tucaneta Trail where your Native Guide can show you some of the medicinal plants still in use today and your Naturalist Guide will provide you with interesting info on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.
1:00 PM – Lunch
4:30 pm – Charapa Trail
This trail goes on for about an hour beginning at the lodge and ending by the edge of the lagoon. It is a great loop where different mammals, monkeys and birds can been seen that come closer to the lagoon at this time looking for food. It is also perfect for witnessing an Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.
6:40 pm – Night Canoe Ride
With the help of a spot light your guides will take you around the lagoon via canoe looking for nighttime wildlife. This is also a great opportunity for star gazing!
7:30 pm – Dinner
DAY 3:
full day of activities
6:00 am – Wake Up Call
6:30 am – Breakfast
7:00 am – Parrot Clay Lick and Mandi Wasi
Today you will make your way back to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe ride to the clay licks, one of the most fascinating displays of the wild world. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather here to eat the mineral rich soil, an important part of their diet. Binoculars are essential to really capture the moment. After the clay licks we will take you to experience our Cultural Activity. An Amazonian Kichua woman will welcome you at their community center to share their life of the Kichua’s in the Amazon. This is special because it is part of the Amazon you do not find on the maps and provides the special and unique opportunity to really get to learn more about the people of the Amazon.
1:00 pm – Lunch
4:30 pm – Coto Trail
This is a fantastic walk that takes off from the lodge to the edge of the Garzacocha Lagoon. In the afternoon th elight from the sun will come from behind most of the time, making this walk an amazing experience and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this amazing forest. Groups of black-mantled tamarin monkeys can be spotted on this walk and some of our groups have even seen tapirs too.
Your Naturalist Guide is going to explain about all the different creatures that can be found and our Native Guide is going to explain about all the different creatures that can be found and our Native Guide will show you some of the medical plants that they have been using for thousands of years. A canoe ride back to the lodge makes a great ending for this activity.
7:30 pm – Dinner
DAY 4:
departure day
6:00 am – Wake Up Call
6:30 am – Breakfast
7:00 am – Departure for Coca
In accordance with your briefing the night before, you will have an early wake up call, breakfast and departure from the lodge. The lodge staff will assist you with your checked luggage and the motorized canoe ride will head upstream back to Coca, where our representatives will take you to the airport to help you with your checked luggage and boarding passes.
During your free time in-between activities you can use our kayaks, swim in the lagoon, have a massage or just relax in your room and have a nap!
Sample itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions or guide decisions. On the last day of your visit at La Selva, there will be no scheduled activities as you will be leaving in the morning to catch your flight in Coca returning to Quito....
RATES:
2022 LA SELVA LODGE RATES | ||
PROGRAM | HOTEL PRICES | AIRFARE |
4 DAYS / 3 NIGTHS | USD$ 1,420 | USD$ 250 |
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS | USD$ 1,575 | USD$ 250 |
FLIGHT SCHEDULE:
FLIGHT INFORMATION | ||||
ROUTE | FLIGHT NUMBER | DAY | DEPARTURE TIME | |
QUITO | COCA |
RER841 AEREO REGIONAL |
TUESDAY & FRIDAY | 12:30 PM |
MON, WED, THUR, SAT, SUN. | 10:30 AM |
FLIGTH INFORMATION | ||||
ROUTE | FLIGHT NUMBER | DAY | DEPARTURE TIME | |
QUITO | COCA |
RER840 AEREO REGIONAL |
TUESDAY & FRIDAY | 13:30 PM |
MON, WED, THUR, SAT, SUN. | 11:00 AM |
INCLUDED:
- Canoe transportation from Coca to the Lodge.
- Accommodation
- All meals according to the program
- Guided Excursions.
- Bilingual English/Spanish speaking Naturalist Guide + Native Assistant Guide.
- Rain poncho and rubber boots will be provided during your stay at the Lodge.
- Boots available up to size mens10 1⁄2 US.
DOES NOT INCLUDED:
- Personal Expenses
- Souvenirs
- Tips
- Alcoholic Beverages & Sodas
- Airfare Quito-Coca-Quito
- Additional program costs
- Others not specified