La Selva Jungle Lodge

Stays of Distinction

SUMMARY

4 Days

Amazon, Ecuador

Nestled amidst the captivating wonders of the Amazon rainforest, the prestigious La Selva Ecolodge beckons with its 19 spacious and luxurious suites. Situated gracefully on the serene shores of Lake Garzacocha, this magnificent lodge awaits just 2.5 hours downstream from Coca, promising an exclusive and immersive encounter with nature’s grandeur.

Each suite at La Selva Ecolodge exudes a sense of spaciousness and comfort, providing guests with a tranquil haven to unwind and rejuvenate amidst the vibrant rainforest surroundings. The eco-suites, thoughtfully designed with sustainable practices in mind, harmoniously blend modern amenities with the rustic allure of the jungle.
A marvel in itself, the lodge boasts a remarkable 35-meter observation tower, granting panoramic vistas of the vast canopy and the myriad of wildlife that thrives within it. Gaze upon the mesmerizing dance of colors as the sun rises and sets, and immerse yourself in the symphony of the rainforest below.
Culinary delights await at the lodge’s organic restaurant, where a fusion of local and international flavors tantalize the taste buds, complementing the essence of the Amazonian experience.

In addition to the awe-inspiring jungle activities that unveil the hidden treasures of the rainforest, guests at La Selva can partake in invigorating night walks, delving into the secrets of nocturnal life. A serene canoe trip along the tranquil waters of the lake allows visitors to connect intimately with the surrounding natural beauty.
For those seeking a holistic retreat, La Selva Ecolodge offers the blissful indulgence of massage therapy and invigorating yoga sessions amidst the breathtaking scenery.

In all, La Selva Ecolodge is more than just a lodge; it is an exclusive gateway to the heart of the Amazon’s splendor. With its spacious suites, captivating observation tower, delectable organic cuisine, and a plethora of invigorating activities, it promises an unforgettable sojourn for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike. Let the allure of the Amazon rainforest embrace you as you embark on a transformative journey into this ecological paradise.

HIGHLIGHTS

On foot and in canoes, explore, with your English-speaking local guide, the most biodiverse region on the planet. Ecuador’s renowned Yasuni Biosphere Reserve is home to thousands of unique species of plants and animals.
Enjoy a canoe ride on Garzacocha Lagoon and discover a great diversity of plants and animals in two different landscapes and ecosystems.
Visit Yasuni National Park and see the clay lick along the Napo River where Parrots and Parakeets gather.
Hikes and canoe rides will allow you to hear the nocturnal sounds and to look for Fishing Bats, Nightjars, and some insects, and possibly get a glimpse of the Caimans.
Go up to the observation tower and enjoy spectacular views of the Amazon rainforest.
Get to observe literally thousands of plants and animals near the lodge and lagoon. You will regularly see Parrots, Monkeys, Toucans, Caimans, Frogs, and much more.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Quito/Amazon

Morning: Arrival
On arrival to Colca, you will be met by one of La Selvas’ representatives and you will be transferred to the city’s main dock at the Napo River. The next two hours will be on a motorised 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 motorised 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.

Afternoon: Matapalo Trail
In the Afternoon, you will have an introduction to the rainforest by a naturalist guide. The idea is to begin your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived to. After the lecture, go for a walk through 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.

Day 2 Amazon

Morning: Observation Tower/Tucaneta or Mandi Forest
After an early wakeup call and breakfast, your guide will take you for a hike along the Chaguamango Trail. During the walk your guides will talk about the neo-tropical pharmacy that you will find in the rainforest. Many plants have been used by the indigenous groups of the Amazonia to cure different ailments; some of them will be spotted on the way. At the end of the walk, you will head back to the lodge by canoe. If you are lucky, you might see big troops of squirrel monkeys approaching the water, allowing you to take the best photos of wildlife.

Afternoon: Charapa Trail & Night Canoe Ride
After lunch at the lodge and time for a siesta you will head out again this afternoon on the Charapa Trail, starting at the Butterfly Farm and ending on the lake. It’s a wonderful loop that begins with a walk, returning to the lodge by canoe. Along the way, you will be able to sight different groups of mammals, monkeys, and birds that in the afternoon hours get close to the lakeshore to look for food. Apart from a clear afternoon, you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset from the canoe.
Later this evening you’ll go for a night canoe ride. With the help of a spotlight, your guides will take you in a paddle canoe around the lagoon looking for caimans, boas, bats, owls, night mammals and more nocturnal wildlife.

Day 3 Amazon

Morning: Parrot Clay Lick and Mandi Wasi
After another early breakfast, take a canoe ride to the Yasuni National Park and visit the famous parrot clay lick for one of the most spectacular natural shows on earth. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later will come down to a clay bank to eat this soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy it. Once you identify the different species of parrots and parakeets, your naturalist guide will provide a lot of interesting information about this spectacular bird’s behaviour. The motorized canoe ride will continue for approximately 30 more minutes of bird-watching along the river banks.
You will have the opportunity to visit an Amazonian Kichwa family and learn about their lifestyle, customs, and traditions. This is a great cultural experience and you will learn much about the way people live in harmony with the rainforest around them. Return to the lodge for lunch.

Afternoon: Garzacocha Lagoon and Ceiba Trail & Nocturnal Walk
This afternoon, visit the butterfly farm and learn about the different stages of the development of a butterfly. This is a great opportunity to take some impressive close photos of the myriad varieties of butterfly found in the area. Next, you’ll enjoy a spot of fishing…for piranhas! Fishing lines will be provided by your native guide, to let you catch your own piranha. Depending on the size of the fish, you will put it back in the water or if it is big enough you can give it to our gourmet chef and enjoy a tasty fish dinner.