Sacha Lodge

Stays of Distinction

SUMMARY

4 Days

Amazon, Ecuador

Nestled within its expansive private 5,000-acre reserve, Sacha Lodge is approximately 80 kilometers downstream from Coca. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Amazon rainforest while enjoying the comfort of traditional lodge architecture. With 26 cabins equipped with private facilities and hot water, guests can unwind and rejuvenate in their private oasis.
One of the highlights of Sacha Lodge is the opportunity to experience the refreshing waters of Pilchicocha Lake. Take a dip and bask in the tranquillity of this picturesque lake, surrounded by lush greenery and captivating wildlife.

Sacha Lodge also offers exclusive attractions designed to enhance your Amazonian adventure. Experience the thrilling Canopy Walk, offering a unique perspective of the vibrant forest ecosystem from elevated suspension bridges. Ascend Kapok Tower for mesmerizing panoramic views of the Amazon’s jungle canopy. Furthermore, visit the Butterfly House and witness the captivating beauty of these delicate creatures up close.

Contours Travel recommends a minimum stay of three nights at Sacha Lodge, ensuring ample time to fully explore and immerse yourself in the wonders of this remarkable area. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking an unforgettable escape, Sacha Lodge promises an extraordinary experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

HIGHLIGHTS

Everything about the Ecuadorian Amazon is awe-inspiring. Rivers so wide you can barely see the other side; supersized Kapok trees and electric blue morph Butterflies.
Visit the live exhibition area of the butterfly farm in your free time, located a 10-minute walk from the lodge.
Napo River has more biodiversity than almost the whole of North America, yet the thrill of spotting Tamarind Monkeys, Giant Otters, Toucans, Boa Constrictors, Caimans or Owls never diminishes.
From the Kapok tower, you will be able to get magnificent, panoramic views of the forest unfolding all around, while the 500 species of birds registered in the area, including Rainbow-coloured Toucans and Parrots, become easy to spot.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Quito/Amazon

Depart from Quito this morning on the flight to Coca. On arrival, you will be met by your Sacha Lodge naturalist guide who will transfer you to the lodge’s private house. Here you will have time for a quick lunch and restroom break before walking across the road to the long boat that will take you two hours’ down river to the lodge. Even if it is warm, bring a long-sleeved top or jacket for the boat ride, as the damp breeze can be quite chilly. Disembark on the shores of the Napo River and hike for 30 minutes to Lake Pilchicocha, where you will board native dugout canoes and paddle across the lake.
After dinner, accompany your naturalist guide on a night walk through the rain forest to view the hundreds of different species of animals that can only be found at night. Or maybe a canoe ride on the lake to view the spectacled and black caimans with their glowing orange eyes as you silently paddle across the lake to get a closer view.

Day 2 Amazon

Today you will have an early start. This morning, you will take a beautiful walk through trail Liana Chica and arrive to the canopy walk, for spectacular views of the Rain forest. You will see vibrantly coloured birds. Designed to be a self-standing rigid suspension canopy walk, it is one of only a few in the world! Located within Sacha´s private reserve, the bird walk gives guests the opportunity to get an up close and personal view of the rain forest canopy. Two of the three towers have observation decks every 12 meters making towers accessible for everyone. The canopy walkway is at 36 meters high and 275 meters long, giving guests a “birds eye view” of all the wonders and beauty the tropical rain forest has to offer. The canopy walk is designed as a sturdy walkway enabling guests to casually move along while enjoying the spectacular views.
After the canopy walk, continue through terra firma and Igapo forest. Your local guides will explain and show you different species of medicinal plants. On the way, you will also see fig trees towering hundreds of feet above your head.

Day 3 Amazon

After breakfast, you will begin your hike on Lagartococha trail. This trail offers you the chance to learn more about the native people and their relationship with the forest. Learn about the trees where native people believe the spirits of their ancestors live. You will also take a tranquil canoe ride through a natural swamp, which is the home of anacondas, caimans, and capybaras. After the canoe ride, a walk on the other side of Largatococha may give you the opportunity to spot Capuchin or Squirrel Monkeys playfully jumping through the trees. These waters are home to many creatures such us Caimans, Electric Eels, and Giant Otters, among others. Swimming is possible as long as you follow your guide instructions and keep yourself always inside the designated areas. During Giant Otters and Caimans breading time the lake could be closed for swimming.
In the afternoon, you will take a walk to Sacha’s tower built around an ancient Kapok tree. Here, you will get close up views of vibrantly coloured birds through Sacha’s powerful scopes, and watch the sun set with an amazing view of Mount Sumaco, a volcano, and possibly a view of the snow-covered caps of the Andes! On the way back, you will be able to hear a symphony of frogs and insects as you navigate through the narrow-flooded forest trail, keeping your eyes open for Caimans.

Day 4 Amazon/Quito

After breakfast you will depart the lodge in the morning, taking the canoe back across Lake Pilchicocha and the long boat 2 hours back upriver to Coca. Here you will board your flight back to Quito.