La Selva Lodge

La Selva was one of the first rainforest lodges of its kind in all of Ecuador, paving the way for the unique brand of high-end, sustainable eco-tourism that has contributed so much to the preservation of the rainforest and many other delicate ecosystems throughout the region. It has been at the forefront of both preservation and rainforest luxury, making it the ideal place for unwinding. But the luxury is manifested in what matters most: the explorations. Here, you will take in everything this alluring land has to offer. The approach is authentic and insightful; with the best guides in the region who are, without exaggerating, “synchronized” with the jungle. Hence, get an up-close encounter with this mosaic of life forms; watch how a tiny ant can impact a whole acre of territory, to a large tapir being chased by a jaguar. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to watch an epic fight between an anaconda and a caiman. The insights are cultural as well. Experience unique programs coordinated with local indigenous communities. Have the chance to appreciate their lifestyle and their harmony with nature. Surely, this view will give you a great impression for you to take home and onwards into your daily life. This is the true Amazon Safari; welcome to one of the best luxury Amazon lodges in Ecuador.

DAY 1, Enter the Forest QUITO – COCA – LA SELVA LODGE: 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 a 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. 4:30 pm – Intro To The Rainforest One of the Naturalist Guides will give you the 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 in. 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 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 pm – Dinner Dinner will be served at this time. Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course.

Day 2, EXPLORE THE JUNGLE: 6:00 am – Wake Up Call 6:30 am – Breakfast 7:00 am – Observation Tower/Tucaneta or Mandi Forest 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. There is also the option of visiting the beautiful lagoon of Mandi Cocha. A hike of about 1 hour takes you to the lagoon where an Igapo Forest is present, meaning that the forest is temporarily flooded by black water. Different species of birds and even giant otters can be seen here. 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 be 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 spotlight 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,  MYSTERIES OF THE FOREST DEEP IN THE JUNGLE: 6:00 am – Wake Up Call 6:30 am – Breakfast 7:00 – 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 – Garzacocha Lagoon and Ceiba Trail This is one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Here there are many chances to see monkeys and birds and sometimes families of squirrel monkeys join capuchin monkeys looking for food. The tremendous calls of the Howler monkeys can be heard in the afternoon and the smallest monkey in the world, the Pigmy Marmoset can be seen here too. Plenty of birds like the Hoatzin, toucans or macaws can also be seen flying overhead. 6:30 pm – Nocturnal Walk On a night walk, we give you the chance to enjoy the creatures and sounds of the Amazon Jungle at night. Sometimes we can see amazing things during this activity. Make sure you bring a flashlight for this fantastic experience. 7:15 pm – Departure Briefing Our manager will provide you all the necessary information about your departure procedure for the next morning. 7:30 pm – Dinner

Day 4, SPLENDOR OF NATURE: 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!

Airport reception and assistance in Quito and Coca
Transfers airport-dock-airport in Coca.
Canoe ride down the Napo River towards the lodge and back.
Premium Accommodation.
Guided excursions with a Top Bilingual National Guide & Native Guide.
Activity daily briefing.
Welcome and farewell cocktail
All meals & snacks / pure water, coffee and herbal tea.
Supplied expedition gear: water container and small backpack.
Rain coat and rubber boots provided during you stay.
Yoga sessions.
Use of kayaks.

Air tickets.
SPA services and treatments.
Soft beverages: juices, sodas, sparkling water, etc.
Alcoholic Beverages.
Tips for guide and staff.
Travel and health insurance.
Souvenirs.
Personal Expenses.
Any other item not specified above.