La Selva Lodge Spa
About
La Selva Lodge is the perfect place for all kinds of travelers: families, couples, friends, student groups, single travelers, and people of all ages. We also offer honeymoon trips and romantic excursions that deepen your love by bringing you in collective harmony with the web of life that surrounds us.
Accommodation
The cabanas are derived from native design: rustic, authentic, but comfortable and with unexpected amenities including private bathroom, hot water shower, electricity, fan and everything sanitary beyond your wildest expectations.
You can sneak a siesta (Spanish for nap) in the hammock hut, or just spend some time relaxing on your own private hammock, reviewing the day’s photos from your digital camera.
The cabanas are private bungalows that keep you high and cozy, and are immaculately cleaned every day. It is important to note that these cabanas are made entirely of secondary growth rainforest materials and designed to blend with the surroundings. Each one has a private bathroom, a hammock and mosquito netting (although you will be surprised at how little need you will have for this item) for each bed.
There are 17 thatched cabanas of varying sleeping configurations and several public gathering spots, including the spacious dining room with a cone shaped roof, an open-air combined bar and a lounge with a wrap-around view of the lake. The hammock hut is preferred by many for siestas.
Highlights
Lodge is located in one of the most privileged locations in the area, since we are situated between the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, the Yasuni National Park and the Pañacocha Protected Forest; the lodge is a strategic point for flora and fauna sightings.
We are the closest lodge, located 30 minutes from the Napo Clay Lick for Parrots and Parakeets in Yasuni National Park
La Selva offers accommodation for all kinds of passengers, from those who prefer the rustic and simple to those who like to travel in full comfort.
Our suites have privileged views of Lake Garzacocha, a 100% natural lagoon and one of the biggest in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Lake Garzacocha is often visited by troops of different kinds of primates, offering great wildlife observation opportunities right from your suite’s balcony.
Yasuni Jungle Trips
Itinerary 5 days/ 4 nights
Day 1:
At the Quito International Airport you will be met by a La Selva representative in the National departure area in order to assist you.
After a 30 minute commercial flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana “El Coca”, transfer by private transportation (10 minute) will bring you to the dock of the Hotel La Mision on the shore of the Napo River. Our representative will take care of your luggage and will provide you with life vests and fresh water bottles.
An amazing fluvial journey of two and a half hours in a motorized canoe with the assistance of a high quality English-speaking naturalist guide will be the beginning of a great experience in the tropical rainforest. A delicious boxed lunch will be included.
At the end of the motorized canoe ride, you will be dropped off at the main river port of La Selva Lodge. After using the facilities and putting mosquito repellent on, a short 15 minute jungle walk will lead you to a creek where small fiber glass canoes will be taken to enjoy an unforgettable 20 minutes paddle canoe ride across “Garzacocha” (the heron´s lagoon) in order to reach the lodge area.
Do not forget that the only thing you must take care of yourself is your carry on. Your other luggage will be transported by our lodge´s staff.
Once you arrive at the lodge, our resident manager will welcome you with a refreshing drink and snacks. A short briefing with information about the lodge and your schedule of activities will be provided by a naturalist guide. Rubber boots will be provided and accommodations assigned.
16H00 – MATAPALO TRAIL: This trail was named with the Spanish name of the famous Strangler fig (Ficus sp) one of many remarkable trees that you will find during this short introductory walk, where your native and naturalist guides will start to share with you part of their knowledge about flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest.
19H00 – DINNER
20H00 – NIGHT WALK: A flashlight and a camera will be the most important tools you will need to enjoy all of the insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals that you might see during an hour walk in the darkness of the forest.
Day 2
05h00 – WAKE UP
06H00 – BREAKFAST
06H30 – OBSERVATION TOWER: To reach the tower you will need to leave the lodge and follow a trail of approximately 20 minutes. A platform located 135 feet above a kapok tree will let you enjoy an enchanting view of the rainforest canopy. Several different species of birds with bright colors and symphonic calls, besides canopy mammals like red howler monkeys, white fronted capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, might be part of this experience lasting approximately 2 hours.
It is time to continue with a walk in the forest. A visit to the TUCANETA TRAIL will let your guides share with you more information about flora and fauna. The main characteristics of the tropical rainforest and the behavior of insects, frogs, toads, reptiles, birds and mammals might be part of this walk.
12H30 – LUNCH
16H00 –CHAGUAMANGO HERMANO TRAIL: This trail begins behind the lodge and finishes on the edge of the lake. During the walk your guides will talk about the neo-tropical pharmacy that we 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, we 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 wildlife photos.
19H00 – DINNER
20H00 – 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. If the sky is clear, we might have the chance to do some star gazing.
Day 3
06H00 – WAKE UP CALL
06H30 – BREAKFAST
07H00 – PARROT CLAY LICK: It is time to visit the most biologically diverse spot on earth, the Yasuni National Park. A 20 minute canoe ride plus a 15 minute walk will head you back to the Napo River. A motorized canoe ride lasting 10 minutes will let you enjoy one of the most amazing displays of the wild world. 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 birds´ behavior. The motorized canoe ride will continue for approximately 30 more minutes to birdwatch along the river banks.
It has been a wonderful morning, full of parrots, parakeets and other birds. Now it is time to enjoy a CULTURAL ACTIVITY. An Amazonian Kichwa family will receive you in their home. A visit to the garden “chacra” followed by a visit to the house is going to show you that part of the Amazonia that you do not find on the maps: the Amazon people. A motorized canoe ride, walk and paddle canoe ride will lead you back to the lodge.
12H30: LUNCH
16H00: GARZACOCHA LAKE: 2 hour canoe ride around Garzacocha Lake, waiting for the chance to spot herons, flycatchers, birds of prey, the famous Hoatzin, troops of squirrel monkeys, red howler monkeys perched on the top of the highest trees, among other interesting fauna you might see during your lake trip. Do not forget your binoculars and your camera.
19H00: DINNER
20H00: LECTURE´S TIME: A cup of coffee, a piece of paper and a pencil will help you to take note of important extra details provided by your naturalist guide in an interesting lecture about nature.
Day 4
06H00 – WAKE UP CALL
06H30 – BREAKFAST
07H00 – PEDRO’S TRAIL: Cross Garzacocha Lake, walk through a virgin forest, and arrive at the tower: 4 hours.
12H30 – LUNCH
16H00 – BUTTERFLY FARM: It is the moment to learn about the biology of this amazing insect. Our farm will show you the different stages of the butterfly complemented with important information provided by your naturalist guide. You will not want to leave the flying area without taking your best photos of our colorful butterflies.
Now you have got enchanted photos for your album. The adventure continues with FISHING FOR PIRANHAS in the Garzacocha Lake. 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 French chef and enjoy a tasty fish dinner. Remember that the fish is much more delicious when you catch it yourself.
19H00: DINNER
20H00: DEPARTURE BRIEFING: Your naturalist guide will provide all the necessary information for your departure to Coca and flight back to Quito.
Day 5
In accordance with your last night briefing, you will have an early wake up call, breakfast and departure from the lodge.
The lodge staff will assist you with your checked luggage. Motorized canoe ride upstream to go back to Coca, where our representative will take you to the airport to help you with your checked luggage and boarding passes.
At the Quito International Airport you will be met by La Selva representative in the National departure area in order to assist you.
After a 30 minute commercial flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana “El Coca”, transfer by private transportation (10 minute) will bring you to the dock of the Hotel La Mision on the shore of the Napo River. Our representative will take care of your luggage and will provide you with life vests and fresh water bottles. An amazing fluvial journey of two and a half hours in a motorized canoe with the assistance of a high quality English-speaking naturalist guide will be the beginning of a great experience in the tropical rainforest. A delicious boxed lunch will be included. At the end of the motorized canoe ride, you will be dropped off at the main river port of La Selva Lodge. After using the facilities and putting mosquito repellent on, a short 15 minute jungle walk will lead you to a creek where small fiber glass canoes will be taken to enjoy an unforgettable 20 minutes paddle canoe ride across “Garzacocha” (the heron´s lagoon) in order to reach the lodge area. Do not forget that the only thing you must take care of is your carry on. Your other luggage will be transported by our lodge´s staff.
Once you arrive at the lodge, our resident manager will welcome you with a refreshing drink and snacks. A short briefing with information about the lodge and your schedule of activities will be provided by a naturalist guide. Rubber boots will be provided and accommodations assigned. 16H00 – MATAPALO TRAIL: This trail was named after the Spanish name of the famous Strangler fig (Ficus sp) one of many remarkable trees that you will find during this short introductory walk, where your native and naturalist guides will start to share with you part of their knowledge about flora and fauna of the tropical rain forest. 19H00 – DINNER
20H00 – NIGHT WALK: A flashlight and a camera will be the most important tools you will need to enjoy all of the insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals that you might see during an hour walk in the darkness of the forest.
Day 2
05H30 – WAKE UP CALL 06H00 – BREAKFAST 06H30 – OBSERVATION TOWER: To reach the tower you will need to leave the lodge and follow a trail of approximately 20 minutes. A platform located at 135 ft atop a kapok tree will let you enjoy an enchanting view of the rainforest canopy. Several different species of birds with bright colors and symphonic calls, besides canopy mammals like red howler monkeys, white fronted capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, might be part of this experience lasting approximately 2 hours.
It is time to continue with a walk in the forest. A visit to the TUCANETA TRAIL will let your guides share with you more information about flora and fauna. The main characteristics of the tropical rainforest and the behavior of insects, frogs, toads, reptiles, birds and mammals might be part of this walk.
12H30 – LUNCH
16H00: GARZACOCHA LAKE: 2 hour canoe ride around Garzacocha Lake, waiting for the chance to spot: herons, flycatchers, birds of prey, the famous Hoatzin, troops of squirrel monkeys, red howler monkeys perched on the top of the highest trees, among other interesting fauna you might see during your lake trip. Do not forget your binoculars and your camera.
19H00 – DINNER
20H00 – 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. If the sky is clear, we might have the chance to do some star gazing.
Day 3
06H00 – WAKE UP CALL
06H30 – BREAKFAST
07H00 – PARROT CLAY LICK: It is time to visit the most biologically diverse spot in the earth, the Yasuni National Park. A 20 minute canoe ride plus a 15 minute walk will head you back to the Napo River. A motorized canoe ride lasting 10 minutes will let you enjoy one of the most amazing displays of the wild world. 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 birds´ behavior. The motorized canoe ride will continue for approximately 30 more minutes of birdwatching along the river banks.
It has been a wonderful morning, full of parrots, parakeets and other birds. Now it is time to enjoy a CULTURAL ACTIVITY. An Amazonian Kichwa family will receive you in their home. A visit to the garden “chacra” followed by a visit to the house is going to show you that part of the Amazonia that you do not find on the maps: the Amazon people. Motorized canoe ride, walk and a paddle canoe ride will lead you back to the lodge
12H30: LUNCH
16H00 – CHAGUAMANGO HERMANO TRAIL:This trail begins behind the lodge and finishes on the edge of the lake. During the walk your guides will talk about the neo-tropical pharmacy that we 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, we 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.
19H00: DINNER
20H00: DEPARTURE BRIEFING:Your naturalist guide will provide all the necessary information for your departure to Coca and flight back to Quito.
Day 4
In accordance with your last night briefing, you will have an early wake up call, breakfast and departure from the lodge.
The lodge staff will assist you with your checked luggage. Motorized canoe ride upstream to go back to Coca, where our representative will take you to the airport to help you with your checked luggage and boarding passes.
PRICES 2023
| 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days | 6 Days |
| 1150 | 1490 | 1850 | – |
All prices are per person and in U.S. Dollars.
* In case you want to stay longer with us, please contact us.
* Single supplement is 50%. 100% supplement applies as of the fourth single within the same booking.
* For Christmas and New Year ́s Eve departures, a 10% surcharge applies.
* 25% discount per child (out of the gross rates). Children must be under 12 years old at the time of travelling.
* For groups of 16 pax or more, the 16th is free of charge on the accommodation.850
- Assistance at the airport: Quito and Coca. Transfers in the city of Coca.
- Canoe transportation from Coca to the Lodge.
- Accommodation + All meals.
- 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 ½ US.
- Personal Expenses, Souvenirs, taxes
- Tips, Alcoholic Beverages & Sodas
- Airfare Quito-Coca-Quito
- Others not specified
