Arrival in El Coca and Introduction to the Amazon

Upon arrival at Quito International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative who will assist with check-in and provide a briefing about your journey. After a 30-minute flight to El Coca, you will take a private vehicle to the Napo River pier for a two-hour motorized canoe ride, marking the beginning of your adventure in the Amazon rainforest.

You’ll enjoy a box lunch and refreshments during this leg of the trip. At La Selva’s main dock, you will transfer to a paddle canoe for the final journey to the lodge, where staff will handle your luggage.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a refreshing drink and snacks, followed by an introductory briefing about the rainforest, setting the stage for your immersive experience.

Matapalo Charapa Trail: Discover the unique Strangler fig and ancient mahogany trees along this trail, guided by knowledgeable staff who will share insights about the local flora and fauna.

Night Canoe Ride: Explore Garza Cocha lagoon with a spotlight to search for caimans, owls, and other nocturnal wildlife, along with opportunities for stargazing if the skies are clear.

Parrot Clay Lick and Cultural Immersion

After breakfast, take a motorized canoe ride to the parrot clay lick, where hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather to feed on mineral-rich soil. Binoculars will enhance your viewing experience.

Visit the Pilchi indigenous community to learn about their traditional lifestyle, including their customs, food, and education, fostering a deep connection with local culture.

Lunch: Enjoy traditional cuisine and engage with the community.

Coto Trail: Experience a scenic walk from the lodge to Garza Cocha Lagoon, where your guides will introduce you to medicinal plants used for centuries by local tribes.

A canoe ride back to the lodge concludes your day’s activities.

Yasuní National Park Adventure

Start your day with breakfast before heading to Yasuní National Park, Ecuador’s largest protected area. Visit a clay lick where scarlet macaws and other parrots gather to drink, and you might spot deer, wild pigs, or tapirs.

Explore the forest and search for unique primates native to this area. Although the last uncontacted indigenous tribe resides here, they remain hidden from view.

Lunch: Enjoy a meal amid the natural beauty.

Morete Yaku: Paddle through the main creek feeding Garza Cocha Lake, experiencing the contrast between Terra Firme and swamp forests. Discover the importance of the Morete palm, which sustains numerous species and indigenous communities.

Departure Briefing: In the evening, the manager will provide essential information for your departure the following day, complemented by a farewell cocktail from the bartender.

Departure to El Coca

After a farewell breakfast and early wake-up call, you will start your journey back to El Coca via motorized canoe. Lodge staff will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transition to the airport, where your Amazon adventure concludes.

This itinerary immerses you in the natural and cultural wealth of the Ecuadorian Amazon, highlighting activities that capture the essence of the rainforest, its unique fauna, and the adventure offered in an eco-friendly lodge setting.