Ecuador Amazon Adventure – La Selva EcoLodge
Explore the incredible diversity of Ecuador's Amazon for 4 or 5 days from La Selva EcoLodge, an exceptional wilderness lodge deeply committed to sustainable ecotourism. Daily hikes and paddles are lead by expert resident guides to canopy platforms, parrot clay licks and rainforest wildlife.
Explore the incredible diversity and wildlife of Ecuador’s Amazon from the newly refurbished La Selva EcoLodge. Winner of the Ecotourism Award from the World Congress on Tourism and the Environment, La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat sits high on Lake Garzacocha and has developed special conservation and community projects aimed at carbon neutrality that directly aid the planet in the true spirit of eco-tourism. The spacious airy suites here are inspired by native designs, each with a private balcony or porch, and the food is the pride of the lodge.
Your journey begins by canoeing the headwaters of the Amazon River to this comfortable wilderness lodge surrounded by a region of megadiversity, within Ecuador’s Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy daily hikes and paddles, led by expert resident guides, to explore the mysteries and connections of life in the Amazon rainforest at roughly 43 miles from the nearest urban area. You will by thrilled by the chance to ascend a canopy platform and view hundreds of colorful birds at nearby parrot licks.
This 4- or 5-day trip includes your jungle lodge accommodations and guided activities from this, one of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador. Options include canoeing (day and night), trail walking (day and night), kayaking, a community visit and viewing wildlife at the parrot clay lick and from the observation tower. An Amazon lodge trip is the perfect extension to a Galapagos cruise, or our Amazon travel experts can craft a custom Amazon tour.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Amazon rainforest tours and Amazon trips.
Ecuador Amazon Adventure - La Selva EcoLodge 4-Day Itinerary
Explore the incredible diversity of Ecuador’s Amazon from La Selva EcoLodge, one of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador with a deep commitment to sustainable ecotourism. Enjoy a suite along Garzacocha Lake. Unique to La Selva is its 125-foot observation tower.
After being greeted at the Quito airport by a representative from La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat, fly 35 minutes from Quito to the town of Coca (officially known as Francisco de Orellana) on the Napo River. After a short drive from the airport to the dock, board a large, motorized, covered canoe for a scenic 2-hour trip down the Napo River. A short walk and paddle canoe leads to La Selva EcoLodge. Upon arrival, the naturalist guides will provide an orientation to the rainforest and present many options for excursions helping you craft a custom Amazon travel adventure based on your interests and abilities. After dinner, enjoy a short night wildlife walk to search for wildlife. Or relax in the lounge with a cold drink from the bar or have a soothing massage in the spa.
Each day at La Selva EcoLodge is designed to explore the Amazon rainforest in depth. Experienced guides choose between the following activities based on time of day, season, weather, physical abilities of the group and where they believe wildlife is more likely to be found. Excursions and tours are with an English-speaking guide, some more physically challenging than others, and cater to all ages and physical abilities. Each activity is designed to showcase the best of what the Ecuadorian Amazon has to offer and are included in the program price:
125-Foot Observation Tower
The observation platform is 125 feet (38 meters) high and sits on sustainable steel. The platform offers a 360° view for world-class birdwatching.
Parrot Clay Lick
Visit clay licks where parrots and other birds frequently gather to eat salty clay to aid their digestion of seeds.
Kichwa Community Visit
Several indigenous communities live near La Selva; visit small communities and learn about their ways of life.
Charapa Turtle Adoption
A new initiative within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve allows guests to adopt an endangered charapa turtle and set it free into the wild once it has hatched. Guests who are interested must mention this at time of booking to properly coordinate with the organization. Donation amounts may be offered by guest at the end of the activity.
Night Excursions
With flashlight or headlamp, join your guide to see the forest come alive in the darkness.
Star Gazing
The night sky at La Selva is perfect for viewing constellations in the Southern Hemisphere. Accompanying guides help point them out. Keep an eye out for the new star gazing kit for the Junior Naturlist Childrens Program as well.
Nighttime Canoe Excursion
Join guides in the canoe with a spotlight on Garzacocha Lagoon to spot monkeys, caimans, bats, owls, the pigmy marmoset and more.
Kayaking
This is a great way to do some exploring on your own time. The kayaks are kept by the dock. Ask reception for the paddles and life jackets to go out on your own. You’ll have the opportunity to see monkeys, Hoatzins and many other tropical rainforest birds.
Swimming
Please inform reception you will be going for a swim. You can ask them for a towel instead of using one from your suite. The water is very refreshing after a jungle hike and feels silky smooth due to the blackwater.
Strangler Trail
The name is derived from the famous strangler fig (Ficus Aurea, in Spanish “matapalo”). A remarkable plant that grows around surrounding trees, suffocating them in the process.
Chaguamango Trail
Beginning at the lodge, the Chaguamango Trail winds through dense forest and finishes at the lagoon.
Sacha Huagra Trail
The longest and most challenging trail near La selva Lodge is also one of the most spectacular ones. The Sacha Hugra trail takes 4 to 5 hours to walk through and contains some of the only surviving original primary rainforest in the area. It’s your best chance to see some of the larger, more spectacular wildlife.
Charapa Trail
The Charapa Trail follows a winding path that most groups can walk in about an hour and a half. At the end of the trail, arrive at the lagoon, where the canoe will be waiting to return you to the lodge or explore Lake Garzacocha.
Marmoset Trail
In this part of the jungle you may find the Pygmy Marmoset, the world’s smallest monkey. They are called “Leoncillos,” or “Little Lions” by the locals.
Tucaneta Trail
The Tucaneta Trail provides the option for a walk with a native guide who can point out medicinal plants still in use today, as well as the interesting ecology and natural history of the Amazon.
Mandi Cocha Lagoon
A hike of about one hour brings you to this lagoon within an Igapo forest that’s temporarily flooded by black water. Watch for different species of birds and also giant otters.
Each evening at the lodge, enjoy optional talks by the guides who elaborate on specific topics of the rainforest and truly enhance your experience. In addition to the activities described above, La Selva offers yoga, spa treatments, sunset cruises and romantic candlelight dinners at additional cost. Contact you Adventure Specialist to customize your La Selva experience with custom activities for families, bird watching, honeymoons and more.
This morning journey by boat back up the Napo River to Coca for the return flight to Quito. Arrive Quito midday. This concludes your La Selva Amazon Adventure.
Included
Assistance at the airports in Quito and Coca; transportation in the Amazon (from Coca airport to the dock, canoe ride down the Napo River towards the lodge and back, among other transportation involved in the excursions) (excluded, additional $350(2026) fee on Sundays for up to 8 guests); premium accommodation at the lodge; all meals, snacks, bottled water, coffee and tea; welcome and farewell cocktail; daily excursions with English speaking naturalist and native guide; water container, small backpack, rain poncho and rubber boots (up to size 10.5 men) during your stay; yoga classes; use of kayaks.
Exclusions
International airfare, round-trip flights Quito to Coca ($260 per person in 2026, subject to change), alcoholic beverages and sodas, spa services, tips, souvenirs, personal expenses, insurance of any kind, and any other item not mentioned in Inclusions. For Christmas and New Year´s Eve departures, a 10% surcharge applies.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $200 is required per person at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
90 days or more – 100% of deposit
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The 4-day Ecuador Amazon Adventure begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador (UIO). Flights to the Amazon usually depart early and the Ecuador Amazon Adventure may require a pre-trip hotel overnight in Quito. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Expect to return from the Amazon late in the late afternoon on the last day of your itinerary. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
The 4-day Ecuador Amazon Adventure has a required flight between Quito and Coca on the first and final day of the itinerary. AdventureSmith will assist you with arranging your flights to Coca (not included in lodge package rate) after your booking has been made. Coca-Quito flight schedules vary, so check with AdventureSmith Explorations for details on your particular departure. There is a luggage weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) for checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) for one piece of carry-on baggage on the flights between Quito and Coca; additional fees apply for extra weight.
Activities
Activities may include forest and jungle hiking, wildlife observation, community visits, climbing stairs to canopy towers over 100 feet high, canoe rides, night excursions by foot or canoe, star gazing and nightly lectures. Ponchos and rubber boots are provided for use during your stay. To swap in a night of camping, inquire with your Adventure Specialist.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select staterooms upon availability (see Single pricing in Rates & Dates). Triple and Quad accommodations are available, ask your Adventure Specialist for details. Once a booking reaches 4 singles, a 100% supplement applies. For groups of 16 or more, the 16th guest is free of charge for accommodation.
Families & Children
Children under 12 years old at time of travel receive a 25% discount on double occupancy rate when staying with full fare adult.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife or National Park regulation. Bilingual naturalist guides and native guides are divided within specially organized groups, which offer the best opportunities possible during excursions. Private guides are available upon request for an extra fee and may be booked per night. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.
Ecuador Amazon Adventure - La Selva EcoLodge 5-Day Itinerary
Enjoy an extra day exploring the incredible diversity of Ecuador’s Amazon from La Selva EcoLodge, one of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador with a deep commitment to sustainable ecotourism. Enjoy a suite along Garzacocha Lake. Unique to La Selva is its 125-foot observation tower.
After being greeted at the Quito airport by a representative from La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat, fly 35 minutes from Quito to the town of Coca (officially known as Francisco de Orellana) on the Napo River. After a short drive from the airport to the dock, board a large, motorized, covered canoe for a scenic 2-hour trip down the Napo River. A short walk and paddle canoe leads to La Selva EcoLodge. Upon arrival, the naturalist guides will provide an orientation to the rainforest and present many options for excursions helping you craft a custom Amazon travel adventure based on your interests and abilities. After dinner, enjoy a short night wildlife walk to search for wildlife. Or relax in the lounge with a cold drink from the bar or have a soothing massage in the spa.
Each day at La Selva EcoLodge is designed to explore the Amazon rainforest in depth. Experienced guides choose between the following activities based on time of day, season, weather, physical abilities of the group and where they believe wildlife is more likely to be found. Excursions and tours are with an English-speaking guide, some more physically challenging than others, and cater to all ages and physical abilities. Each activity is designed to showcase the best of what the Ecuadorian Amazon has to offer and are included in the program price:
125-Foot Observation Tower
The observation platform is 125 feet (38 meters) high and sits on sustainable steel. The platform offers a 360° view for world-class birdwatching.
Parrot Clay Lick
Visit clay licks where parrots and other birds frequently gather to eat salty clay to aid their digestion of seeds.
Kichwa Community Visit
Several indigenous communities live near La Selva; visit small communities and learn about their ways of life.
Charapa Turtle Adoption
A new initiative within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve allows guests to adopt an endangered charapa turtle and set it free into the wild once it has hatched. Guests who are interested must mention this at time of booking to properly coordinate with the organization. Donation amounts may be offered by guest at the end of the activity.
Night Excursions
With flashlight or headlamp, join your guide to see the forest come alive in the darkness.
Star Gazing
The night sky at La Selva is perfect for viewing constellations in the Southern Hemisphere. Accompanying guides help point them out. Keep an eye out for the new star gazing kit for the Junior Naturlist Childrens Program as well.
Nighttime Canoe Excursion
Join guides in the canoe with a spotlight on Garzacocha Lagoon to spot monkeys, caimans, bats, owls, the pigmy marmoset and more.
Kayaking
This is a great way to do some exploring on your own time. The kayaks are kept by the dock. Ask reception for the paddles and life jackets to go out on your own. You’ll have the opportunity to see monkeys, Hoatzins and many other tropical rainforest birds.
Swimming
Please inform reception you will be going for a swim. You can ask them for a towel instead of using one from your suite. The water is very refreshing after a jungle hike and feels silky smooth due to the blackwater.
Strangler Trail
The name is derived from the famous strangler fig (Ficus Aurea, in Spanish “matapalo”). A remarkable plant that grows around surrounding trees, suffocating them in the process.
Chaguamango Trail
Beginning at the lodge, the Chaguamango Trail winds through dense forest and finishes at the lagoon.
Sacha Huagra Trail
The longest and most challenging trail near La selva Lodge is also one of the most spectacular ones. The Sacha Hugra trail takes 4 to 5 hours to walk through and contains some of the only surviving original primary rainforest in the area. It’s your best chance to see some of the larger, more spectacular wildlife.
Charapa Trail
The Charapa Trail follows a winding path that most groups can walk in about an hour and a half. At the end of the trail, arrive at the lagoon, where the canoe will be waiting to return you to the lodge or explore Lake Garzacocha.
Marmoset Trail
In this part of the jungle you may find the Pygmy Marmoset, the world’s smallest monkey. They are called “Leoncillos,” or “Little Lions” by the locals.
Tucaneta Trail
The Tucaneta Trail provides the option for a walk with a native guide who can point out medicinal plants still in use today, as well as the interesting ecology and natural history of the Amazon.
Mandi Cocha Lagoon
A hike of about one hour brings you to this lagoon within an Igapo forest that’s temporarily flooded by black water. Watch for different species of birds and also giant otters.
Each evening at the lodge, enjoy optional talks by the guides who elaborate on specific topics of the rainforest and truly enhance your experience. In addition to the activities described above, La Selva offers yoga, spa treatments, sunset cruises and romantic candlelight dinners at additional cost. Contact you Adventure Specialist to customize your La Selva experience with custom activities for families, bird watching, honeymoons and more.
This morning journey by boat back up the Napo River to Coca for the return flight to Quito. Arrive Quito midday. This concludes your La Selva Amazon Adventure.
Included
Assistance at the airports in Quito and Coca; transportation in the Amazon (from Coca airport to the dock, canoe ride down the Napo River towards the lodge and back, among other transportation involved in the excursions) (excluded, additional $350(2026) fee on Sundays for up to 8 guests); premium accommodation at the lodge; all meals, snacks, bottled water, coffee and tea; welcome and farewell cocktail; daily excursions with English speaking naturalist and native guide; water container, small backpack, rain poncho and rubber boots (up to size 10.5 men) during your stay; yoga classes; use of kayaks.
Exclusions
International airfare, round-trip flights Quito to Coca ($260 per person in 2026, subject to change), alcoholic beverages and sodas, spa services, tips, souvenirs, personal expenses, insurance of any kind, and any other item not mentioned in Inclusions. For Christmas and New Year´s Eve departures, a 10% surcharge applies.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $200 is required per person at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
90 days or more – 100% of deposit
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The 5-day Ecuador Amazon Adventure begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador (UIO). Flights to the Amazon usually depart early and the Ecuador Amazon Adventure may require a pre-trip hotel overnight in Quito. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Expect to return from the Amazon late in the late afternoon on the last day of your itinerary. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
The 5-day Ecuador Amazon Adventure has a required flight between Quito and Coca on the first and final day of the itinerary. AdventureSmith will assist you with arranging your flights to Coca (not included in lodge package rate) after your booking has been made. Coca-Quito flight schedules vary, so check with AdventureSmith Explorations for details on your particular departure. There is a luggage weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) for checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) for one piece of carry-on baggage on the flights between Quito and Coca; additional fees apply for extra weight.
Activities
Activities may include forest and jungle hiking, wildlife observation, community visits, climbing stairs to canopy towers over 100 feet high, canoe rides, night excursions by foot or canoe, star gazing and nightly lectures. Ponchos and rubber boots are provided for use during your stay. To swap in a night of camping, inquire with your Adventure Specialist.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select staterooms upon availability (see Single pricing in Rates & Dates). Triple and Quad accommodations are available, ask your Adventure Specialist for details. Once a booking reaches 4 singles, a 100% supplement applies. For groups of 16 or more, the 16th guest is free of charge for accommodation.
Families & Children
Children under 12 years old at time of travel receive a 25% discount on double occupancy rate when staying with full fare adult.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife or National Park regulation. Bilingual naturalist guides and native guides are divided within specially organized groups, which offer the best opportunities possible during excursions. Private guides are available upon request for an extra fee and may be booked per night. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.
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La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat is located 60 miles from Coca down the Napo River in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. La Selva ("the Jungle" in Spanish) has been in operation for over 25 years and is a highly respected jungle lodge in South America. Thatch-roofed cabanas, each with private bathrooms and hot water, are located one mile from the river on a hillside overlooking a lake.
La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat Review
AdventureSmith Explorations' La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our South America experts have stayed at La Selva Amazon EcoLodge firsthand and can help compare the La Selva Lodge with other adventure lodging and Ecuador land tours.
Choose the La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat if you're seeking a quiet respite off the beaten path with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities and a focus on sustainability (a carbon neutral property). Highlights of a remodel in 2021 included 12 state-of-the-art eco staterooms and a remodel of the four family and three scenic staterooms, bringing the lodge's capacity to a total of 50 guests. La Selva Lodge has the largest accommodations of any Ecuador rainforest lodge. In addition, an updated restaurant and bar area provides incredible views of Garzacocha Lake. La Selva Ecuador offers 24-hour electricity and water, powered by solar energy.
Arrival at La Selva Lodge
A stay at La Selva Amazon EcoLodge & Spa is a special experience from the start, combining a flight from Quito, motorized canoe ride, short walk through the jungle and a ride in a non-motorized canoe. Luggage is handled by representatives throughout the journey. In Quito, a representative meets travelers at the airport (or arranges a hotel pick up) to provide boarding passes and make luggage arrangements for the next flight to Coca. Flights to Coca are available every day except Sunday. In Coca, a new representative ushers guests to the dock. A motorized canoe then takes travelers down the Napo River (approximately 2.5 hours). A short jungle walk follows this trip to finally board a paddle canoe to cross Garzacocha Lagoon before arriving at the lodge. Upon arrival to La Selva's main dock, the staff will help carry luggage (carry-on baggage as well as camera gear will be the guest’s responsibility). A complimentary signature drink and introduction to the bilingual naturalist guide welcomes guests to the lodge.
Common Areas at La Selva Lodge
La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat offers many inviting spaces to relax. The sunny dock features lounge chairs, umbrellas for those who wish to recline and a jumping-off point for swimming and kayaking when a cool down is desired. Special spa treatments are also available as a private experience on the dock. Nature trails flow through the property, connecting cabanas, an open-air spa pavilion, the main lodge, a serene space known as "Samay Wasi" or "resting room," and various wildlife viewing areas. The lodge itself overlooks Lake Garzacocha, with open-air seating complete with instruments to watch for wildlife in and around the waters below. The lodge also offers a refurbished dining room with al fresco seating and a fully-stocked bar.
Here is the Observation Deck, offering views from directly above the dining room:
Sustainability at La Selva Lodge
La Selva EcoLodge strives to embody sustainable tourism. By employing members of the local Pilchi community, La Selva has reduced the amount of hunting, fishing and tree cutting that are common professions. New engines with low emissions and less fuel consumption are now used for La Selva Lodge's boats on the rivers. On Lake Garzacocha the use of any engine is prohibited. The lodge staff aims to purchase 80% of the food served on site from local communities and ensures the majority of products used are natural and fresh from the surrounding area. Structures were consciously constructed using bamboo taken from sustainable plantations nearby. All-natural amenities and biodegradable products are provided for showers and baths, and waste water is cleaned and then conserved in a natural pond.
Dining at La Selva Lodge
The spacious and open dining room and lounge, with panoramic views of Lake Garzacocha, creates an inviting atmosphere. Breakfasts and dinners may also be enjoyed in the expansive Main Bungalow Observatory, for an exclusive dining experience. La Selva EcoLodge's restaurant provides gourmet organic food using local ingredients from its on-site garden, such as herbs, fruits and vegetables. Dishes include exquisite international favorites as well as native flavors. The kitchen specializes in vegetarian and raw food and can accommodate special diets (including vegan, gluten free and kosher) upon request. Friendly bartenders serve guests' requests and tropical drinks special to La Selva Lodge; all can be enjoyed at the fully-stocked bar overlooking the lake.
Here is the restaurant, lounge and bar on site:
Activities at La Selva Lodge
A variety of self-guided and naturalist-guided hikes by day and night reveal the vast biodiversity of the region. Seek out the thousands of plants and animals that may be within range of the lodge and lagoon, including orchids, ferns, monkeys, caimans, jaguars, turtles, marmosets, frogs and many birds. Kayaks, swimming, self-guided trails and a butterfly garden are also available. An optional visit to the Kichwa community provides the chance to interact with native people and learn about their way of life. La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat also features a guided jungle camping immersion with all equipment included. Guests are provided with a rain poncho and rubber boots for the duration of their stay.
Birdwatching is often a highlight of any stay at La Selva EcoLodge. The lodge is located in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, which has been shown by ornithological studies to contain more species of birds than any other region in Ecuador and more than both the entire USA and Canada combined. Clay licks that draw parrots and other birds create ground-level opportunities to watch birds. The spacious 125-foot rainforest canopy observation tower provides an eye-level view of possible tanagers, parrots, toucans, parakeets, woodpeckers, hoatzins and countless other species. Special birdwatching tours are available.
For rejuvenation, yoga classes on the dock are offered, complete with complimentary mats. A natural pool provides a peaceful place to relax. La Selva's Amazon spa offers innovative and traditionally-crafted treatments on-site, tailored to stimulate circulation and increase relaxation. Customized therapies include reflexology, exfoliation, hot stone massage and various types of baths and body massage, including children's massage. Young visitors can take advantage of the Junior Naturalist Program, with activities like learning to paddle a canoe, practicing non-impactful wilderness travel and learning about rainforest protection practices from community members.
The spa at La Selva EcoLodge:
Community Service at La Selva Lodge
La Selva Amazon Lodge supports local native communities in various ways. The monthly stipend given to the Pilchi community lends support to their schools and community projects, including health care, transportation and sanitary facilities. The lodge staff, comprised of many community members, closely collaborates with locals on management issues like organic farming. La Selva Lodge in Ecuador helped purchase a motorized canoe with a low-emission engine for the local community to use. The nonprofit organization affiliated with La Selva, Fundación Bolivar Education, sends volunteers to the community to aid in conservation projects centered around health care and sanitation, among others. Guests of the lodge can participate in the Pack for a Purpose program, electing to bring and donate various supplies for distribution at the local schools.
Accommodations at La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat
Thatched rooms offer varying sleeping configurations in a total of 19 Panoramic Staterooms. All Panoramic Staterooms welcome the surrounding rainforest atmosphere while ensuring comfort. Each cozy Panoramic Stateroom has a private bathroom equipped with L'Occitane products and hot showers; electricity; ceiling fans; and mosquito netting for each bed. In efforts to preserve the authentic Amazon experience and bolster conservation, staterooms are not air conditioned, but an open design allows for ample air circulation. Designed entirely of secondary growth rainforest materials, the staterooms perfectly blend into their Amazon setting.
Three Panoramic Staterooms overlook Lake Garzacocha, twelve more Panoramic Staterooms offer sweeping views and four Family Staterooms offer extra room. Panoramic Staterooms are outfitted with rainforest showers, private balconies and panoramic views. Family Staterooms provide spacious bathrooms, hammocks and a tub on a private porch.
La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat is located 60 miles from Coca down the Napo River in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. La Selva ("the Jungle" in Spanish) has been in operation for over 25 years and is a highly respected jungle lodge in South America. Thatch-roofed cabanas, each with private bathrooms and hot water, are located one mile from the river on a hillside overlooking a lake.
La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat Review
AdventureSmith Explorations' La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our South America experts have stayed at La Selva Amazon EcoLodge firsthand and can help compare the La Selva Lodge with other adventure lodging and Ecuador land tours.
Choose the La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat if you're seeking a quiet respite off the beaten path with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities and a focus on sustainability (a carbon neutral property). Highlights of a remodel in 2021 included 12 state-of-the-art eco staterooms and a remodel of the four family and three scenic staterooms, bringing the lodge's capacity to a total of 50 guests. La Selva Lodge has the largest accommodations of any Ecuador rainforest lodge. In addition, an updated restaurant and bar area provides incredible views of Garzacocha Lake. La Selva Ecuador offers 24-hour electricity and water, powered by solar energy.
Arrival at La Selva Lodge
A stay at La Selva Amazon EcoLodge & Spa is a special experience from the start, combining a flight from Quito, motorized canoe ride, short walk through the jungle and a ride in a non-motorized canoe. Luggage is handled by representatives throughout the journey. In Quito, a representative meets travelers at the airport (or arranges a hotel pick up) to provide boarding passes and make luggage arrangements for the next flight to Coca. Flights to Coca are available every day except Sunday. In Coca, a new representative ushers guests to the dock. A motorized canoe then takes travelers down the Napo River (approximately 2.5 hours). A short jungle walk follows this trip to finally board a paddle canoe to cross Garzacocha Lagoon before arriving at the lodge. Upon arrival to La Selva's main dock, the staff will help carry luggage (carry-on baggage as well as camera gear will be the guest’s responsibility). A complimentary signature drink and introduction to the bilingual naturalist guide welcomes guests to the lodge.
Common Areas at La Selva Lodge
La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat offers many inviting spaces to relax. The sunny dock features lounge chairs, umbrellas for those who wish to recline and a jumping-off point for swimming and kayaking when a cool down is desired. Special spa treatments are also available as a private experience on the dock. Nature trails flow through the property, connecting cabanas, an open-air spa pavilion, the main lodge, a serene space known as "Samay Wasi" or "resting room," and various wildlife viewing areas. The lodge itself overlooks Lake Garzacocha, with open-air seating complete with instruments to watch for wildlife in and around the waters below. The lodge also offers a refurbished dining room with al fresco seating and a fully-stocked bar.
Here is the Observation Deck, offering views from directly above the dining room:
Sustainability at La Selva Lodge
La Selva EcoLodge strives to embody sustainable tourism. By employing members of the local Pilchi community, La Selva has reduced the amount of hunting, fishing and tree cutting that are common professions. New engines with low emissions and less fuel consumption are now used for La Selva Lodge's boats on the rivers. On Lake Garzacocha the use of any engine is prohibited. The lodge staff aims to purchase 80% of the food served on site from local communities and ensures the majority of products used are natural and fresh from the surrounding area. Structures were consciously constructed using bamboo taken from sustainable plantations nearby. All-natural amenities and biodegradable products are provided for showers and baths, and waste water is cleaned and then conserved in a natural pond.
Dining at La Selva Lodge
The spacious and open dining room and lounge, with panoramic views of Lake Garzacocha, creates an inviting atmosphere. Breakfasts and dinners may also be enjoyed in the expansive Main Bungalow Observatory, for an exclusive dining experience. La Selva EcoLodge's restaurant provides gourmet organic food using local ingredients from its on-site garden, such as herbs, fruits and vegetables. Dishes include exquisite international favorites as well as native flavors. The kitchen specializes in vegetarian and raw food and can accommodate special diets (including vegan, gluten free and kosher) upon request. Friendly bartenders serve guests' requests and tropical drinks special to La Selva Lodge; all can be enjoyed at the fully-stocked bar overlooking the lake.
Here is the restaurant, lounge and bar on site:
Activities at La Selva Lodge
A variety of self-guided and naturalist-guided hikes by day and night reveal the vast biodiversity of the region. Seek out the thousands of plants and animals that may be within range of the lodge and lagoon, including orchids, ferns, monkeys, caimans, jaguars, turtles, marmosets, frogs and many birds. Kayaks, swimming, self-guided trails and a butterfly garden are also available. An optional visit to the Kichwa community provides the chance to interact with native people and learn about their way of life. La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat also features a guided jungle camping immersion with all equipment included. Guests are provided with a rain poncho and rubber boots for the duration of their stay.
Birdwatching is often a highlight of any stay at La Selva EcoLodge. The lodge is located in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, which has been shown by ornithological studies to contain more species of birds than any other region in Ecuador and more than both the entire USA and Canada combined. Clay licks that draw parrots and other birds create ground-level opportunities to watch birds. The spacious 125-foot rainforest canopy observation tower provides an eye-level view of possible tanagers, parrots, toucans, parakeets, woodpeckers, hoatzins and countless other species. Special birdwatching tours are available.
For rejuvenation, yoga classes on the dock are offered, complete with complimentary mats. A natural pool provides a peaceful place to relax. La Selva's Amazon spa offers innovative and traditionally-crafted treatments on-site, tailored to stimulate circulation and increase relaxation. Customized therapies include reflexology, exfoliation, hot stone massage and various types of baths and body massage, including children's massage. Young visitors can take advantage of the Junior Naturalist Program, with activities like learning to paddle a canoe, practicing non-impactful wilderness travel and learning about rainforest protection practices from community members.
The spa at La Selva EcoLodge:
Community Service at La Selva Lodge
La Selva Amazon Lodge supports local native communities in various ways. The monthly stipend given to the Pilchi community lends support to their schools and community projects, including health care, transportation and sanitary facilities. The lodge staff, comprised of many community members, closely collaborates with locals on management issues like organic farming. La Selva Lodge in Ecuador helped purchase a motorized canoe with a low-emission engine for the local community to use. The nonprofit organization affiliated with La Selva, Fundación Bolivar Education, sends volunteers to the community to aid in conservation projects centered around health care and sanitation, among others. Guests of the lodge can participate in the Pack for a Purpose program, electing to bring and donate various supplies for distribution at the local schools.
Accommodations at La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat
Thatched rooms offer varying sleeping configurations in a total of 19 Panoramic Staterooms. All Panoramic Staterooms welcome the surrounding rainforest atmosphere while ensuring comfort. Each cozy Panoramic Stateroom has a private bathroom equipped with L'Occitane products and hot showers; electricity; ceiling fans; and mosquito netting for each bed. In efforts to preserve the authentic Amazon experience and bolster conservation, staterooms are not air conditioned, but an open design allows for ample air circulation. Designed entirely of secondary growth rainforest materials, the staterooms perfectly blend into their Amazon setting.
Three Panoramic Staterooms overlook Lake Garzacocha, twelve more Panoramic Staterooms offer sweeping views and four Family Staterooms offer extra room. Panoramic Staterooms are outfitted with rainforest showers, private balconies and panoramic views. Family Staterooms provide spacious bathrooms, hammocks and a tub on a private porch.
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Learn About the Jungle Lodge on Your Itinerary
One of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador, the award-winning La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat is a premier property in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Located 60 miles from Coca down the Napo River in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, La Selva features 19 staterooms with the largest accommodations of any Ecuador rainforest lodge.
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Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
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Expert Review: Ecuador Amazon Adventure at La Selva EcoLodge
An AdventureSmith Adventure Specialist reviews her trip to the Amazon rainforest at La Selva EcoLodge. Parrots, monkeys, canopy towers and adventurous cuisine!
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