La Selva Eco Lodge (Ecuador)
La Selva was established in 1986, one of the first eco lodges in Ecuador’s Amazon region, long before ecotourism became a buzzword. It is still owned by the founder, who is still passionate about ecotourism, and about the fascinating world of this wondrous ecosystem. This passion is obvious when you stay at La Selva. In line with eco responsibility, the lodge is constructed in a native design, and is rustic, authentic and comfortable. Private bungalows are cozy, immaculately clean, and yet private. La Selva may be rustic by design, but it’s first class in service and amenities. It’s a great value.
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Established in 1986, La Selva Jungle Lodge was one of the first eco lodges established in Ecuador’s Amazon region, long before ecotourism became a buzzword. At La Selva you see ecotourism at its finest: living and walking in the Amazon rain forest with the best naturalists and native trackers. Through more than twenty years of refinement, the lodge has achieved a oneness with the environment and has won the Ecotourism Award.
Located in the pristine Napo rain forest area its motto says it all: “In the jungle anything is possible!” such as “you are as far away from civilization as you can possibly be and a gourmet meal arrives at your table with only the freshest ingredients.” The food is a major event at La Selva.
Typical stays are 4, 5, or 6 days (longer stays are always available.) Each day you’ll choose from a variety of hikes, canoe excursions, and activities at a level that’s comfortable for you, led by a bi-lingual English speaking guide and a native guide. You come as close to nature as possible as you explore the virgin rainforest with its animal wildlife, lakes, rivers and flora.
La Selva takes up to 40 people, but each group excursion takes a maximum of 8 people per guide. There are many optional activities such as visiting the butterfly farm, night excursions, birding, and more. Swimming in the lake bordering the lodge is a popular activity at any time, and you can piranhas in it too! (Not to worry, the piranhas are very friendly to guests.)
La Selva prides itself on providing a family atmosphere where every guest feels at home, and especially caters to families from children to grandparents. The staff knows how to make the rainforest come alive for children -- to excite, educate, stimulate and surprise not only children, but all guests. The food is appropriate for all people too -- gourmet for the adults, and the best Amazon pizza, French fries and great desserts for the kids.
Use these Activity Level Ratings as a general guide to help determine which of our adventures is best for you. Your perception of level of difficulty may vary from ours according to your own level of fitness and travel experience. Whether or not you stay in your comfort zone on the trip you select may also be influenced by the pacing we build into the itinerary, and your own preparation for the trip. While relatively high elevations are unavoidable when you're traveling in the Andes Mountains, we may judge a trip as "moderate" so long as passengers have sufficient time for acclimation. Our detailed trip itineraries give much more information about what you can expect. If you are unsure which trip is best for you, please call us. We'll help guide you toward the right fit.
Moderate
These adventures involve fairly easy travel. There is no camping: you sleep in hotels and country inns each evening. Trips may include short hikes and/or walks of two to three hours. Our itineraries include excursions in passenger mini-vans, over roads with many curves and potholes. Elevations rarely exceed 12,600'. At Machu Picchu and other Inca sites, we climb and descend relatively steep stone staircases. Trips to Amazon lodges involve travel by boat and canoe, plus hikes on forest trails at a moderate pace. In the rainforest, you may encounter rain, mud, and pooled water. Trips to the Galapagos include optional hikes on sometimes uneven rocky and/or slippery terrain. Passengers must get into and out of dinghies on beaches and at docks.
Active
These adventures include more hiking than in our moderate trips. You negotiate a variety of terrain, at elevations no more than 15,000'. Some trips include long days of overland travel. You sleep comfortably in hotels each evening.
Strenuous
While we rate all of our treks as strenuous, there is a substantial range of challenge between the easiest and the most demanding of our treks. Expect to hike 6-8 hours each day over steep and rugged terrain. You may hike to elevations of 17,000', with options to hike higher from several camps. Many include camping multiple nights at relatively high elevations. On most treks in the Andes, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing on one or more nights. On our Inn to Inn based treks, you'll spend each evening in a comfortable mountain lodge.
Extreme
Our toughest treks are suitable for those that enjoy a good physical challenge. You trek (and in some cases climb) over steep, rugged terrain at high elevations with substantial altitude gains. Some glacier travel requires knowledge of basic climbing techniques including use of crampons, ice axe, and ropes. These trips are in remote wilderness areas and include camping as high at 17,700'. Successful summit bids top out at 18,871' (Nevado Pisco), 19,347' (Volcan Cotopaxi) and 20,945' (Nevado Ausangate).
2009 Rates, per person, double occupancy
4D/3N, Wed-Sat & Fri-Mon, $717
5D/4N, Sat-Wed, Mon-Fri, $852
Extra Night $190
Airfare Quito/Coca/Quito, $130
Read More2009 rates per person
4D/3N, Wed-Sat & Fri-Mon: $717
5D/4N, Sat-Wed, Mon-Fri: $852
Extra Night: $190
Airfare Quito/Coca/Quito: $130 (subject to change)
Single Supplement: +30%Children under age 12: 30% discount
Extras:
Canopy breakfast, $25
Candlelight Dock-side dinner, $80
Campout night, $100
Standard packages are 4,5, or 6 days. Longer programs are available upon request. (If absolutely necessary due to a time constraint, a 3-day program is also available, but not recommended because it’s too short to fully enjoy the Amazon.) You choose your daily activities from a host of options, based on your interest and activity level.
Read MoreSAMPLE 4 & 5 DAY ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Quito Airport for the flight to Coca. A representative from La Selva will meet you and assist with check-in. You fly on either of the following private airlines: ICARO, VIP, AEROGAL or TAME, all using modern planes for the 25 minute flight.
At Coca airport you’ll be met by La Selva staff for a 15 minute transfer in a Chiva (open bus) to a private dock. There you board a motorized canoe for the trip down the River Napo (2 to 2½ hours). A box lunch will be provided for you to eat during the river excursion.
Upon Arrival at the La Selva dock, the staff will carry your luggage (carry on, as well as camera gear, is guest’s responsibility.) Naturalist guides welcome you, as you sip a complimentary cocktail in the bar, then receive an introduction to the facilities and activities.. The first excursion follows after you’ve settled into your cabins. Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, then a well-deserved rest.
Day 2
6:00 AM: early wake-up call
6:30: breakfast
7:10: departure for excursion
1:00 PM: lunch
Afternoon: Leisure time until 4:00 excursion
4:00 PM: afternoon activity/excursion.
7:00 PM: dinner
After dinner: night excursion
Day 3
6:00 AM: early wake-up call
6:30: breakfast
7:10: departure for excursion
1:00 PM: lunch
4:00PM: take another excursion, or an optional activity such as fishing, canoeing, the observation tower, or simply relaxing with your guide and discussing the lodge's ecotourism efforts.
7:00 PM: dinner
After dinner: night excursion
Day 4
Early wake up for the return Quito. Reversing your steps from arrival day, transfer by morotized canoe to Coca, fly from Coca to Quito, arriving around noon The 5-day program follows the same itinerary as above, adding one more day the same as day 3. You depart on Day 5 (same as Day 4 above.)
Included in the Land Cost:
All meals and beverages with meals
River travel from Coca
Daily excursions led by English Speaking naturalist guide & local guides
Use of kayaks, fishing droplines, canoes, rubber boots, etc.
Not Included:
Entrance fee to the Yasuni National Park ($25 per person)
Air ticket Quito/Coca/Quito $130
Beverage service from the bar
Laundry service
Personal expenses
Tips to guides and staff
SAMPLE HIKES
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from day adventures, night adventures, physical challenges, long or short walks, or anthropological visits. Advise La Selva of your preferences and they will arrange a native or naturalist guide to accompany you on your choice of adventure.
Below is a partial list of activities:
Walk by a local house
Cross Garzacocha Lake. 2½ to 3 hours walk on a purposely-underdeveloped trail, which is somewhat physically challenging. Half of the walk is in primary rainforest and the other half passes the huts of the indigenous neighbors along the Napo River.
Mandicocha Trail
An easy trail close to the Lodge, which is usually filled with wildlife at any time of day.
Night Excursions
Every night after dinner you can view the nocturnal wildlife such as caiman, monkeys, insects and owls via canoe or walking. These are among our most popular excursions.
Pedro's Trail
Choose either the long or short version.
Long Version: cross Garzacocha Lake, then walk through virgin forest, looking for what might be just beyond the next tree. Arrive at the tower - 4 Hours.
Short version: pass the Butterfly farm and you will join Pedro's Trail in the middle - 2 Hours.
Chawamango's Trail
Head east at Mandicocha trailhead and walk along the Mandicocha Lake to the Napo River. Return to the lodge by an elevated walkway and cross Garzacocha by canoe - 3 Hours.
Little Chawamango
This short trip skirts the edge of Lake Garzacocha. Return by canoe to the lodge.
El Salado
El Salado Excursion -- 2-hours, crossing the Napo River, with a picnic lunch. Visit a site where, with a little luck, parrots and parakeets, by the thousands can be seen.
High Forest Trail
The duration of the High Forest Trail can vary between 3 to 5 hours. Cross the Napo River and arrive at a challenging mountainous trail, which offers yet another ecosystem. Here are birds and wildlife seen nowhere else. Try eating the lemon ants!
Pilche Trail
Take the Pilche Trail across Garzacocha Lake and walk for one hour or more. Along the way you will see an enormous colony of leafcutter ants and whatever wildlife may come your way.
BIRDING AND BUTTERFLIES
Come to La Selva, where world-renowned bird guide author, Ned Wheatley has stated in the book, “Where to Watch Birds in South America?”, that La Selva Jungle Lodge is "Quite simply one of the world’s best birding sites."
Birding is a different kind of adventure, often relished on a level the uninitiated can’t imagine. La Selva is renowned for its excellent birding, and cater to those passionate about birding.
At La Selva you’re surrounded by forest that is home to an amazingly rich and diverse number of birds. La Selva’s native birding guides are there to take you on the best birding excursions available. Some of these specialist birding guides have been leading birding expeditions in the Amazon for twenty years.
SOME BIRDING FIRSTS SEEN At La Selva:
- long-tailed potoo
- ochre striped ant-pitta
- cocha antshrike
- zig-zag heron.
BUTTERFLY FARM
La Selva’s Butterfly Farm was designed to present an ecologically sound, sustainable alternative way to help preserve Ecuador's Amazon rainforest. It is another step in the lodge's ongoing effort to find viable ways (besides ecotourism) to help save Ecuador's priceless Amazon rain forest.
At the farm you will see this miracle of nature and possibly witness the marvel of metamorphosis. Here you may find the best photo opportunity that the lodge has to offer!
La Selva breeds its own butterflies. It was the first professional enterprise of its type in South America, the only one in the world located in the primary rainforest. And currently, La Selva produces as many as 20,000 butterflies per year from egg to caterpillar to pupae for exportation.
They send pupae to such diverse locations as a zoo in Holland, a castle in France, and Cypress Gardens in Florida where they fly in enclosed botanical gardens, spreading the message of beauty and the importance of the Amazon jungle with every beat of their wings and providing another example of ecotourism for our guests.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
The Canopy Breakfast
For a real thrill have your breakfast 135 feet (45 meters) high above the forest in the canopy tower at dawn. The tower is one of the most coveted spots at the lodge for viewing wildlife from the high perspective. So bring your camera and enjoy the delicious food and impeccable service. ($25 per person, 6 people maximum)
Candelight Dockside Dinner
Partake of a private romantic candlelit dockside dinner for two on the lake. The entire dock is lit with a trail of candles that leads to your table. Complimentary Cocktails and Wine & excellent service by your waiter. ($80 per couple)
Campout Overnight
Leave the lodge after lunch with camera, change of clothes, everything you need for a one night camp out. Hike to our campsite about 1 hour or more where everything has been prepared, tents, latrine, cold water shower for your overnight stay. Then you go to Madicocha lake and explore upper Mandiyacu stream by canoe. After dinner, a gourmet safari event, return to the lake for a nighttime exploration. Sleep to the sounds of the rain forest in full orchestration. Arise to a hearty breakfast early and hike the most distant trail from the lodge. Return to the lodge for lunch. ($100 per person / 4 couple limit / 2-person tents)
The lodge is rustic and authentically designed in the local style to blend in with the surroundings, constructed entirely with secondary rainforest materials. The accommodations are in 17 private bungalows that are cozy, comfortable, and immaculately clean. Private hot water shower.
Read MoreLa Selva Eco Lodge (Ecuador)
Cabins have recently been updated with luxurious sheets, pillows, blankets, mosquito netting, lighting. All cabins have private bath and shower with hot water and electricity.
Looking for an exotic, unusual honeymoon?
La Selva Jungle Lodge is the perfect place for honeymoon trips and romantic excursions. Here you’ll enjoy solitude, fun and relaxation, along with introspection that fosters a shared vision: rediscovering together a sense of belonging to something much larger than yourselves.
Read MoreHONEYMOON PROGRAM – 7 Days
La Selva Jungle Lodge is the perfect place for honeymoon trips and romantic excursions. Here you’ll enjoy solitude, fun and relaxation, along with introspection that fosters a shared vision: rediscovering together a sense of belonging to something much larger than yourselves.
A sampling of some of the special amenities:
- flower petals decorating your room
- breakfast on top of the largest tree while the sun is rising
- a private sundowner cocktail.
- Secluded honeymoon bungalow with queen bed, in a spectacular natural environment.
- experience private adventures together based on your personal preferences and style of travel.
- private visit to the Butterfly Farm with a special display by the farm director.
- the Amazon Gondolier excursion -- an indigenous guide takes you out before dusk in a dugout canoe or kayak and paddles you slowly & quietly around beautiful tranquil Lake Garzacocha.
- candlelit dockside dinner over the lake with a private waiter and a table just for two. The entire dock is lit with a trail of candles that leads to your table. Complimentary cocktails and wine.
- breakfast at dawn, at 135 feet high, above the forest in the canopy tower
- massage for each in the spa
Quick Facts
- 4, 5, 6 Day all-inclusive typical packages
- Daily hikes, canoe rides, birding led by expert naturalist and local guides
- Renowned Butterfly Farm & lookout tower above canopy
- Excellent birding excursions led by expert native bird guide specialists
- Established in 1986, the first full-service eco lodge in Ecuador's Amazon
- Comfortable cabins, excellent food & service
- Family-friendly