Skip to main content

Ecuador Amazon Extension | La Selva Lodge

4 Days
From AUD 2,923

STYLE: Jungle Lodge

Trip Code: ECTSLSV4

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Quito, Ecuador

Finish: Quito, Ecuador

DestinationDestination

Ecuador, Amazon

DestinationDeparture Date

Daily (except Sundays)

MealsMeals

All meals at the lodge 

TransportTransport

Flights from Quito-Coca-Quito, Transfer by boat from Coca to the Lodge and back

TransportAccommodation

Jungle Lodge



Enquire Now
map

Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Activities from the lodge in small groups with expert naturalist guides 

HOW OUR SIGNATURE TOURS WORK

Booking a South America trip with Chimu is easy! Our signature tours are developed so you can choose your own departure date, choose your accommodation style and add extensions to customize your trip!

Choose a  
Signature Tour

Choose a  
Departure Date

Choose your Accommodation Style

Add optional extensions pre or post tour

Enjoy your trip!

OVERVIEW

A stay at the luxurious La Selva Lodge is an experience that will be banked amongst your life-time highlights. Tastefully appointed, spacious and incredibly comfortable, this ecolodge is nestled amongst virgin Amazonian rainforest in Ecuador,  home to the most diverse set of species on the planet. Your multi day stay is an adventure from the very beginning as you are transferred from the high altitudes of Quito down into the the Amazon basin and deep into the rainforest, to a secluded lake and the comfort of La Selva lodge. You'll be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff who will look after you for the entirety of your stay.

There are a multitude of trails around the lake on which your guides will take you to spot a plethora of local wildlife, be sure to look for the smaller creatures as well as the large as they are all fascinating in their own way. You'll also spend time on canoes exploring the lake and surrounds, you'll climb to the top of the canopy to spot some of the many exotic Amazonian birds and visit the local village to learn about life in the lungs of our planet, the Amazon.

The food at La Selva is second to none, created from local produce, the chef's stop at nothing to showcase their talents and there's nothing better after a day exploring the Amazon than to kick back with a cocktail and marvel at the sight before you, as the lodge offers uninterrupted views of pure, raw, incredible nature.

The La Selva Experience

Located within Ecuador’s Yasuní Biosphere Reserve and on the borders of the famous Yasuní National Park — one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet — La Selva Amazon Ecolodge belongs to one of the first rainforest lodges in Ecuador. The main lodge and restaurant are the perfect spots to observe local birds or other wildlife while socializing with other visitors or simply relaxing with a cocktail. Typical Ecuadorian meals with local ingredients mixed with international dishes will be served to you while you settle back in your chairs and enjoy scenic views of the lake or surrounding forest. You will be accommodated in stylish, breezy and comfortable suites where you can admire the lake view while relaxing in a hot tub or rainforest shower. Make use of one – of – a – kind spa or try one of intimate yoga sessions on the jetty with a water view. Explore the rainforest from up close with one of the provided activities including canoeing, kayaking, walking, climbing or visiting native communities while accompanied by a knowledgeable English -speaking naturalist guide.

Highlights: 

Star Gazing: The night sky above La Selva is perfect for watching constellations. Skilled guides will help you out with identifying the constellations.

Kayaking: La Selva is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, there are thousands of exotic species waiting for you to discover right outside of the door. Borrow one of provided kayaks from the dock and start your journey alongside jungle shores. You’ll have the opportunity to see monkeys, Hoatzins and many tropical rainforest birds.

Amazon Observation Tower: Is 35 meters up from the forest floor. It’s settled into the branches of a giant kapok tree, allowing you to observe life in the nearby forest canopy. From here, many different species of birds, insects, and monkeys, as well as different types of flowers can be seen. The tower offers countless chances for photography, filming and bird watching. The tower is located a 15-minute walk from the lodge. Skilled guides will accompany you to the observation in the morning or the afternoon.

ITINERARY

Return Flight Quito-Coca

You will be met by our representative at check in who will assist you on your 30 minute flight to Coca. On arrival in Coca you will then board a motorized canoe which will take you two hours down the scenic Amazon toward La Selva's dock. On the way you will be able to see your first glimpse of the Amazon Rainforest where you can appreciate the houses and way of living of the local people as they go on about their daily routines by the riverside.

NOTE: On arrival at Coca your main luggage will be handled by staff and meet you at La Selva. If you wish to take any personal items please pack them into a small backpack for the canoe journey.

Welcome to the Amazon

After a 30-minute flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana “El Coca”, our 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 Lodge.

This afternoon you will start with an introduction to the rainforest. One of our naturalist guides will give you some basic information about the tropical rain forest, Amazonia and the operation of La Selva Lodge. The idea is to begin the activities with some background information about the amazing place in which you have just arrived.

There will be time for an exploration before dinner – You may undertake the 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.

** Please note; Monday - Saturday are La Selva's normal operational days. If arriving or departing from the lodge on a Sunday, this will incur an additional cost. Please speak to your travel consultant for more information.

Discover Amazon Trails

La Selva Lodge have a set of activities daily which are subject to change depending on the day, time of year and the guides decisions based on the group’s interests and the organised operations. The excursions below are a good guide on what you can expect from day to day:

In the morning you may visit the rainforest canopy tower. After a 20 minute walk you reach the tower, this amazing construction will allow you to climb 120 feet above the forest floor and enjoy some of the most amazing scenery. Your Naturalist and Native guides will help you spot colourful birds including toucans, tanagers and parrots and with luck, the famous howler monkeys or a sloth. 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 information on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.

In the afternoon you may undertake the 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 tend to come closer to the lagoon at this time of the day looking for food. It is also perfect for witnessing an Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.

Early this evening before dinner, you may embark on a 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.

Discover Amazon Trails

La Selva Lodge have a set of activities daily which are subject to change depending on the day, time of year and the guides decisions based on the group’s interests and the organised operations. The excursions below are a good guide on what you can expect from day to day:

This morning you will set off to see the spectacular Parrot Clay Lick and Mandi Wasi. 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.

This afternoon you can enjoy the Coto Trail. It is a fantastic walk that takes off from the lodge to the edge of the Garzacocha Lagoon. In the afternoon the light from the sun will come from behind most of the time, making this walk an amazing experience and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this amazing forest. Groups of black-mantled tamarin monkeys can be spotted on this walk and some of our groups have even seen tapirs too.

Your Naturalist Guide is going to explain about all the different creatures that can be found, and our Native Guide will show you some of the medical plants that they have been using for thousands of years. A canoe ride back to the lodge makes a great ending for this activity.

During any free time you have, in-between activities you can use our kayaks, swim in the lagoon, have a massage or just relax in your room.

Departure Day

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.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ITINERARY

  • You will stay at the amazing La Selva Eco-lodge which perfectly balances a care for the environment with enriching natural experiences and cuisine unrivaled anywhere in the Amazon. 

  • You will experience the wonders of the Amazon, encountering wildlife opportunities you will not have elsewhere in the world. 

  • This itinerary is perfect for adding on a a visit to Quito. Enjoy amazing colonial architecture, some of the biggest markets in South America and incredible cultural experiences. 

  • Experience the amazing lifestlyes of the Kichua people, these incredible communities of the Amazon will allow you to understand captivating liferstlyes of the jungle.   

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date


Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service

4 Days FROM AUD 2,922 Enquire Now

Important Information

  • Flights from Quito to Coca in Economy Class return (pricing subject to change) 
    Transfers from Coca Airport to/from the Lodge
    Transportation in the Amazon
    Accommodation with all meals
    Guided excursions
    Bilingual naturalist guide 
    Rain Poncho and Rubber Boots will be provided during your stay at the Lodge

    Exclusions

    International flights
    Personal expenses
    Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable) 
    Beverages
    Any items not mentioned as included

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share.
    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
    All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.

  • Seasonality, availability and currency fluctuation. 

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

12 days

Signature Galapagos

Quito, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

9 days

Signature Galapagos Express

Quito, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

21 days

Signature South America Circle

Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Machu Picchu

9 days

Signature Peru

Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu

5 days

Galapagos 5 Days South Eastern Islands | M/C Endemic

Ecuador. Galapagos Islands

4 days

Quito Extension

Ecuador

11 days

Best of Antarctica | Ocean Endeavour

Antarctic Peninsula