Ecuador Amazon Extension | La Selva Lodge

At the Quito International Airport, you will be met by one of our La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat representatives in the National Departure area, who will assist you with the check-in process and provide a short briefing about your journey. After a 30-minute flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana “El Coca”, our representative will take you by private vehicle to our office along the Napo River pier. The next two hours will be spent in a motorized canoe, heading downriver and marking the beginning of an unforgettable Amazon experience. A box lunch and extra drinks will be provided during this part of the trip. At the end of the canoe ride, you will arrive at La Selva’s main dock, where the final leg of the journey will be completed in a paddle canoe. Your carry-on and camera equipment will be with you, while all other luggage will be transported by La Selva staff. Upon arrival, the manager will greet you with a refreshing beverage, snacks, and a short briefing about your stay.

After some time to rest and unpack, a Naturalist Guide will introduce you to the tropical rainforest and the Amazon, providing essential information about La Selva’s operations. This knowledge will help you better understand and appreciate the unique ecosystem you have just entered. The adventure begins with a walk along the Matapalo Charapa Trail, named after the Strangler Fig (Ficus sp.), one of the remarkable trees found here. You’ll encounter mahogany trees over 400 years old, while your guide shares insights into the flora and fauna of the region. At this time of day, the soft natural light filters through the canopy, and both diurnal and nocturnal animals transition between their activities.

As night falls, embark on a canoe ride across Garza Cocha Lagoon, where a spotlight will help locate caimans, bats, owls, and other nocturnal creatures. If the skies are clear, this is also a perfect opportunity for stargazing. Back at the bar, enjoy snacks and cocktails, or help yourself to unlimited tea and coffee at the beverage station. Finally, settle in for a delicious dinner, where our waiters will serve each course, allowing you to relax and enjoy the Amazonian hospitality.

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:

After a 15-minute walk, the observation tower comes into view, soaring 120 feet above the forest floor. From this breathtaking vantage point, your Naturalist and Native Guides, with the help of a sighting scope, will point out colorful birds in the canopy and, with some luck, even a few primates. Continuing on foot for another 30 minutes, we reach Mandi Cocha, a small lake surrounded by diverse vegetation and unique flooded forest landscapes. This area is home to the elusive giant otters, an endangered species that, if fortunate, guests may have the rare opportunity to see in the wild.

After lunch, we explore Garza Cocha Lake, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This is an excellent place to observe a variety of monkey species, including squirrel monkeys and capuchin monkeys, which often forage together in large groups. Howler monkeys also frequent the area, especially in the late afternoon. Among the many bird species here, the hoatzin stands out—an unusual, prehistoric-looking bird found only in the most pristine Amazonian habitats.

As night falls, we embark on an exciting nighttime walk, where a flashlight and camera are all you need to witness the jungle come alive. With your guides leading the way, you may encounter amphibians, insects, reptiles, birds, and even nocturnal mammals, offering a whole new perspective on the Amazon’s incredible biodiversity.

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:

After an early breakfast, we’ll head back to the Napo River for a motorized canoe ride to the Parrot Clay Lick, one of the most spectacular wildlife displays in the Amazon. Here, hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather to consume the mineral-rich soil, an essential part of their diet. With the help of binoculars, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to witness this incredible natural phenomenon up close.

Next, we’ll visit the indigenous Pilchi community, where you’ll gain insight into how the first nations of the Amazon lived thousands of years ago. Learn about their traditional dress, food, cooking methods, and how they use the forest’s natural resources in their daily lives. You’ll also have the chance to visit the local school and see how education plays a vital role in the community today. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or try some of their traditional drinks and food—the locals are always eager to share their knowledge and culture. (Please note: School visits are paused from June to September due to the summer break.)

After lunch, we’ll set out on the Coto Trail, a beautiful forest walk leading to Garza Cocha Lake. In the afternoon, the soft sunlight filters through the trees, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the diverse wildlife, while a native guide will share their knowledge of medicinal plants used for centuries. The return journey by canoe offers a chance to spot caimans, bats, and other nocturnal creatures, making for a thrilling end to the adventure.

Following your departure briefing the night before, you will have an early wake-up call, followed by breakfast before leaving the lodge. The staff will assist with your checked luggage, and we’ll board a motorized canoe for the journey upstream back to Coca.

Upon arrival, our representatives will take you to the La Selva office, where you’ll have time for a short restroom break before continuing to the airport.

After a brief stop, our team will assist you with check-in, boarding passes, and luggage, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free departure.