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La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat

A luxurious lakefront lodge retreat on the edge of the mega-diverse Yasuní National Park.

Overview

La Selva Amazon Lodge is a premier lodge within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve on Yasuní National Park’s edge. The lakefront lodge blends rustic beauty with modern luxury and caters to travelers of all ages who seek a luxury retreat in the heart of the Amazon.

Life at La Selva Amazon Ecolodge

La Selva Lodge is situated at a remote location on the Napo River’s north bank overlooking Garzacocha Lagoon. The scenic journey to the lodge from the airport in Quito will take four to five hours by plane, canoe, and foot. When you arrive, you will be completely immersed in the sights, sounds, and tastes on the Amazon.

The lodge has 19 suites over three categories, including family suites that feature plunge pools and hammocks. The lodge’s petite size ensures you have an intimate experience, away from the crowds of the typical tourist hubs. Yet, the lodge is big on hospitality and sophistication. Light wood tones and airy design inspired by local traditions give a chic look while also keeping the unairconditioned lodge cool, even on the warmest days. During your stay, you will indulge in decadent Ecuadorian and international cuisine.

The use of locally-sourced vegetables, fruits, and fresh juices creates an authentic gastronomy experience while also providing economic support for the local communities.

Excursions from La Selva Ecolodge Ecuador

La Selva Amazon Ecolodge has everything you need for a deep dive into Amazon exploration, including rain boots and ponchos. Onsite, climb the 115-foot observation for picturesque views of the area. For there, you will be able to see the geophagy, colloquially referred to as clay licks, where hundreds of parrots and macaws come to feed.

You will also be able to hike on six trails weaving through the rainforest. During your hikes, expert guides will point out Azteca ants, strangler figs, walking palms, and other fascinating plants and animals. Then, take a nighttime canoe trip to spot caimans, owls, and bats. You may also visit the local Kichwa community for a hands-on experience with the local ways of life.

Wellness in the wilderness

While your time in the Amazon will be a journey of exploration, the rainforest also has the power to nurture your body and soul. Still your mind and strengthen your body during morning and evening yoga sessions, which are appropriate for beginner and advanced practitioners, on the jetty overlooking the lake. An open-air spa allows you to breathe in the fresh air while receiving rejuvenating treatments in total privacy. Reflexology treatments, targeted massages, and hot-stone massages are ideal for recuperating after days of hiking.

Other treatments incorporate the native plants of the Amazon for a spa experience you won’t have anywhere else. Book the Silk Bath for a honey and brown sugar scrub followed by a soak in a combination of spices and essences, including ishpingo from a native Ecuadorian tree. For softer skin and a brighter complexion, try the Natural Yucca Mask, which acts as a natural moisturizer and provides elasticity.

Everyone from birdwatchers to yogis will find things to love at La Selva Amazon Ecolodge. Whether it’s the junior naturist program for children over five years of age, or a kayak trip to look for monkeys, there is always something new to experience. What are you looking forward to most?

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 2
4-Day
5-Day

4 Day - Lodge Program

itinerary map

Arrival & Introduction to the Amazon

PM: Arrival at the Quito International Airport you will be met by one of our La Selva representatives in the National Departure area. Here they will assist you with the check-in process and give you a short briefing about the journey. After a 30-minute commercial 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.

One of the Naturalist Guides will give you the basic info about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon, and how La Selva operates. The idea is to begin your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived at.

Embark on a trail, 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.

Tonight at the bar, you can find snacks and order cocktails from the bartender. Or, feel free to help yourself with limitless tea and coffee. Dinner will be served in the evening. Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Lodge Program
Location
Quito - La Selva Lodge
Day
1 / 4

Observation Tower, Trails & Night Ride

AM: Today breakfast is early as we rise before the sun to catch the best part of the day. After a 20-minute walk, the observation tower comes into sight. This amazing construction will allow you to climb 120 ft above the forest. Your Naturalist and Native guides will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, maybe even certain primates.

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 info on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.

PM: Enjoy lunch and re-fueling for the afternoon before we head out to begin our 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 come closer to the lagoon at this time looking for food. It is also perfect for witnessing an Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.

Before dinner this evening, 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! Dinner will be served when you return to the lodge. Feel free to take some time to freshen up in your room beforehand.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Lodge Program
Location
La Selva Lodge
Day
2 / 4

Parrot Clay Lick, Mandi Wasi & Coto Trail

AM: Today 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 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 centre 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 get to learn more about the people of the Amazon.

PM: After lunch, we embark on 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 all the different creatures that can be found and our Native 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.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Lodge Program
Location
La Selva Lodge
Day
3 / 4

Departure

AM: Per 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.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Lodge Program
Location
La Selva Lodge - Coca
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Lodge Program

itinerary map

Arrival & Introduction to the Amazon

PM: Arrival at the Quito International Airport you will be met by one of our La Selva representatives in the National Departure area. Here they will assist you with the check-in process and give you a short briefing about the journey. After a 30-minute commercial 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.

One of the Naturalist Guides will give you the basic info about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon, and how La Selva operates. The idea is to begin your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived at.

Embark on a trail, 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.

Tonight at the bar, you can find snacks and order cocktails from the bartender. Or, feel free to help yourself with limitless tea and coffee. Dinner will be served in the evening. Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Lodge Program
Location
Quito - La Selva Lodge
Day
1 / 5

Observation Tower, Trails & Night Ride

AM: Today breakfast is early as we rise before the sun to catch the best part of the day. After a 20-minute walk, the observation tower comes into sight. This amazing construction will allow you to climb 120 ft above the forest. Your Naturalist and Native guides will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, maybe even certain primates.

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 info on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.

PM: Enjoy lunch and re-fueling for the afternoon before we head out to begin our 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 come closer to the lagoon at this time looking for food. It is also perfect for witnessing an Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.

Before dinner this evening, 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! Dinner will be served when you return to the lodge. Feel free to take some time to freshen up in your room beforehand.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Lodge Program
Location
La Selva Lodge
Day
2 / 5

Parrot Clay Lick, Mandi Wasi & Coto Trail

AM: Today 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 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 centre 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 get to learn more about the people of the Amazon.

PM: After lunch, we embark on 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 all the different creatures that can be found and our Native 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.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Lodge Program
Location
La Selva Lodge
Day
3 / 5

Mandi Forest, Garzacocha Lagoon, Ceiba Trail & Night Trail

AM: Not all lodges can offer an exotic trip into the deep wilderness like where you are headed on this adventure. We will walk through the amazing Mandi forest for around 3 to 4 hours beginning at our main dock back at the Napo River. In this type of ecosystem, there are chances to find some of the biggest mammals of the rainforest, like peccaries or wild pigs, deer or tapir.

Eventually, we will reach the lagoon of Mandi Cocha. Here we get into a fibreglass canoe and paddle through the amazing Igapo Forest. This is a temporary flooded black water forest. Here we might see different species of birds and some of our extra lucky guests may encounter the elusive giant otter.

PM: After lunch today we visit the Garzacocha Lagoon and Ceiba Trail. This lagoon is one of the most beautiful in all the Ecuadorian Amazon. During this trip is when we have higher chances of spotting different species of monkeys and birds. Sometimes huge groups of squirrel monkeys join families of capuchin monkeys to look for food. Howler monkeys also like to spend the late afternoon around the lagoon and you can hear their tremendous calls echoing on the lake. We may even see the famous pygmy marmoset, which is the smallest monkey in the world. More wildlife that can be seen include the Hoatzin, a famous bird with a very strange appearance and adaptations, toucans, macaws, and many other species of birds.

This evening you have the option of a night walk, where we give you the chance to enjoy the creatures and sounds of the Amazon Jungle at night. Sometimes we can see amazing things during this activity. Make sure that you bring a flashlight for this fantastic experience. Our manager will provide you with all the necessary information about your departure procedure for the next morning before you enjoy your final dinner at the lodge. 

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Lodge Program
Location
La Selva Lodge
Day
4 / 5

Departure

AM: Per 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.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Lodge Program
Location
La Selva Lodge - Coca
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

Accommodations

Social Areas

Spa
Spa
Observation Tower
Lounge
Indoor Lounge
Coffee Station
Boutique
Room Exterior
Restaurant
Relaxation Deck
Observation Platform
Lobby
Lodge Walkways
Covered Relaxation Deck
Bar

Suites & Cabins

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Superior Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Superior Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Superior Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Superior Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Superior Suite

Superior Stateroom

Guests
2
Size
37 m² / 398 ft²
Beds
King / Twin

Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in the luxurious bed linens found in the suites. The suites feature a private balcony where guests can take in the beautiful view of the rainforest. The ample-sized hot water bathrooms have a refreshing rainforest shower and other necessary amenities.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Scenic Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Scenic Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Scenic Suite

Scenic Stateroom

Guests
2
Size
25 m² / 270 ft²
Beds
King / Twin

These spacious suites feature a comfortable bed with luxurious bed linens, a safety deposit box, ceiling fans, and a wifi signal. The bathroom comes with a rainforest shower, l'occitane amenities, clean towels, and a robe. The suite has a balcony for guests.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (GG) - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat - Family Suite La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat - Family Suite

Family Stateroom

Guests
2 - 4
Size
56 m² / 602 ft²
Beds
King + Twin

The suites come with a private porch to enjoy the breathtaking view of the forest, a hammock for relaxing, and a hot tub. The rooms feature a ceiling fan, bed linens, wifi signal, and private bathrooms with L'occitane amenities and a clean towel and bathrobe.

Technical Information

Property Layout

Features

  • Cabins with balconies
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Massage room
  • Lecture room
  • Wheelchair access
  • WIFI available
  • Kosher Meals
  • Spa
  • Souvenir shop
  • Mosquito netting
  • Hot showers
  • All inclusive
  • Family Room (Triple or Quadruple)
  • Charging areas for electronic equipment

Equipment

  • Stand up paddleboard
  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Fishing equipment
  • Yoga mats
  • Flash lights
  • Rubber boots
  • Water canteen/bottle
  • Binoculars
  • Insect repellent
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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