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Joan Wright, July 2009 My sister Julie and I visited La Selva Lodge in July 2009 and it was an amazing experience. The lodge staff were courteous and helpful, the food was wonderful, accommodations comfortable and spa a special treat. Lucky for us La Selva is on mosquito free Lake Garzococha. Our knowledgeable guide Rodrigo Jipa and his assistant, Enrique shared the jungle with us through hiking, canoeing and canopy viewing. We saw five species of monkeys, over 100 bird species, many critters (insects, reptiles, spiders, and sloths) and swam with piranhas, that weren't interested in live food :). In all our trekking around, even when we were on a five hour jungle hike, I felt safe and entranced by the plant and animal life that surrounded us. I appreciated the informative PowerPoint on the Amazon that was shared by the lodge staff. Visiting La Selva helped me see what could be lost. I observed oil companies presence in Ecuador from the roads and Napo river we traveled on to get to the lodge. The pressure that is being put on the environment is very real and I am concerned about oil exploration expanding into the national park. Capricorn16
Jun 1, 2009 A proper jungle experience The first thing to note about this lodge is its amazing setting on the shores of an almost mosquito-free lake. The architecture is in keeping with the surroundings, as the buildings are made from wood and bamboo and are only 1 storey high, so the lodge does not look or feel out of place in the middle of the jungle. The food was very nice and the staff are all courteous and freindly. As other reviews have mentioned, sometimes insects get into the room and there is no electricity at night. I thought this was to be expected in the middle of the jungle so it didnt bother me. More...  One with nature - can't wait to go back We have spent the most amazing days of our vacation at La Selva Lodge 4days/5 nights. We wanted to experience the jungle and were not disappointed. The accommodation were exactly what we were hoping to find in the middle of the jungle: comfortable bed, bamboo and thatch roof, no mechanical noise during the night (only the wonderful sounds of the jungle), the food was simple yet very good. The scenery is beautiful. Thanks to the staff for a great stay: special mention to our guides Paolo and Pedro who were the best teachers (highly recommend them if you go with teenagers) - made us discover and appreciate nature. If you want an adventure (swim in the lake, jungle walks, fishing for pyrahnas) this is the place. We will certainly go back.  Just spent 4N/5D at the lodge and absolutely loved it. If you arrive here thinking you are going to be pampered and have 5-star accommodations then you simply didn't do your homework. It is clean, comfortable, and surrounded by absolute beauty. If you have complaints about bugs and/or rodents in your room, then you probably left something open or out in the open that shouldn't have been. Excursions were great; we saw monkeys, a boa constrictor, birds of all kinds, tarantulas, beatles and insects of all kinds, bats, jaguar tracks, and had a blast swimming in the lake. Special thanks to our guides; Jorge, Rodrigo, and Paul, they were all great. And to the cooks as well. The food is simple and fresh, exactly what one would expect, with plenty of fresh water and bananas to snack on, along with a fully stocked bar. If you are not comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone, this is not the place for you. I will be back next year, same time. Absolutely Wonderful!!!!
This is a rustic lodge built of local materials in the heart of the Amazon Jungle!!! So yes, there is no electricity overnight, so that fuel (transported by boat) is not wasted and the generator does not obscure the amazing night time sounds of the jungle! And yes, you may get bitten by creepie crawlies and bugs/bats/birds may come into your room. No, there is no A/C, internet, La-de da etc etc.
There are quaint, traditional wood and thatch cabins with electricity and fans most of the time, comfortable beds, mosquito nets, fresh towels, wonderful food (including the best coffee I have ever tasted), marvellous staff, knowledgeable guides, cold beer (brought in by boat) and even (if you must) a cocktail menu. Add to this a truly haunting location on the edge of a beautiful lake, copious wildlife and the ever present sounds of the largest jungle on the planet and you have a truly unmissable place!! Humbling!
If, however, you need Holiday Inn comforts and are afraid of bugs/frogs/parrots etc etc, the please dont visit and leave it for the rest of us!!
Ecuador Amazon: La Selva Lodge After many years as a travel guide in Latin America, I’ve been to my share of jungle lodges. Definitely one of the best I’ve seen was La Selva Lodge, deep in the Amazon jungles of Ecuador. Getting to La Selva isn’t easy, although that’s usually a good sign. The journey begins with a flight from Quito to Coca, followed by a 2.5 hour ride in a motorized dugout canoe along the Napo River, a 30 minute hike through the dense Amazon rainforest, and finally, a paddled canoe ride across a lagoon.
Just a few hours into our stay, we knew it had all been worthwhile. We’d already spotted 4 kinds of monkeys, seen a two-toed sloth up close, and added the hoatzin to our birding life lists-a proud feat by any birder’s standards. More...  Exploring South America - Audrey’s travel blog James was right - I should set aside my worries over the stolen passport, and just make the most of my remaining journey, at least in Ecuador. We flew off first thing to Coca, a 30 minute flight on a 37-seater into this small Amazonian town. A motorised boat took us 100kms further in on the Rio Napo, a 2.5 hour journey. We then walked the jungle for another 15 minutes to catch a paddle boat to the La Selva Jungle Lodge, a beautifully rustic lodge perched on the lake bank in the Amazon jungle. I have not experienced such luxury in ages. Our backpacks were taken directly to our cabins (such a luxury to not have to carry them on our backs!), and we were treated to a welcome drink and snacks, plus a cold towel on arrival - hardly the backpacker treatment, but I am not complaining!!!! More... 
La Selva Jungle Lodge We had the most amazing 4 days stay at La Selva, the first jungle lodge in Quito. We took a half hour flight to ac city called Coca, then 2 hour power boat ride on the river, followed by 15 minute walk and then finally 20 minute ride in a 10 man canoe to our jungle lodge. The travel went smoothly and without a single glitch. We arrived at the lodge an were immediately greeted by the local guides, lodge staff and our first introduction to the amazing food that we would be enjoying over the next 3 days. More... 
Trek to the Amazon Jungle After many years as a travel guide in Latin America, I´ve been to my share of jungle lodges. Definitively one of the best I´ve seen was La Selva Lodge, deep in the Amazon Jungle of Ecuador. The last four days have been phenomenal to say the least. Taking the journey out to the Amazon Jungle was everything I expected and more. Being away from cities etc. has allowed me to return to good health, even though I suffered from a 24 hour bout of the runs on the second morning of being out in the jungle. More...
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