Experience the essence of the Amazon rainforest with our 3-night Amazon program.
This program combines exciting adventures, such as wildlife viewing and cultural encounters, with the premium comfort of our eco-lodge. Whether you explore lush trails or relax in serene surroundings, you will create lasting memories and connect deeply with the nature and beauty of the Amazon.
At the Quito International Airport, you will be met by one of our La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat representatives in the National Departure area. Where 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 take you to our office located along the Napo River pier in a private vehicle.
The next two hours will be spent in a motorized canoe heading down river on what will be the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the Amazon rainforest. We will provide you a box lunch and extra drinks for this part of the trip.
At the end of the motorized canoe ride, you will be dropped off at La Selva’s main dock where 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 beverage, snacks and a short briefing about your stay at La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat.
Intro to the Rainforest
After some rest and time to unpack, one of the Naturalist Guides will give you some basic information about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon, and how La Selva operates.
The idea is to begin your activities armed with general knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived to.
Matapalo Charapa 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 seen along the trail with you.
Due to the time of day, there is soft natural light shining through the canopy, and diurnal and nocturnal animals are beginning their daily transitional activities.
Night Canoe Ride
Garza Cocha lagoon is a great place to search for caimans, bats, owls, and night mammals with the help of a spotlight the guides will use. There are also great opportunities for stargazing if the night sky is clear!
Snacks
At the bar, you can find snacks and order cocktails from the bartender. There is also a non-alcoholic beverage station where you can help yourself to limitless tea and coffee!
Dinner
Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course.
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Observation Tower & Mandi Cocha
After a 15 minutes’ walk, the observation tower comes into sight,. soaring an impressive 120 ft above the forest floor. Your Naturalist and Native guides, with the help of a sighting scope, will show to you colorful birds enjoying the canopy and maybe even certain primates. After another 30- minute walk from the tower, we reach Mandi Cocha.
This small lake different vegetation and landscapes displaying the beauty of the flooded forest. With a little bit of luck, our guests might spot the famous giant otters that make their home nearby. This endangered species is difficult to find, but during this visit there’s a chance we might see them!
Lunch
Garza Cocha Lake
This lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This is one of several opportunitiesto spot several 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 lake.
The hoatzin, a large unique bird found only in pristine Amazon environments, is very easy to spot.
Night Walk
All you need is a flashlight and your camera to see the jungle come alive at night. Amphibians, insects, reptiles, birds, and nocturnal mammals may be seen wherever your guides take you.
Dinner
Wake up call
Breakfast
Parrot Clay Lick and Pilchi Community
After an early breakfast, you will make your way back to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe ride to the clay lick, 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.
At the indigenous community of Pilchi, you will learn how the first nations of the Amazon lived thousands of years ago, including their traditional dress, food, cooking methods, and the many ways they utilize the resources of the forest in their daily lives. As part of the visit, you will also have the opportunity to visit the local school and see how education is a vital part of the community’s culture today. It’s a truly unique, fascinating, and fun experience!
Please note: School visits are paused from June to September due to the summer break.
Don’t be shy to ask them questions, and be brave to try some of the traditional drinks and food! they love to share their ancestral knowledge and spread awareness about their culture and where they live.
Lunch
Coto Trail
This is a fantastic walk that goes from the lodge to the edge of the Garza Cocha Lake. In the afternoon, the soft rays of sunlight make this walk an amazing experience and the perfect opportunity to enjoy of the beauty of this amazing forest.
Your guide will point out and explain all of the fascinating creatures that you come across, and our native guide will show you some of the medicinal plants that they have for thousands of years. A canoe ride back to the lodge will provide you with the opportunity to see Caymans, bats, and other nocturnal wildlife in and around the lake, giving this activity a fantastic ending!.
Departure Briefing
Our manager will provide you all the necessary information about your departure procedure for the next morning and our bartender is going to offer you a delicious farewell cocktail.
Dinner
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Departure to Coca according to 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 La Selva office to use the restrooms there.
After a short break, they will take you to the airport and help you with your boarding passes and checked luggage.
