Embark on an unforgettable journey deep into the heart of the Amazon, where exotic wildlife, ancient trees, and rich indigenous culture come together in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. With expert naturalist and native guides at your side, you’ll uncover the secrets of the rainforest and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Your journey begins at Quito International Airport where a friendly La Selva representative will meet you in the National Departure area.
After assisting with your check-in and giving you a quick briefing, you’ll board a 30-minute flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana, also known as “El Coca.”
From there, we’ll take you in a private vehicle to our riverside office, where your real adventure begins.
A motorized canoe will carry you 2.5 hours down the Napo River—your first immersive experience in the Amazon! Enjoy a box lunch and drinks as you cruise into the wild.
At the end of the canoe journey, we’ll take you in a paddle canoe down the final stretch to La Selva Lodge. Your luggage will be taken care of, so you can simply relax and soak in your surroundings.
On arrival, enjoy a welcome drink, delicious fresh-baked snacks, and a short orientation from the lodge manager.
Intro to the Rainforest
After settling in, one of our Naturalist Guides will give you an insightful introduction to the Amazon ecosystem, the lodge’s sustainable practices, and what to expect in the days ahead.
Matapalo Charapa Trail
Stretch your legs on this short, vibrant trail named after the Matapalo (Strangler Fig). See towering mahogany trees over 400 years old and learn about the forest’s flora and fauna. As daylight fades, witness the magical transition between day and night in the jungle.
Night Canoe Ride
Glide silently across the waters of Garza Cocha Lake under the stars. With the help of a spotlight, search for caimans, bats, night birds, and mammals. If skies are clear, the stargazing is truly spectacular!
Dinner
Unwind with snacks and cocktails at the bar, or help yourself to unlimited tea and freshly brewed coffee. Then, enjoy a gourmet dinner in our cozy dining area. In your free time, you’re welcome to explore the lodge, take a nap, join a yoga session, take our kayaks out on the lake, or book a relaxing massage.
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Observation Tower & Mandi Cocha Lake
After a short hike, ascend our 120-foot Observation Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the canopy. With spotting scopes and our guides’ expertise, watch for colorful birds and maybe even monkeys swinging through the treetops.
Continue hiking to Mandi Cocha, a beautiful, floodplain lake surrounded by lush vegetation. Keep your eyes open—if you’re lucky, you might spot endangered giant river otters patrolling the waters!
Lunch
Garza Cocha Lake Exploration
Return to the lake for an afternoon canoe ride where you might see squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and the unmistakable hoatzin bird. Listen for the distant howls of red howler monkeys as the sun begins to set.
Night Walk
Armed with a flashlight and camera, venture into the jungle after dark. Discover the rainforest’s nocturnal life—frogs, insects, reptiles, mammals and more—under the guidance of your expert guides.
Dinner & Leisure
Wind down your day with a delicious dinner. In your free time, enjoy a kayak ride, yoga class, massage, or simply relax in your suite.
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Parrot Clay Lick and Pilchi Community Visit
Board a motorized canoe back to the Napo River to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles—a vibrant clay lick where hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather to eat the mineral-rich soil, which is an important part of their diet. Binoculars are a must to truly enjoy this visit!
Later, visit the Pilchi Indigenous Community. Learn about ancient Amazon traditions, practices food, and daily life. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—and be bold in sampling local delicacies and drinks! The community loves to share their culture and wisdom with visitors.
Lunch at the Lodge
Coto Trail Adventure
Hike the Coto Trail in the golden rays of afternoon sunlight streaming through the rainforest canopy. Your guides will introduce you to ancient medicinal plants and hidden jungle creatures. The walk ends with a peaceful canoe ride across Garza Cocha—an unforgettable Amazon moment.
Dinner & Evening Activities
Relax and reflect on your cultural immersion over a satisfying dinner. Take time for yourself, whether it’s a massage, stargazing, or quiet solitude on your balcony.
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Yasuní National Park Adventure
Explore Ecuador’s largest national park, a haven for rare species and indigenous tribes. Visit a clay lick where scarlet macaws and other birds come to drink sodium-rich water—and maybe even spot mammals like wild pigs, deer or tapirs nearby.
After the clay lick, take a guided forest walk in this untouched part of the rainforest, which is home to unique primates and some of the last uncontacted indigenous tribes in the world – who remain protected and unseen!
Lunch at the Lodge
Morete Yaku Creek Paddle
Navigate the calm waters of Morete Yaku, the main tributary feeding Garza Cocha Lake. Don’t be fooled by the tranquility – the waters and surrounding forest is teeming with life! Here, you’ll witness the ecological contrast between Terra Firme and swamp forests. Learn about the towering Morete palm, which is vital for both wildlife and the local communities.
Departure Briefing & Cocktail
Before dinner, the lodge manager will brief you on tomorrow’s departure procedures. Celebrate your final night with a special farewell cocktail prepared by our bartender.
Dinner & Final Night at La Selva
For your final night at La Selva, enjoy a well-deserved massage, one last evening kanoe ride across the waters of Garza Cocha Lake, or enjoy the sweeping views of the jungle and the starry sky from the lodge.
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Departure for Coca
As your Amazon adventure comes to a close, your day begins with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to prepare you for the journey ahead. Following your briefing the night before, lodge staff will be on hand to assist with your checked luggage and ensure a smooth departure.
You’ll board a motorized canoe for a scenic ride upstream, retracing your path along the Coca river back to Coca. Upon arrival, our friendly La Selva representatives will greet you and accompany you to our office, where you’ll have a chance to freshen up and use the restrooms before heading to the airport.
After a short break, you’ll be escorted to the airport, where our team will help you check in, collect your boarding passes, and get you on your way with ease.
Please note that all excursions and timings in this itinerary are subject to change based on weather conditions, seasonal factors, group dynamics, and the expert judgment of your guide. Passenger safety and smooth operations remain our top priorities.
