Each day at La Selva EcoLodge is designed to explore the Amazon rainforest in depth. Experienced guides choose between the following activities based on time of day, season, weather, physical abilities of the group and where they believe wildlife is more likely to be found. Excursions and tours are with an English-speaking guide, some more physically challenging than others, and cater to all ages and physical abilities. Each activity is designed to showcase the best of what the Ecuadorian Amazon has to offer and are included in the program price:
125-Foot Observation Tower
The observation platform is 125 feet (38 meters) high and sits on sustainable steel. The platform offers a 360° view for world-class birdwatching.
Parrot Clay Lick
Visit clay licks where parrots and other birds frequently gather to eat salty clay to aid their digestion of seeds.
Kichwa Community Visit
Several indigenous communities live near La Selva; visit small communities and learn about their ways of life.
Charapa Turtle Adoption
A new initiative within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve allows guests to adopt an endangered charapa turtle and set it free into the wild once it has hatched. Guests who are interested must mention this at time of booking to properly coordinate with the organization. Donation amounts may be offered by guest at the end of the activity.
Night Excursions
With flashlight or headlamp, join your guide to see the forest come alive in the darkness.
Star Gazing
The night sky at La Selva is perfect for viewing constellations in the Southern Hemisphere. Accompanying guides help point them out. Keep an eye out for the new star gazing kit for the Junior Naturlist Childrens Program as well.
Nighttime Canoe Excursion
Join guides in the canoe with a spotlight on Garzacocha Lagoon to spot monkeys, caimans, bats, owls, the pigmy marmoset and more.
Kayaking
This is a great way to do some exploring on your own time. The kayaks are kept by the dock. Ask reception for the paddles and life jackets to go out on your own. You’ll have the opportunity to see monkeys, Hoatzins and many other tropical rainforest birds.
Swimming
Please inform reception you will be going for a swim. You can ask them for a towel instead of using one from your suite. The water is very refreshing after a jungle hike and feels silky smooth due to the blackwater.
Strangler Trail
The name is derived from the famous strangler fig (Ficus Aurea, in Spanish “matapalo”). A remarkable plant that grows around surrounding trees, suffocating them in the process.
Chaguamango Trail
Beginning at the lodge, the Chaguamango Trail winds through dense forest and finishes at the lagoon.
Sacha Huagra Trail
The longest and most challenging trail near La selva Lodge is also one of the most spectacular ones. The Sacha Hugra trail takes 4 to 5 hours to walk through and contains some of the only surviving original primary rainforest in the area. It’s your best chance to see some of the larger, more spectacular wildlife.
Charapa Trail
The Charapa Trail follows a winding path that most groups can walk in about an hour and a half. At the end of the trail, arrive at the lagoon, where the canoe will be waiting to return you to the lodge or explore Lake Garzacocha.
Marmoset Trail
In this part of the jungle you may find the Pygmy Marmoset, the world’s smallest monkey. They are called “Leoncillos,” or “Little Lions” by the locals.
Tucaneta Trail
The Tucaneta Trail provides the option for a walk with a native guide who can point out medicinal plants still in use today, as well as the interesting ecology and natural history of the Amazon.
Mandi Cocha Lagoon
A hike of about one hour brings you to this lagoon within an Igapo forest that’s temporarily flooded by black water. Watch for different species of birds and also giant otters.
Each evening at the lodge, enjoy optional talks by the guides who elaborate on specific topics of the rainforest and truly enhance your experience. In addition to the activities described above, La Selva offers yoga, spa treatments, sunset cruises and romantic candlelight dinners at additional cost. Contact you Adventure Specialist to customize your La Selva experience with custom activities for families, bird watching, honeymoons and more.
