Dugout canoe full of Ecuador Amazon Adventure travelers moves through calm waters surrounded by lush rainforest on a sunny day.
A beautiful macaw spreads it's wings as it lands on rocks is something you could see on the Ecuador Amazon Adventure with La Salva
A girl stands at the rail overlooking the verdant green jungle while on the Ecuador Amazon Adventure with La Selva Ecolodge
A caiman pokes his head above the water on this Ecuador Amazon Adventure with La Selva Ecolodge one of many animals to see
A large superior stateroom at La Selva Ecolodge with a king bed a large bay of windows looking out to the jungle in Ecuador
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South America Amazon Land Tour

Ecuador Amazon Adventure – La Selva EcoLodge

Explore the incredible diversity and wildlife of Ecuador’s Amazon from the newly refurbished La Selva EcoLodge. Winner of the Ecotourism Award from the World Congress on Tourism and the Environment, La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat sits high on Lake Garzacocha and has developed special conservation and community projects aimed at carbon neutrality that directly aid the planet in the true spirit of eco-tourism. The spacious airy suites here are inspired by native designs, each with a private balcony or porch, and the food is the pride of the lodge. 

Your journey begins by canoeing the headwaters of the Amazon River to this comfortable wilderness lodge surrounded by a region of megadiversity, within Ecuador’s Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy daily hikes and paddles, led by expert resident guides, to explore the mysteries and connections of life in the Amazon rainforest at roughly 43 miles from the nearest urban area. You will by thrilled by the chance to ascend a canopy platform and view hundreds of colorful birds at nearby parrot licks.

This 4- or 5-day trip includes your jungle lodge accommodations and guided activities from this, one of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador. Options include canoeing (day and night), trail walking (day and night), kayaking, a community visit and viewing wildlife at the parrot clay lick and from the observation tower. An Amazon lodge trip is the perfect extension to a Galapagos cruise, or our Amazon travel experts can craft a custom Amazon tour.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Amazon rainforest tours and Amazon trips.



Itinerary

Ecuador Amazon Adventure - La Selva EcoLodge 4-Day Itinerary

Explore the incredible diversity of Ecuador’s Amazon from La Selva EcoLodge, one of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador with a deep commitment to sustainable ecotourism. Enjoy a suite along Garzacocha Lake. Unique to La Selva is its 125-foot observation tower.

Map showing the placement of La Selva EcoLodge, at Garzacocha Lake along the Napo River in eastern Ecuador's Amazon rainforest basin.
Read More
Day 1
Quito to Coca & La Selva EcoLodge

After being greeted at the Quito airport by a representative from La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat, fly 35 minutes from Quito to the town of Coca (officially known as Francisco de Orellana) on the Napo River. After a short drive from the airport to the dock, board a large, motorized, covered canoe for a scenic 2-hour trip down the Napo River. A short walk and paddle canoe leads to La Selva EcoLodge. Upon arrival, the naturalist guides will provide an orientation to the rainforest and present many options for excursions helping you craft a custom Amazon travel adventure based on your interests and abilities. After dinner, enjoy a short night wildlife walk to search for wildlife. Or relax in the lounge with a cold drink from the bar or have a soothing massage in the spa.

Accommodations

La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat

Meals

lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 3
La Selva Amazon Adventure

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.

Accommodations

La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 4
Depart La Selva EcoLodge to Coca & Quito

This morning journey by boat back up the Napo River to Coca for the return flight to Quito. Arrive Quito midday. This concludes your La Selva Amazon Adventure.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Assistance at the airports in Quito and Coca; transportation in the Amazon (from Coca airport to the dock, canoe ride down the Napo River towards the lodge and back, among other transportation involved in the excursions) (excluded, additional $300(2024) fee on Sundays for up to 8 guests); premium accommodation at the lodge; all meals, snacks, bottled water, coffee and tea; welcome and farewell cocktail; daily excursions with English speaking naturalist and native guide; water container, small backpack, rain poncho and rubber boots (up to size 10.5 men) during your stay; yoga classes; use of kayaks.

Exclusions

International airfare, round-trip flights Quito to Coca ($250 per person in 2024, subject to change), alcoholic beverages and sodas, spa services, tips, souvenirs, personal expenses, insurance of any kind, and any other item not mentioned in Inclusions. For Christmas and New Year´s Eve departures, a 10% surcharge applies.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $200 is required per person at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
90 days or more – 100% of deposit
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The 4-day Ecuador Amazon Adventure begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador (UIO). Flights to the Amazon usually depart early and the Ecuador Amazon Adventure may require a pre-trip hotel overnight in Quito. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Expect to return from the Amazon late in the late afternoon on the last day of your itinerary. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

The 4-day Ecuador Amazon Adventure has a required flight between Quito and Coca on the first and final day of the itinerary. AdventureSmith will assist you with arranging your flights to Coca (not included in lodge package rate) after your booking has been made. Coca-Quito flight schedules vary, so check with AdventureSmith Explorations for details on your particular departure. There is a luggage weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) for checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) for one piece of carry-on baggage on the flights between Quito and Coca; additional fees apply for extra weight.

Activities

Activities may include forest and jungle hiking, wildlife observation, community visits, climbing stairs to canopy towers over 100 feet high, canoe rides, night excursions by foot or canoe, star gazing and nightly lectures. Ponchos and rubber boots are provided for use during your stay.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select staterooms upon availability (see Single pricing in Rates & Dates). Triple and Quad accommodations are available, ask your Adventure Specialist for details. Once a booking reaches 4 singles, a 100% supplement applies. For groups of 16 or more, the 16th guest is free of charge for accommodation.

Families & Children

Children under 12 years old at time of travel receive a 25% discount on double occupancy rate when staying with full fare adult.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife or National Park regulation. Bilingual naturalist guides and native guides are divided within specially organized groups, which offer the best opportunities possible during excursions. Private guides are available upon request for an extra fee and may be booked per night. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.

Ecuador Amazon Adventure - La Selva EcoLodge 5-Day Itinerary

Enjoy an extra day exploring the incredible diversity of Ecuador’s Amazon from La Selva EcoLodge, one of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador with a deep commitment to sustainable ecotourism. Enjoy a suite along Garzacocha Lake. Unique to La Selva is its 125-foot observation tower.

Map showing the placement of La Selva EcoLodge, at Garzacocha Lake along the Napo River in eastern Ecuador's Amazon rainforest basin.
Read More
Day 1
Quito to Coca & La Selva EcoLodge

After being greeted at the Quito airport by a representative from La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat, fly 35 minutes from Quito to the town of Coca (officially known as Francisco de Orellana) on the Napo River. After a short drive from the airport to the dock, board a large, motorized, covered canoe for a scenic 2-hour trip down the Napo River. A short walk and paddle canoe leads to La Selva EcoLodge. Upon arrival, the naturalist guides will provide an orientation to the rainforest and present many options for excursions helping you craft a custom Amazon travel adventure based on your interests and abilities. After dinner, enjoy a short night wildlife walk to search for wildlife. Or relax in the lounge with a cold drink from the bar or have a soothing massage in the spa.

Accommodations

La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat

Meals

lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 4
La Selva Amazon Adventure

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.

Accommodations

La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
Depart La Selva EcoLodge to Coca & Quito

This morning journey by boat back up the Napo River to Coca for the return flight to Quito. Arrive Quito midday. This concludes your La Selva Amazon Adventure.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Assistance at the airports in Quito and Coca; transportation in the Amazon (from Coca airport to the dock, canoe ride down the Napo River towards the lodge and back, among other transportation involved in the excursions) (excluded, additional $300(2024) fee on Sundays for up to 8 guests); premium accommodation at the lodge; all meals, snacks, bottled water, coffee and tea; welcome and farewell cocktail; daily excursions with English speaking naturalist and native guide; water container, small backpack, rain poncho and rubber boots (up to size 10.5 men) during your stay; yoga classes; use of kayaks.

Exclusions

International airfare, round-trip flights Quito to Coca ($250 per person in 2024, subject to change), alcoholic beverages and sodas, spa services, tips, souvenirs, personal expenses, insurance of any kind, and any other item not mentioned in Inclusions. For Christmas and New Year´s Eve departures, a 10% surcharge applies.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $200 is required per person at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
90 days or more – 100% of deposit
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The 5-day Ecuador Amazon Adventure begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador (UIO). Flights to the Amazon usually depart early and the Ecuador Amazon Adventure may require a pre-trip hotel overnight in Quito. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Expect to return from the Amazon late in the late afternoon on the last day of your itinerary. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

The 5-day Ecuador Amazon Adventure has a required flight between Quito and Coca on the first and final day of the itinerary. AdventureSmith will assist you with arranging your flights to Coca (not included in lodge package rate) after your booking has been made. Coca-Quito flight schedules vary, so check with AdventureSmith Explorations for details on your particular departure. There is a luggage weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) for checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) for one piece of carry-on baggage on the flights between Quito and Coca; additional fees apply for extra weight.

Activities

Activities may include forest and jungle hiking, wildlife observation, community visits, climbing stairs to canopy towers over 100 feet high, canoe rides, night excursions by foot or canoe, star gazing and nightly lectures. Ponchos and rubber boots are provided for use during your stay.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select staterooms upon availability (see Single pricing in Rates & Dates). Triple and Quad accommodations are available, ask your Adventure Specialist for details. Once a booking reaches 4 singles, a 100% supplement applies. For groups of 16 or more, the 16th guest is free of charge for accommodation.

Families & Children

Children under 12 years old at time of travel receive a 25% discount on double occupancy rate when staying with full fare adult.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife or National Park regulation. Bilingual naturalist guides and native guides are divided within specially organized groups, which offer the best opportunities possible during excursions. Private guides are available upon request for an extra fee and may be booked per night. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.

Rates & Dates

Trip Rates & Details

Please note: arrival or departure on a Sunday incurs an additional $300(2024) fee, for 8 or fewer travelers.

2024 Rates
La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat • 4 days
From $1570USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
2024 Rates
La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat • 5 days
From $1930USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Accommodation

Learn About the Jungle Lodge on Your Itinerary

Lodge
La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat

One of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador, the award-winning La Selva EcoLodge & Retreat is a premier property in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Located 60 miles from Coca down the Napo River in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, La Selva features 19 staterooms with the largest accommodations of any Ecuador rainforest lodge.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Arielle Lightcap • June 15th, 2017
Expert Review: Ecuador Amazon Adventure at La Selva EcoLodge

An AdventureSmith Adventure Specialist reviews her trip to the Amazon rainforest at La Selva EcoLodge. Parrots, monkeys, canopy towers and adventurous cuisine!

Testimonials

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us

"Birding was Fantastic"

The birding was fantastic, made better by the extremely helpful bird guide. We have birded in Central America, Indonesia, Africa and all over the US and we think he was the best bird guide we have ever had! We had an amazing time on this trip! Additionally, information provided by AdventureSmith was perfect! Taylor, our Adventure Specialist, was always available for any questions and very responsive to our requests.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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"Beautiful & Remote"

La Selva was beautiful and remote. Staff was VERY helpful and friendly. Superior guide, Paul. Food 5 star. Very interesting wildlife and vegetation. Loved dealing with Arielle.

Overall
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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"Everything Surpassed Our Expectations"

Everything surpassed our expectations/hopes. The accommodations were great, the transfers were seamless. The guides in both the Amazon and Galapagos were amazing. Their breadth of knowledge and excitement of sharing it with us made the trip extra special.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
4.5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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Ecuador Amazon Adventure – La Selva EcoLodge

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