- Overview
- Itineraries
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Booking
- Rates
The foremost and leading sustainable ecolodge in the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa sits on the shores of Garzacocha lagoon awaiting your arrival.
Is located just off the Napo River, which eventually flows eastward and joins the mighty Amazon on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Our lodge is within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve and next to the Yasuní National Park. This region is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to literally millions of species of plants, animals, birds and insects.
Located about five hours from Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, via a series of flights, canoe trips and walks. There are no roads to get to the lodge and the nearest city is Coca (Francisco de Orellana). From here, the best way to get to the lodge is by a two hour motorized canoe ride down the Napo River. You will travel down river aboard a locally crafted canoe, experiencing a typical ride to the lodge just like the locals. On the way you will be able to see your first glimpses of the Amazon rainforest and you can appreciate the houses and way of living of the local people as they go on about their daily routines by the riverside.
If you’re looking for La Selva on your GPS, you’ll find it here:
Latitude: 0.5026°
Longitude: 76.3821°
The spacious staterooms are inspired by native design, and both Natural and Native Guides are the pride of the lodge, giving life to the amazing excursions.
For over thirty years, La Selva has been welcoming guests from all over the world. On foot and by water, guests explore the most biodiverse region on the planet: Ecuador’s Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, home to thousands of unique species of plants and animals.
Deep in the Amazon Jungle a Paradise awaits you
Since remodeling the lodge in the early months of 2012 and completing the finishing touches in May of 2013, La Selva now has 19 staterooms. These include 15 Panoramic Staterooms and 4 Family Staterooms. Panoramic Staterooms include exclusive rainforest showers, private balconies and panoramic views. Family Staterooms include spacious bathrooms, hammocks, and a tub on a private porch.
All staterooms were constructed based on the surrounding rainforest atmosphere and local native design, constructed with bamboo from sustainable plantations. The open design allows forest sounds to linger in, offering a genuine jungle experience in maximum comfort.
ROOMS & FACILITIES
Sweet Dreams in the midst of the jungle
La Selva Ecolodge & Retreat presents 19 carefully crafted staterooms designed for an exceptional Amazon experience. Choose between two distinct options—Family Staterooms, perfect for group stays, or our Panoramic Staterooms, combining luxury with the serene beauty of the Amazon.
STATEROOM AMENITIES
home comforts
At La Selva Eco-Lodge, we are deeply committed to sustainable ecotourism and keeping our impact on the environment to a minimum. Therefore, we do not have air conditioners in the staterooms. There are, however, large windows and a ceiling fan which keeps the air in the staterooms circulating. If you need a hairdryer, ask for one in the front desk.
15 Panoramic Staterooms
Panoramic Staterooms are perched above the banks of Lake Garzacocha, offering expansive views of the surrounding jungle. Each room features a private balcony for quiet moments at sunrise or sunset, spacious interiors, a rainforest shower, and a comfortable seating area. Thoughtfully designed to blend comfort with natural charm, after a day of exploration.
4 Family Staterooms
Our Family Staterooms provide the space and comfort that families traveling together will cherish. With a king bed for parents and two double beds for children, plus sofas and coffee tables, a private porch from which to admire the greens of the forest, plus a hammock for a relaxing siesta and hot tub for all to enjoy…
Inspired by the traditional architecture of the region’s native communities, all staterooms feature open, airy designs that stay naturally cool throughout the day. Experience premium hospitality at La Selva, where every detail is designed to complement your time in the Amazon.
Remember that all excursions and times on this sample itinerary are subject to change and largely depend on weather, season, group limitations, group interests, and guide decisions based on passenger safety and organized operations.
Key features
- Private balconies
-
High-end accommodation
- High end services
- Wellness & spa facilities
- Kayaks & trails
- Deep Amazon experience
- 38 meters high watchtower
- Kichwa cultural experiences
Itineraries
Day 1
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.
Day 2
Full day of activities
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
Day 3
Full day of activities
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
Day 4
Departure day
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.
Day 1
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 will 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 downriver 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 the 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 excellent 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 each course.
Full day of activities
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Observation Tower & Mandi Cocha
After a 15 minute 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 boasts 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 Lagoon
This lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This is one of several opportunities to 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
Full day of activities
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 takes from the lodge to the edge of the Garza Cocha Lagoon. In the afternoon, the light from the sun makes of this walk and amazing experience and the perfect opportunity to enjoy of the beauty of this amazing forest.
Your naturalist is going to explain to you about all the creatures that you find and our native guide will show to you some of the medicinal plants that they have been using from hundreds and even thousands of years. A canoe ride back to the lodge makes a fantastic ending for this activity.
Dinner
Day 4
Full day of activities
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Yasuní National Park
The Yasuní National Park is the largest protected area in Ecuador. On this adventure, we’ll visit a different clay lick where scarlet macaws and other species of parrots congregate to drink the sodium-rich water. You might even see mammals such as deer, wild pigs and even tapirs who come to drink water here!
Afterward, there’s a nice walk through this incredible forest where you might find other species of primates that are unique to this area. The Yasuní National Park is also the home of the last uncontacted indigenous tribe of our country – but as they’re uncontacted, we won’t see them!
Lunch
Morete Yaku
The main creek that feeds into the Garza Cocha Lake is a beautiful place to paddle through. You will see the difference between the Terra Firme forest and the swamp forest also known as moretal. Morete is one of the dominant species of plants in this ecosystem.
This extremely tall palm is very important to many different species of animals and also for the indigenous communities that use its fruit as an important source of energy.
Departure Briefing
Our manager will provide you with all of the necessary information about the departure procedure for the next morning, and our bartender will offer you a delicious farewell cocktail.
Dinner
Departure day
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Departure for 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.
La Selva Lodge great for family fun!
Monkeys, parrots, piranhas and snakes. Need we say more?
Kids, parents, brothers, sisters, granddads, grannies, cousins, nephews, nieces and any other sort of relatives are welcome at La Selva Amazon Lodge! We’ve been creating memorable family moments for over a quarter century and we take great pride in being the most kid-friendly lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
FAMILY PROGRAM
FOR A FAMILY OF 3
(2 adults + 1 child under 12 years old)
HIGHLIGHTS
The jungle is a great place to be a kid! At La Selva Lodge you can kayak around the lake as you look for monkeys, climb up into our canopy tower to look for birds and swing on vines like Tarzan!
Kids get to do all of the regular great La Selva fun stuff, like hike in the jungle, ride the canoes around the lake and look for wildlife with trained, English-speaking guides.
But because we love them so much, kids get some extras, too!
– Special kit for adventurers
– Crayons for drawing pictures of their day
– Excursions with specially trained guides
– Magnifying glasses to see tiny wildlife close-up
Your kids are a bit finicky, you say? No problem! Our chefs have a lot of experience whipping up kid-friendly meals and snacks.
The La Selva Lodge
Junior Naturalist Program
We love our naturalist guides. They speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish and Parrot. They can spot frogs on the trail that look just like leaves until someone points them out. They can tell which species of monkey is overhead just by hearing it move through the trees. What could be cooler than a naturalist guide?
CHILDREN POLICIES
To preserve their safety and make it a good experience for our little passengers we have established the following policies:
-We do not accept any children under the age of 3 under any circumstances.
– A private guide is mandatory when one or more children confirm between the ages of 3 and 6.
– An obligatory release must be signed before guests travel where the parents will be entirely responsible for their children when visiting La Selva between the ages of 3 and 6.
- Airport reception and assistance in Quito and Coca
- Transfers airport-dock-airport in Coca
- Canoe ride down the Napo River towards the lodge and back
- Premium Accommodation Guided excursions with a Top Bilingual National
- Guide & Native Guide
- Activity daily briefing
- Welcome and farewell cocktail
- All meals & snacks / pure water, coffee and herbal tea
- Supplied expedition gear: water container and small backpack
- Rain coat and rubber boots provided during your stay
- Yoga sessions
- Use of Kayaks
- Air tickets $250 pp.
- SPA services and treatments.
- Soft beverages: juices, sodas, sparkling water, etc.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Tips for guide and staff.
- Travel and health insurance.
- Souvenirs.
- Personal Expenses.
- Any other item not specified above.
RATES 2025
Rates per person and based on double occupancy
| 2-Night | 3-Night | 4-Night |
| $1,210 | $1,570 | $1,930 |
Important notes:
- Prices per person in US dollars, based on double accommodation.
- Rates are subject to change in case of additional taxes, fuel increase or any other unforeseen circumstance.
- New surcharges will be informed in a timely manner.
- For Sunday operation, please contact us in order to arrange special transportation accordingly:
From 1 to 8 pax surcharge of $315 per group applies (subject to change).
From 9 pax onwards no additional cost applies. - Contact us if you wish to visit us on a non-scheduled departure day.
- Our Bilingual Naturalist Guides and Native Guides are divided within specially organized groups that will offer the best opportunities possible during excursions.
- Private Guides are also available upon request during the initial booking process.
- Specialized bird watching guides, are available upon request during the booking
process with an extra fee.
High occupancy dates: For Christmas and New Year´s Eve departures, a 10% surcharge applies. Special conditions apply.
Group discount: For groups of 16 pax or more, the 16th is free of charge on the accommodation.
Children policy: 25% discount per child (#1) out of the rates, when traveling with one adult. Children must be
under 12 years old at the time of travelling.
Single accommodation: Single supplement is 50%.
100% supplement applies as of the fourth single room reserved, based on all hotel occupancy.
QUITO - COCA - QUITO $ 250 price per person
Subject to change without prior notice.
La Selva will reserve, book and issue the flight tickets. In case they are issued directly, a penalty fee of USD 50 per person applies (subject to change).
Prices, availability and schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
As of 30 days before tour date, airfare must be reconfirmed.
Luggage weight limit: 23 Kg per passenger. Carry-on weight limit: 10 Kg per passenger.
It is recommend to be at airport 2 hours before departure hour (time).
Related Trips
Sani Lodge
Sani Lodge is attended by its owners all the time, so the profits stay in the community and it helps to improve in healthcare and education of the community! With this fact, we guarantee that all the visitors have a Real Cultural Experience with wildlife and enjoying wonderful times with the community.
Sacha Lodge
Live the magic of the Ecuadorian Amazon at Sacha Lodge; all the programs and itineraries are tailor-made and flexible to your needs and interests.
Napo Wildlife Center
The best Amazon tour available, Napo Wildlife Center the greatest luxury ecolodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon, located in the most biodiverse spot on earth!