top of page
La Selva Itineraries
laselva-dt80
laselva-dt84
laselva-dt64
laselva-dt57
laselva-dt37
laselva-dt32
laselva-dt20
laselva-dt5 (1)
laselva-dt4 (1)
laselva-dt5
laselva-dt9 (1)
Premium Tour
4 Days / 3 nights
La Selva 4 Days

Day 1

At the Quito International Airport you will be met by one of our La Selva representatives in the National departure area. Here 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 transfer you by private transportation to the city's main dock at the Napo River.

The next two hours will be on a motorized canoe heading down river on what will be the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the tropical rainforest, the Amazon.

At the end of the motorized canoe ride, you will be dropped off at La Selva's main dock and your first close encounter with the rainforest begins and 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 juice, snacks and a short briefing with general information about your stay at La Selva.

​

4:30 pm - Intro To The Rainforest

One of the Naturalist Guides will give you basic info about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon, and how La Selva operates. The idea is to begin your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived to.

​

5:00 pm - Matapalo 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. Due to the time of day there is great natural light and the diurnal and nocturnal animals are beginning their daily transitional activities.

​

7:00 pm - Snacks

At the bar you can find snacks and order cocktails from the bartender. Or, feel free to help yourself to limitless tea and coffee.

​

7:30 - Dinner

Dinner will be served at this time. Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course.
 

Day 2

6:00 am - Wake up call

​

6:30 am - Breakfast 7:00 am 

​

Observation Tower/Tucaneta or Mandi Forest

After a 20 minute walk the observation tower comes into sight. This amazing construction will allow you to climb 120 ft above the forest. Your Naturalist and Native guides will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, maybe even certain primates.

On the way back from the tower there is the option of taking the Tucaneta Trail where your Native Guide can show you some of the medicinal plants still in use today and your Naturalist Guide will provide you with interesting info on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.

​

There is also the option of visiting the beautiful lagoon of Mandi Cocha. A hike of about 1 hour takes you to the lagoon where an Igapo Forest is present, meaning that the forest is temporarily flooded by black water. Different species of birds and even giant otters can be seen here.

​

1:00 PM - Lunch

​

4:30 pm - Charapa Trail

​

This trail goes on for about an hour beginning at the lodge and ending by the edge of the lagoon. It is a great loop where different mammals, monkeys and birds can been seen that come closer to the lagoon at this time looking for food. It is also perfect for witnessing an Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.

​

6:40 pm - Night Canoe Ride

With the help of a spot light your guides will take you around the lagoon via canoe looking for nighttime wildlife. This is also a great opportunity for star gazing!

​

7:30 pm - Dinner

Day 3

6:00 am - Wake Up Call

 

6:30 am - Breakfast 7:00 -

 

Parrot Clay Lick and Mandi Wasi

Today you will make your way back to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe ride to the clay licks, 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.

After the clay licks we will take you to experience our Cultural Activity. An Amazonian Kichua woman will welcome you at their community center to share their life of the Kichua's in the Amazon. This is special because it is part of the Amazon you do not find on the maps and provides the special and unique opportunity to really get to learn more about the people of the Amazon.

 

1:00 pm - Lunch

 

4:30 pm- Garzacocha Lagoon and Ceiba Trail

This is one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Here there are many chances to see monkeys and birds and sometimes families of squirrel monkeys join capuchin monkeys looking for food. The tremendous calls of the Howler monkeys can be heard in the afternoon and the smallest monkey in the world, the Pigmy Marmoset can be seen here too. Plenty of birds like the Hoatzin, toucans or macaws can also be seen flying overhead.

​

6:30 pm- Nocturnal Walk

On a night walk we give you the chance to enjoy the creatures and sounds of the Amazon Jungle at night. Sometimes we can see amazing things during this activity. Make sure you bring a flashlight for this fantastic experience.

 

7:15 pm - Departure Briefing

Our manager will provide you all the necessary information about your departure procedure for the next morning.

 

7:30 pm - Dinner

 

Day 4

6:00 am - Wake Up

​

Call 6:30 am - Breakfast 7:00 am 

​

Departure for Coca

In accordance 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 airport to help you with your checked luggage and boarding passes.

During your free time in between activities you can use our kayaks, swim in the lagoon, have a massage or just relax in your room and have a nap!

​

Please keep in mind that this is an itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, your physical condition, and safety.

 

Please reload

5 Days / 4 Nights 
La Selva 5 Days

Day 1:

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.

At the Quito International Airport you will be met by one of our La Selva representatives in the National Departure area. Here 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 transfer you by private transportation to the city's main dock at the Napo River.

The next two hours will be on a motorized canoe heading down river on what will be the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the tropical rainforest, the Amazon.

At the end of the motorized canoe ride, you will be dropped off at La Selva's main dock and your first close encounter with the rainforest begins and 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 juice, snacks and a short briefing with general information about your stay at La Selva.

​

4:30 pm - Intro To The Rainforest

One of the Naturalist Guides will give you basic info about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon, and how La Selva operates. The idea is to begin your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived to.

​

5:00 pm - Matapalo

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. Due to the time of day there is great natural light and the diurnal and nocturnal animals are beginning their daily transitional activities.

​

7:00 pm - Snacks

At the bar you can find snacks and order cocktails from the bartender. Or, feel free to help yourself to limitless tea and coffee.

​

7:30 - Dinner

Dinner will be served at this time. Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course. 

 

Day 2

6:00 am - Wake Up CAll

 

6:30 am - Breakfast 7:00 am

​

Observation Tower & Tucaneta Trail

After a 20 minute walk the observation tower comes into sight. This amazing construction will allow you to climb 120 ft above the forest. Your Naturalist and Native guides will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, maybe even certain primates.

On the way back from the tower there is the option of taking the Tucaneta Trail where your Native Guide can show you some of the medicinal plants still in use today and your Naturalist Guide will provide you with interesting info on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.

 

1:00 PM - Lunch

 

4:30 pm - Charapa Trail

This trail goes on for about an hour beginning at the lodge and ending by the edge of the lagoon. It is a great loop where different mammals, monkeys and birds can been seen that come closer to the lagoon at this time looking for food. It is also perfect for witnessing an Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.

​

6:40 pm - Night Canoe Ride

With the help of a spot light your guides will take you around the lagoon via canoe looking for nighttime wildlife. This is also a great opportunity for star gazing!

 

7:30 pm - Dinner
 

Day 3

6:00 am - Wake Up

 

Call 6:30 am - Breakfast

 

7:00 am - Parrot Clay Lick and Mandi Wasi

Today you will make your way back to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe ride to the clay licks, 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.

After the clay licks we will take you to experience our Cultural Activity. An Amazonian Kichua woman will welcome you at their community center to share their life of the Kichua's in the Amazon. This is special because it is part of the Amazon you do not find on the maps and provides the special and unique opportunity to really get to learn more about the people of the Amazon.

 

1:00 pm - Lunch

 

4:30 pm - Coto Trail

This is a fantastic walk that takes off from the lodge to the edge of the Garzacocha Lagoon. In the afternoon th elight from the sun will come from behind most of the time, making this walk an amazing experience and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this amazing forest. Groups of black-mantled tamarin monkeys can be spotted on this walk and some of our groups have even seen tapirs too.

Your Naturalist Guide is going to explain about all the different creatures that can be found and our Native Guide will show you some of the medical plants that they have been using for thousands of years. A canoe ride back to the lodge makes a great ending for this activity.

​

7:30 pm - Dinner
 

Day 4

6:00 am - Wake Up

 

Call 6:30 am - Breakfast

​

7:00 am - Mandi Forest Adventure

Not all lodges can offer an exotic trip into deep wilderness like where you are headed on this adventure. We will walk through an amazing primary forest for around 3 to 4 hours beginning at our main dock back at the Napo River. In this type of ecosystem there are chances to find some of the biggest mammals of the rainforest, like peccaries or wild pigs, deer or tapir. Eventually we will reach the lagoon of Mandi Cocha. Here we get into a fiberglass canoe and paddle through the amazing Igapo Forest. This is a temporary flooded black water forest. Here we might see different species of birds and some of our guests, who are extra lucky, may encounter the elusive giant otter.

 

12:30 pm - Lunch

 

4:30 am - Garzacocha Lagoon and Ceiba Trail

This lagoon is one of the most beautiful in all the Ecuadorian Amazon. During this trip is when we have higher chances of spotting 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 lagoon and you can hear their tremendous calls echoing on the lake. We may even see the famous pimy armoset, which is the smallest monkey in the world. At La Selva we have 7 primate species that can be seen.

More wildlife that can be seen include the Hoatzin, a famous bird with a very strange appearance and adaptations, toucans, macaws, and many other species of birds.

​

6:30 - Nocturnal Walk

 

On a night walk we give you the chance to enjoy the creatures and sounds of the Amazon Jungle at night. Sometimes we can see amazing things during this activity. Make sure that you bring a flashlight for this fantastic experience.

​

7:15 pm - Departure Briefing

Our manager will provide you all the necessary information about your departure procedure for the next morning.

 

7:30 - Dinner
 

Day 5

6:00 am - Wake Up Call

 

6:30 am - Breakfast

​

7:00 am Departure for Coca

In accordance 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 airport to help you with your checked luggage and boarding passes.

 

During your free time in between activities you can use our kayaks, swim in the lagoon, have a massage or just relax in your room and have a nap!

 

Sample itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions or guide decisions. On the last day of your visit at La Selva, there will be no scheduled activities as you will be leaving in the morning to catch your flight in Coca returning to Quito.
 

Please reload

Honeymoon Package
La Selva Honeymoon

Day 1

Are you ready for your amazing honeymoon Amazon adventure at La Selva? Today you will be taken to Quito airport for your flight to Coca. Upon arrival in Coca you will be assisted with transportation to the public dock where your Amazon Honeymoon will begin.

 

As you make your way down the 2 ½ ride on the Napo River in La Selva’s motorized canoe you’ll be presented with a great introduction into the beauty of the jungle. Locals will be by the riverside going along with their daily lives and of course, the scenery you pass by will leave you in complete awe.

 

When you arrive to La Selva’s dock there is no need to worry about your luggage. From here an enjoyable walk into the primary forest on a clearly laid out path will lead you to the edge of the lagoon’s wetlands. Here, more of La Selva’s personnel are waiting to paddle you to the lodge.

 

Upon your arrival to the lodge, the manager will greet you and provide you with a short introduction to the lodge and facilities with refreshing cocktails made special just for the both of you. In the intro you’ll learn all you need to know about the following days you’ll be spending with us. Take some time to relax in your accommodations and later on in the evening, the first of many exciting memories will begin with your guide. Afterwards, dinner will be served with a complimentary bottle of house wine.
 

Day 2 - 3: At la Selva

These two days will be filled with different activities scheduled by your guide. You’ll find yourselves exploring the deep Amazon jungle and learning more about this incredible ecosystem while listening to extraordinary sounds echoed within the forest walls and high above your head in the canopy. At the observation tower you’ll be provided with a bird’s eye view overlooking a sea of green where colorful birds dwell. Discover the hidden culture of the local tribes and learn about their ancient customs as they introduce you to their home and way of life offering food and stories as a warm welcome. In addition to all this, nothing is more romantic than watching the Amazon sun setting in the warm embrace of your loved one while gliding on the still waters of Lake Garzacocha.

 

While you are enjoying all of these wonderful activities you can be sure that our committed staff will be working hard behind the scenes to provide a one of kind and excellent service. Your suites will be cleaned and prepped daily and at night so that you can relax in utmost luxury while the sweet jungle sounds linger in to comfort you even more.

 

Don’t forget that on top of all this, a pampering session in La Selva’s Spa is included with a complete massage for both and you are free to choose a night to surprise your loved one with a romantic dinner with champagne included amidst the beautiful jungle scenery.
 

Day 4:La Selva and Quito

Your final day at La Selva has arrived, but without a doubt you are feeling more in love than ever before thanks to the unique setting of the Amazon. Today you’ll be transferred back to Coca, retracing the same steps you took to arrive. When you arrive to the airport La Selva representatives will make sure everything is ready to go and you’ll be soon on your way back to Quito. At the airport in Quito another La Selva rep will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

 

Additional Quito Services

Many times guests would like to spend extra time exploring more of Ecuador, especially in Quito. We’ve met your needs and have devised an excellent add-on service for you to enjoy the fabulous colonial city of Quito.

 

On the day you return from La Selva, you’ll be taken directly to your hotel after your arrival to Quito Airport where you can drop off your luggage and become acquainted with your accommodations.

After this you’ll be taken to the start of your Quito City tour. See the beautiful, historic, and colonial center just like a local! The vibrant life and cobblestoned streets will seem to take you back in time to the early eras when horse-drawn carriages were used and the beginnings of incredible architectural works of art were just beginning to be built.

 

Following the tour you’ll be taken to enjoy a delicious dinner in the surrounding area of downtown Quito. Afterwards, you will then be able to relax in your hotel reliving all the wonderful moments you’ve spent at La Selva and Quito before your Ecuador tour comes to an end.

 

The following morning as you sign out of the hotel, one of our representatives will accompany you to help with your luggage and transport you to Quito Airport. Here our services will conclude and you will be on your way to your next destination.

Safe Travels!

Please reload

Birdwatching at
La Selva
La Selva Birding

Day 1

La Selva is "simply one of the world’s best birding sites."

 

Ned Wheatley, Author of Where to Watch Birds in South America

Birdwatching in the Amazon Rainforest is a bucket-list sort of adventure for many birdwatchers, and there is no better place in the Amazon to see them than La Selva Lodge, located in the heart of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. After all, there are more species of birds in Ecuador alone than in all of North America combined, and a large percentage of those birds make the Amazon their home. You’re sure to see dozens of species of birds...just on the canoe trip from the town of Coca down the Napo River to get to the lodge on your first day!

We love having birdwatchers at the lodge, and here are just a few things we do to make your birdwatching experience unforgettable:

​

  • Native guides from local communities: they may not speak much English, but they know the local names of all of the birds, and better yet, where to find them!

  • Early breakfasts

  • An observation tower high in the rainforest canopy

  • Quiet, hand-paddled canoes for seeing birds on the lagoon and the creeks that lead in and out of it.

  • Private, specialized birdwatching guides upon request with an additional fee.  

Birdwaching Highlights at La Selva

Birdwatching Highlights at La Selva Lodge

​

Why La Selva Lodge? Here are just a few of the many, many highlights of birding with us:

​

  • It's the place where the Long-tailed Potoo was first seen,

  • It’s also the place where the Ochre Striped Ant-pitta and the Cocha Antshrike were first documented;

  • The world capital of the spectacular Zig-zag Heron.

  • The Yasuní Biosphere Reserve is home to hundreds of species of birds, from tiny hummingbirds to massive Harpy Eagles

  • Our guests regularly see dazzling species such as macaws, toucans and tanagers

Please reload

US: +1.203.443.9365

Quito, Ecuador: +593.999.721.198

Dolores Veintimilla N2 - 68 y Rita Lecumberri

Quito - Ecuador

For more info...

Book NOw!

Any Questions?

  • Black Facebook Icon
  • Black Twitter Icon
  • Black Instagram Icon
bottom of page