The best jungle lodge in Ecuador
Immerse… Discover… Engage… Relax… La Selva is the Amazon rainforest for all.
The Lodge is located within Ecuador’s Yasuní Biosphere Reserve and on the borders of the famous Yasuní National Park the most biodiverse areas of the planet. La Selva Amazon Ecolodge and Spa was one of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador and today is still regarded as the premier jungle lodge in Ecuador.
Yoga and Spa treatments
La Selva lodge features a one-of-a-kind spa, where specialized treatments create a heightened sense of relaxation and connection with the unique wonders of the forest. We also offer intimate yoga sessions and classes on the jetty overlooking the waters of the lake… Could anything be more relaxing?
Massages 
Yoga
Fine dining in the midst of the Rainforest
Settle back at our panoramic restaurant, with its stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest, for a gastronomic experience to remember: international cuisine coupled with the finest Ecuadorian ingredients and influences. Our team of chefs is happy to accommodate any of your needs, while surprising you at every turn with their creativity.
Gourmet meals 
Exotic Cuisine
Luxury Suites in the Amazon Rainforest
In your breezy, stylish suite, you’ll be surprised at the level of comfort you encounter in La Selva Ecolodge. Many suites have hot tubs, rainforest showers, and lake views. As the sun sets on another day of adventure and discovery, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the magical sounds of the rainforest, only to awake to bird songs and first light painting the lake with pink and purple hues.
The finest Amazon Tours
From your base at La Selva Lodge, set out to explore Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest and its people, accompanied by our English-speaking naturalist guides and an indigenous guides, whether paddling by canoe, kayaking on the lake, walking along trails, climbing canopy towers, visiting native communities, birdwatching or seeking out incredible wildlife encounters. Visit La Selva on a 4-day or 5-day all-inclusive tour from Quito, Ecuador.
Connoisseur Amazon Tip:
La Selva Lodge is truly amazing!
It will provide luxurious accommodation and is located in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest in the most biodiverse area in the world – the Yasuni National Park. If you are a birdwatcher this is the place to visit. If you love adventure you are in for a treat. And if you are Honeymooning, look no further, La Selva Lodge is one of the most romantic places on Earth!
La Selva Lodge Accommodation
La Selva Amazon Ecolodge has 19 spacious suites, including three Scenic Suites with views of Lake Garzacocha and four roomy Family Suites.
The Scenic and Superior Suites include exclusive rainforest showers, private balconies, and panoramic views, while the Family Suites include extra-spacious bathrooms, hammocks and a hot tub on a private porch.
The design of the rooms at La Selva is inspired by the architecture of the native people’s homes. The airy, shady layout keeps things cool even in the hottest hours of the day.
Amenities
- Ceiling fan
- Safe deposit box
- Wifi Signal
- Mosquito nets on all beds
- Luxury bed linens
- L’Occitane amenities
- Towels and robe
- Carafe of purified water in your suite
Superior Suite 
Scenic Suite Balcony 
Twin bed Suite 
Family Suite Hot Tub 
Scenic Suite 
En Suite Bathroom
Restaurant and bar
From dawn to dusk, you can always count on a member of staff to help you with whatever you need in terms of food and beverages. Our bar is fully stocked with local and international beers, liquors, and gins. Feel free to start a tab and pay the night before you leave.
Snacks with a view 
Dining room 
Observation deck 
Covered terrace
La Selva Lodge Information
La Selva Lodge Activities
Yoga Retreats
Enjoy a breathtaking view while La Selva’s experienced Yoga Instructor leads guests through a relaxing session of Inbound Yoga. Begin a peaceful journey becoming one with nature while drifting away from modern distractions and at the same time rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul. These yoga retreats were designed for beginner to expert yoga enthusiasts. La Selva’s retreats are for everyone, regardless of age, stamina or fitness level.
Please note: This service is available upon request
Observation Tower
The observation tower located about 20 minutes from the lodge towers 40 meters over the forest floor. Here, La Selva’s guides will take you in the morning for incredible views of the rain forest canopy and all the different bird species that make it their home. Here are amazing opportunities for bird watching and photography. The guides will point out and share interesting facts about the different species of monkeys, birds, and flowers that flourish above the lush canopy.
Butterfly Farm
Available any day during the afternoon, visit La Selva’s unique Butterfly Farm. A short walk from the lodge, watch and photograph butterflies at close range of various stages, patterns, and vibrant colors. The farm is specially designed to breed butterflies and accommodate them in each stage of metamorphosis. It is a truly amazing sight viewing each stage of different breeds of butterflies in caterpillar form, as well as in their cocoons as they start to shake and shed their shell to become the beautiful creature they are destined to be! In the butterfly, expo walk around with what seems like hundreds of butterflies fluttering around, at times even landing on guests to take a rest!
La Selva Spa
Just like the Amazon Paradise, each guest who visits La Selva is unique and deserving of therapies that can be tailored to any wants or desires. Treatments available activate the reflexes to help improve circulation and infuse well-being so that La Selva’s special guests can leave these rejuvenating massages re-energized and refreshed. Enjoy one of these unique massage therapies, adding to the ambiance of these already tranquil sessions.
Please note: This service is available upon request
Restaurant
La Selva’s restaurant boasts a delicious and unique quality of food. The chef uses as many ingredients as he can, such as herbs, fruits, and vegetables, offering exquisite dishes native to the region. La Selva is always more than happy to accommodate any special or vegetarian diet upon request.
La Selva Bar
Enjoy a very unique “Jungle Bar” at La Selva Eco Lodge & Spa! The beginning of your bar experiences at our resort will be your “welcome” drink upon arrival. Throughout your stay, our friendly bartenders will be more than happy to serve you your favorite cocktail or introduce you to some of our special tropical drinks while enjoying the wonderful lake view from the bar or during meals.
Jungle Expedition Tour
One walk through the virgin forests and you’ll already appreciate the Giant Kapok Tree (Ceiba Pentandra) and the Strangler Fig Tree (Ficus sp), among the most representatives, along with some other plant and animal species that can be seen.
Canoe Ride
Enjoy a canoe ride on our lagoon, Garzacocha, and discover a great diversity of plants and animals in two different landscapes and ecosystems.
Night Excursions
Hikes and canoe rides allow guests to hear the nocturnal sounds and to look for fishing bats, nightjars, some insects and possibly to get a glimpse of the caimans. Walking excursions give us the chance to encounter nocturnal creatures such as; Tarantulas, Whip-scorpions, toads, and frogs, and possibly snakes.
Candle Light Dinner
Leave it to the staff at La Selva to provide an extremely romantic candlelit dinner for two. The private dinner will consist of you and your loved one, and your attentive waiter. Along with the dinner will come pleasant surprises for a special evening neither of you will forget!
Sunset Cruise
La Selva will have a decorated dugout canoe ready with some snacks and wine. A personal canoe paddler will take you and your loved one along the lagoon for you to enjoy the romantic beauty of an Amazonian sunset.
Pañacocha
Pañacocha is located between the two largest protected areas in the Amazon, Yasuni National Park, and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Established in 1994, Pañacocha offers rare exceptional views of 9 different species of primates, 500 species of birds, and 100 different species of fish in the protected waterways, including Lake Pañacocha. Pañacocha also boasts tropical butterflies with endless varieties of colors and patterns. Accompany one of our local naturalist guides to experience the beauty found within this 140,000 acre protected rainforest. (Private visit subject to availability, must book in advance.)
La Selva Lodge – Itineraries
You can visit La Selva Lodge on a 4-day or 5-day itinerary.Day 1: Arrival to La Selva Lodge
At the Quito International Airport, you will be met by one of 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 the 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 pm – Dinner Dinner will be served at this time. Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course.
Day 2: Observation Tower / Tucaneta Trail / Charapa Trail / Night Canoe Ride
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 be 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: Parrot Clay Lick / Mandi Wasi / Coto Trail
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 the light 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 is going to explain about all the different creatures that can be found and our Native Guide will show you some of the medicinal 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 5: Amazon Chocolate Experience / Farewell to lodge
6:00 am – Wake Up Call 6:30 am – Breakfast 7:00 am – Departure for Coca: In accordance with 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!
La Selva Lodge 2024 Rates
Rates include:
- 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 you stay.
- Yoga sessions.
- Use of kayaks
Rates do not include:
- Round-trip Air tickets (aprox $260 p.p)
- 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.
Additional Information:
- Prices are 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 operations please contact us in order to arrange special transportation accordingly.
- From 1 to 8 pax surcharge of 300 usd 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.
- In case you want to stay longer with us, please contact us.
- Single supplement is 50%. 100% supplement applies as of the fourth single within the same booking.
- For Christmas and New Year ́s Eve departures, a 10% surcharge applies.
- 25% discount per child (out of the gross rates). Children must be under 12 years old at the time of travelling.
- For groups of 16 pax or more, the 16th is free of charge on the accommodation.
Access to La Selva Lodge
How to get there:
On your departure day, a representative will meet you at the Quito airport one hour before departure time. Boarding passes will be distributed and the staff will help you check your luggage and assist you throughout the entire check-in process. The luggage weight limit is 20 Kg per passenger. La Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge works with TAME or AEROGAL airlines. After a 30-minute flight, you will arrive at Coca where our representative will help you with your luggage and transport you to the city’s main dock. At the dock, a motorized canoe will be waiting to take you down the Napo River. Before boarding the boat each guest will be provided a life jacket. During the ride along the river, which lasts about 2 ½ hours, each guest can enjoy a boxed lunch. At La Selva’s private boat landing, La Selva’s staff will help guests with their luggage (carry-on baggage, as well as camera gear, will be the guest’s responsibility). After an easy 15-minute walk through the secondary forest, guests will then board a paddle canoe which staff will power to cross the beautiful Garzacocha Lake to La Selva Jungle Lodge, all part of an amazing introduction to your jungle visit. Approximately 15 minutes later, the hotel manager will greet you and the other guests with a delicious welcoming cocktail. From there, continue to relax while you are given a short briefing and introduction about the lodge and activities, here you will also meet your bilingual naturalist guide who will provide more in-depth information about activities and excursions.Flight connections and schedules:
We strongly recommend our guests to arrive in Ecuador a day prior to traveling to the lodge and to not schedule international connections on the same day as their departure from the lodge. Passengers may risk missing out on their jungle program due to unexpected delays in other flights. Please plan to stay in Quito the night before and after your jungle trip to avoid missing your trip.La Selva Lodge - Packing List
- Passport and color copy
- Cash in small denominations for bar services, tips or souvenirs (Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the Lodge)
- Personal medication to last for the duration of your trip
- Sunhat + Sunblock
- Sunglasses + Swimwear
- Walking shoes or sneakers + waterproof sandals
- Socks: We recommend tall socks that don’t slip easily inside rubber boots. Two pairs per day are ideal.
- Light-weight, earth or dark-colored long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts
- Light-weight quick-dry hiking pants
- Goretex jacket
- Rain poncho or Rainjacket
- Insect repellent (natural with no chemical like DEET)
- Binoculars (waterproof) + Backpack
- Headlamp (or Flashlight) + Extra batteries.
- Inexpensive magnifying glass (optional)
- Personal first aid kit
- Camera + Dry bags + Extra batteries or disk
- Rubber Boots supplied at the lodge. Available sizes 5 to 12
