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Activities and Tour Options at La Selva

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.

La Selva Massages
Inspired by the natural beauty and essence of the Amazon, indulge yourself with our innovative and traditional crafted treatments provided by our highly certified massage therapist. Read more

Yoga Retreat
New at La Selva are our Yoga Retreats. Our certified yoga instructor will lead you on a peaceful journey while at the same time rejuvenating your body and soul! Read more

POSSIBLE DAILY RAINFOREST EXCURSIONS

WALK TO SILVERIO'S HOUSE: Cross Garzacocha Lake to begin a two and a half to three hour walk on a rugged trail with some physically challenging parts. Half of the walk takes place in primary forest and the other half passes by the huts of our indigenous neighbors along the Napo River.

SACHA HUAGRA TRAIL: Cross Garzacocha Lake, walk through virgin forest to observe the Giant Kapok Tree (Ceiba Pentandra) and the Strangler Fig Tree (Ficus sp), as well as other plant and animal species that can be seen along the trail; arrive at the lodge for lunch. It takes about four and a half hours for the whole loop.

PARROT CLAY LICKS: Visit to the Yasuni National Park to appreciate a unique site where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them to digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Option to enter to an indigenous community inside the Yasuni Park where other species of parrots and macaws can be seen (additional park entrance fees apply)

CHAWAMANGO TRAIL: Head east at the Mandiñan trailhead, followed by a walk back to Garzacocha lake. 3 - 4 hour walk. Surprises can be found on the way.

MATAPALO TRAIL: This is an introductory walk perfect for your arrival day. Here you will have the chance to appreciate the particular Strangler Fig (Ficus sp), Azteca Ants (Azteca Trigona) lots of bright and beautiful heliconia plants and the Rubber Tree (Hevea Brasiliensis).

TOUCANETA'S TRAIL: This is a short 2 hour walk around the lodge where you will get a general idea of the tropical rainforest (flora, fauna & microfauna).

CHARAPA TRAIL: Short trip by foot around the edge of Lake Garzacocha. Return by canoe to the lodge.

OBSERVATION TOWER: Newly renovated and ready for your arrival at La Selva Jungle Lodge is the Observation Tower! The tower offers great views of 35 meters overlooking the beautiful canopy of the surrounding rainforest. Offering breath taking views of the wilderness that surrounds the lodge, here you'll see and hear many different species of birds, insects, and monkeys, as well as different types of flowers. Atop of the tower offers great opportunities for photography, filmography, and bird watching. The tower is located only 10 minutes away from the lodge and butterfly house. Guides will accompany you to the observation tower either in the morning or the afternoon. For your safety, only 10 people max plus two guides are allowed atop of the tower.

The observation tower is made from a type of wood called black and white "Pechiche" that we built around a large Kapok tree. As we believe practicing ecological sustainability is very important, no environmental footprint has been left in the renovation of the observation tower.

BUTTERFLY FARM: Available every afternoon. Close to the lodge, watch and photograph butterflies at close range. With any luck, witness the miracle of metamorphosis. Expected to be ready for Summer 2013.

COTO TRAIL This trail, like the charapa trail begins next to the butterfly farm and ends on the edge of the lagoon. It is also a loop where you start our walking and come back to the hotel by canoe. Depending on the guest's interests, the trail can be done in the morning or in the afternoon. It lasts approximately two hours, and is ideal for observing diverse flora and fauna. With luck we will have mammal and bird sightings close to the lake.

MANDIÑAN TRAIL: Lasts three to four hours depending on the animal sightings that happen along the way. The entire trail is by foot to observe flora and fauna typical of the tropical rainforest.

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. Join one of our local naturalist guides to experience the beauty found within this 140,000 acre protected rainforest. Please note that there is an extra fee for this activity.