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Activities 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 in either of our lagoons, Garzacocha or Mandicocha, 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 possibility to encounter with nocturnal creatures such as: Tarantulas, Whip-scorpions, toads and frogs, and possibly snakes.

SOME OF OUR RAINFOREST ACTIVITIES

WALK TO SILVERIO'S HOUSE: Cross Garzacocha Lake. Two and a half to three hour walk on a purposely underdeveloped trail which has some physical challenge. 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.

MANDICOCHA TRAIL: An easy trail close to the hotel which is usually filled with wildlife at any hour of the day. The excursion can last as long as you want.

MANDICOCHA-MANDIYACU: A 3 to 4 hour trip. Follow the Mandicocha trail until you reach Mandicocha Lake which has a completely different ecosystem than Lake Garzacocha (where the hotel is located). Board paddle canoes for a one and half hour glide down Mandiyacu stream. One easily sees the myriad of wildlife that presents itself along the shores of the stream. Arriving at the Napo River, board a motorized canoe for the trip back to La Selva.

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 the Yasuní National Park for the whole morning in order to appreciate a unique site where parrots, parakeets and macaws gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them to digest the fruits they have consumed.

DANTA'S TRAIL: Cross the Napo River and arrive at a challenging mountainous trail which offers yet another ecosystem. It is a chance to see birds and other wildlife nowhere else seen. The duration can vary between 3 to 5 hours.

GARZACOCHA-MANDICOCHA-MANDIYACU: A 3 to 4 hour trip. Follow the Mandicocha trail until you reach Mandicocha Lake which has a completely different ecosystem called Igapo Forest, board paddle canoes for a one hour glide down Mandiyacu stream. One easily sees the myriad of wildlife that presents itself along the shores of the stream.

CHAWAMANGO TRAIL: Head east at the Mandicocha 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 the day of your arrival. 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) among other surprises!

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).

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

135 FOOT OBSERVATION TOWER: Not far from the lodge you can spend a couple of hours observing birds that move around the canopy, perhaps monkeys and wildlife of all kinds, and of course, a wonderful view of the Amazon Basin.

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

EL SALADO: This is a two-hour excursion often combined with a picnic lunch and trips across the Napo River (see following). Visit a site where with a little luck, parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen by the thousands.

HIGH FOREST TRAIL: The duration can vary between 3 and 5 hours. Cross the Napo River and arrive at a challenging mountainous trail which offers yet another ecosystem. It is a chance to see birds and other wildlife nowhere else seen. This trail also provides the opportunity to eat lemon ants.

PILCHE TRAIL: Cross Garzacocha Lake then one hour or more of walking. See an enormous colony of leafcutter ants and whatever wildlife may come your way.

PEDRO'S TRAIL: Two versions available. Cross Garzacocha Lake, walk through virgin forest, and arrive at the tower (4 hours). Short version: pass Butterfly farm and join trail in the middle (two hours).

RUTH'S TRAIL: Across Mandicocha, this trail seems to continue forever. Good place to look for Jaguars (Trail named after founder’s mother).