An Ecuador Amazon lodge like no other

Wonderful ecologe in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We spent three wonderful nights at La Selva Eco Lodge in February, and Christine my wife and I agree that our ... read moreWe spent three wonderful nights at La Selva Eco Lodge in February, and Christine my wife and I agree that our visit was one of the best travel experiences that we have ever had. We booked our trip directly with La Selva, and their representative could not have been more helpful. Communication was clear, timely, and detailed – including a list of what to pack so we would be comfortable and prepared during our stay in the rainforest. We were met by a representative of La Selva when we arrived at the airport in Coca, Ecuador and from that point on, all we had to do was relax and enjoy our trip. And what an amazing trip it was. On our first day, after a two-hour motorized canoe ride down the Napo River and short paddled canoe trip through the forest, we arrived in the early afternoon to the lodge, which is situated on the shore of a large lagoon. The staff greeted us with a cool glass of tropical fruit juice, and then we were shown to our room overlooking the lagoon. After a brief rest, we began our exploration of the rain forest. La Selva has an extensive list of activities, from watching birds from a platform in the canopy to visiting a local indigenous community, so we were able to select tours that fit our interests. Our days were full, tours start early in the morning and... We spent three wonderful nights at La Selva Eco Lodge in February, and Christine my wife and I agree that our visit was one of the best travel experiences that we have ever had. We booked our trip directly with La Selva, and their representative could not have been more helpful. Communication was clear, timely, and detailed – including a list of what to pack so we would be comfortable and prepared during our stay in the rainforest. We were met by a representative of La Selva when we arrived at the airport in Coca, Ecuador and from that point on, all we had to do was relax and enjoy our trip. And what an amazing trip it was.
On our first day, after a two-hour motorized canoe ride down the Napo River and short paddled canoe trip through the forest, we arrived in the early afternoon to the lodge, which is situated on the shore of a large lagoon. The staff greeted us with a cool glass of tropical fruit juice, and then we were shown to our room overlooking the lagoon. After a brief rest, we began our exploration of the rain forest. La Selva has an extensive list of activities, from watching birds from a platform in the canopy to visiting a local indigenous community, so we were able to select tours that fit our interests. Our days were full, tours start early in the morning and end after dark, with several hours of free time in the early afternoon for yoga, massage, or just relaxing in our room. All of the tours were wonderful, but for us, walking through the forest and canoeing on the lagoon at night were especially magical. We saw an incredible array of animals and plants, including birds, monkeys, bats, frogs, insects, old growth trees, and orchids.
Our guides, Pablo and Sergio, were outstanding. Pablo is a bilingual naturalist with extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, natural history and ecology of Amazonia, and Sergio is a member of the local indigenous community with a deep personal knowledge of the forest surrounding the lodge. We believe that it was this combination of expertise that made our experience so rich. On many occasions, Sergio would draw our attention to something – a bird, monkey, insect, plant, etc. - in the forest and Pablo would explain its biology and ecology. They are a perfect team. Pablo told us that Sergio’s people have been living in the forest surrounding the lodge for the past 10,000 years, and sometimes, watching Sergio walking along a forest trail in front of us, looking up into the canopy, we felt like we had been transported back in time.
Our room was very comfortable, and we enjoyed sitting on our balcony overlooking the lagoon in the evening. The lodge and surroundings are beautiful and peaceful. The dining room is spacious, and the food is excellent. The Chef created delicious meals using local ingredients, we are still in awe of the guanabana Panna Cotta desert he served on our first night. All of the staff are very attentive, helpful and friendly. We felt right at home and very well cared for.
We highly recommend La Selva Ecolodge, and we hope to return again soon. More read less

Relaxing and Peaceful It was a nice comfortable stay with great fauna and wildlife. We had the opportunity to go to a watchtower whe... read moreIt was a nice comfortable stay with great fauna and wildlife. We had the opportunity to go to a watchtower where we saw various species of birds. The spa, yoga, fishing, and kayaking activities they offer are also amazing. They have great options for food given I’m a vegetarian. Also, they provide you with adequate equipment such as boots, an umbrella, binoculars, and a goody bag. Overall an amazing experience to have with your family. read less

Amazing trip! Went as an add on trip before visiting the Galápagos Islands. So glad we did as we had a really fabulous time.... read moreWent as an add on trip before visiting the Galápagos Islands. So glad we did as we had a really fabulous time.
We fished for Piranha during our down time, there is so much to do or time to have a siesta if you prefer.
The guides were very knowledgeable and had super sharp vision when it came to animal spotting. La Selva was really a superb lodge.
Have the best memories and everything about this trip was perfect for us travelling as a family with 19 and 22yr olds! read less

Advice for your trip 🙂 La selva is great- but here’s some advice to have the best stay possible: -invest in a good pair of binocular... read moreLa selva is great- but here’s some advice to have the best stay possible: -invest in a good pair of binoculars - I didn’t do this, brought a junky pair and was kicking myself. Seriously, spend a lot of money for a good pair. -the 2 hour ride down the Napo River is not that pleasant , so just prepare yourself and you’ll be fine, bring a jacket. - do 5 days 4 nights, BUT, don’t let them pull what they pulled on 2 members of our group (see below - request Omar and Enrique , they’re the best! A few things la selva could improve: - we had 5 people in our group and they told us on day 2 that the next day we would have 5 more - meaning we would have had 10. The agent told me no more than 8 in a group, so if this had happened (3 of the 5 cancelled) I would have been pretty pissed. Make sure of the group size before you go and make sure it’s adhered to- 10 would have been a lot less enjoyable -we did 3 nights and 4 days. At first I was sad we were leaving the night before our departure and wished we had sprung for the extra night, but then I found out that they were doing the same exact thing they did on day 2 for those that were staying 4... La selva is great- but here’s some advice to have the best stay possible:

-invest in a good pair of binoculars - I didn’t do this, brought a junky pair and was kicking myself. Seriously, spend a lot of money for a good pair.

-the 2 hour ride down the Napo River is not that pleasant , so just prepare yourself and you’ll be fine, bring a jacket.

- do 5 days 4 nights, BUT, don’t let them pull what they pulled on 2 members of our group (see below

- request Omar and Enrique , they’re the best!

A few things la selva could improve:

- we had 5 people in our group and they told us on day 2 that the next day we would have 5 more - meaning we would have had 10. The agent told me no more than 8 in a group, so if this had happened (3 of the 5 cancelled) I would have been pretty pissed. Make sure of the group size before you go and make sure it’s adhered to- 10 would have been a lot less enjoyable

-we did 3 nights and 4 days. At first I was sad we were leaving the night before our departure and wished we had sprung for the extra night, but then I found out that they were doing the same exact thing they did on day 2 for those that were staying 4 nights - so they essentially had to repeat one day. If I had this happen to us I would be pretty peeved, so make sure you ask about this first and ensure that it won’t happen

-the travel agency they use is slow to answer , but it’s not the end of the world

-La Selva: please put the sign to not flush toilet paper in front of the bowl when you’re sitting - not to the side - I can’t count the number of times I fished toilet paper out of the bowl because I forgot. Yuck . Small change and a big reward.

- the tipping process is insane. They should incorporate it into the price. It makes the last day awkward and adds unnecessary stress. Just add a certain % automatically to the bill and if someone has poor service they can ask for it be removed - this is the process in a lot of places and it’s a lot less stressful and awkward.

All that said - la selva is wonderful. The staff is great, the whole place is amazing and the activities are a blast.. definitely go- just take my advice above 🙂 More read less

Magical experience in the jungle La Selva met all my expectations and more: great location (isolated) by a lake with beautiful sunrise and suns... read moreLa Selva met all my expectations and more: great location (isolated) by a lake with beautiful sunrise and sunset, very few mosquitoes (when near the lake), beautiful room with spacious bathroom (L’Occitane products is a +), excellent food (very good to accommodate any food restrictions / preferences), very knowledgeable guides (which you need to see the wildlife, very different than Galapagos islands), at least 6 hours of planned activities per day and many other optional activities (fishing piranhas, kayaking, yoga at 5a under the stars / sunrise was a magical moment for me).
It is very hot and don’t expect air conditioning but you are in the jungle after all!
GM Miguel and guide Paul were wonderful.
I am putting on my list to places to visit again! More read less

Outstanding Amazon experience My husband and I spent 4nights at the La Selva Ecolodge, The lodge is nestled in the Amazonian jungle alongsid... read moreMy husband and I spent 4nights at the La Selva Ecolodge, The lodge is nestled in the Amazonian jungle alongside a large lagoon. The lodge is luxurious and comfortable but is designed in such a way as to blend into the surrounding jungle naturally and all effort is made to ensure an ecofriendly existence. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the barman whips up delicious cocktails. The food is exceptional and plentiful! The wakeup calls are early, however, you get ample free time during the day to spend as you wish. Free time can be spent as you wish but we particularly enjoyed the Piranha fishing and relaxing massage at the spa. The guided excursions are so interesting and our naturalist, Paul, was particularly knowledgeable on a wide range of topics. Our native guide, Dario, was amazing at spotting the tiniest animals and his insight into the indigenous way of life in the Amazon was fascinating. Yes, there is wifi to connect with family and friends back home, but, honestly while you're there rather enjoy the sounds and sights of the Amazon and disconnect from the outside world. The Amazon is truly spectacular and this lodge, being one of the smaller ones, provides the most intimate way to experience it. I would highly recommend! Megan and Nathan. More read less