Welcome to La Selva Ecolodge

After continuing down the stream for about 30 minutes, we came to a clearing where the tight jungle opens up on both sides, revealing a medium-sized blackwater lake. Here is where we got the first glimpse of La Selva Ecolodge, which both simultaneously blends in and rises out of the surrounding jungle.

Any coolness that we felt while on the motorized canoe had been entirely replaced by sweat as the humidity crept under our skin, so it was a welcome sight to see staff out on the docks greeting us with freshly squeezed juice from a fruit that I had never heard of, and a wet towel to help us freshen up a bit.

After taking a few minutes to settle in and look around, we were given a briefing of the lodge, and what we could expect to experience over the next few days. This included possible excursions, information about wildlife that live around the lodge, meal times, and getting set up in our rooms. We also were told about some activities that we could do independently such as yoga (which was offered four times a day), fishing, kayaking and even swimming in the lake (more on that later).

The lodge is made up of just over a dozen suites that are just down the path from the main building. Our room certainly made the jungle look pretty dang comfortable as there not only was there a king-sized bed right in the center of the room, but also a nice sitting area and a balcony overlooking the lake and lodge (some even have jacuzzis!). The bathroom facilities also did not disappoint, with separate rooms for both the rainforest shower and toilet, and then another large area with two sinks, complete with Occitane en Provence toiletries. I think my home bathroom is going to feel pretty shabby once I return. 

Food is another highlight of the Lodge. Our first lunch really beat all expectations as the starter was Ecuadorian marinated fish, the main course was an absolutely huge lamb shank, following by a passion fruit mousse for dessert that popped with freshness. The only worry I had was how would I be able to possibly finish every meal! Thankfully, (maybe) the dinner portions were a bit less overwhelming, but the food quality was always top notch. Breakfast was a daily buffet complete with an omelet bar, fresh fruit galore, yogurts, muesli and granola, tons of bread and cheeses, and a rotating selection of pancakes, french toast and Ecuadorian corn cakes. I never thought that I would have a problem overeating in the jungle!

If the scheduled meals were not enough food, there also were snacks on hand 24/7, as well as coffee and tea. There is also a bar that is open throughout the day, supplying sweat-soaked travelers with delectable cocktails, wines and the ever-necessary cold beer. Nothing tastes quite as good as an ice-cold pilsner in the Amazon. While drinks are not included in the cost of the lodge, the prices are reasonable and there is a daily Happy Hour where you can get two cocktails for the price of one. But, don’t think you have any reason to carry your wallet around the lodge, as they make it easy to set up a bar tab which you can settle up at the end of your time there.