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.
View of our lodge from the observation deck. (Jeff Rottschafer)
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.
Nico taking in the view from our balcony (Jeff Rottschafer)
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.
Full view of our room at La Selva (Jeff Rottschafer)Our private balcony at La Selva Lodge (Jeff Rottschafer)Our room overlooking the jungle (Jeff Rottschafer)
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!
Not too bad for a meal in the jungle! Lamb shank with fava beans and potatoes. Our first lunch at La Selva! (Jeff Rottschafer)Dinner's not too shabby either (Jeff Rottschafer)
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.
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
1 day ago
Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!
Kathleen Weller
1 day ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
6 days ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.