La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat

“Some excursions may require pre-registration or incur additional costs. Please contact our trip planners for more details”

Canoe Rides
Enjoy a canoe ride on Garzacocha Lagoon to observe local plants and wildlife across two distinct ecosystems.

Sacha Huagra Trail
Cross Garzacocha Lake and walk through primary forest to see the Giant Kapok Tree, Strangler Fig Tree, and other local plant and animal species along the trail. End the walk at the lodge for lunch.
Length: 14,370 feet / 4,380 meters
Duration: 3-4 hours

Mandiñan Trail
Duration varies based on wildlife sightings along the trail. The route offers opportunities to observe rainforest flora and fauna.
Length: 4,790 feet / 1,460 meters
Duration: 3-4 hours

Tucaneta's Trail
This is a short walk around the lodge where you will get a general idea of the tropical rainforest (flora, fauna, and microfauna).
Length: 1725.7 ft / 526 m
Duration: 2 hours

Chawamango Trail
Head east from the Mandiñan trailhead and follow the trail back to Garzacocha Lake. Wildlife may be spotted along the way.
Length: 4,868.8 feet / 1,484 meters
Duration: 3-4 hours

Coto Trail
This loop trail takes you on a guided walk through the forest and brings you back to the lodge by canoe. It's an ideal route for spotting diverse flora and fauna. With some luck, you may catch sight of mammals and birds near the lake.
Length: 3,674.5 feet / 1,120 meters
Duration: 2 hours

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).
Length: 961.29 ft / 293 m
Duration: 3-4 hours

Ceiba Trail
Walk one of the shortest but most interesting trails in the area. Named after the giant ceiba tree you'll see along the way, this trail is usually done at night. Spot snakes, tarantulas, spiders, and a wide variety of insects. With some luck, you may also see nocturnal monkeys or a kinkajou.
Length: 738.19 feet / 225 meters
Duration: 1-1:30 hours

Charapa Trail
Short trip by foot around the edge of Lake Garzacocha. Return by canoe to the lodge.
Length: 1,112.2 feet / 339 meters
Duration: 3-4 hours

Garza Yacu Trail
Explore the main canal of the lagoon by canoe as you search for sloths and primates. With some luck, you may spot capuchin, spider, or howler monkeys. Binoculars are useful for better viewing.
Length: 4,855.6 feet / 1,480 meters
Duration: 2-2:30 hours

Vecinal Trail
Follow a trail used daily by Kichua families as they travel between their homes and the community school. Along the way, learn about life in the Amazon and watch for unique bird species that live in the surrounding area.
Length: 1,345.1 feet / 410 meters
Duration: 2 hours

Perdidos Trail
Travel by canoe to reach the trailhead, adding a scenic start and finish to the experience. Walk through mature forest while discussing local ecology and watching for elusive wildlife. This trail is more challenging and suited for those with a higher level of fitness, so it's not included for all groups.
Length: 3,441.6 feet / 1049 meters
Duration: 2 hours

Kichwa Community Visit
Visit a nearby Kichwa community to learn about daily life, traditions, and local culture. Stop by the community school to see where children study when in session.
*Note: School visits are paused from June to September during summer break.

Amazon Observation Tower
Climb the 38-meter (124-foot) Amazon observation tower built into the branches of a giant kapok tree. From the platform, spot birds, insects, monkeys, and flowering plants in the surrounding forest canopy. The tower is a 15-minute walk from the lodge and offers ideal conditions for photography, filming, and birdwatching. A guide will accompany you in the morning or afternoon.

Parrot Clay Licks
Visit one of Amazon’s parrot clay licks and watch parrots, parakeets, and macaws gather along the riverbanks to feed on mineral-rich clay that aids their digestion. Travel by motorized canoe along the Napo River and enjoy a box lunch in the forest during the excursion.

Night-Time Canoe Excursion
Head out by canoe with your guide and a spotlight onto Garzacocha Lagoon to look for caimans, bats, owls, and other nocturnal wildlife.

Kayaking
Explore at your own pace by grabbing a kayak at the dock. Ask the reception for paddles, life jackets, and a towel. Paddle through blackwater channels where you might spot monkeys, Hoatzins, and other rainforest birds. The water feels smooth and cool, especially after a jungle hike.

Star Gazing
Step outside after dark to view Southern Hemisphere constellations. Ask your guide to point out the stars. Star gazing kits are in development for young explorers as part of the Junior Naturalist Program.

Night Excursions
Join a night hike or canoe ride to hear nocturnal forest sounds and search for bats, nightjars, and caimans. Walking excursions may reveal tarantulas, whip-scorpions, frogs, and possibly snakes.

Charapa Turtle Adoption Program
Start with a short canoe ride to a nearby community. Visit the turtle pools where eggs are protected until hatching. Choose a baby turtle, name it, and release it into the Napo River. Receive a conservation certificate and a small community-made gift. The $5 adoption fee goes directly to the community. Local goods like coffee, chocolate, and handicrafts are available for purchase. Return to the lodge for included activities or lunch, depending on timing.

Private Visit to Pañacocha
Depart early for a full-day guided journey to Pañacocha, a remote lagoon system between Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Reserve. Travel by motor canoe down the Napo River, stopping at a local community before entering the blackwater river. Expect to see monkeys, toucans, sloths, butterflies, and possibly pink river dolphins. Swim in the lagoon if conditions allow. Boxed lunch included. Return to the lodge around 4 p.m.

Natural Pool by Lake Garzacocha
Cool off in the natural pool after your rainforest excursions. Relax by the lakeshore and enjoy the scenery and fresh air.

Samai Wasi – Relaxation Lounge
Unwind in a quiet lounge designed for reflection. Read, meditate, or simply listen to the rainforest.

Inti Ñawi – Observatory Deck
Take in panoramic views of the Amazon from the deck. Watch birds during the day and stargaze at night.

Following their innovative spirit, La Selva Lodge is building a new spa. This new and unique concept will blend the beauty and tranquility of the rain forest with the most relaxing therapies. Their new spa will transport you to a secret place where you will feel rejuvenated and in contact with your inner spirit. 

During this reconstruction process, they will continue to offer massage services in the privacy of your suite. Reflexology, Jacuzzi, facial massages, and exfoliation will become available once again upon completion of the new facilities. 

Inspired by the natural beauty and essence of the Amazon, treat yourself to a blend of innovative and traditionally crafted therapies delivered by a highly skilled massage therapist. At La Selva, your individuality is recognized, and each treatment is thoughtfully tailored to your personal needs and preferences. These massages are designed to restore vitality, support overall wellness, and activate key reflex points to improve circulation and promote a deep sense of well-being. Step out feeling refreshed, re-energized, and more connected to the tranquil rhythms of the rainforest.

Complete Massage 

• Picture yourself, if you can, surrounded by vibrant vegetation, exotic birds singing a beautiful tune, and a warm ambiance surrounding you as you lie relaxed while an experienced massage therapist helps to release all tension from your body. It is a mental, as well as physical, reward that you must experience. La Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge & Spa opens its doors to you and invites you to make this a reality. At their eco-lodge, you have the opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful settings while you are pampered from head to toe and well taken care of by their team. Always eager to please, they make themselves available to cater to your every whim. The Complete Massage includes a full-body massage with natural products such as scented oils and lotions that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for your next adventure. They encourage you to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime, relaxing experience at La Selva Lodge.

Reflexology

• Reflexology, or zone therapy, is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, or hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. At La Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge & Spa, they believe in the wisdom of nature, so it is only logical for them to apply such techniques and include them in their repertoire of all things needed to help you relax. Their expert team is able to pinpoint stress-accumulated zones and skillfully release all tension using this technique as you sit back and enjoy the enchanting Amazonian view. Just leave yourself in their trained hands and they will do their best to help you get rid of all stress, leaving you feeling brand new and ready for whatever is coming your way next.

Back and Shoulders

• The most common stress areas, the back and shoulders, need special attention, and they are there to render that attention to you at La Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge & Spa. They welcome you to be a part of this relaxing experience that is sure to leave you feeling revitalized after a fun day of adventuring. Sit back and enjoy the ever-mesmerizing view of the Amazonian forest surrounding the lodge while a massage therapist takes care of your back and shoulders skillfully relieving the stress from these affected areas. Let the gentle heat and the beautiful tune of exotic birds relax your mind. They guarantee to leave you physically and mentally refreshed.

Hands and Feet

• Two of the most over worked areas in the body, the hands and feet, require special attention. At La Selva Lodge they have prepared a satisfying massage concentrating on these main parts of the body. After a wonderful day of trekking around the Amazonian forest, reward yourself and your feet with a massage and you will be sure to wake the next morning ready for the next journey. As for your hands, what better way to treat them than a refreshing massage from one of their experienced massage therapists? If you’re ready to sit back, relax, and put your feet up then this is the place for you. La Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge & Spa welcomes you.

Legs and Calves

• After an invigorating day of trekking through the Amazon forest it is only fair for you to give your legs and calves a reward. Why not treat your legs and calves with a vitalizing massage? At La Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge & Spa, they have prepared a team of dedicated massage therapists that will make sure you walk out feeling relaxed and ready for your next adventure. All you have to do is sit back, put your feet up and enjoy your surroundings while one of their massage therapists pampers you.

Facial

• It takes on the sun, wind, rain and anything that comes its way, so naturally your face requires the upmost attention. They know how delicate the face is and so they have dedicated this program to pamper and rejuvenate your skin so you can face your next adventure head on! With special organic oils and lotions designed to match your skin’s needs you’ll be sure to enjoy this amazing massage. La Selva Lodge invites you to be a part of this great experience.

Exfoliation

• In addition to their special facial, they also offer you an invigorating exfoliation process that leaves your pores feeling brand new. Using all natural products, this massage will clear your skin, open your pores and help reduce any blemishes. Gentle but skilled in their craft, their massage therapists are here to listen to your concerns and cater to any of your needs. Just say the word and the experts at La Selva Lodge will be right there to take care of you.

Guides are a vital part of the team at La Selva Ecolodge. English-speaking naturalist guides accompany you on all excursions, and their expertise in finding and spotting wildlife can make or break the visit for you. That’s why they hire the best guides in the Amazon! Every group is assigned not one, but two guides. The first is a bilingual English/Spanish speaking naturalist guide, who will be the group’s leader, educate you about animals and plants, and be responsible for the group’s safety and enjoyment. The second guide is a native guide: a member of a local community who has grown up in the jungle. Although most of them don’t speak English as fluently as our naturalist guides, their knowledge of the Ecuadorian Amazon is unparalleled.

Naturalist Guides
Not just anyone can be a guide at La Selva Lodge. All guides are licensed by the National Park.
This is a lengthy, demanding process that requires the guides to have professional-level knowledge not only about the flora and fauna, but also safety procedures and park policies.
The guides speak a variety of languages and have different skills according to their individual backgrounds. Some of the guides are great with children, others specialize in birdwatching groups, and others specialize in botany, herpetology, or other scientific disciplines. Here are some of the prerequisites for being a naturalist guide at La Selva Lodge:

• Official license and certification from the National Park
• Degree in a discipline related to guiding in the Amazon: i.e., botany, herpetology, zoology, biology, environmental science, etc.
• Basic first aid and emergency procedures
• In-depth knowledge about the flora and fauna of the Amazon
• In-depth knowledge about other aspects of life in the Amazon, including history, culture, politics, environmental management, etc.
• A working knowledge of the rest of Ecuador, including the highlands, coast, Galapagos, and more
• Bilingual in Spanish and another language such as English, German, or French
• Must be good with people and have superior group management skills
• Guides often attend classes and conferences designed to keep them up to speed on new information such as park policies, emergency procedures, and more

But perhaps the most important characteristic of the guides:

• They must have a great love of the jungle and the Amazon rainforest! The environment is a very special one, and the guides are passionate in their love for the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve and all of the people, flora, and fauna that call it home.

Native Guides
In addition to the naturalist, each group is accompanied by a native guide—a young man or woman from a local community who grew up on the very trails and rivers now proudly shown to visitors. Their knowledge about the Amazon is not only personal but deeply ancestral, passed down through generations that have lived in harmony with the forest and used its medicinal plants. What better guide could you ask for than one who shares centuries of insight and tradition?

In addition to the knowledge they have accumulated over a lifetime in the rainforest, the local guides are given courses locally in useful skills like first aid, group management, ecotourism, guiding, and more. The native guides generally speak Spanish and Kichwa, and most have mastered at least a few words of English (they may ask you to help them practice!).