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La Selva Lodge - 5 Day Independent Adventure

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Locally Guided Adventure Group Short Break
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 Trip Length
5 Days
 Trip Starts
Quito
 Trip Finishes
Quito
5 Day La Selva Lodge - 5 Day Independent Adventure Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: Ecuador
Trip Styles
Classic , Independent
Budget
Affordable
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Locally Guided
Trip Code
TSEJ5L

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 5 Day La Selva Lodge - 5 Day Independent Adventure. Head deep into the Amazon Basin to La Selva Lodge on tranquil Garzacocha Lake, itself connected to the massive Amazon River system. Walk on raised platforms and paths through the jungle, spot birds from a canopy-level tower, fish for piranha from dug-out canoes, look for caiman on night paddles, or simply relax in the hammock of your luxury cabana. La Selva's gourmet food and friendly, knowledgeable staff make it even easier to enjoy this paradise of unparalleled biodiversity.

Itinerary

At the Quito International Airport you will be met by a La Selva representative in the national departure area in order to assist you with the check-in process and give you a short briefing about the journey. Transfer to the port to board a motorized canoe which will take the group to La Selva's main dock.

Continue on a short 15-min jungle walk leading to a creek. Enjoy a paddle across “Garzacocha” (the heron´s lagoon) in a small canoe in order to reach the lodge area.

Upon arrival at the lodge, have a welcome drink and take part in an introductory briefing and a short activity to be introduced to the rainforest. (L/D)

See the canopy of the rainforest from a tower 43m (141 ft) in height, and choose from dozens of walks of varying lengths and difficulties; several routes can only be accessed by canoe. Choose from a variety of activities: wake up early for some bird watching or stay up late and go out on a boat to view caimans by flashlight. Learn about the environment and wildlife from a naturalist guide, who accompanies the group to ensure you get the most out of the excursions. The opportunities for birding, botany, hiking, herpetology, canoeing, photography, entomology, fishing, relaxing, and swimming at La Selva Lodge are boundless. Below is a sample of what may be available: MATAPALO TRAIL: This trail was named after the Spanish name for the famous strangler fig (Ficus aurea), one of the many remarkable trees that can be found during this short introductory walk. Native and naturalist guides will share their knowledge about the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest. NIGHT WALK: A flashlight and a camera will be the only things needed to enjoy all of the insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that can be seen during an hour walk in the darkness of the forest. NIGHT CANOE RIDE IN GARZACOCHA LAGOON: Guides will take you in a paddle canoe around the lagoon looking for caimans, boas, bats, owls, night mammals, and more nocturnal wildlife with the help of a spotlight. If the sky is clear, have the chance to do some star gazing. DAY CANOE RIDE IN GARZACOCHA LAGOON: Take a 1.5 to 2 hour canoe ride to observe the biodiversity around the Garzacocha lagoon, where the famous hoatzin stinkbird can be seen as well as fish, monkeys, and the beautiful trees that grow inside the black waters system. CHAGUAMANGO TRAIL: The trail begins at the lodge and finishes at the edge of the lake. At the end of the walk, head back to the lodge by canoe. If lucky, see big troops of squirrel monkeys approaching the water, allowing you to take great photos of wildlife. CHARAPA TRAIL: This trail takes about 1.5 hours. Start at the butterfly farm and end at the edge of the lake. It's a wonderful loop that begins with a walk, returning to the lodge by canoe. Along the way, try to spot different groups of mammals, monkeys, and birds that get close to the lakeshore to look for food in the afternoon hours. It it's a clear afternoon, enjoy a beautiful sunset from the canoe. OBSERVATION TOWER: Take a 20-min walk to the tower, which allows visitors to be (37m) 120 ft above the forest floor to enjoy the canopy of the tropical rainforest. Use a telescope to see birds from the canopy, and maybe even monkeys or sloths. On the way back, hike for about 2 hrs. A native guide will show some of the medicinal plants that natives still use and the naturalist will provide information about the ecology and natural history as well. PARROT CLAY LICK: Visit the most biologically diverse spot on Earth, the Yasuni National Park. A 20-min canoe ride plus a 15-min walk will bring you back to the Napo River. Take a 10-min motorized canoe ride to one of the most amazing displays of the wild world. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later come down to a clay bank to eat the soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy the experience. After identifying the different species of parrots and parakeets, a naturalist guide will provide a lot of interesting information about the behavior of these spectacular birds. The motorized canoe ride will continue for approximately 30 more minutes of birdwatching along the river banks. BUTTERFLY FARM: Learn about the biology of these amazing butterflies. A farm will show the different stages of the butterfly complemented with interesting information provided by a naturalist guide. Visitors won't want to leave the butterfly flying area without taking photos of the colorful butterflies. PIRANHA FISHING: Enjoy fishing for piranhas in the Garzacocha Lake! Fishing lines will be provided by a native guide to let you catch your own piranha. Depending on the size of the fish, they are usually released back into the water. If the fish is big enough, give it to the gourmet chef and enjoy a tasty fish dinner. The fish is much more delicious when you catch it yourself! SPECIFIC TOPIC TALKS: One of the naturalists will hold an optional activity to talk about a specific topic of the rainforest. (B/L/D)

See the canopy of the rainforest from a tower 43m (141 ft) in height, and choose from dozens of walks of varying lengths and difficulties; several routes can only be accessed by canoe. Choose from a variety of activities: wake up early for some bird watching or stay up late and go out on a boat to view caimans by flashlight. Learn about the environment and wildlife from a naturalist guide, who accompanies the group to ensure you get the most out of the excursions. The opportunities for birding, botany, hiking, herpetology, canoeing, photography, entomology, fishing, relaxing, and swimming at La Selva Lodge are boundless. Below is a sample of what may be available: MATAPALO TRAIL: This trail was named after the Spanish name for the famous strangler fig (Ficus aurea), one of the many remarkable trees that can be found during this short introductory walk. Native and naturalist guides will share their knowledge about the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest. NIGHT WALK: A flashlight and a camera will be the only things needed to enjoy all of the insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that can be seen during an hour walk in the darkness of the forest. NIGHT CANOE RIDE IN GARZACOCHA LAGOON: Guides will take you in a paddle canoe around the lagoon looking for caimans, boas, bats, owls, night mammals, and more nocturnal wildlife with the help of a spotlight. If the sky is clear, have the chance to do some star gazing. DAY CANOE RIDE IN GARZACOCHA LAGOON: Take a 1.5 to 2 hour canoe ride to observe the biodiversity around the Garzacocha lagoon, where the famous hoatzin stinkbird can be seen as well as fish, monkeys, and the beautiful trees that grow inside the black waters system. CHAGUAMANGO TRAIL: The trail begins at the lodge and finishes at the edge of the lake. At the end of the walk, head back to the lodge by canoe. If lucky, see big troops of squirrel monkeys approaching the water, allowing you to take great photos of wildlife. CHARAPA TRAIL: This trail takes about 1.5 hours. Start at the butterfly farm and end at the edge of the lake. It's a wonderful loop that begins with a walk, returning to the lodge by canoe. Along the way, try to spot different groups of mammals, monkeys, and birds that get close to the lakeshore to look for food in the afternoon hours. It it's a clear afternoon, enjoy a beautiful sunset from the canoe. OBSERVATION TOWER: Take a 20-min walk to the tower, which allows visitors to be (37m) 120 ft above the forest floor to enjoy the canopy of the tropical rainforest. Use a telescope to see birds from the canopy, and maybe even monkeys or sloths. On the way back, hike for about 2 hrs. A native guide will show some of the medicinal plants that natives still use and the naturalist will provide information about the ecology and natural history as well. PARROT CLAY LICK: Visit the most biologically diverse spot on Earth, the Yasuni National Park. A 20-min canoe ride plus a 15-min walk will bring you back to the Napo River. Take a 10-min motorized canoe ride to one of the most amazing displays of the wild world. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later come down to a clay bank to eat the soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy the experience. After identifying the different species of parrots and parakeets, a naturalist guide will provide a lot of interesting information about the behavior of these spectacular birds. The motorized canoe ride will continue for approximately 30 more minutes of birdwatching along the river banks. BUTTERFLY FARM: Learn about the biology of these amazing butterflies. A farm will show the different stages of the butterfly complemented with interesting information provided by a naturalist guide. Visitors won't want to leave the butterfly flying area without taking photos of the colorful butterflies. PIRANHA FISHING: Enjoy fishing for piranhas in the Garzacocha Lake! Fishing lines will be provided by a native guide to let you catch your own piranha. Depending on the size of the fish, they are usually released back into the water. If the fish is big enough, give it to the gourmet chef and enjoy a tasty fish dinner. The fish is much more delicious when you catch it yourself! SPECIFIC TOPIC TALKS: One of the naturalists will hold an optional activity to talk about a specific topic of the rainforest. (B/L/D)

See the canopy of the rainforest from a tower 43m (141 ft) in height, and choose from dozens of walks of varying lengths and difficulties; several routes can only be accessed by canoe. Choose from a variety of activities: wake up early for some bird watching or stay up late and go out on a boat to view caimans by flashlight. Learn about the environment and wildlife from a naturalist guide, who accompanies the group to ensure you get the most out of the excursions. The opportunities for birding, botany, hiking, herpetology, canoeing, photography, entomology, fishing, relaxing, and swimming at La Selva Lodge are boundless. Below is a sample of what may be available: MATAPALO TRAIL: This trail was named after the Spanish name for the famous strangler fig (Ficus aurea), one of the many remarkable trees that can be found during this short introductory walk. Native and naturalist guides will share their knowledge about the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest. NIGHT WALK: A flashlight and a camera will be the only things needed to enjoy all of the insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that can be seen during an hour walk in the darkness of the forest. NIGHT CANOE RIDE IN GARZACOCHA LAGOON: Guides will take you in a paddle canoe around the lagoon looking for caimans, boas, bats, owls, night mammals, and more nocturnal wildlife with the help of a spotlight. If the sky is clear, have the chance to do some star gazing. DAY CANOE RIDE IN GARZACOCHA LAGOON: Take a 1.5 to 2 hour canoe ride to observe the biodiversity around the Garzacocha lagoon, where the famous hoatzin stinkbird can be seen as well as fish, monkeys, and the beautiful trees that grow inside the black waters system. CHAGUAMANGO TRAIL: The trail begins at the lodge and finishes at the edge of the lake. At the end of the walk, head back to the lodge by canoe. If lucky, see big troops of squirrel monkeys approaching the water, allowing you to take great photos of wildlife. CHARAPA TRAIL: This trail takes about 1.5 hours. Start at the butterfly farm and end at the edge of the lake. It's a wonderful loop that begins with a walk, returning to the lodge by canoe. Along the way, try to spot different groups of mammals, monkeys, and birds that get close to the lakeshore to look for food in the afternoon hours. It it's a clear afternoon, enjoy a beautiful sunset from the canoe. OBSERVATION TOWER: Take a 20-min walk to the tower, which allows visitors to be (37m) 120 ft above the forest floor to enjoy the canopy of the tropical rainforest. Use a telescope to see birds from the canopy, and maybe even monkeys or sloths. On the way back, hike for about 2 hrs. A native guide will show some of the medicinal plants that natives still use and the naturalist will provide information about the ecology and natural history as well. PARROT CLAY LICK: Visit the most biologically diverse spot on Earth, the Yasuni National Park. A 20-min canoe ride plus a 15-min walk will bring you back to the Napo River. Take a 10-min motorized canoe ride to one of the most amazing displays of the wild world. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later come down to a clay bank to eat the soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy the experience. After identifying the different species of parrots and parakeets, a naturalist guide will provide a lot of interesting information about the behavior of these spectacular birds. The motorized canoe ride will continue for approximately 30 more minutes of birdwatching along the river banks. BUTTERFLY FARM: Learn about the biology of these amazing butterflies. A farm will show the different stages of the butterfly complemented with interesting information provided by a naturalist guide. Visitors won't want to leave the butterfly flying area without taking photos of the colorful butterflies. PIRANHA FISHING: Enjoy fishing for piranhas in the Garzacocha Lake! Fishing lines will be provided by a native guide to let you catch your own piranha. Depending on the size of the fish, they are usually released back into the water. If the fish is big enough, give it to the gourmet chef and enjoy a tasty fish dinner. The fish is much more delicious when you catch it yourself! SPECIFIC TOPIC TALKS: One of the naturalists will hold an optional activity to talk about a specific topic of the rainforest. (B/L/D)

The lodge staff will assist with your checked luggage. Take a motorized canoe ride upstream to go back to Coca, where a representative will take you to the airport to help with your checked luggage and boarding passes. Catch the flight back to Quito and transfer to the hotel in Quito. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Stay in a remote and luxurious Amazon lodge.
  • Explore jungle paths and rivers by foot and canoe.
  • Learn about this diverse ecosystem with expert local naturalists.
  • Enjoy gourmet cuisine prepared by a renowned chef.

  • Amazon Jungle lodge stay with activities and wildlife viewing opportunities by boat and hiking
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • La Selva Lodge (4 Nights)
  • One of the first Amazon rainforest lodges in Ecuador, the award-winning La Selva was completely remodeled and reopened in 2012 and has become the premier eco-lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The cabanas are inspired by traditional bamboo design: authentic, airy and comfortable with unexpected amenities including private bathrooms, hot showers, electricity, ceiling fans, and are immaculately cleaned daily.
  • The cozy private bungalows are made entirely of secondary growth rainforest materials and designed to blend with the surroundings. Each one has a private bathroom, a hammock and mosquito netting for each bed (although you will be surprised at what little need you will have for this item due to the lack of insects).
  • There are 12 thatched cabanas of varying sleeping configurations and several public gathering spots, including the spacious dining room with a rooftop lookout point, an open-air combined bar and a lounge with a wrap-around view of the lake.
  • In an effort to conserve the authentic Amazon experience and for ecological reasons, please note that there is no air conditioning in the rooms at La Selva. However, for your convenience and comfort there are fans for use 24 hours a day, and after a short period, you will be surprised at how quickly your body will adapt to the change of climate. The open design of the rooms allows you to listen and enjoy the sounds of the jungle while maintaining a genuine jungle experience in maximum comfort.

  • G Adventures Rep in Quito, local naturalist guides, lodge staff

  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

  • Van, bus, plane, canoe, walking

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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