La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa

These stylish suites are equipped to suit travellers looking for comfort in the heart of nature. They feature modern conveniences such as a mosquito net and ceiling fan within beautiful traditional architecture, as well as a wide balcony for watching rainforest life go by. A generous rainforest shower can be found in the bathroom. Guests can choose between a king-sized bed or twin beds.

Spacious and boasting an on-deck hot tub and a hammock for those quiet afternoon hours, the Family Suite is an oasis of tranquillity for groups of guests with younger visitors. A king bed and twin beds are provided, while sofas and coffee tables create a comfortable living space that invites relaxation. Take in jungle views from the private porch.

The three Scenic Suites are situated high on the banks of the lake, creating the ultimate rainforest atmosphere and offering sublime views. Watch the sunset bleed into the canopy and reflect in the water as you sip a cocktail from your private balcony. These suites enjoy a rainforest shower, spacious layout and beautiful design.

The lodge’s restaurant whips up a scintillating menu of international and Ecuadorian-inspired cuisine, with a strong emphasis on sourcing locally and using seasonal produce. Fresh fruit and vegetables feature strongly, while the restaurant will gladly cater to diners’ needs, be they vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or kosher menus.

Take a ride out in a canoe on the mirror-like Garzacocha Lagoon and feel the placid water slide by as you hone in on the rainforest wildlife. Travelling by water gives you access to different ecosystems and allows guests to observe an array of flora and fauna in one journey.

There are almost a dozen trails extending from the lodge into the forest, to the lagoon and beyond. Hikes range from one to four hours and take in the landscape’s incredible wildlife, from walking palms to strangler figs and possibly even some fauna. Some trips include sections by canoe and allow you to search out sloths as well as the different varieties of monkeys that inhabit the forest!

There are several indigenous communities within reach of La Selva. Guests are able to visit and learn about their ways of life. This is a truly valuable opportunity to connect with and learn from those that have lived on this land for so long.

Nestled high up in the boughs of a giant kapok tree, the observation tower surveys the forest in all its glory. Watch monkeys swing, listen to the calls of the hundreds of bird species and take in the endless insect and plant life. This is an excellent location for photography and filming, and is only a 15-minute walk from the lodge.

Hop into a motorized boat excursion and head up the Napo River with a box lunch to view this enchanting spectacle. There are two spots on the river banks where parakeets, parrots and macaws gather to lick the clay and take in important minerals that aid their digestion.

On this special activity, guides take guests onto Garzacocha Lagoon with a spotlight, in the company of caimans, bats, owls and other animals. This is an incredible opportunity to witness the forest’s nightlife.

La Selva prides itself on being a family-oriented lodge, with activities for children of five years and older. Younger kids can take part in the junior naturalist programme, while older children can get stuck in the variety of activities like canoeing, hiking and fishing that are offered.

Kayaking is a great way to take some time for yourself in the heart of the jungle. The reception will provide you with paddles and lifejackets and then it’s off on the lagoon to see whether you can spot any monkeys, hoatzins or other wildlife. Guests are also welcome to swim in the refreshing waters but should inform reception first.

Ask your guide to help point out the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. The complete lack of light pollution in the forest means that the dazzling night sky here will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

Nighttime walking adventures offer their own thrills as the forest transforms when the sun sets. Guides will help you encounter nocturnal creatures like toads and frogs, tarantulas, whip-scorpions and even snakes. The sound of the forest at night is something to behold.

This activity starts with an early rise, before heading up the Napo River by boat to a small community. Here, locals will take you to small Charapa Turtle pools. The eggs are collected by the locals and protected until they hatch. At the point of hatching, guests are able to choose a name for a turtle. The cost of participation, $5, goes directly to the community, and you will receive a certificate with the name of your turtle as well as a small gift. The community also sells items such as coffee and chocolate.

Pañacocha is one of the Amazon’s treasures: 56,000 hectares of stunning lagoons and rivers. A huge array of rare wildlife can be sighted in this wonderful landscape, from various primate species and pink river dolphins to hundreds of fish, sloths, the Arcaris toucan and over 500 more species of birds.

This trip takes most of the day and involves first travelling downstream on the Napo River for two hours. Depending on various factors, it may be possible to swim after arriving at the lagoon on the Pañacocha River. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know the Amazon’s waterways.

At the centre of the lodge’s reserve is a special space dedicated to wellness. Here guests can indulge in a range of treatments at the hands of highly-qualified massage therapists. Tailored one of a kind treatments, massages and fitness classes including reflexology, clay masks and yoga by the lake.

La Selva recognizes that the Amazon has long been home to many indigenous communities and is committed to improving the environment for everyone.

Locals from the nearby community are employed as guides and to share their culture with guests, boosting the community’s income. On top of this, La Selva makes contributions to the Pilchi community in return for them not hunting or fishing in the forest and lake. They also assist with scholarships and English education in the community and have donated a motorised canoe. The lodge has supported the Pilchi’s sustainable agriculture by purchasing fruit and vegetables from them.

La Selva can also help guests if they are interested in contributing to the local community through the Pack for a Purpose scheme.

La Selva has had a sustainable, ecological focus since its beginnings in 2002. It was constructed with durable and eco-friendly materials to ensure that it lasts with minimal upkeep and environmental damage. The wood used is from the city of Coca, with highly durable properties, meaning it is a more sustainable option.

The lodge is also committed to reducing its energy consumption, using LED lights and planning to replace older equipment such as large generators with newer and more efficient technology. The lodge will soon install solar panels to reduce generator dependency. La Selva also uses a filtration and treatment system to reduce the impact of used water returning to the environment. Air conditioning is not used due to its significant environmental impact.

The lodge’s efforts have been recognised in the following ways: the Tripadvisor Gold Green Leader award; The International Ecotourism Society membership and Eco Resorts of the World membership.