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Visit the jungle with the highest biodiversity anywhere within the Amazon basin
Dates: April 2024.
Where: Our internal flight leaves from Quito
Price: From 2190 USD
Where: Our internal flight leaves from Quito
Price: From 2190 USD
Why to go to the jungle in Ecuador?
Everybody knows that the Amazon is in Brazil, right? Strictly speaking this is true, but the Amazon basin is a broader area which also includes the countries around, like Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela and of course Ecuador. The amazon basin includes all the rivers, which are “feeding” the Amazon itself and they are all part of the same ecosystem.
What very few people know is that the small bit of the Amazon basin which falls within Ecuador and called the Yasuni National Park may have more species of life than anywhere else in the world. You heard it right: the part of the Amazon basin in other countries might be much bigger in area, but none has the level of biodiversity of the one in Ecuador.
So this is why we go to the Jungle in Ecuador.:)
There is also the fact the first place Barna visited the jungle was in Ecuador, and he wants to go back. Not out of nostalgia but because he saw so much in a few days, that he is convinced it is a wildlife experience worth repeating.
You should expect to see multiple monkey species, dozens of exotic birds, snakes, caimans, and giant otters among many-many other species of animals. But honestly just being in the forest, surrounded by the huge trees and listen to the voices of the jungle around will make the trip worthwhile.
What very few people know is that the small bit of the Amazon basin which falls within Ecuador and called the Yasuni National Park may have more species of life than anywhere else in the world. You heard it right: the part of the Amazon basin in other countries might be much bigger in area, but none has the level of biodiversity of the one in Ecuador.
So this is why we go to the Jungle in Ecuador.:)
There is also the fact the first place Barna visited the jungle was in Ecuador, and he wants to go back. Not out of nostalgia but because he saw so much in a few days, that he is convinced it is a wildlife experience worth repeating.
You should expect to see multiple monkey species, dozens of exotic birds, snakes, caimans, and giant otters among many-many other species of animals. But honestly just being in the forest, surrounded by the huge trees and listen to the voices of the jungle around will make the trip worthwhile.
Our spot in the jungle
When 15 years ago I first visited the Ecuadorian rainforest I camped. It was an awesome way to cover the biggest area and encounter many different species. It was amazing, but also amazingly not comfortable. Very basic; to put it in a nice way. Probably not something we would like to experience after the comforts of the Galapagos Sky...
So I set out to locate a comfortable option, which is well isolated and found deep inside the forest. One, which is flexible enough to be able to offer a real Encounters experience.
After checking all the available options within the country (not joking, really checked them all) and talking to some friends and professionals who know the area very well I chose the Sacha Lodge.
The cabins
All of the cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces with hammocks, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle subtly into the lush surroundings. Each of the 26 the rooms, provides a spacious private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower – some even feature floor-to- ceiling windows for an immersive jungle shower experience! All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds.
The common areas
The lodge has a superb restaurant, bar and of course an open platform to hang out from where you have crazy good views to the lake. No matter where you are in the lodge, you will be surrounded by the jungle but at the same time by extreme comfort, style and service. This is not the camping trip I did 15 years ago...
The canopy walk
Imagine crossing the rainforest across a bridge 94 feet (36 meters) high over the treetops. This 940-foot (275-meter) sturdy walkway is fixed to the ground by three metal towers, and offers an astounding opportunity to spot dozens of animals and epiphytes seldom seen from the ground, immersed in the canopy. You might even follow along with troops of monkeys as they forage through the forest canopy. And if you don’t see them, you’ll almost certainly hear them: howler monkeys roaring through the sunset like true kings of the jungle.
So I set out to locate a comfortable option, which is well isolated and found deep inside the forest. One, which is flexible enough to be able to offer a real Encounters experience.
After checking all the available options within the country (not joking, really checked them all) and talking to some friends and professionals who know the area very well I chose the Sacha Lodge.
The cabins
All of the cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces with hammocks, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle subtly into the lush surroundings. Each of the 26 the rooms, provides a spacious private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower – some even feature floor-to- ceiling windows for an immersive jungle shower experience! All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds.
The common areas
The lodge has a superb restaurant, bar and of course an open platform to hang out from where you have crazy good views to the lake. No matter where you are in the lodge, you will be surrounded by the jungle but at the same time by extreme comfort, style and service. This is not the camping trip I did 15 years ago...
The canopy walk
Imagine crossing the rainforest across a bridge 94 feet (36 meters) high over the treetops. This 940-foot (275-meter) sturdy walkway is fixed to the ground by three metal towers, and offers an astounding opportunity to spot dozens of animals and epiphytes seldom seen from the ground, immersed in the canopy. You might even follow along with troops of monkeys as they forage through the forest canopy. And if you don’t see them, you’ll almost certainly hear them: howler monkeys roaring through the sunset like true kings of the jungle.
Itinerary
7. March
We take a morning flight from Quito to Coca. We have lunch in Coca then will be starting our 3 hours long trip to the lodge. By motorized boat, walk and later dugout canoes to finally reach our amazing home for the next few days.
We will already start with walks in the jungle and the possibility of night walk or caiman spotting our first day.
8-10. March
Action packed days from beginning to end. We will be hiking the forest trails from early in the morning to climb the watchtowers and the canopy walk. We will be exploring the narrow channels by canoes and look for giant otters on the lake.
Our days will be planned usually in a way that we can head out after early breakfast and be back at the lodge for lunch. As usually it is with Encounters we have the chance for a more intense itinerary than the lodge offers usually, so we can spend more time out there looking for wildlife. Of course this is optional, the lodge is really nice and it is right in the middle of nature, so if you feel like having a silent siesta looking at the lake that will be also totally possible.
11. March
After early breakfast we will repeat our journey backwards all the way to Quito
We take a morning flight from Quito to Coca. We have lunch in Coca then will be starting our 3 hours long trip to the lodge. By motorized boat, walk and later dugout canoes to finally reach our amazing home for the next few days.
We will already start with walks in the jungle and the possibility of night walk or caiman spotting our first day.
8-10. March
Action packed days from beginning to end. We will be hiking the forest trails from early in the morning to climb the watchtowers and the canopy walk. We will be exploring the narrow channels by canoes and look for giant otters on the lake.
Our days will be planned usually in a way that we can head out after early breakfast and be back at the lodge for lunch. As usually it is with Encounters we have the chance for a more intense itinerary than the lodge offers usually, so we can spend more time out there looking for wildlife. Of course this is optional, the lodge is really nice and it is right in the middle of nature, so if you feel like having a silent siesta looking at the lake that will be also totally possible.
11. March
After early breakfast we will repeat our journey backwards all the way to Quito
Activities
Forest walks
Creeping along the jungle paths through the spotlights of sun filtering down through the canopy, careful not to tread on an army of marching ants, your nature guide will point out plants and insects and the fascinating symbiosis between them. He might take you through the territory of the crested owls or spider monkeys, expertly mimicking the creatures’ call to win their trust and coax them out of hiding.
Forest walks at night
When darkness falls, have your flashlight ready to spot creatures of the night, from tarantulas and boas to stick insects and frogs. Imagine Barna ́s Mexican Bug Hunt tour on steroids. Loads of steroids...
Creek paddling
Besides being your means of transport between expeditions, creek paddling in dug-out canoes is a fabulous adventure in itself, with the bonus that it requires little physical exertion. Paddling down the streams is like entering into a tunnel leading to a lost world. Birds call in surround-sound and vast families of monkeys leap from branches overhead, a show to coincide with the setting of the sun.
Caiman spotting by night
A night-time expedition to look for caiman on the lake is perhaps the most magical experience of an adventure already filled with wonder. Under cover of darkness, you will take a canoe out onto the water, your way lit by glittering stars. The eyes of the caiman glow ghoulishly red in the torchlight, as the amphibious creatures float along the swampy shallows.
Birdwatching
Of the incredible 1,600 bird species registered in Ecuador, 600 (37 percent) have been seen at Sacha Lodge. That’s almost 7 percent of the species found in the entire world!
On the regular hikes, boat rides and of course in the watchtowers and the canopy walk you will have a chance to see an amazing variety of birds. 40 species in one day would not be uncommon.
Creeping along the jungle paths through the spotlights of sun filtering down through the canopy, careful not to tread on an army of marching ants, your nature guide will point out plants and insects and the fascinating symbiosis between them. He might take you through the territory of the crested owls or spider monkeys, expertly mimicking the creatures’ call to win their trust and coax them out of hiding.
Forest walks at night
When darkness falls, have your flashlight ready to spot creatures of the night, from tarantulas and boas to stick insects and frogs. Imagine Barna ́s Mexican Bug Hunt tour on steroids. Loads of steroids...
Creek paddling
Besides being your means of transport between expeditions, creek paddling in dug-out canoes is a fabulous adventure in itself, with the bonus that it requires little physical exertion. Paddling down the streams is like entering into a tunnel leading to a lost world. Birds call in surround-sound and vast families of monkeys leap from branches overhead, a show to coincide with the setting of the sun.
Caiman spotting by night
A night-time expedition to look for caiman on the lake is perhaps the most magical experience of an adventure already filled with wonder. Under cover of darkness, you will take a canoe out onto the water, your way lit by glittering stars. The eyes of the caiman glow ghoulishly red in the torchlight, as the amphibious creatures float along the swampy shallows.
Birdwatching
Of the incredible 1,600 bird species registered in Ecuador, 600 (37 percent) have been seen at Sacha Lodge. That’s almost 7 percent of the species found in the entire world!
On the regular hikes, boat rides and of course in the watchtowers and the canopy walk you will have a chance to see an amazing variety of birds. 40 species in one day would not be uncommon.
Price includes:
Does not include:
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Aquatic transportation
- Excursions with native and bilingual naturalist guides
- Rubber boots and rain ponchos
- Water, tea and coffee in all meals
- Taxes
- Encounters style packed itinerary including all the highlighted and above
mentioned activities, if possible more of each (like more than one night walk etc.)
Does not include:
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities
- Flights (at the moment 290 USD return)
- Specialist birdwatching tour
