Tour: La Selva Ecolodge and Spa

Trip Start and End

ARRIVING – A representative from La Selva Lodge will meet you at national departures area of the international airport in Quito, to guide you on your way to your flight to Coca.  Upon arrival in the Amazon, you and your bags will be transferred to the river and onwards to the Lodge by motorized long boat, which will take around 3 hours total.

BRIEFING – The welcome briefing takes place when you arrive at La Selva Lodge on Day 1.  After the briefing, you’ll have time to explore the lodge amenities and head out on your first nature walk.

DEPARTING – There no planned activities on the last day. An early morning breakfast will signal the end of your Amazon adventure and you’ll return back to Cocoa the same way you arrived.

Money

CURRENCY, BILLS & ATM’S – The currency in Ecuador and the Galapagos is US Dollars.  There are ATM’s in Quito and it is best to carry cash for your Amazon journey.  Make sure all your notes are less than $100 and are in reasonably good condition – the locals and banks aren’t fond of torn or tattered bills. 

BUDGET – All meals in the Amazon are included, however you may want some extra snacks or drinks such as sodas and beer. An emergency stash of cash is always a good idea – we recommend at least $100.  All that’s left is souvenir money and a tip if you choose to leave one.

TIPPING – 10% is the typical tip in restaurants and is usually included in your bill as a service charge.  For drivers, helpers, and crew during your trip, $5-10 a day is customary and included in your tour price.  For your leader, $8-12 per day per person is the norm.  Tipping is in no way required and entirely at your discretion.  It is however of great significance to those who have helped make your tour a success and a great way to express your appreciation for a job well done.

Group Leader & On-Site Support

All of our La Selva Amazon trips are led by experienced guides hired and trained at the lodge. Your naturalist guides and local guides will have a wealth of information about the Amazon and its flora and fauna. All naturalist guides are bilingual and speak English and Spanish. There is also on-site support in Quito and in the Amazon, at the lodge should you need any assistance for any reason.

Your Responsibilities & Fellow Travelers

Spending any time with fellow travelers from around the world can be exciting and dynamic.  At times, it can be a challenge.  For the best possible trip, it is important that all passengers adhere to meeting times as a common courtesy.  With a small effort on your part and some patience on behalf of your fellow travelers, we are certain that the tour will be enjoyable for all.

Travel Documents & Visas

In order to enter Ecuador, you must have a valid passport with more than 6 months validity.  You may also need a visa depending on your home country.  Entering the Amazon may require extra vaccinations and precautions against malaria, yellow fever and similar tropical diseases. Be sure to consult a travel doctor before visiting the Amazon. Also, contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up to date travel requirements.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE PROPER TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.  It’s also a good idea to have a copy of all important documents with you.  Even better is to take a picture or scan important documents in a email to yourself (passport, airline ticket, etc). 

Travel Insurance

Bags get lost.  Flights get delayed.  And the unexpected, well you get the picture.  Things happen.  Travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself and your investment should a misfortune occur.  There are several to choose from and not as expensive as you think.  Between 5 and 15 dollars a day will give you peace of mind before and during your trip. 

For more information, visit our travel insurance webpage.

Security

Purse-snatchers and pickpockets love to prey on the unsuspecting and obvious tourist.  It is best to leave your valuables, extra cash, and passport in room or hotel safe as a precaution, especially in Quito.  Please visit our Travel SMART section for more information.

Safety

Safety is our first and foremost concern on all of our tours.  However, participation in any and all activities is at your own risk.  This is an adventurous tour in nature with a variety of activities that carry their own inherent risk.

Disclaimer

All information and itineraries are designed to be as informative as possible and are provided in good faith. Due to the temperament of Mother Nature and the Ecuadorian Government, itineraries may change and activities may be shifted, omitted or replaced without notice. Our goal is to give you the best possible tour with a safety first mentality. We also must comply with all rules set forth by the national and local governments no matter how convenient or inconvenient they may be. The good news is that we rarely have to change the itinerary drastically and we are very adept at dealing with the challenges of operating in a third world country. You’re in good hands!