Tour Itinerary
DAY 1
Fly from Quito to Coca Boat Transfer to Amazon Lodge at Pilchicocha Lake
From Quito, fly into the great rainforest known as the Amazon and after a snack and bathroom break in Coca, you will head to the pier with your representative from the lodge. From there, you’ll take your motorized canoe ride to the lodge. Sacha Lodge is about a 50 mile / 80 km journey away. It takes roughly two hours of travel along the Napo River to get there, and along the way you’ll likely spot herons, spoonbills and many other interesting birds of the Amazon.
The lodge itself isn’t on the Napo River, but instead across Pilchicocha Lake. To get there, you will take a 30 minute walking trail from the river to the lake, with very good chances of seeing and hearing monkeys along the way. Finally, a dugout canoe ride across the lake brings you to Sacha Lodge, with its thatched roof huts nestled amongst the trees of the rainforest.
Soak up your surroundings upon arrival, go for a swim to cool down, or spot birds and watch the sun set from the lake. You will also have time to visit the Butterfly Farm with your naturalist guide to learn about the colorful species of the Amazon. You’ll receive an introduction to the lodge facilities and after a filling dinner, head out on a guided night hike or canoe ride, in search of wildlife, in the Amazon!
DAY 2
Canopy Walk, Liana Chica Trail, Medicinal Plant Lesson Night at Sacha Lodge
An early morning will have you up with the sounds of the forest. Today’s adventure starts with a canopy walk, which is about a 30-minute walk from the lodge, along the Liana Chica trail. The canopy walk is ideal for birding, and watching what goes on in the tree canopy of the Amazon jungle. With multiple towers that have observation decks, the Canopy walk is 36m high and 275m long.
After the canopy walk, another trail will take you down to ground level where you will feel dwarfed by massive fig and kapok trees. Your native guides will also give you a lesson on how they, and their ancestors, have used various Amazon plants for medicinal purposes.
The afternoon activities are up to you. There are numerous trails around the lodge, which offer different experiences. You can choose to take an easy walk along the Napo River in search of plants and wildlife, or take a more challenging trail into the forest in search of the dusky titi monkey. The lodge itself has fantastic views of the surrounding forest and many species have been spotted from the comforts of hammocks viewing areas at the main lodge building, so if you want to just “relax”, that is always an option as well.
DAY 3
Cultural Experience, Piranha Fishing, Wildlife Canoe Rides, Tower Sunset Night at Sacha Lodge
Expect a full-on busy day of exploring and learning today! The Lagartococha trail is your introduction to native culture and learning about the intricate relationship between forest and people here in the Amazon. Many trees are believed to have spirits and there is a legend of the devil-man of the forest. The end of this trail reaches Lagartococha lake, a swampy area explored by canoe, that is home to anacondas, capybaras, caimans and various monkeys, including capuchin and squirrel monkeys.
After lunch back at the lodge, it is time to learn how to fish for piranhas, before heading out on one of the best wildlife canoe trails at the lodge. The canoe ride passes through monkey habitats (including howler monkeys) and areas frequented by river otters and three-toed sloths. Eventually you’ll end up at the massive 135ft Kapok tree tower.
From the tower, watch the sun set and spot birds and animals in the forest canopy. On clear days you can see as far as the snow-capped Andean mountains. Return to the lodge after dark, enjoying a night canoe and hike excursion, where frogs, caimans, bats and all sorts of nocturnal creatures will bring the forest to life.
DAY 4
Parrot Clay Lick in Yasuni, Pantano Trail hike Night at Sacha Lodge
The popular parrot clay lick is located inside Yasuni National Park, which is only a 30-minute motorized canoe ride from the lodge. You’ll start your day early to get there – hopping in the boat around 6am – but the possibility of seeing four different parrot species makes it worthwhile.
Arrival at the parrot clay lick is around 7:30am, where you’ll spend a couple of hours admiring the colorful birds as they eat away at the clay, which acts as a sort of natural medicine to counteract the acidic properties of all he berries they eat.
You will head back to the lodge before lunch, with enough time for a swim or free time or your own. In the afternoon, Pantano trail will be your adventure. This trail winds along very diverse habitats, everything from primary forest to swamps. Monkeys love to live along parts of this trail, so expect some interesting wildlife encounters on this final day hike of your Amazon adventure.
As evening sets in and you enjoy your final meal at the lodge, your night is free to listen to the sounds of the forest. Depending on how the weather has cooperated, it may be possible to enjoy one final night hike or canoe ride along the Napo River.
Note: If you book the 4 Day / 3 Night tour, you will have one less day of exploring the Amazon and will return to Quito on Day 4. Keep in mind that activities mentioned in this itinerary are an example only. Exact activities will vary on every trip, based on ideal wildlife sightings and personal preferences.
DAY 5
Boat ride back to Coca Airport Flight from Coca to Quito
After an early morning breakfast, say goodbye to your Amazon home and the creatures that live here. A motorized long boat ride back up the river will take you to Coca. You’ll be assisted to the airport to board your flight to Quito, from where you’re free to continue your own travels in Ecuador.
Activity & Itinerary Disclaimer
All dossiers and itineraries are designed to be as informative as possible and are provided in good faith. Unless otherwise stated, all prices in this Dossier are in USD$. 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!
Itinerary Notes
Suggested Flights
It is best to be in Quito a day or two before to see some of the sights in the city (and to avoid issues with possible flight delays or lost bags). We can help with any pre-trips and accommodations – just ask! You should also book a post-tour night in Quito after the Amazon adventure, to avoid possible missed connections.
Arriving in Quito
Upon arrival at the international airport in Quito, you can grab a taxi and make your way to the hotel. There will be taxis waiting and the hotel will be expecting you. It should cost around $25-30USD and you should negotiate a set price BEFORE you get in the taxi. If you have paid for an airport pick-up, a representative will be waiting for you – look for your name on a sign!
NOTE: Quito, like most major cities, is not without its pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Leave your valuables and passports in your room or hotel safe and only carry what you need just to be safe. See our website for more safety tips.
Arriving in Coca (The Amazon!)
A representative from Sacha 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 2-3 hours total.
Tour Briefing
The welcome briefing takes place when you arrive at Sacha Lodge on Day 1. After the briefing, you’ll have time to explore the lodge amenities and head out on your first nature walk.
Boat Ride
The boat to the Lodge is a great way to relax and get your first glimpse of the Amazon. It is a simple, covered boat with no services. It is possible that it will be raining for part of this journey, so be prepared to keep yourself, and your bags, dry.
Optional Activities
Depending on seasons and availability optional activities such as birding or visits to other park reserves such as Yasuni are possible. These are at an extra cost, please refer to our website pricing page for current rates.
Departing Coca and Quito
It is an early morning start to the day for your return flight to Quito. We recommend booking a night in Quito after your Amazon experience. If you elect not to, please ensure your international flights home are in the evening or late at night.
Amazon Activities List
Here is a sample list of the trails and activities available at Sacha Lodge. Wildlife sightings, weather and personal interests all influence which act activities are available on any given day.
Canopy Walk and Kapok Tower
Available to visit during your free time, at 135 feet high, the Kapok Tower is a great place for watching the sun set or for sitting quietly and doing some bird watching. The Canopy Walk itself is 940 feet in length and features three towers that offer great views of the rainforest.
Night Walks
Flashlight and a camera will be the only things you will need to enjoy all of the insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals that you might see during a walk in the darkness of the forest.
Canoe Rides in the Lake and nearby Streams
With the help of a spotlight, your guides will take you in a paddle canoe looking for caimans, boas, bats, owls, night mammals and nocturnal wildlife. During day rides, you may also spot some wildlife on the nearby waterways.
Parrot Clay Lick
Visit the most biologically diverse spot on Earth, the Yasuni National Park. 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. (Yasuni park entrance fee not included.)
Butterfly Farm
Open in the afternoons, learn about the biology of these amazing butterflies. Our farm will show you each of the different stages of the butterfly complemented with interesting information provided by your naturalist guide. You will not want to leave the butterfly flying area without taking your best photos of our colorful butterflies.
Piranha Fishing
Fishing in the Lake at the lodge! Lines will be provided by your native guide to let you catch your own piranha. Depending on the size of the fish usually they are released back into the water. If it is big enough you can give it to our gourmet chef and enjoy a tasty fish dinner.
