Double Cabin at Sacha Lodge
Sacha Lodge: Walkway Connecting the Cabins with the Main Lodge
Sacha Lodge Private Bathroom
Double Cabin at Sacha Lodge
Sacha Lodge: Walkway Connecting the Cabins with the Main Lodge
Sacha Lodge Private Bathroom

Sacha Amazon Lodge

(2 customer reviews)

Well-known rainforest lodge focused on wildlife viewing and naturalist walks in the nearby wildlife hotspots along the Napo River.

Trip Length: 4 or 5 Days
Destination: Napo River, Ecuadorian Rainforest
Lodging: 50-person capacity, mid-level lodge
Activity: Wildlife viewing

WHY THIS TRIP

Imagine yourself drifting down on a narrow, winding creek surrounded on all sides by a lush, endless sea of tropical greenery, and all that separates you from the deep black Amazon waters is a canoe hand-carved out of a single tree trunk.

As you maneuver around a bend something unidentified crashes off into the underbrush, and you catch a glimpse of two magnificent Blue and Yellow macaws startled into flight. Just then you see a family of furry red howler monkeys huddled together in a treetop.

This is one of the many sensations you may experience at Sacha Lodge, located in the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon Basin. A haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, scientists and adventure seekers, Sacha Lodge provides comfortable accommodations, first-class meals and expert guides in order for you to fully enjoy the wonders of the tropical rainforest.

LOCAL OPERATOR: SACHA LODGE

Sacha Lodge is located within a 5,000-acre private ecological reserve in Ecuador’s Amazon region, an accessible yet pristine rainforest sanctuary where travelers and their families may enjoy a true jungle adventure in safety and comfort.
Founded in 1992, Sacha Lodge sustains a healthy balance between economic development, rainforest conservation, local human advancement and respect to local culture. The lodge prides itself on maintaining this social and ecological responsibility, which it considers the basis of true ecotourism. Sacha Lodge is an Ecuadorian company that generates employment for about a 100 families. Most lodge employees come from local communities, making Sacha the largest tourism-sector employer in Ecuador’s Amazon region.
This brings direct economic benefits to these communities while providing them with a practical alternative to harmful activities such as logging and oil exploration. Furthermore, Sacha Lodge recognizes that having employees working as native guides offers them the opportunity to share their ancestral knowledge with travelers with the added incentive of passing the knowledge on to their children who face a changing world.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary



DAY 1: Fly Quito – Coca, Arrive Sacha Lodge

Depart Quito ́s airport at 11:00 a.m. (subject to change). A 30-minute flight over the Andes Mountains leads you to a bustling oil town called Coca located in the Amazon Basin. A quick lunch in Sacha ́s private house and then it’s off to the town docks where you will board Sacha ́s private canoes for the 2-hour journey down river to Sacha ́s Lodges property.

A 30-minute hike through the rainforest leads you to lake Pilchicocha. Here, you are met by native workers to paddle you across the lake to your final destination. Arrive at Sacha Lodge around 15:30 or 16:00 pm (subject to change).

Swim in Lake Pilchicocha, which is a black-water lake home to many species of fish and animals. A refreshing swim after arriving may be just what you need after being in the equatorial heat all day. Bird observing from the mini tower offers guests an excellent opportunity to view several species of birds common around the lodge. Also a great place to watch the sun set. Visit the butterfly house with your naturalist guide to view the beautiful colors of many different species of butterflies.

After dinner, accompany your naturalist guide on a night walk through the rainforest to view the hundreds of different species of animals that can only be found at night. Or maybe a canoe ride on the lake to view the spectacled and black caimans with their glowing orange eyes as you silently paddle across the lake to get a closer view.

(Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2: Sacha Lodge

Begin morning activity between 6:00 and 7:00. Begin walking on the Liana Chica trail and arrive at the canopy walk, for spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and the many different species of vibrantly colored birds.

Designed to be a self-standing rigid suspension canopy walk, it is one of only a few in the world! Located within Sacha ́s private reserve, two miles from the shores of the Rio Napo and one mile from the lodge, the bird walk gives guests the opportunity to get an up close and personal view of the rainforest canopy.

Two of the three towers have observation decks every 12 meters making towers accessible for everyone. The canopy walkway is at 36 meters high and 275 meters long, giving guests a “birds eye view” of all the wonders and beauty the tropical rainforest has to offer.

The canopy walk is designed as a sturdy walkway enabling guests to casually move along while enjoying the spectacular views.

After the canopy walk, Liana Grande through terra firma and igapo forest habitats where native guides will explain many different species of medicinal plants that have been being used in their culture for hundreds of years.
Liana Grande will turn into the trail Higueron, which will take you through pristine primary forest with huge Kapok and Fig trees towering hundreds of feet above your head.

After lunch, you may choose to take a leisurely hike along the Rio Napo, or choose a little more challenging hike on the trail Leoncillo to try and spot the elusive dusky titi monkey. Either way the trails will lead you back to the main board- walk for your final hike and canoe ride back to the lodge.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: Sacha Lodge

Leaving the lodge after breakfast, you begin your hike on trail Lagartococha. This trail offers you the chance to learn more about the native people and their relationship with the forest. Learn about the trees where native people believe the spirits of their ancestors live, and the mysterious “dwende” or devil-man of the forest.

After arriving at lake Lagartococha, take a tranquil canoe ride through a natural swamp, which is the home of anacondas, caimans, and capybaras. After the canoe ride, a walk on the other side of Largatococha may give you the opportunity to spot capuchin or squirrel monkeys playfully jumping through the trees. Return from the walk or canoe ride and head back to the lodge for a refreshing dip in the lake, or a nice relaxing nap in your personal hammock on your private balcony.

After lunch, your native guide will teach you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed piranha. Keep in mind that piranhas will never attack a person and swimming at the same time is perfectly safe and fun!

Around 15:30 you will begin what many think is the best trail at Sacha, a silent canoe ride through the flooded Amazonian forest. Where you have a good chance of being surrounded by troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled for the shy and elusive river otter as well as the incredibly well camouflaged three-toed sloth!

After your eye-popping ride through the flooded forest, you will arrive at Sacha ́s 135-foot wooden tower built around an ancient Kapok tree. Get close up views of vibrantly colored birds through Sacha ́s powerful scopes, and watch the sun set with an amazing view of Mount Sumaco, a volcano, and possibly a view of the snow-covered caps of the Andes!

Leaving the tower just before or after sunset will give you an experience not soon forgotten. A canoe ride back through the flooded forest at night will be an awe-inspiring experience. Listen to the symphony of frogs and insects as you navigate through the narrow flooded forest trail, keeping your eyes open for caimans. Watch the several species of bats flying over your heads and listen to the many species of nocturnal birds making their eerie nighttime calls. Finally, after your mesmerizing canoe trip through the Amazon, you will arrive back at Lake Pilchicocha and the welcoming lights of Sacha lodge.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4: Depart Sach, Fly to Coca – Quito

Breakfast and a departure from the lodge at 7:30 a.m. One last walk on the board walk to the river, and from there a 2-hour canoe ride back to Coca for your 35-minute flight back to Quito. Arrive Quito at 12:30 p.m. (subject to change).

(Breakfast)



DAY 1: Fly to Quito – Coca. Arrive Sacha Lodge

Depart Quito ́s airport at 11:00 a.m. (subject to change). A 30-minute flight over the Andes Mountains leads you to a bustling oil town called Coca located in the Amazon Basin. A quick lunch in Sacha ́s private house and then it’s off to the town docks where you will board Sacha ́s private canoes for the 2-hour journey down river to Sacha ́s Lodges property.

A 30-minute hike through the rainforest leads you to lake Pilchicocha. Here, you are met by native workers to paddle you across the lake to your final destination. Arrive at Sacha Lodge around 15:30 or 16:00 pm (subject to change).

Swim in Lake Pilchicocha, which is a black-water lake home to many species of fish and animals. A refreshing swim after arriving may be just what you need after being in the equatorial heat all day. Bird observing from the mini tower offers guests an excellent opportunity to view several species of birds common around the lodge. Also a great place to watch the sun set. Visit the butterfly house with your naturalist guide to view the beautiful colors of many different species of butterflies.

After dinner, accompany your naturalist guide on a night walk through the rainforest to view the hundreds of different species of animals that can only be found at night. Or maybe a canoe ride on the lake to view the spectacled and black caimans with their glowing orange eyes as you silently paddle across the lake to get a closer view.

(Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2: Sacha Lodge

Begin morning activity between 6:00 and 7:00. Begin walking on the Liana Chica trail and arrive at the canopy walk, for spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and the many different species of vibrantly colored birds.

Designed to be a self-standing rigid suspension canopy walk, it is one of only a few in the world! Located within Sacha ́s private reserve, two miles from the shores of the Rio Napo and one mile from the lodge, the bird walk gives guests the opportunity to get an up close and personal view of the rainforest canopy.

Two of the three towers have observation decks every 12 meters making towers accessible for everyone. The canopy walkway is at 36 meters high and 275 meters long, giving guests a “birds eye view” of all the wonders and beauty the tropical rainforest has to offer.

The canopy walk is designed as a sturdy walkway enabling guests to casually move along while enjoying the spectacular views.

After the canopy walk, Liana Grande through terra firma and igapo forest habitats where native guides will explain many different species of medicinal plants that have been being used in their culture for hundreds of years. Liana Grande will turn into the trail Higueron, which will take you through pristine primary forest with huge Kapok and Fig trees towering hundreds of feet above your head.

After lunch, you may choose to take a leisurely hike along the Rio Napo, or choose a little more challenging hike on the trail Leoncillo to try and spot the elusive dusky titi monkey. Either way the trails will lead you back to the main board- walk for your final hike and canoe ride back to the lodge.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: Sacha Lodge

Leaving the lodge after breakfast, you begin your hike on trail Lagartococha. This trail offers you the chance to learn more about the native people and their relationship with the forest. Learn about the trees where native people believe the spirits of their ancestors live, and the mysterious “dwende” or devil-man of the forest.

After arriving at lake Lagartococha, take a tranquil canoe ride through a natural swamp, which is the home of anacondas, caimans, and capybaras. After the canoe ride, a walk on the other side of Largatococha may give you the opportunity to spot capuchin or squirrel monkeys playfully jumping through the trees. Return from the walk or canoe ride and head back to the lodge for a refreshing dip in the lake, or a nice relaxing nap in your personal hammock on your private balcony.

After lunch, your native guide will teach you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed piranha. Keep in mind that piranhas will never attack a person and swimming at the same time is perfectly safe and fun!

Around 15:30 you will begin what many think is the best trail at Sacha, a silent canoe ride through the flooded Amazonian forest. Where you have a good chance of being surrounded by troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled for the shy and elusive river otter as well as the incredibly well camouflaged three-toed sloth!

After your eye-popping ride through the flooded forest, you will arrive at Sacha ́s 135-foot wooden tower built around an ancient Kapok tree. Get close up views of vibrantly colored birds through Sacha ́s powerful scopes, and watch the sun set with an amazing view of Mount Sumaco, a volcano, and possibly a view of the snow-covered caps of the Andes!

Leaving the tower just before or after sunset will give you an experience not soon forgotten. A canoe ride back through the flooded forest at night will be an awe-inspiring experience. Listen to the symphony of frogs and insects as you navigate through the narrow flooded forest trail, keeping your eyes open for caimans.

Watch the several species of bats flying over your heads and listen to the many species of nocturnal birds making their eerie nighttime calls. Finally, after your mesmerizing canoe trip through the Amazon, you will arrive back at Lake Pilchicocha and the welcoming lights of Sacha lodge.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4: Sacha Lodge

A chance to view four species of parrots at the same time is something that should not be missed. Sacha is close enough to Yasuni National Park that a 30-minute motorized canoe ride down the Napo to the parrot lick is well worth it. Leaving at 6 a.m. from Sacha and arriving at the lick around 7:30 will give you plenty of time to get close up views of the parrots eating the clay to neutralize the acids which they get from eating their many different types of fruits and leaves.

Arriving back at the lodge around 11 a.m. or so gives you plenty of time to swim or relax before lunch is served. Visit the butterfly house once again to photograph the beautifully colored butterflies.

For your afternoon activity, Pantano is the trail to take. Pantano offers you several different types of rainforest habitats: from secondary to primary forests as well as flooded forest and swampy areas. An excellent trail to observe monkeys and birds in the afternoon, your naturalist and native guides will intrigue you with their knowledge of the jungle and its inhabitants as well as provide you with an everlasting experience and memory of the neotropical rainforest.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: Depart Sacha. Fly to Coca – Quito

After breakfast you depart from the lodge at 7:30 a.m. for an easy walk on the boardwalk to to watch monkeys one last time before your final departure. Upon your arrival in Coca you are escorted to the Coca airport where all plane tickets re in the good hands of Sacha employees who are waiting to help you board the plane and for a final farewell. Scheduled arrival at Quito ́s airport is at 12:30 p.m. (subject to change).

(Breakfast)


travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip: 

Your journey starts with a 35-minute flight from Quito to Coca where the staff will pick you up and transfer to a local hotel located on the banks of Napo River. There, your bilingual guides will explain about safety before embarking for a 2 ½-hour boat trip on the largest Ecuadorian affluent of the Amazon, the Napo River. During the journey you get a taste of the Amazon; ancestral communities, birds such as: herons, egrets, vultures, while enjoying delicious packed lunch. The canoe ride is followed by a 15-minute walk through flooded forest and 20-minute paddle canoe across the beautiful Challuacocha Lake. The staff will welcome you with refreshing cold drinks and snacks before you settle down in your cabins.

Alternatively, it is possible to travel from Quito to Coca by bus (bus departs from the station in Quitumbe, 1 hour from downtown Quito) at 9:30 pm the day before your Sani Lodge trip begins. The bus trip takes about 9 hours, and your guide from the Sani Lodge will meet you at La Mision Hotel in Coca at 10:00 am to start your trip.

Trip Start: Your plane leaves from Quito's airport (local departure) for, a short 30-minute flight to Coca.

Trip End: For your return from Sacha Lodge, your guide will take you to the airport on time to check in and take your flight back to Quito.

Complete Your Trip

 

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

For pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above

 

2024 PRICES:

For pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above

 

 

 

 

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED: 

• Accommodation
• All meals
• Aquatic transportation
• Excursions with native and bilingual guides
• Welcome drink
• Water, tea and coffee in all meals
• Taxes

View Terms and Conditions: http://detourdestinations.com/terms-and-conditions/sacha-lodge

NOT INCLUDED: 

• Airfare (Quito – Coca – Quito)
• Drinks
• Gratuities to guide and lodge staff
• Parrot clay lick entrance fee ($20 paid locally)
• Sani Warmi project entrance fee ($5.00 per person paid locally)
• Health & travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Accommodations and services in Quito (can be quoted for and added upon request)
• International flights

Accommodations

Sacha Lodge: Walkway Connecting the Cabins with the Main Lodge
Sacha Lodge: Walkway Connecting the Cabins with the Main Lodge
Double Cabin at Sacha Lodge
Double Cabin at Sacha Lodge
Sacha Lodge Private Bathroom
Sacha Lodge Private Bathroom

The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambiance. All of our cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle well concealed into the lush surroundings. Each of 26 the rooms, which include single, double and (upon request) triple accommodations, provides a private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower. All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds. During free time, visitors may overlook the jungle from hammocks and often report seeing wild fauna such as toucans, agoutis and monkeys right from their own cabin!

Guests may also enjoy a raised lookout above our main bar and lounge, which offers a scenic view of Pilchicocha Lake and excellent opportunities to birdwatch.

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Triple, Single

 

2 reviews for Sacha Amazon Lodge

  1. Shelly P –

    Why would anyone go on a vacation like this???

    To have the time of their lives!!!!!!

    We headed to the Amazon Jungle to relax after all that exercise in the Galapagos but couldn’t sit still so we built a raft with our bare hands & floated down the Napo River in the Amazon Jungle. Then the next day to take a breather we decided to white water raft a class IV river in Tema, Ecuador, almost 30 miles. No kidding- you’ll see pictures attached. Then off to the Sacha Lodge by 5 hour boat ride, hike in a mile & poof we were in the jungle. Hiked by day & canoed by night. No rest until we got back to the states. Just the way we like it!!!! Thanks for everything. You’re the best.

  2. Peter G –

    Trip had a rough start for us because the flight departure time was changed without our knowledge. Once we were airborn all was good. Arrived in Coca and was greeted by guides who took care of our luggage. We loaded into a truck and took a 5 min. drive to meeting area where we had a sandwich lunch (not very good). Then we went on a 2 hour boat ride on the Napa river. It rained most of the way, but it was warm, and they provided rain ponchos. When we arrived we had a 2 mile easy hike thru the forest, then a 20 minute canoe ride, then finally reach Sacha Lodge. Very cool trip to the remote location.

    Accomodations were excellent, clean, well maintained. Food was very good, breakfast, Lunch , and dinner all provided with no problems, and right on schedule. Guides spoke good english, and were very knowlegable. All hikes were very muddy, but they provided us with rubber boots for every hike. Bugs were not a problem at all. Used some insect repellent, but some hikes we didn’t even use it, and it still was not a problem. Weather was warm, but comfortable most of the time due to the constant tree cover and dampness of the area. The first night we took a hike and found a few nocturnal creatures. It was fun, but was hoping to find more animals then we did.

    The second day we woke up 5:30 AM, breakfast at 6AM, then a 1 hour hike to a observation tower. Stayed on the tower for a couple of hours, which was a bit long for us. We saw quite a few exotic birds, and some Howler monkees way in the distance. A little disapoited that we didn’t see more animals close up, but had a good time being out in the jungle. About a 1 hour hike back to the lodge. Got back at about 11:00 AM. Since lunch was at 1PM, we had 2 hours to relax. Went down to the lake and swam a bit (Swim area and lake was beautiful), and took a short nap. (If lunch was earlier, that would have been better, since we were quite hungry from the long morning). Had lunch at 1PM, then another hike afterwards. About a 2-3 hour hike thru the jungle, saw monkeeys, birds, insects, learned about lots of things. Very interesting, and great exotic animals and plant life. Late dinner at about 7PM.

    The 3rd day. Another 1-2 hour hike. Arrived at a huge tree house observation area. Climbed to top and observed animal life. Hiked back for lunch. After lunch took a canoe ride thru the forest. Very relaxing. Saw monkees, 2 owls, lizards, frogs, spiders. Lots of fun. Came back for evening BBQ, and thanked all the staff for there great service.

    Left the next morning, Breakfast, 20 minute canoe trip, 2 mile hike, 2 hour speed boat ride down the Napa, Flight back to Quito. GREAT ADVENTURE!!!

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