Explore the wonders of Ecuador's Upper Amazon rainforest on this exciting 4-day extension itinerary — a perfect addition to MT Sobek's Galapagos adventures! Take a short flight from Quito to Coca, then journey by motorized canoe to the charming Sacha lodge, one of our favorite jungle retreats, for a three-night stay. Each day, head out on foot or by canoe to explore wildlife wonders in the surrounding forests, including over 600 species of birds, howler and capuchin monkeys, sloths, agoutis, otters, caiman, and more. Climb the 135-jungle tower for incredible views and take a thrilling tree-top walk along the lodge's 940-foot canopy walkway. At the lodge, enjoy a range of excellent services and amenities, including delicious meals and hot showers (a luxury in Amazonia!), and revel in quiet moments on your private porch, right in the heart of the rainforest.
Explore the wonders of Ecuador's Upper Amazon rainforest on this exciting 4-day extension itinerary — a perfect addition to MT Sobek's Galapagos adventures! Take a short flight from Quito to Coca, then journey by motorized canoe to the charming Sacha lodge, one of our favorite jungle retreats, for a three-night stay. Each day, head out on foot or by canoe to explore wildlife wonders in the surrounding forests, including over 600 species of birds, howler and capuchin monkeys, sloths, agoutis, otters, caiman, and more. Climb the 135-jungle tower for incredible views and take a thrilling tree-top walk along the lodge's 940-foot canopy walkway. At the lodge, enjoy a range of excellent services and amenities, including delicious meals and hot showers (a luxury in Amazonia!), and revel in quiet moments on your private porch, right in the heart of the rainforest.
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon on this 4-day jungle adventure
[Description] => Immerse yourself in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon on this 4-day jungle adventure
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Explore by canoe and on foot with expert naturalist guides, and enjoy thrilling canopy walks
[Description] => Explore by canoe and on foot with expert naturalist guides, and enjoy thrilling canopy walks
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Relax in the comfort of Sacha Lodge and take in the beauty of the Amazon from your private porch
Transfer to the Quito airport for a mid-morning flight to Coca, then board a motorized canoe for an exciting ride down the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon! A short forest walk from the lodge landing brings you to the stunning jungle-fringed Lake Pilchacocha, where another canoe awaits to ferry you to Sacha Lodge. After check-in, you'll be outfitted with a poncho and rubber boots, which are customary attire for your stay at Sacha. There is usually time for a late afternoon visit in the rainforest to look for wildlife or for a refreshing swim in the lagoon. A welcome dinner in Sacha's spacious dining room can be followed by a night walk - great for spotting owls and nocturnal mammals.
Accommodation: Sacha Lodge
Transportation: 40-minute flight transfer; 2.5-hour boat transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Amazon from Sacha Lodge
Day 2
Spend the next two days exploring the 5,000 acres of pristine rainforest at Sacha Lodge reserve, home to an amazing variety of wildlife. Half and full day excursions allow you to explore this area by canoe and on jungle hikes, observing a variety of habitats including pristine primary forest. On the way, look out for over 600 species of bird - the most seen at a single site in the world! - and a wide variety of monkeys, from red howler monkeys to white-faced capuchins. Sloths and agoutis are seen with some regularity, as are the footprints of ocelots and jaguars. Part of the excitement of visiting the rainforest is the possibility of viewing some of its mysterious and elusive inhabitants - you never know what you may see next.
Accommodation: Sacha Lodge
Activity: Rainforest walks & canoe rides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rainforest Hikes, Canoe Rides & Canopy Walks
Day 3
Your days in the jungle can be tailored to your interests by your naturalist guide. Take a refreshing swim in the lagoon, catch an early morning canoe ride to see hundreds of parrots at the mineral-rich claylick across the Napo River, climb the tower for a canopy walk among the tree tops, and stargaze to a symphony of croaking frogs, crickets, and owls. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Providencia native community of Yasuní National Park and learn about the Shipati Warmi project - an initiative run by and benefitting the women of Providencia. After meeting the locals (with your guide as the translator), you'll even have the chance to try some of their traditional foods! The Shipati Warmi project ask that each guest donates $5.
Accommodation: Sacha Lodge
Activity: Rainforest walks & canoe rides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Quito
Day 4
After breakfast, catch an early boat ride back to Coca for your connecting flight to Quito.
Transportation: 2.5-hour boat transfer, 40-minute flight transfer
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Local Tour Guide .
We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local guides on our trips. You will be in excellent hands with a fully licensed and accredited local guide who will share their expertise in everything from history and architecture, to culture and traditions, the best local cuisine, activities and crafts, or even shopping. Local guides live, breathe, and love their trips because as locals they are an integral part of their communities. Their connections run deep and pride in their piece of the world is contagious.
Transfer to the Quito airport for a mid-morning flight to Coca, then board a motorized canoe for an exciting ride down the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon! A short forest walk from the lodge landing brings you to the stunning jungle-fringed Lake Pilchacocha, where another canoe awaits to ferry you to Sacha Lodge. After check-in, you\'ll be outfitted with a poncho and rubber boots, which are customary attire for your stay at Sacha. There is usually time for a late afternoon visit in the rainforest to look for wildlife or for a refreshing swim in the lagoon. A welcome dinner in Sacha\'s spacious dining room can be followed by a night walk - great for spotting owls and nocturnal mammals.
Spend the next two days exploring the 5,000 acres of pristine rainforest at Sacha Lodge reserve, home to an amazing variety of wildlife. Half and full day excursions allow you to explore this area by canoe and on jungle hikes, observing a variety of habitats including pristine primary forest. On the way, look out for over 600 species of bird - the most seen at a single site in the world! - and a wide variety of monkeys, from red howler monkeys to white-faced capuchins. Sloths and agoutis are seen with some regularity, as are the footprints of ocelots and jaguars. Part of the excitement of visiting the rainforest is the possibility of viewing some of its mysterious and elusive inhabitants - you never know what you may see next.
Your days in the jungle can be tailored to your interests by your naturalist guide. Take a refreshing swim in the lagoon, catch an early morning canoe ride to see hundreds of parrots at the mineral-rich claylick across the Napo River, climb the tower for a canopy walk among the tree tops, and stargaze to a symphony of croaking frogs, crickets, and owls. You\'ll also have the opportunity to visit the Providencia native community of Yasuní National Park and learn about the Shipati Warmi project - an initiative run by and benefitting the women of Providencia. After meeting the locals (with your guide as the translator), you\'ll even have the chance to try some of their traditional foods! The Shipati Warmi project ask that each guest donates $5.
After breakfast, catch an early boat ride back to Coca for your connecting flight to Quito.
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[ActivityHighlight] => A typical day at Sacha Lodge will involve six to seven hours of walking, divided between a morning and afternoon excursion (there is time set aside midday to rest when wildlife is less active). Forays into the jungle will be accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, and can be tailored to your interests.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. A typical day at Sacha Lodge will involve six to seven hours of walking, divided between a morning and afternoon excursion (there is time set aside midday to rest when wildlife is less active). Forays into the jungle will be accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, and can be tailored to your interests. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Rainforest walks & canoe rides
Day 3
Rainforest walks & canoe rides
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Stay at the charming and comfortable Sacha Retreat Lodge, located on a lagoon in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Located within a pristine ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge enjoys a remote rainforest location with thatch-roofed buildings that blend harmoniously into their surroundings. The 26 comfortable rooms have spacious private bathrooms, some of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows for an immersive jungle experience. The property is a destination within itself, with thousands of acres of rainforest to explore.
Weather
The temperature is generally between 75°F and 95°F, and there are daily rain showers year round.
Jan
Mar
May
Jul
Sep
Nov
Quito
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Quito
66
49
66
49
66
49
67
47
68
47
67
48
FAQs
When and where should I arrive?
We recommend that you arrive in Quito the day before the Sacha Extension begins. Most flights from the U.S. arrive mid-afternoon to late at night. We are happy to assist with booking a hotel for you in Quito, either in the city center or at the airport. Airport transfers are included between your Quito hotel and Quito airport.
Will I need to book an extra hotel night in Quito?
You may need an additional hotel night in Quito before or after your visit to Sacha Lodge, depending on your connecting flight.
Should I book an extension for before or after my visit to the Galapagos?
Either works well logistically, but if possible we recommend doing the extension first, before the Galapagos.
Are Insects a problem in the Amazon?
Insects are present in the jungle and we recommend bringing insect repellant. Mosquitoes are around at dawn and dusk.