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 heard 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.
Highlights
* View the jungle from hammocks and see wild fauna such as toucans, agoutis and monkeys right from your cabin!
* Paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, orchids, bromeliads and palm trees thrive.
* Explore the rainforest up in the treetops on our sturdy 94ft high canopy walk.
* See one of the largest butterfly farms in Ecuador. Designed as a live exhibition conservatory, the Butterfly House is now successfully breeding nearly 40 local butterfly species! ...view more details
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
We are found within a 5000-acre private ecological reserve in Ecuador's Amazon region, an accessible yet pristine rainforest sanctuary where you and your family may enjoy a true jungle adventure in safety and comfort. ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
A perfect jungle trip for families.
Also a haven for both professional and amateur ornithologists. ...view more details
You can decide your own daily itinerary at Sacha Lodge.
A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest's animals are most active. Each group may decide on its own wake-up and breakfast time, as well as the difficulty and duration of their morning outings. In the afternoon, visits begin at around 3:00 and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins.
Wherever the destination, our excursions proceed slowly in order to appreciate the fascinating details that our guides point out around you.
Activities are spread out over a wide area and allow visitors to explore several distinct but equally fascinating habitats. Several trails lead through pristine terra firme forest, where 150 foot kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give trees support. Others follow strategically raised boardwalks in seasonally flooded forests, where walking on the ground would be nearly impossible during most of the year due to groundwater. One trail many choose to follow even leads across fallen tree trunks and a steel cable zip-line through rich swampland!
A favorite activity of our guests is to paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, orchids, bromeliads and palm trees thrive. And wherever an outing may lead the possibilities of spotting animals, from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the feared ocelot or puma, are endless.
During free time at the lodge, swimming and piranha fishing are also activities not to be missed… but don't worry! Piranhas are scavengers and the guides will prove that swimming is perfectly safe.
For adventurous souls, the day does not necessarily end with dinner. Night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight. Caimans (of the alligator family) and giant insects rule the jungle after sunset… Do you dare search for them?
This provider can help with your other additional needs
local flights
transfers
additional accomodations
trip extensions
... and other requirements.
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
* Accommodations
* All meals
* Aquatic transportation
* Excursions with native and bilingual guides
Not Included
* Cost of airfare from Quito-Coca-Quito, approx $120 per passenger.
* Extra canoe cost for trips NOT STARTING on Monday or Friday.
1 person - $80
2 people - $40 per person
3 people - $27 per person
4 and up - FREE
* Drinks
* Gratuities
To review this trip please register or login (if already registered).
Overall Rating:
1 customer review
Destination:
4.0
Activity:
5.0
Equipment:
4.0
Food:
3.0
Guides & Service:
5.0
Provider Rating: 2 trip reviews
Equipment:
4.5
Food:
3.5
Guides & Service:
5.0
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
5.0
Trip Rating:
Destination:
Equipment:
Activity:
Food:
Guides & Service:
Sacha Lodge - Fascinating Flora, Fauna, and Local Culture
by pjmoran, Experienced,
Oct 23, 2008
My wife and I were on our honeymoon, and the people at Sacha offered us a naturalist guide and native guide just for the two of us.
The accommodations were very good, as was the food. The hikes, bird watching, and lessons about the incredibly diverse plant and animal life were fascinating. I can't say enough about the ability of Luis Garcia and Columbia (our native guide).
Both had an enormous amount of enthusiasm, were always in a good mood, and their knowledge of the jungle, animals, plants, and native methods was very impressive.
The personnel at Sacha are universally helpful and the service is first rate. The only constructive criticism I can offer is that the cook should include one "local dish" in his menu selection each night. We generally had non-Ecuadorian food on the menu, which eliminates one facet of experiencing the culture - no matter how cushy the surroundings might be.
I suggest bringing a good set of binoculars for each person in your group. That way, everyone can bird watch without inconvenience. I also suggest having a long lens for your camera, preferably one that has auto-focus. That way, you can capture images easily of birds and animals that might leave the scene quickly.
Bring synthetic, lightly colored, long sleeve shirts for the hikes. They help against mosquitoes without making you too warm. Just be aware that you will perspire in this climate...it is, after all, the jungle. So having multiple shirts or washing things out well, will make a huge difference to the group aroma.
* Accommodations
* All meals
* Aquatic transportation
* Excursions with native and bilingual guides
Not Included
Not Included
* Cost of airfare from Quito-Coca-Quito, approx $120 per passenger.
* Extra canoe cost for trips NOT STARTING on Monday or Friday.
1 person - $80
2 people - $40 per person
3 people - $27 per person
4 and up - FREE
* Drinks
* Gratuities
Notes
Trip Notes
Checked luggage for flight from Quito-Coca-Quito must not exceed 25 lbs. per passenger.
Rubber boots and rain ponchos are available for all of our guests at the Lodge, free of charge.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Description
Flights are on a modern jet airplane on a national airline.
Our canoes are covered to protect from rain and sun.
Transportation Types
Motor Boat Small airplane
Lodging - Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience. 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.
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
Lodging Types
4 Nights Jungle Lodge
Average number of rooms in boat/lodge/hotel average
21-50
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
Since its foundation in 1992, Sacha Lodge has proven that it is possible to sustain a healthy balance between economic development, rainforest conservation, local human advancement and respect to local culture. We pride ourselves by maintaining this social and ecological responsibility, which is the basis of true Ecotourism. Sacha is an Ecuadorian company and 100% of its proceeds remain in Ecuador, generating employment for more than 100 families who form a part of our team. Most Lodge employees come from local communities (the few exceptions being the administrator, chef and bilingual guides), making Sacha the largest tourism-sector employer in Ecuador’s Amazon region.
Sacha has saved over 5000 acres from deforestation and is now the largest private reserve in the Ecuadorian rainforest.
What special equipment will we use on this trip? Tell me about it.
Throughout the Lodge, 24-hour electricity is provided by a distant, nearly inaudible generator.
In case of emergency, both cellular telephone (BellSouth) and radio communications are available from the lodge. In addition, each of our guides maintains permanent radio contact with the lodge during all excursions and activities.
Tell me about the guides on this trip
Sacha Lodge's guests are divided into small groups for activities, each of which are led by not one but two guides. One is a native guide, raised in the area and with expert knowledge of the rainforest's medicinal and other useful plants. This guide will often share stories from local culture, and lead the way with accustomed eyes that are incredible for spotting the jungle's hidden creatures.
The second guide to accompany each group is a bilingual naturalist, who has been educated in the biology and ecology of the rainforest. Our naturalists come from different countries and backgrounds, and they will translate for the native guides as well as share their own scientific knowledge about any plants and animals you may encounter.
For birdwatchers, we also provide bird specialist guides upon request. These guides know the best spots for the hard-to-find species, and can easily identify species by both sight and sound. If ornithology is to be the focus of your trip, please be sure to request a bird specialist guide in advance to make sure he is there when you arrive!
Tell me about the safety precautions and plans for this trip.
We keep a complete first aid kit for any minor injuries or ailments you may experience. However, please take any special medications you might need with you. In case of a serious injury or illness, there is a modern medical center located in 20-minute reach of Sacha Lodge.
At all times we have five staff members on duty patrolling of our reserve as park rangers to keep both the lodge and the surrounding environment safe.
Maximum Age
None
Weather
In the tropical rainforest it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather. A common question we receive is about the "dry and rainy seasons" of the Amazon, but it's best not to trust such generalizations to plan your trip. At times it can be hot and sunny but a cool rainstorm may appear at a moment's notice during any time of the year. We have ceiling fans in each room hot afternoons, but at night (especially after the rain) some guests are surprised at the need for a sweatshirt!
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Sacha Lodge
Why should I choose this provider?
Sacha Lodge has proven that it is possible to sustain a healthy balance between economic development, rainforest conservation, local human advancement and respect to local culture. We pride ourselves by maintaining this social and ecological responsibility, which is the basis of true Ecotourism. Sacha is an Ecuadorian company and 100% of its proceeds remain in Ecuador, generating employment for more than 100 families who form a part of our team. Most Lodge employees come from local communities (the few exceptions being the administrator, chef and bilingual guides), making Sacha the largest tourism-sector employer in Ecuador’s Amazon region.
Provider Policies
Pricing Policies
Payments are due in full 15 days before departure date. Deposits are not needed for FITS. However, for groups larger than 10, a 25% deposit is required once the reservation has been confirmed.
Cancellation Policies
-60 days 100% refund
-30 days 75% refund
-15 days 50% refund
-less than 15 days 0% refund
We do always take into account special occasions with regard to sickness and other circumstances. We do analyze each cancellation individually, in case of a cancellation due to a medical reasons, we will require a doctors certificate stating that the passenger(s) is unable to travel.
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TESTIMONIALS
The Inca trail trek can only be described as magical. I tried my best to be cynical, but it didn’t work. This trip was pure magic and absolutely perfect.
The logistics of the trip were impeccable. The ground transportation was on time and they made sure I was able to obtain my boarding pass and pay the airport tax at each leg of the trip.
Out on the hike, my guide Oswaldo was fabulous.
The food on the trail was amazing. The chef created simple and fresh meals that were bursting with local flavor.
-- Terry B, Inca Trail 5-day with Andean Adventures
Just returned from Costa Rica last night ... trip was a GREAT SUCCESS! We all thank you VERY MUCH for arranging the trip.
-- Bob Fenchel, Custom Costa Rica with Camino Travel
We’ve been home just over a week now and I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you just how fantastically well everything went! Ok, so we did end up paying the full whack (which I’ve decided just not to think about!). However, we had a fantastic guide and everything ran really smoothly and we had a fantastic time. From being collected from the hotel (Vieja Cuba which was lovely) to being looked after once we got to the Galapagos it was all just perfect, so thank you very much for being an important part of our fabulous trip.
Cheers Greg !
-- Marayka K., Galapagos Multisport 7-Day Adventure
We had a great time on the Galapagos Cruise. Our guides were very engaging and informative and everything was timed just right. We had the right amount of activity, food and leisure time every day. We are not \"cruising\" people and were apprehensive at first about being stuck on a boat for 7 days but we didn\'t feel \"stuck\" given the number of excursions we had each day and the fact that we snorkeled at least once or twice a day. We also extended our trip on the Islands and stayed at a hotel but definitely would recommend a cruise over staying on the islands. The islands gets very hot and there are lots of mosquitos but on the boat there is shade, wind and no bugs! Great amount of variety of animals and geography we saw. Sad to leave!
-- Wendy K., Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, and Flamingo
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Sacha Lodge (5D / 4N)
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