Discover the Best Amazon Lodges in Ecuador: Emma's Top Picks
Choosing the right Amazon Lodge in Ecuador depends on your interests and expectations. Over the past six months, Emma from Original Ecuador has visited five outstanding lodges and shares her insights here.
Getting There
Reaching these remote Amazon lodges, all located along the Napo River, involves a short 35-minute flight from Quito to Coca. This is followed by a motorized canoe journey along the Napo River lasting around two to two and a half hours (slightly less for Sacha Lodge). Some lodges require a short walk followed by a paddle canoe experience to finally reach the lodge. Remember, the journey is all part of the adventure!
At each lodge, you will enjoy amazing food, inspiring guides, tranquil canoe rides, canopy observation towers, forest walks, and encounters with monkeys, birdlife, and other incredible wildlife.
Located deep within Yasuni National Park, the Napo Wildlife Center is the only lodge in Ecuador with this privileged location. Its remote position is reached after an additional two-hour paddle canoe journey following the motorized canoe ride along the Napo River. This adventure does mean an extra early wake-up call on departure day, but it's worth it. The lodge offers classic, rustic cabins with beautiful lake views. The pristine forest revealed many monkey species, including the elusive golden tamarinds, an anaconda, giant otters, and a tiny glass frog species. This award-winning project is run entirely by the local community, making it a fantastic option for adventurous wildlife-enthusiasts who value supporting sustainable tourism.
The Napo Cultural Center is the sister project of the Napo Wildlife Center. Run entirely by the Kichwa Añangu community, the lodge features comfortable cabins and social areas next to the local village, providing great insights into daily life in an Amazon community. The programs here offer more opportunities to explore Amazon culture, while the wildlife spotting remains just as impressive. A memorable highlight was an early morning Guayusa tea drinking ceremony with the community elders, interpreting dreams. This lodge is perfect for those with a smaller budget seeking a more cultural experience.
Sani Lodge is another community-run lodge, 100% owned by the Sani Isla community. Emma remembers meeting Javier as a local guide at Sani Lodge many years ago. On her return, she was pleased to find him now serving as the General Manager, reflecting the community's dedication to developing this beautiful project. The lodge offers comfortable, rustic cabins and social areas in a stunning lakeside location. The macaws and toucans fly overhead, and monkeys are a common spot on the canoe rides. You can even try your hand at artisanal piranha fishing. At the community women’s project guests can savour a typical Amazon meal including the tasty chontacuro grubs. Sani Lodge is a more economical option, providing the luxury of remoteness, comfort, and pristine forest. Ideal for those looking to support a sustainable eco-lodge on a tighter budget.
Recently renovated, La Selva is now a luxurious Eco-Lodge and Retreat in the Amazon. The spacious, stylish, and incredibly comfortable rooms exude luxury. The dining area, offering spectacular lake views, has also been beautifully renovated. Unique offerings include yoga sessions by the lake four times a day (Emma enjoyed magical sessions at 5am and 9pm). Another highlight was the exquisite Amazon spa, nestled in a secluded forest area. It offers massages and treatments that incorporate local produce, all while being surrounded by the soothing sounds and captivating scents of the jungle. This lodge is perfect for those seeking extra pampering, making it an ideal retreat for couples and honeymooners. While still enjoying wildlife spotting and canoe rides, the retreat elements added a unique touch to the Amazon experience.
Sacha Lodge offers an exceptional experience with spacious, simply decorated rooms that feature forest-view balconies. It is the only lodge among those visited that offers air-conditioned rooms, a welcome relief on hot, humid rainforest days. Accommodating over 50 guests, it caters to larger groups while ensuring ample space and smooth logistics. A unique attraction at Sacha Lodge is the canopy bridge experience – three observation towers connected by swing bridges, allowing guests to explore the forest canopy. Emma, accompanied by Veronica on this trip, spent a morning here, observing toucans, macaws, monkeys, and even a sloth. For those unable to climb the towers, a forest crane provides an alternative way to enjoy the canopy views. A memorable highlight for Emma & Vero was watching giant otters fish noisily around the lake during lunch. Families with children will appreciate the butterfly house and the safe, submerged swimming area in the lake. If air conditioning is essential and you’re travelling with family, Sacha Lodge is an excellent choice.
And finally
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and choosing the right lodge can make all the difference. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural immersion, luxury, or a family-friendly atmosphere, Ecuador's top Amazon lodges offer something for everyone. Each lodge presents a unique way to connect with the pristine beauty of the rainforest and its incredible wildlife, all while supporting sustainable tourism. As Emma’s journey highlights, the magic of the Amazon lies not just in the destination, but in the remarkable experiences and memories created along the way. So pack your bags, embark on this unforgettable adventure, and let the wonders of the Amazon captivate your heart and soul.
