*Sample Itinerary*

Day 1 Sacha Lodge (L,D)

Depart Quito on a 30 minute flight over the Andean Mountains which brings you to a bustling oil town called Coca located in the Amazon Basin. After a quick lunch in Sacha’s private house it’s time to head to the river dock where you will board Sacha ́s private canoes for the 2 hour journey down river to Sacha Lodge.

A 30 minute hike through the rainforest leads you to Lake Pilchicocha. Here, you are met by native workers who paddle you across the lake to your final destination. Afternoon arrival at Sacha Lodge.

A refreshing swim in Lake Pilchicocha on arrival may be just what you need after being in the equatorial heat. This lagoon is a black water lake, home to many species of fish and animals. 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 after dark. 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.

Dinner and overnight at Sacha Lodge.

Day 2 Sacha Lodge (B,L,D)

This morning we walk along the Liana Chica trail to get to the canopy walkway.

The lodge’s self-standing rigid suspension canopy walkway is one of only a few in the world! Located within Sacha ́s private reserve, 2 miles from the shores of the Napo River and 1 mile from the lodge, it gives guests the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of the rainforest canopy and the many different species of vibrantly colored birds that live in this habitat.

This canopy experience is 36m high and 275m long, giving guests a “birds eye view” of all the wonders and beauty that the tropical rainforest has to offer. It is designed as a sturdy walkway enabling guests to casually move along while enjoying the spectacular views.
Later we continue along the Liana Grande trail through terra firma and igapo forest habitats. Our native guides will explain about the many different species of medicinal plants present which have been used in their culture for hundreds of years.

The Liana Grande will turn into the Higueron Trail, which takes 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 Leoncillo Trail to try and spot the elusive dusky titi monkey.

Either way the trails will lead you back to the main boardwalk for your final hike and canoe ride back to the lodge.

Dinner and overnight at Sacha Lodge.

Day 3 Sacha Lodge (B,L,D)

Leaving the lodge after breakfast, you begin your hike on the Lagartococha Trail, which 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!

Later in afternoon you will begin, what many think, is the best experience 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 observation tower built around an ancient Kapok tree. Get close up views of vibrantly colored birds through Sacha ́s powerful telescopes, and watch the sun set with an amazing view of the Sumaco Volcano, and possibly a view of the snow-covered peaks 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 several species of bats flying over your head 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.

Dinner and overnight at Sacha Lodge.

Day 4 Sacha Lodge (B)

Breakfast and an early departure from the lodge. One last walk on the boardwalk to the river, and from there a 2 hour canoe ride back to Coca for your 35 minute flight back to Quito.

Hotel: Sacha Lodge