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5 qualities of an Ecuadorian Amazon eco-lodge

Some destinations are simply amazing, offering us unique and sublime moments. An eco-lodge in the Amazonian jungle is one of these. Situated in the Ecuadorian rainforest, you can discover a vastly different world, one that provides you the chance to truly experience the jungle but without sacrificing the comforts and security to which you’re accustomed. Here we detail five reasons why the Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge and Spa is a great option if you want to experience an unforgettable adventure deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon. 1. An exotic spa in the middle of the jungle Imagine this unforgettable experience: you, surrounded by an exuberant vegetation totally different from what you’ve seen before, receiving a revitalizing massage on a massage table on a platform overlooking a rainforest lake, while taking in the sounds of tropical birds and a wonderful symphony of insects. All this, while your senses are flooded with the aroma of the forest, with your lungs breathing in the pure and fresh air of the plants around, while at the same time you feel a soft breeze, like a caress. Imagine the deep connection you will feel with nature. This, and no less, is what travelers experience. After an intense day of physical activities and emotions, the Selva Lodge offers a whole menu of personalized body and facial massages at its spa. The range of treatments is diverse and provided by a professional therapist. Thanks to these treatments, you can regain your vitality and well-being, feel relaxed and fresh, and ready to undertake new adventures in the magical Amazon environment. These innovative treatments combine perfectly with the yoga and meditation retreats offered at the spa. Sessions of different types of yoga, always with experienced instructors, are held on the platform located next to the calm river that adds to the contemplative spirit. In summary: While the jungle is in itself an intense experience, this lodge offers you the opportunity to combine it with quiet moments for encountering the environment and your own inner world. 2. Nature in its purest state The Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge & Spa is a place recognized for the diversity of the plant and animal life of its environment. The region is home to thousands of species, which you will be able to observe at every moment of your stay. In addition, bird lovers will discover countless new species. What’s more, you will have the opportunity to make direct contact with the richness and diversity that the forest houses – as well as photograph it all. The lodge boasts a special location: it’s situated on the edge of Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park, considered by UNESCO as one of the most biodiverse sites in the world. To get there, you must take a 25-minute flight from the Ecuadorian capital of Quito to the Amazonian town of Coca. From there, you will travel by motor canoe along the majestic Napo River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River. At the end of this scenic almost 3-hour trip, travelers disembark on the lodge’s pier, while the hotel staff takes care of the luggage. After making your way to the lodge itself, travelers are then greeted with a welcoming cocktail to begin their fantastic adventure. 3. Creature comfort and first-class accommodations The lodge’s main building — a huge thatched-roof hut — is in the center of the grounds. From this structure, wooden bridges extend over the adjacent lake to the spa area, as well as to the rest area and the observation tower. Within the main building are also the dining room, the bar and communal spaces. In the opposite direction from the lake are two rows of luxurious cabins (18 in all). Each cabin enjoys a panoramic view, complete privacy and all the basic comforts – such as a private bathroom, hot water, ceiling fans, mosquito nets on the beds, and balconies with hammocks. These cabins have ample space and have been designed to give prominence to the light and the surrounding landscapes. The style of construction was inspired by native techniques and uses local materials, a concept that combines respect for the environment with the guests’ comfort. 4. The best way to explore the jungle La Selva Lodge was the first in Ecuador to win the TripAdvisor award, as the lodge was recognized for the unique activities is offers travelers. These are designed so that Amazon jungle adventure is both exciting and instructive. Rainforest hikes, canoeing, birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, sunset canoe rides with hors-d’oeuvres and wine (the light in the jungle is unique at sunset), are some of the options from which you can choose. All excursions are accompanied by bilingual, native, naturalist guides. Small groups of four to six people are organized so that you can enjoy the most personalized experiences in the rainforest. On both the land and canoe tours, you will have the opportunity for close-up sightings of the exotic Amazonian species such as monkeys, sloths, caimans, anacondas and tapirs, as well as birds such as toucans, parrots, herons, and hawks. You can even go piranha fishing! One of the main attractions of the lodge is the spectacular views it provides from its observation tower. At more than 10 stories high, you will get a panoramic view from above the Amazonian rainforest canopy. Through this, you will see for yourself how life is sheltered by the forest at each level — from the ground to the understory and on up to the canopy. This will allow you to contemplate the landscape from a different perspective and photographs this unique scenery. Guests can also choose to trek through the rainforest itself, which gives one the chance to appreciate nature from the ground and to meet and interact with local indigenous communities. Though these cultural contacts, you will meet people who have preserved their ancestral customs and traditions and live in perfect harmony with the natural environment that surrounds them. 5. The flavors of the Amazon In line with the demanded of today’s travelers, the lodge’s restaurant allows guests to appreciate the natural environment while dining. Moreover, you can enjoy innovative Amazonian prepared by the lodge’s chef with local fruits, vegetables, and other exotic products of the region – though international dishes are also served. The adventure of exotic flavors is complemented by cocktails and unique tropical drinks served at the bar that overlooks the lake. In the evening, the candlelight dinner is followed by a night walk to listen to the nocturnal concert of insects, amphibians, reptiles and animals. Perhaps the perfect end of the day. In short, the Selva Amazon Eco-Lodge & Spa is a fantastic place for a transformative experience. Great for a family trip (there are special programs for children), an adventure with friends or an unforgettable honeymoon, the lodge is prepared to welcome all types of travelers. While providing high-quality personalized service it maintains its full respect for the natural environment as a sustainable tourism initiative. Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established firm, specializing in custom-designed luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos and throughout the rest of South America. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Alfonso Tandazo

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established firm, specializing in custom-designed luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos and throughout the rest of South America. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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One Comment

  1. Look at that titi monkey Alfonso! How cute. We saw them all the time in the jungles of Costa Rica, around Quepos. Good to see glam living in the jungle. If we ever spend time in la selva again – I mean the REMOTE jungle LOL – we have to go luxe, to be more comfortable. Super post bro.

    Ryan

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