Eco Lodge
Ecuador

Sacha Lodge

Sacha Lodge
Sacha Lodge
Sacha Lodge
Sacha Lodge

Highlights of Sacha Lodge

  • A pioneering rainforest lodge in a private reserve – Set within a 5,000-acre reserve bordering Yasuní National Park, Sacha Lodge offers outstanding access to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
  • Exceptional wildlife viewing – Expert naturalist guides lead canoe trips and forest walks in search of giant otters, monkeys, sloths, caiman, macaws, toucans and countless other Amazon species.
  • A spectacular canopy walkway – Suspended 36 metres above the forest floor, the canopy walkway offers a unique perspective of the rainforest and superb birdwatching opportunities.
  • Explore by canoe and on foot – Paddle through blackwater creeks and oxbow lakes before venturing onto an extensive network of rainforest trails, each revealing a different side of the Amazon.
  • Comfortable lakeside accommodation – Spacious thatched cabins overlook Pilchicocha Lake, combining authentic rainforest surroundings with thoughtful comforts and excellent guiding.
  • One of Ecuador’s finest birdwatching destinations – With more than 600 recorded bird species, Sacha is a paradise for birdwatchers, whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast or simply enjoy seeing spectacular wildlife.

Good to know

How to get there

Sacha Lodge is reached by a 30-minute flight from Quito to Coca (Francisco de Orellana), followed by a two-hour motorised canoe journey along the Napo River. From there, you’ll walk for around 30 minutes along a raised boardwalk through the rainforest before crossing Pilchicocha Lake by paddle canoe to reach the lodge. The entire journey from Quito takes approximately five hours.

Are children welcome?

Yes. Sacha Lodge welcomes families with children aged six years and over. The lodge is best suited to adventurous youngsters who enjoy wildlife and the outdoors, as excursions include rainforest walks, canoe trips and early morning starts. Family cabins are available, making it an excellent choice for families looking to experience the Amazon together.

Giving back

Sacha Lodge has long been recognised as one of Ecuador’s pioneers of sustainable ecotourism. The lodge protects more than 5,000 acres of primary rainforest, helping to safeguard wildlife habitat while limiting development within the reserve.

Many members of the lodge’s team come from nearby communities, creating long-term employment and supporting the local economy. Sacha also operates comprehensive recycling and waste management programmes, treats wastewater responsibly and carefully manages visitor numbers to minimise its environmental impact. Through low-impact tourism, the lodge demonstrates that protecting the rainforest delivers lasting benefits for both wildlife and local people.

What wildlife might you see here

Sacha Lodge’s private reserve and its proximity to Yasuní National Park make it one of Ecuador’s premier wildlife destinations.

You may see:

  • Giant otters hunting in Pilchicocha Lake.
  • Monkeys, including woolly, squirrel, spider, capuchin, howler, tamarin and saki monkeys.
  • Two-toed and three-toed sloths high in the canopy.
  • Macaws, parrots and parakeets, particularly around nearby clay licks.
  • Toucans, aracaris and dozens of colourful tanagers.
  • Hoatzins, frequently seen around the lake.
  • Black caiman and spectacled caiman on night excursions.
  • Anacondas and other snakes, occasionally encountered in flooded forest.
  • Poison dart frogs and a remarkable variety of reptiles and amphibians.
  • Blue morpho butterflies and countless other insects.

More elusive residents include tapirs, ocelots, peccaries and jaguars, although sightings are uncommon. Birdwatchers can expect to record hundreds of species during a stay.

Why we love Sacha Lodge

Sacha Lodge has been showcasing the Amazon to travellers for decades now and each year seems to find more and more interesting ways to do it (note the use of a construction crane to reach the canopy). It is perhaps the most developed of the Amazon lodges making it an easy option for many.

Caroline 130
Caroline Maber

Specialises in

Latin America, The Caribbean and Polar Regions
Sacha Lodge

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