My family and I just returned from a 5 day/4 night trip to La Selva Jungle Lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We had booked the baby boomer package, and although they didn't deliver on all of the promised goodies (more on that later), we still had a great time. We arrived from Quito around noon (later than originally expected since our original flight was cancelled -- not La Selva's fault, but a reality to be aware of), and soon began our 2 hour motorized boat ride down the Napo River to our first landing, where we then walked about 15 minutes through the jungle to some waiting canoes (no motors here), that we then took to the lodge (another 15 minutes or so). So all in all it was a good 3 hours or so from when we landed in Coca till we arrived at the lodge. We had a box lunch in the boat, and were greated with various snacks and lemonade on our arrival at the lodge along with an overview of how things worked. All told there were 14 of us on the trip from Quito, and no one else was at the lodge when we arrived. (Later in the week some more folks came and the place was full for our last two days.) As there was a group of 10 birders from France, they formed one group with their own guide who specialized in birds, and my family and the other guest formed the second group. Unlike what I was led to believe from the website, we pretty much had fixed groups who stayed together for the whole week, rather than a variety of different activities you could choose from each day. That may have been in part because we pretty much came in two big groups, plus the one single traveler who was put with my family. However after the additional groups came later in the week we still stayed with our original groups and guides.

Our daily routine was an early breakfast (but not as early as the birding group who were up at about 4:00 each day!) followed by a 2-1/2 to 3 hour excursion, then lunch and rest time, followed by a late afternoon outing and then dinner. we also sometimes did an evening outing as well. Basically we adapted our viewing times to accommodate the activities patterns of the jungle inhabitants, who are most active early and late in the day. During the down times you could swim in the lake (in spite of the piranhas and electric eels, and yes we did partake of that pleasure) and you could also take the canoes out by yourselves as pretty much no one else was using them in the mid afternoons (we did that as well and enjoyed it immensely).

For the "baby boomer" package we opted to spend one night in more primitive lodging (simple tents) deeper in the jungle away from the lodge. this happened our first night, and was preceded by a wonderful river cruise in the dusk/dark where we saw bats and owls and tree boas and woodpeckers and other assorted creatures. we then had a great dinner followed by a nighttime exploration of the various bugs and critters hanging around camp (more spiders and scorpions and other creepy crawlies than I've seen in one place outside of a zoo!). Amazingly the mosquitos were almost nonexistent for the whole trip. this was helped, presumably, because La Selva is located on "black" water that is very acidic and hence not hospitable to mosquitos. The other member of our group, who hadn't signed up for this, opted not to do this and it wasn't clear at first that they were going to be able to accommodate her, but in the end it worked out okay for her and they even found someone, not a regular guide, who took her for a jungle walk the next morning while we were off doing our thing. however she was on her own that first evening.

In the morning after our jungle camp out, I awoke to find our guide, Rodrigo, holding a poisonous coral snake that he had come across while checking out the canoes. He also showed us a few piranha that the cook had caught (we had one later with our lunch, quite tasty). we then had another boat ride followed by a jungle walk before arriving back at the main lodge for lunch. Our afternoon outing that day consisted of another boat ride, this time around the lake on which the main lodge is located. Such was the general pattern of our days, though with some variation. One morning we climbed the treetop canopy to observe birds (interestingly that was our only really buggy time), and another day we traveled back to the Napo River to observe parrots and to visit the home of the grandfather of our indigenous guide, Arsenio. This was the real thing, not a kitschy tourist affair, and we got to observe how a typical jungle family really lived. It was pretty basic.

As to the lodge itself, our unit was quite nice. We aren't talking fancy, but the rooms were clean and not too many critters. Someone else in their review complained about cockroaches. We certainly had some (we were in the jungle after all) but not too many. we did spot a giant wolf spider in the bathroom on the last day. Not sure how long he had been there...kind of a creepy thought to think he might have been there the whole time. however the beds all had mosquito netting, so I wasn't worry about things crawling over me at night.

The lodge has a wonderful lounge area and adjoining dining area, both looking out onto the lake. however we understand the new owner plans to move the dining area elsewhere to make room for several new sleeping units. I was very disappointed to hear this. Hopefully they will find as attractive a setting for the new dining area, but it's hard to imagine. The lodge provided all of the purified drinking water you wanted for free, but other drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcholic, you had to pay for (though we were given lemonade after our morning and afternoon outings). The showers and sinks in the units used lake water, so while you could rinse the dirt off and wash your clothes, I'm not sure how clean you really got. At least everyone else was in the same boat. The food was excellent and plentiful. the soups especially were delicious, and I loved the freshly made juice we had with each meal.

One comment about the baby boomer package. I had forgotten to print out the list of extras we were supposed to get, and they had no internet at the lodge (at least not for guests), so I didn't remember at the time what all we were supposed to get. as it turns out we got shorted a fair bit. we did get the requested night out in the jungle (an option was to have a dockside candlelit dinner), but no massage for my wife and no treetop canopy breakfast and no special sunset cruise per se, though most of our evening excursions were on the lake anyway. I later learned that they had recently closed their spa (to reopen in July 2012 apparently), which explains the lack of a massage, but I gather we should at least have had the canopy breakfast. That's not a big deal as far as I'm concerned, especially as I enjoyed the breakfasts with our other group member and guide and the wonderful dining area setting, but if they are going to advertise those bonuses they really should deliver and it shouldn't be up to the guests to remind them. I gather from reading the other comments that at least one other couple did get all of those goodies and enjoyed them quite a bit.

One day we had an unplanned post lunch boat outing with some members of another group and a different guide to see an anaconda that was sunning at the lake's edge. we then stopped on the way back to watch some monkeys at play. it was interesting to experience a different guide. we liked our own guide, Rodrigo, quite a bit, though this other guide provided a lot more information about the animals and why they did what they did that we hadn't gotten from Rodrigo. So just be aware that your experiences can vary depending on who your guide is.

A final comment relates to logistics. our return flight also left later than originally planned due to a change in the airline schedules. also, it was more than two hours late getting in, so in the end we arrived back at Quito around 4:30 instead of just before noon. Fortunately our return flight to states wasn't till much later that evening, but it is a cautionary warning not to plan connections too tightly. Allow yourselves a little wiggle room for the unexpected.

I was very keen to experience the jungle and wildlife and booked La Selva after reading the reviews.

Positives
Trip there is lovely on a motorised canoe followed by a paddle canoe across a small lake. Accommodation is very comfortable (we had a lovely renovated room), food was good and location is lovely - on the edge of the lake (with piranhas and anacondas). The mosquitoes weren't as bad as expected. We went on night and day walks and canoes to experience the wildlife. The Guides are very knowledgeable. Most of the staff were really lovely.

Negative
- while I wanted to experience the wildlife, I wanted to stay a reasonable distance from snakes and spiders - about a metre (I have had too many encounters with very poisonous snakes). The guide completely disregarded my concern to the point that he insisted on passing a snake down the canoe on a small branch - which I agreed to - but then he passed it over my head! I found this incredibly disrespectful. He didn't apologise and generally our guide was a little rude to the women.
(Some of the other guests had a different guide who was apparently very lovely.)
- Our guide would antagonise the wildlife rather than just observe.
- The activities become a little repeatative.
- Most bags were put into a waterproof bags during transit but one of our large bags was left out and the contents were wet (tropical rain is common).

There are cheaper alternatives if you book in Quito.

We stayed here over New years and before we went to the Galapagos Islands. We found it to be the perfect combination. We absolutely loved every minute of it. We were completely taken care of from the moment we stepped on the motorized canoe to the moment we returned. They carried our bags, they paddled, you didn't have to do anything except sit back and enjoy the beauty all around you. Our native guide "Manuel” deserves more credit than words can describe. He is the reason for making every hike exciting because of his amazing ability to spot wildlife. Things are so difficult to see in the wild we may not have seen anything if it wasn't for Manuel. One of the other guides whom unfortunately we did not have "Paul" was so interesting to talk with at the bar lounge at the end of each day. He was so very knowledgeable and so passionate about what he does. I'm sure all the guides are wonderful but Paul seemed exceptional.

The food was always sooo wonderful, we always had the best freshly made soups before every exceptional meal, they even made us a big turkey and cake on New Years. The Bartender's name was "Pepe" he is the most gentle, kind man that you can imagine, it was always so pleasant to talk to him every day. He makes the best drinks in all of Ecuador. One is a must try, I called it the "especial de Pepe". It is his freshly made passion fruit juice with a little carbonated water (agua con gas) and rum. He would always garnish it with something nice and tastes like a dream when sitting on the dock in the nice sun gazing at the lake and its surroundings. They also have the most delicious and "cold" gigantic beers that go together well with a nice hot day.

The huts (sleeping quarters) were just fine for us. You really only sleep there and thats it. Although we did look at the new cabins and they are absolutely georgeous. So if you are looking for something really nice for sleeping, ask for one of the new huts and you will not be dissapointed.

Our trip to La Selva Jungle Lodge truly was the trip of a lifetime. As previous reviews have stated, you get up early every day, but that is only so you can experience the beauty and life of the jungle at it's best. This trip is not for sissies! You are up and down steps, in and out of canoes, seeing snakes, walking on uneven surfaces, and sweating a lot! But isn't that what you want to do to really see life in the rainforest?

First off, we had Luis as our English speaking guide and Colorado as our indigenous guide. They were both amazing. They were attentive to us, they knew every plant and animal and had spotting power not to be believed!

Everyone is interested in what we saw in the jungle. Of course, every trip is different, but we saw tons of monkeys of many types, toucans, bats, snakes, thousands of 8 species of parrots at two clay licks (let me tell you, that was dramatic!), lots of frogs, insects and tarantulas, and lots more- but the prize sighting was the very rare bush dogs of the jungle. What a thrill!

I should mention that we booked the lodge ourselves online without the use of a travel agent. We are of "baby boomer" status and that brought us many special privileges no one else in the group got. First of all, we had a gorgeous cabin that was spacious, immaculate, and had a fantastic bathroom. There was a queen sized bed and another room with two twin beds. Also, there was a beautiful back porch with a lounge chair and a hot tub (it does use lake water to fill, so don't expect clear water). We also got a candlelit dinner for two on the dock with special food treatment, a canoe ride in a little dugout just for us with appetizers and drinks, another candlelit dinner on our porch (which, I believe took the place of breakfast in the tower - fine with us as it was a long hike and climb we had already done), and massages that were amazing and unusual - I won't spoil that by describing it here, you have to see for yourself!

Were we tired after our trip? Yes! But this is a trip that stays with you for a long time. The jungle is beautiful, wild, natural and free. Our group was made up of people from Australia, Holland, British Columbia and us, USA. There were ages from 20s to 60s and every enjoyed each other's company a lot! There were no more than 20 guests there at a time when we were there, and we were told that our group of 9 was a large one. Trust me, 9 people in the vast jungle feels like you are all alone! As for bugs - we only used bug spray the night of dinner on the dock and during our sunset canoe ride, but that was the dry season. Oh, and, we were lucky, I guess, it never rained a drop!

The people at La Selva were wonderful, from the time the representative met us in Quito till the time we were returned to our plane in Coca. By the way, the plane ride over the Andes is spectacular! All in all, if you love to go off the beaten path and see what most people never see, enjoy nature and like to be ousted, this is the trip for you! If you don't like these things, it's not! People who complain in their reviews may have taken the wrong trip, we computed that fewer people go to LaSelva in one year than on one week of many cruise ships!

One last note: we had one bug in our cabin the whole time we were there. Someone else had a wolf spider and there may have been others, although I didn't hear about them. There was a tree boa hanging off the thatched roof of the bar one night, but he never came down to visit! Remember, it's an adventure and anything can happen! That's why you are going!