Imagine walking across the Ecuadorian Amazon, across a bridge suspended over the rainforest canopy, paddling through creeks in search of monkeys and river otters, climbing to the very top of a giant kapok tree or swimming in a black-water lake, threading your way through trees in search of the world’s tiniest monkey… You‚’ll find these exclusive experiences, plus many more, only at Sacha Lodge, within our pristine 5,000-acre (2,000-hectare) ecological reserve.
Getting to Sacha Lodge
Your journey to Sacha begins in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. From here, embark on a 35-minute fight over the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains and then down 8,500 ft (2,600 meters) into the Amazon Basin.
Arrive at Puerto Francisco de Orellana, locally know as Coca, you will be met by a naturalist guide and taken to Sachas private house, with modern facilities, where you will be served lunch before being taken to the town docks. Here Sacha’s own covered, motorized canoe will be waiting to take you on a 2 hour, 50-mile (80 kilo-metre) journey down the Rio Napo, one of the Amazon Rivers tributaries.
Upon arrival to Sacha’s 5000 acre (1,500 hectares) private reserve, a 30-minute walk on a raised boardwalk will lead you to Lake Pilchicocha. Here, native paddlers will be waiting with dug-out canoes to carry
you across the lake to your final destination.
ROOMS & FACILITIES
Lodging at Sacha combines the highest comfort to the traveller with the preservation of the environment and rainforest ambience. All of our cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces with hammocks, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle subtly into the lush surroundings. Each of the 26 the rooms, which include single, double and (upon request) triple accommodations and three family cabins, provides a spacious private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower – some even feature floor-to-ceiling windows for an immersive jungle shower experience! All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds.
The Balsa
Named after the Spanish word for a “raft”, the Balsa is at the heart of the Sacha Lodge experience: a covered al fresco lounge area with a breath taking view over the shimmering Pilchicocha Lake. It is the perfect place to read a book with a glass of wine, spot birds, caiman and giant otters, or to watch the crimson sunsets and tremendous thunder storms.
The Restaurant
The rustic, airy restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere for dinner with its windows open, allowing the cicadas evening song to circle. An a la carte dinner is served in the restaurant, bringing fine dining to the jungle. Using fresh and sustainable products, our chef prepares meals to delight the tastes of a world traveler while satisfying the appetite of an adventurer!
The Bar
The safari-lodge style bar is found above the restaurant and fitted with snuggly sofas and stools propping up the bamboo bar. Relax with an ice-cold beer or wine, or classic cocktails made by our master barman.
The Shop
A small boutique selling essentials like sunblock, mosquito repellent and toiletries is open from 10:30 to 21:30. This is also the place to pick up Sacha Lodge souvenirs including fun logo t-shirts and baseball caps.
SERVICES
Staff
Our friendly staff form the backbone of the Sacha Lodge experience, and are always available to cater to any special needs you may have. On average, there are three staff members on duty for every two guests at the lodge.
Communications
In case of emergency, both cellular telephone and radio communications are available from the Lodge. In addition, each of our guides maintains permanent radio contact with the Lodge during all excursions and activities.
Wi-Fi
Internet connections are available in the open areas of the Lodge, at an additional daily rate.
Boots & Ponchos
Clean and disinfected bubber boots and rain ponchos are available for all of our guests at the Lodge, free of charge.
Water
Purified, safe drinking water is available at multiple points around the Lodge – there’s no need to bring your own bottled water.
Electricity
Throughout the Lodge, 24-hour electricity is provided by a distant, nearly inaudible generator.
Laundry
Sacha Lodge provides laundry service (washing and drying) for our guests. Please consult costs with our lodge administrator.