SACHA LODGE
Imagine walking 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 in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
LODGE
AT HOME IN THE WILD
The Lodge blends so seamlessly into its surroundings that to the resident wildlife it’s just another part of the forest. Watch giant otters duck, dive and call to each other as you eat breakfast; caimans glide under the walkway as you head back to your room; monkeys chattering outside your balcony; and even giant sloths hanging out on trees by the cabins.
A DREAM OF THE WILD
Sacha Lodge’s story begins in the 1970s when Swiss founder Benny came to Ecuador in search of adventure. He was captivated by the Napo River, and in 1985, Benny opened his first tourist lodge, La Casa del Suizo, on the Upper Napo.
But soon, civilization approached, and to satisfy his appetite for wilderness, Benny went in search of a place to build a lodge deeper into the forest. Months later, he was taken to a stretch of forest some two hours from Coca. Benny immediately fell in love with the mysterious black water of Pilchicocha lake and purchased 500 hectares of land surrounding it. With the help of 170 local employees, Sacha Lodge was officially opened in 1992 with six guest rooms.
As time went on Benny continued to expand the facilities while purchasing more land, and to date he has incredibly acquired 2,000 acres.
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.
FLAVOURS OF THE SACHA
Breakfast and lunch buffets mixing international cuisine with traditional Ecuadorian dishes are served in the Balsa. There are light, healthy options as well as more substantial pasta and meat dishes
An a la carte dinner is served in the restaurant, bringing fine dining to the jungle. Menus change daily, and will often include the popular paiche, a meaty white fish found in the Amazon region – with the all-important Green Seal of responsible fishing.
Vegetarians are more than welcome, and our chefs will be happy to cater for any special needs you may have upon request.
At least one evening during your stay we will hold a barbecue on the lakeside Balsa, with grilled fish, meat and vegetables.
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 ROOMS
DON'T SACRIFICE COMFORT FOR ADVENTURE
- 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.
Our Services
- FRIENDLY STAFF
- BAR
- WIFI
- BUBBER BOOTS AND RAIN PONCHO
- PURIFIED, SAFE DRINKING WATER
- LAUNDRY
Our Activities
- FOREST WALK
- CREEK PADDLING
- CAIMAN SPOTTING
- BIRDWATCHING
- COMMUNITY VISIT
- LAKE POOL
- CANOPY WALK
- YASUNI PARROT LICK
Awaken all the senses
AMAZING WILDLIFE
The astounding biodiversity of Sacha Lodge provides the opportunity to encounter those strange and exotic creatures prowling through your dreams. An incredible 600 species of birds and 50 of bats, tiny pigmy marmosets and giant otters call the reserve home, a space six times the size of New York’s Central Park. Creatures of all shapes and sizes live happily around the lodge – look out for Lucy the Caiman on her morning patrol and the families of monkeys chattering by the rooms. We never leave food to attract animals. The Lodge has been in place for over two decades and we have protected against hunting to such an extent that the creatures have no need to fear humans.
They range in size from the tiny half-pound pygmy marmoset to the cacophonous 17-pound red howler monkey. Night monkeys huddle in groups as small as two while squirrel monkeys can travel in groups of more than 150. Besides monkeys, there may be as many as 60 other species of mammals within our Reserve (not including up to 50 species of bats). With your eyes peeled you might spot an anteater, a three-toed sloth, or even an ocelot as you infiltrate their natural habitat. A variety of lizards and snakes can also be found along our trails, if you move quietly and stay alert. Several different boas, vine snakes and even the giant anaconda have been seen during many of our excursions. There are a few poisonous snakes as well, but not to worry – they try to stay out of peoples’ way and no one has ever been bitten here. Frogs, on the other hand, are much more common to see, from bulgy-eyed tree frogs and camouflaged leaf frogs to tiny colourful poison-dart frogs. So watch your step, day or night.
