GETTING TO SACHA LODGE
The journey to Sacha Jungle Lodge begins in Quito,
Ecuador's capital city. From here, a 25-minute flight
takes you over the Andes Mountains' majestic snow-covered
peaks and down over 8500 feet (2600 meters) into the
Amazon Region. The flight destination is the port
town of Puerto Francisco de Orellana, locally known
as Coca, where you will be met by a bilingual guide
and taken to a private dock. Here we will pause for
a snack and to use the rest rooms before boarding
our covered motorized canoe for a 2-hour, 50-mile
(80-kilometer) trip down the sediment-rich waters
of the Napo, the largest river in Ecuadorian Amazonia.
During the ride it is easy to spot handsome shore
birds such as herons, kingfishers, spoonbills and
ospreys between the scattered native huts as you travel
steadily away from civilization. Upon arrival to Sacha
Lodge's 5000-acre (2000-hectare) private reserve,
our guests will take their first walk along a raised
boardwalk through dense flooded palm forest where
several species of monkeys are often sighted. But
don't worry… we will carry your luggage for
you!
The path leads to Pilchicocha lake, a blackwater paradise
where you'd least expect to find any sign of people,
but dugout canoes (and even paddlers) await to carry
you even farther. As you cross the lake, the cries
of tropical birds lead you to your final destination
and home base for an exciting jungle experience.
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Health: It is always
advisable to consult your physician about health measures
and vaccinations before traveling to a foreign country.
Although Sacha is well-isolated from local populations
and tropical diseases are extremely rare here, during
your stay in Ecuador you may pass through areas of slightly
higher risk. Please note that your trip to Sacha will
bring you from Quito, which is located at almost 9000
feet (2850 meters) above sea level, to the lowland tropical
rainforest region at less than 900 feet (300 meters)
above sea level. Please take any medication you may
need with you, as the selection of medicines in our
first-aid kit is limited.
First Aid: The lodge keep a complete
first aid kit for any minor injuries or ailments you
may experience. However, please take any special medications
you might need with you. In case of a serious injury
or illness, there is a modern medical center located
in 20-minute reach of Sacha Lodge.
Flights
The flights from Quito to Coca are charter flights using
two different airlines, and departure time may vary.
The airplanes are normally 19-seat Beechcraft (1900),
and both the planes and pilots are FAA-certified in
the U.S.
Luggage
For the flight to Coca, the airlines require that checked
luggage be limited to a weight of 20 pounds per person.
However, heavier items such as cameras and books may
be taken in carry on bags if necessary. All suitcases
will be placed in waterproof bags for the trip down
the Napo River, for protection against spray and rain.
On the Canoe: For the ride to Sacha
from Coca our canoe is covered against sun and rain,
but a light jacket can be useful for the wind and spray.
Be sure to wear sun protection, as the sun's reflection
off the water can sometimes cause a burn. All suitcases
will be placed in waterproof bags for the trip down
the Napo River, for protection against spray and rain.
Weather: In the tropical
rainforest it is best to be prepared for all kinds of
weather. A common question we receive is about the “dry
and rainy seasons” of the Amazon, but it is best
not to trust such generalizations to plan a trip. At
times it can be hot and sunny, but a cool rainstorm
may appear at a moment's notice during any time of the
year. We have ceiling fans in each room for hot afternoons,
but at night (especially after the rain) some guests
are surprised at the need for a sweatshirt!
Clothing: Lightweight
pants and long sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks
in the forest. However, if you are more comfortable
wearing short sleeves, remember that exposed skin may
need a light dousing with insect repellant. During the
rain, full waterproof clothing can be uncomfortable
as it often gets you wet with sweat instead of water,
but rain ponchos are recommendable for tropical cloudbursts.
Plenty of ponchos are available at no charge if you
do not have your own, and we also supply rubber boots
up to men's size 14 for walks in the forest interior.
Comfortable shoes
(or sandals), shorts and t-shirts are fine for walking
on boardwalks and around the Lodge during meals and
free time. And don't forget your bathing suit!
Emergency Communication
In case of emergency, both cellular telephone (BellSouth)
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. In case of a serious medical emergency,
we are able to radio Coca and have a helicopter sent
directly to the lodge for assistance. For lesser emergencies,
there is a medical center located at 20 minutes from
Sacha by canoe on the Napo River. This medical center
is run by a multinational company and will provide attention
to our guests should it ever become necessary.
Staff:
We take pride in our friendly staff, who are always
available to cater any special needs you may have. On
average, there are three staff members on duty for every
two guests at the lodge.
Electricity:
Throughout the Lodge, 24-hour electricity is provided
by a distant, nearly inaudible generator.
Drinking water:
All the drinking water provided at Sacha (including
ice) comes from a local well and is purified with both
porcelain filters and ozone treatment, the most thorough
purifying systems available. This water is tested regularly
and has proven perfectly safe for human consumption.
If you prefer, however, you may purchase bottled water
from the bar.
Room Amenities:
In your shower you will find dispensers of biodegradable
soap and shampoo. Although all runoff water is treated
with ozone, we recommend the use of these amenities
as an extra measure to protect the environment. You
will also be provided with fresh towels each day.
Boots and ponchos:
Rubber boots and rain ponchos are available for all
of our guests at the Lodge, free of charge!
Security: At all times
we have five staff members on duty patrolling of our
reserve as park rangers to keep both the lodge and the
surrounding environment safe.
Laundry
Sacha Lodge now provides laundry service (washing and
drying) for our guests. Please consult costs with our
lodge administrator.
Bar
Drinks are not included in your package, and
may be paid on the last night of your stay in cash (U.S.
dollars), travelers checks or credit card (Visa, MasterCard
or American Express). There is no minimum charge for
credit card payments
Meal Requirements
Our meals are prepared to please the international traveler,
and three buffets each day offer a wide variety of tastes
to choose from. Vegetarians are more than welcome, and
our chefs will be happy to cater any special needs you
may have upon request. Please make sure to advise us
of any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have,
and also let our staff know as soon as you arrive.
During at least one evening we will
even enjoy a barbecue at our outdoor dining area, right
on the edge of the lake! And for those who would like
a drink, our bar offers a wide variety of cocktails,
liquors, wine and beer to enjoy after an active day.
Photography
High-speed film and a flash for cameras are recommendable
for shady walks under the forest canopy. However, slower
film is fine for photos on rivers, lakes, the tower
and around the lodge.
RECOMMENDED
PACKING LIST
If you have already decided to visit us, here are a
packing list and some recommendations to help you get
ready:
• Passport
• Binoculars
• Flashlight and batteries
• Camera, film, and flash
• Insect repellent
• Sun protection (sun cream / sunglasses / hat
or cap)
• Water bottle
• Lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts
for walks
• Shorts, short sleeve shirts and bathing suit
for the lodge
• Comfortable shoes and extra socks
• Small day pack
• Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars,
film, etc... from rain
