Region: South America
Location: Pilchicocha Lake, Napo River, near Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana), Ecuador
Type: Ecolodge
Established: 1992
Accommodation inventory: 26 rooms/cabañas (Standard, Twin, Suite, and Family Cabin options); air-conditioning, private terraces with hammocks
Connectivity: Limited satellite internet for emergencies only; no cell service
Access: Commercial Flight + Boat (fly Quito to Coca, then a 2-hour motorized canoe journey on the Napo River; a guided forest walk and paddle across Pilchicocha Lake completes the arrival)
Best season: Year-round. “Less rainy” season (Aug–Nov, Mar) offers more sunshine and easier trail conditions; “rainy” season (Apr–Jul, Dec–Feb) brings higher water levels and more active wildlife
Languages: English, Spanish (naturalist guides; some German/French available)
Dining: Buffet breakfast and lunch at La Balsa (overlooking the lake); à la carte three-course dinner at Oropendola; Ecuadorian and international cuisine with local ingredients
Chef: Not a private-chef venue
Dietary: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets accommodated with advance notice
Conservation: 5,000-acre private reserve, officially recognized as a Protected Forest by Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment since 2014. No hunting, logging, mining, or oil extraction. Wastewater treatment, animal rehabilitation, and local food sourcing.
Community: ~85% of staff from neighboring Kichwa communities; small groups (max 6 guests per guide); supports local education and healthcare initiatives
Notable Experiences
- Wildlife & Biodiversity: Seven species of monkeys (including the pygmy marmoset, the world’s smallest monkey), three-toed sloths, giant river otters, caimans, anacondas, 50+ bat species, ocelots
- Avian & Special Interest: 587 bird species registered (37% of Ecuador’s total); Yasuní parrot and macaw clay licks (Wednesdays and Sundays only); private birding packages with specialist guides
- Adventure & Waterways: 940-foot canopy walkway (94 feet high), 135-foot Kapok Tower, 72-foot Danta Tower (swamp), Canopy Exploration Crane (150 feet), canoe excursions, piranha fishing, night caiman spotting, butterfly house (one of Ecuador’s largest)
- Cultural & Immersion: Visit to Providencia community and the Shipati Warmi project (Wednesdays and Sundays only)
- Wellness & Luxury: Lake Pool (caged area of the blackwater lake), hammocks, bar with cocktails and wines, relaxation areas
Contact
sachalodge.com · Contact via website form or info@sachalodge.com · Phone (WhatsApp): +593 99 101 1114
Coordinates: -0.4704606875030216, -76.45959371610019