EXTENDED NORTHERN ANDES TOUR

CABANAS SAN ISIDRO

Cabanas San Isidro is one of the best birding lodges on the east slope of the Ecuadorian Andes. The hacienda-style ranch was purchased over 40 years ago by a family concerned with preserving the region, and the property has remained uncultivated and forested as a result. An additional living room area is a wonderful place to socialize after each day of birding. Excellent Ecuadorian and international cuisine is served in the dining room accompanied by warm, friendly hospitality. Rooms are well appointed and in immaculate condition. Windows look out onto the gardens surrounding the lodge. They feature hardwood floors and comfortable double beds with private bath and hot showers.

GUANGO LODGE

Guango Lodge is a relatively new lodge developed by the owners of Cabanas San Isidro. It is located near the town of Papallacta at an elevation of about 9000 ft. on the east slope of the Andes. The food is very good and unique. On cloudy (and rainy) days and at night, it can get cold, so it's a good idea to bring warm clothing and rain gear. Verandas offer very nice views. The dining room area features a sitting room with a fire place where visitors can sit and relax. Hummingbird feeders attract a wonderful variety of higher elevation species typical of the high Andes. Rooms are very charming and feature the original and typical arquitecture of the area. Walls are made out of stone while round roofs are made of wood. All rooms have 2 double beds and hot water showers.

WILD SUMACO

Wild Sumaco Lodge is a new lodge built by birders for birders. It is located in a subtropical area on the Sumaco Road, a side road off the lower Loreto Road not far south from the turnoff to Archidona. It has become well known among birders for some of the otherwise hard to see species that can be found on the property. The lodge features a guest area where visitors can relax at the end of the day and a dining room that serves good food, wine, beer, and mixed drinks. Rooms offer comfortable accommodations with two twin beds, private bath, and hotwater showers.

TANDAYAPA BIRD LODGE

Tandayapa Bird Lodge claims to be the only hotel in the world designed by birders, owned by birders, and run by birders for birders. It was built in a pasture at the top of a steep driveway in the Tandayapa Valley. Plantings since the lodge was built in 1999 have converted much of the pasture back into forest. The lodge owns the best remnant tract of forest remaining in the Tandayapa Valley. It operates several hummingbird feeders around the veranda which attract 18-25 species of hummingbirds. It is probably the best place in the world to see hummingbirds, and for that reason it is visited by bird photo groups as well as birders. Trails above the lodge and around the ravine below the lodge offer spectacular birding. The lodge itself is quite comfortable and consists of a main dining area and 12 bedrooms with spacious balconies. A separate building below the main building has several additional rooms. All rooms feature hot water, electricity, and private bathroom. Most rooms have 2 double beds and a private balcony.

HOSTERIA SEPTIMO PARAISO

Hosteria Septimo Paraiso is conveniently located near the village of Mindo on the western slope of the Andes in Ecuador. The grounds include a private forested 340 hectare nature reserve that is available for exclusive use by its guests. The lodge is environmentally oriented and very comfortable, with paneled walls and polished wood floors. It offers a relaxing atmosphere and fine home-cooked meals in a dining area on the ground floor. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. They feature double or twin beds, views of the nearby forest and gardens, private bath, and hot water showers. Some rooms are in the main lodge while others are in private cabins located not far from the lodge via covered walkways.

BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST LODGE

Bellavista Cloud Forest is a private nature reserve and lodge located on a ridge between the Mindo and Tandayapa Valleys on the western slope of the Andes. The lodge is a 4-story geodesic dome that affords guests a view of the forest canopy from above as well as a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain peaks. Meals are superb and feature vegetarian meals, chicken, and trout. Each double room in the dome features private baths and private balconies overlooking the forest. Additional rooms have been newly constructed along the entrance onto the property.

ADDITIONAL INFO
(Not on Menu Above)

• Country Map
• Accommodations
• Photos from Past Tours
• Travel Information

BIRDING LOCALES

• Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve
• Loreto Road
• Milpe Bird Sancturary
• Oil Bird Cave
• Papallacta Pass Radio Towers
• Refugio Angel Paz
• Rio Silanche Sanctuary
• San Isidro Reserve
• Tandayapa Bird Lodge
• Wild Sumaco Reserve