El Monte Lodge
Location
Mindo Cloud Forest (Mindo, Ecuador)
Description
Just outside the town of Mindo, this lodge is prettily set in a private reserve in lush cloud forest. Entrance to the lodge is by tarabita, a hand-pulled chair, on a cable over the stream. The main house has a beautiful dining room and several inviting areas to in which to sit and relax. Food is sourced locally and is mindful of the food chain.
Activities
All excursions around and beyond the reserve are led by trained local guides. Over 550 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock, chestnut-mandibled toucan, toucan Barbet, giant antpitta, scaled fruiteater, club-winged manakin and torrent duck.
Accommodation
There are six private and very well-appointed cabañas, three of which are double story, while three are single story. Bathrooms have hot water.
Our comments
A delightful option for a more luxurious stay near to Mindo.