Ecuador Ecolodges and Birdwatching tours

TROPIC offers a number of exotic escapes to this enchanted environment only an hour from Quito. In the luxuriant, mysterious cloud forests of the Ecuadorian Andes, you will be able to relax, explore, and enjoy a lavish, enchanted land of giant nodding ferns and brilliant orchids.

This is also an internationally recognised ‘important breeding area’ for birds: more than 390 species have been seen in the area’s extensive primary forests, among them 30 species of hummingbird, as well as toucans, and the famous ´Cock of the Rock´.

The lodge and reserve are 100% owned and managed by members of the local community and you will be offered a warm Ecuadorian welcome when you arrive at Santa Lucía.Home to the endangered Andean Spectacled Bear, in a biodiversity ‘hotspot,’ Santa Lucía reserve offers a wide range of attractions such as hiking through primary forest to mountain waterfalls on trails used by the Yumbo people; first class birding with over 394 species of birds including a dawn visit to the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek; taking part in making panela (sugar) the traditional way; finding out about our reforestation and other conservation and community projects or simply relaxing in the hammocks and taking in the spectacular panoramic views over the cloud forest.

Tropic provides activities such as adventure hikes with spectacular mountain top views over the forest, and mountain bikes to take visitors deep into the heart of the cloud forest, where with a little luck they will see one of the rare spectacled bears whose habitat this is.

A beautiful eco-lodge has been built and perches at 6500ft. in the cloud forest with spectacular views of the Andes.

The lodge accommodates up to 20 guests with double or family rooms, with shared bathrooms and hot showers. Three delicious meals are served a day. Experienced and friendly naturalist and birding guides will make your stay into an unforgettable experience.

The Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve is located on the western flank of the Andes Cordillera, only a two hour drive from Quito, which makes it an excellent one or two day trip from the capital.

Within the Reserve is a comfortable yet unpretentious lodge which provides spacious double and family rooms and hot showers for up to 18 people as well as quality local food.
It also offers a magnificent porch where you can relax and enjoy the sounds of the forest carried on the warm breeze while watching flying colours of birds against a background cape of green foliage.