Yunguilla is a community of some 50 families who devote themselves to organic agriculture, raising livestock and handcrafts. More recently, tourism has become an integral part of the activities of this interesting community, located in North Western Ecuador at an altitude of some 2,650 metres above sea level, and where the temperature fluctuates between 12 and 25 degrees C.. The area forms part of the Protected Forest of the Upper Guallabamba River basin, where in the cloud forest you will be able to see a large number of bird species as well as many exotic species of bromeliads and orchids.

But the fauna is not the only exciting thing about Yunguilla. A spectacular criss-cross network of pre-Inca trails, known as “culuncos”, can be found here. This unique network of paths was once used for trading products between the highlands and the coastal plains. Yunguilla also has a restaurant for visitors where excellent breakfasts and lunches are served. But for those wanting greater contact with the community itself lodging is available in the houses of community members. Double rooms are available with shared bathroom and hot running water. Treks, bird watching, horse back riding and agricultural activities with the community are some of the activities you will enjoy at Yunguilla.

On the first day we will drive from Quito in time for breakfast at Yunguilla. After an introduction to this interesting mountain community and its conservation and community projects we will tour its organic cheese and jam-making operations and its beautiful organic gardens. A lunch will be specially prepared with home grown organic products.

After breakfast in the lodge we depart on horseback for the cloud forest and the spectacular “el chochal” viewpoint. The return journey is something very special: a walk through the unique ‘culunco’ tunnel-like paths which were carved into the mountain by the pre-Inca, Yumbo people, who used them as a trade route. After a late lunch we return to Quito.

We drive from Quito to Yunguilla early in the morning. After an introduction to this interesting mountain community and its conservation and community projects we will briefly tour its organic cheese and jam-making operations and its beautiful organic gardens. Driving to the foot of the Santa Lucia trail, we set off on a pleasant downhill hike to the bird watching tower. The trail starts at an altitude of 2,650 meters and descends to 1,900 meters through primary forest. Along the way you will be able to see some of the many tropical birds that inhabit the area, including the spectacular toucans and tanagers, as well as hummingbirds and raptors. There is a profusion of tropical plants to be seen, above all some marvellous orchids; and with a little bit of luck we will come across  the tracks of pumas or wild pigs.

After eating breakfast, we tour Santa Lucia and its conservation projects, which include a large reforestation scheme, a native tree nursery, as well as agro-forestry projects. Here you will see organic sugar, bananas, and coffee in production, and visit our conservation monitoring project and beautiful organic garden.

In the afternoon we will hike on the self-guided trail, enjoy the pleasures of a giant tree swing, or if you prefer you can simply relax in the hammocks, watch the hummingbirds and take pleasure in the spectacular panoramic view. There is an optional night hike to see and hear the sounds of nocturnal animals and birds of prey.